Prague ranked among Europe's top 15 cities for a workcation

As remote work continues to reshape professional life, cities across Europe are emerging as prime destinations for digital nomads and telecommuters seeking a change of scenery. In a new study by Compare the Market Australia, Prague has ranked 12th among 40 European cities evaluated for their “workcation” appeal.

The study, which measured factors such as broadband speed, the number of coworking spaces, average cost of coffee and beer, and tourist attractions, places Prague in company with major European capitals and well-known travel destinations. The Czech capital ranked well for its coworking infrastructure, cultural richness, and affordability.

While Prague may not boast the ultrafast internet of Seville or the coworking density of London, it scores well across the board. The Czech capital features 56 coworking spaces—more than cities like Valencia and Chisinau—and an average broadband speed of 62.38 Mb/s, which is competitive within the region.

According to the study, Prague’s average coffee cost of €2.86 (CZK 70) and beer at just €2.12 (CZK 53) also help make the city financially appealing for travelers staying longer than a typical holiday.

The city is especially popular with digital professionals and creatives, many of whom are drawn to its central European location, relatively low cost of living, and abundant amenities. With over 4,000 attractions listed in the study—from historic castles to modern art galleries—Prague delivers a wide range of leisure activities for workers eager to explore after clocking out.

"The popularity of remote working hasn’t slowed down since the pandemic, and with all the pull points in each of these cities, it’s easy to see why!" says Adrian Taylor, general manager of general insurance at Compare the Market AU.

"Many people, globally, are valuing work-life balance more than ever, and what better way to do this than by having the excitement of a new place on your doorstep when you finish work for the day?"

Compare the Market’s study is part of a broader reflection on how work-life balance is evolving. Since the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to flexible and remote work, an increasing number of professionals have taken advantage of the freedom to work from anywhere.

According to 2022 data cited by the company, 24 percent of Europeans and 32 percent of Americans reported intentions to take a workcation—a hybrid trip combining work responsibilities with travel.

The top-ranking cities in the study include London, which leads with over 1,300 coworking spaces, followed by four Spanish destinations: Seville, Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia, which all ranked high for fast internet and vibrant urban experiences.

Despite recent high inflation, Prague outperformed several other European capitals in cost-effectiveness. Rome, which ranked seventh, had slower broadband speeds and higher beer prices, while offering more tourist attractions. Only Budapest, which came in sixth, and Chisinau, which ranked eighth, boasted cheaper coffee and beer than Prague.

For the full results of the study, see the Compare the Market breakdown here.