Interested worldschooling Prague? From underground bunkers to soaring Gothic architecture, Prague is a place of mythical beauty.
Here’s how we made the most of our journey into this gorgeous jewel of Eastern Europe.
Finding worldschooling community in Prague.
There’s a large ex-pat community in Prague, and plenty of worldschooling families within it.
Here’s an active, well-established Facebook page for ex-pats in Prague if you want to connect with them (especially if you’re planning to stay for a while).
They’ll be able to give you up-to-date information on the best places to rent apartments, where all the hidden playgrounds are, and the best place to grocery shop in your neighborhood.
Can you send your kids to school in Prague?
We did a short-term trip as part of a broader adventure through Europe, so the school system was not on our radar.
But if you plan to stay for a good long while (a year or more) and you’re interested in entering your children into the local school system, here’s an excellent resource to help you navigate your options.
Prague Vocab for Kids
Before you head over to Prague, teaching your worldschoolers some associated vocabulary words is a great way to enrich the experience and foster a deeper understanding of the culture.
Bohemian: A term associated with an unconventional, artistic lifestyle often linked to the cultural atmosphere of Prague.
Hussite: Referring to followers of Jan Hus, a Czech religious reformer whose ideas played a significant role in shaping the cultural and historical landscape of Prague.
Baroque: A style of art and architecture characterized by ornate details and dramatic contrasts, prominent in Prague’s historical buildings and churches.
Gothic: A medieval architectural style featuring pointed arches and ribbed vaults, commonly seen in Prague’s cathedrals and historic structures.
Velvet Revolution: A non-violent revolution in Czechoslovakia that led to the end of communist rule; a pivotal moment in Prague’s recent history.
Czechoslovakia: The former country in Central Europe, including the regions of Bohemia and Moravia, which played a key role in Prague’s historical and cultural development.
Charles Bridge: A famous historic bridge in Prague spanning the Vltava River, known for its Baroque statues and connection to the city’s history.
Moldavite: A type of gemstone formed by a meteorite impact in the southern Germany region, often used in jewelry and associated with Czech folklore and history.
Getting Around
The tram system in Prague is clean, safe and affordable. We used it for most of our time there.
They operate from 5am to midnight all over the city, and we never waited more than 10 minutes for one.
Tickets cost about $5 USD for 24 hours.
Uber is available in the city, but Bolt drivers seem to be more ubiquitous and just as affordable.
Like most cities in Europe, Prague is not the ideal place to rent a car. However, we did rent one from Taggart to take a side trip to Karlovy Vary (see below) and Germany and we found them to be honest and reliable.
Local Food Culture
Chimney Cakes
Prague is famous for its version of a decadent Eastern European treat called chimney cake. They’re available at stands all over the old town area. It’s kind of a touristy thing to do, but I nonetheless recommend indulging yourself and your worldschoolers with this guilty pleasure!
Forest Berries
I am so sorry to report that we were not in Prague during the berry season and didn’t get a chance to go berry picking. If you happen to be there during the summer months, do this and make me jealous!
However, the wild berry jams and jellies are amazing, and we did get to try those on pancakes.
Absinthe & Mulled Wine
For the grown-ups, Prague is known for its mulled wine during the winter season, and its absinthe all year around.
Not a drinker myself, but I hear they are excellent.
Must See Things to Do for Worldschooling Prague
There are a ton of historical sites and cultural attractions in Prague. Here are just a few of the major ones.
Astronomical Clock
The astronomical clock is publicly visible. You kind of can’t miss it.
People crowd around it at the hour to watch it do its thing. It’s a nice way to entertain your kids while you’re eating street food.
Charles Bridge
Take a walk across Charles Bridge. It’s free, and it’s totally beautiful.
Artisans, street musicians, and craftsmen like to set up shop there, so enjoy that on a nice afternoon when the weather’s pretty.
Prague Castle
Prague Castle is the architectural crown jewel of the city.
Admission is about $30 for a family of four.
The Cathedral is by far the most impressive part of the castle, but it’s worth exploring the entire grounds and the smaller, older sections.
Bonus Activities
There are many, many educational opportunities in Prague. In particular, it’s a great destination for teaching Cold War history, European architecture, and art.
Museum of Illusions
So, the illusion museums have popped up all over the world in the last decade. Honestly, I usually find them pretty gimmicky and I’m not a huge fan, but the Museum of Illusions in Prague is artistically done.
Worth a visit if you have extra time.
Underground Communism & Bunker Tour
This company offers an underground bunker tour with a focus on communist history. Super interesting for middle and high schoolers studying the Cold War.
The Strohav Library
The Strohav Library is a beautiful, peaceful experience (although you expect the school-marmish attendents to snap your kids into line if they so much as make a peep).
Karlovy Vary Side Trip
We rented a car and took a 2-day detour to a small, beautiful town called Karlovy Vary.
It was the highlight of our trip. This picturesque little village is straight out of a fairytale.
It’s best known for its hot springs.
We went to the thermal pool at Hotel Thermal. You do NOT need to stay at the hotel to visit the spa. We paid about $60 USD for the family package (2 adults + 2 kids).
Happy worldschooling!
