Shared Economy Saves You Money.

You’ve just arrived in Prague. The city is full of opportunities, but your budget feels tight? Luckily, you can still enjoy everything this city offers without overspending. Welcome to the shared economy, a lifestyle where you don’t need to own everything. Instead, you can borrow, rent, swap, and share. It saves money, reduces waste, and connects people.

📚 Books & Culture

Prague’s library network is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. With branches all over the city, a membership costs just 60–80 CZK (€3) per year - yes, per year! Once registered, you can borrow unlimited books, audiobooks, and more. Just remember to return items on time to avoid late return fees.

If you love surprises, look out for Knihobudka book booths scattered around Prague. They look like phone booths, but inside you’ll find shelves full of books. Take a book, bring it back later, or keep it if you fall in love with it. You can also donate your own books for others to enjoy. While libraries have more foreign-language titles, Knihobudka often hides unexpected treasures. And in our co-living spaces, you’ll find a small library of English books you can borrow anytime.

👕 Clothes & Everyday Items

Why buy new when you can swap, share, or thrift? Prague is full of second-hand shops, just take a stroll through the city and you’ll spot plenty.

Prefer shopping online? Check out Vinted, where delivery is guaranteed and browsing is easy. Another option is joining swap events. We love these! Bring clothes you no longer wear (but are still in good condition) and exchange them for something fresh. Sharing clothes isn’t just budget-friendly, it’s also eco-friendly. To stay updated on upcoming events, join the SWAP Prague Facebook group.

🚲 Transport & Mobility

Prague’s public transport system is one of the best in Europe. It’s cheap, reliable, and easy to navigate. But if you’re looking for even more flexibility, the shared economy offers some great alternatives:

Rekola bikes – Have you seen the bright pink bikes around the city? With a Lítačka card, you can use them twice a day for 15 minutes free. Perfect for quick trips across town.

Scooters – Scooters often get a bad reputation because many tourists ride them carelessly. But if you use them responsibly and with some common sense, they can be a fast and efficient way to get around. We highly recommend wearing a helmet. For our residents, we lend them out for a small fee.

Car sharing – Sometimes public transport or bikes just don’t cut it. That’s where car-sharing apps come in. Companies like Car4way or Bolt let you rent cars for short or long periods. Personally, I recommend Bolt, it’s simple: when there’s a car nearby, you unlock it through the app, hop in, and drive wherever you need. The cars are well-maintained, you can park in blue and purple zones, and everything from payment to unlocking is done directly in the app. No paperwork, no hassle, no long-term expenses. Car sharing not only makes life easier, it also helps reduce the total number of cars on the road, less traffic and less pollution.

🍲 Community & Events

The shared economy is not just about money-saving tricks, it’s about creating community connections. In Prague, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to join in:

• Food-sharing apps – Try apps like Nesnězeno, which let you order restaurant meals at a discount before they go to waste. You save money, and together we reduce food waste.

• Kuchařky bez domova – This inspiring social project brings together women experiencing homelessness who cook meals as professional chefs. By enjoying their delicious food, you support their journey to stability and reintegration. Check out their events, workshops, and catering here.

• Swap events – Beyond clothes, you’ll find swap markets for books, plants, household items, or even board games. These events are also a fun way to meet people.

• Co-living & community kitchens – Shared living spaces (like ours) are part of this bigger movement. You don’t just share a flat, you share meals, experiences, and sometimes even projects. It’s a great way to make friends and feel at home in a new city.

🌱 Why Does It Matter?

The shared economy is more than just convenience. It’s a mindset: “Do I need to own this, or can I share it?”

By choosing shared solutions, you:

🤑 make living in Prague more affordable for yourself

🌍 help the planet by reducing waste and emissions

👥 strengthen the sense of community in your new city

So next time you need something, pause for a moment and ask yourself: Is there a smarter, shared way to get it?

✨ We hope this post gives you fresh ideas and practical tips. Dive into Prague’s shared economy and discover how much more rewarding city life can be when we share.