Prague Castle (source: Wikimedia Commons)
If you are thinking about moving to Prague or Brno, these differences, spotted by a person that has been living in Brno for 25 years and visiting Prague several times a year, may help you:
- Prague is much bigger town with swinging “metropolitan” atmosphere – less swinging than London or Barcelona, but still swinging. There are so many clubs to go to and restaurants to try out, compared to Brno – which is still a sleepy town (don’t get confused, many people, including me and many my friends from Prague, love the quiet atmosphere).
- Let’s be controversial: People in Prague seem somehow more selfish and everything is more competitive than in Brno.
- Traffic jams are much more severe in Prague than in Brno – where the traffic gets stuck mostly between 8 am and 9 am and later between 4 pm and 5 pm. Except for these periods, you can drive through Brno relatively smoothly. Not talking about parking issues – finding a free lot is much more easier in Brno.
- Prague is a town of sightseeing and big business, while Brno is a town of science, technologies and universities. There are many students clubs and pubs in Brno and of course thousands of friendly young people.
- There is a larger expat community in Prague and more people can speak English there.
- There are much more air lines going to/from the Prague airport.
- Last but not least: generally speaking, the quality of beers on tap is slightly higher in Prague, while it is easier to get cheap but great wine in Brno.
The central square of Brno
Some things are the same:
- The cost of life in Brno is almost the same as in Prague – rents are bit cheaper but prices of services and goods is basically on the same level.
- Both Prague and Brno are surrounded by great one-day-trip destinations.
- Both towns are beautiful and spending a year in one of these may be a never-to-be-forgotten experience.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I totally don’t agree about living costs. Not only rent is little bit cheaper, but also nightlife and pubs here are much cheaper (as mentioned, not so wide choice as well)
Chris, there are pubs in downtown Prague with Pilsen for CZK 27, which is something I have not experienced in Brno since 2005. Yes, it is easy to spend money really quickly in Prague, but with a bit of experience you can enjoy services for basically the same prices as in Brno.
I would vote for Prague, a better flexible city for living than Brno.
Nice comparison, I just disagree about the living costs – the rent (students’ dormitories, flats…) is much more expensive and other living costs usually too.
Of course I mean in Prague when I say more expensive.