We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Solo Travel Society member Nicole, to complement earlier ones by Snigda and Tracey. Nicole is from Quebec, Canada, Snigdha is from India, Tracey is from Ontario, Canada. They all submitted reports from their solo trips to Prague, each from their own unique perspectives. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Languages spoken: Czech, English, German
View of the City from the Marina restaurant
Reasons to Visit Prague
Nicole's Story
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Costs at Destination: Reasonable (local transportation, dining, tours, events and attractions)
I was going to the Netherlands for work in November and had the possibility to stay in Europe at my own expense as long as I traveled back to my own country from my arrival point (Amsterdam) so I chose to buy a plane ticket to Prague and spend a few days there on my own.
I chose a hotel in a very safe part of the city near the clock tower and the Old Town Square so I could go out at night without being afraid to walk alone. I stayed at Hotel Rott, which is in a beautiful old building. The people at the front desk were very nice and welcoming. With breakfast included my room was CA$115 per night which was maybe a little expensive for Prague but so worth the price because of the location and the safety of the hotel. To get to the rooms section you have to unlock the door with your hotel card so nobody can come in without a card.
I walked all over the city for four days, visiting most of the attractions but also going to less well known places recommended by friends. The weather was quite good for November, around 10-14 Celsius and mostly sunny.
I hate to eat alone at night while I travel but I managed to find some nice little coffee shops to have a simple good sandwich. My dinner on the first night was the best. I dined at Marina Ristorante, an Italian restaurant located in a converted river boat on the Vltava river with a wonderful view of the upper town including Prague Castle and the Cathedral. If you go there, ask for a table by the window. With the view and a good glass of wine loneliness will not be a problem. The city itself is a beauty--it is as though it was built to be naturally lightened by the sun turning over it.
My recommendations for things to see and do in Prague include: tour Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, walk along the river for gorgeous views of the city, visit Charles Bridge (both day and night) and St. Agnes Convent. Walk through the islands, take the funicular up Petrin Hill and visit Strahov Convent to see one of the most incredible libraries I have ever seen. It is worth the price of admission even if they do not allow you to get in the rooms. Visit Novy Svet (New World), a quiet street near the Castle. Go to Wenceslas Square and while you are there visit the Mucha Museum, which is small but very nice, and don't forget the John Lennon wall. The only thing I recommend you avoid is staying in a hotel on the left bank of the river; to me, it did not seem as safe for a solo woman at night.
A gargoyle on a rainy day - now I understand their purpose.
Wenceslas Square seen from the Museum of Fine Arts
Solo Travel Destination Rating
Safety - 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language - 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
The magnificent Prague Castle
Snigdha's Story
Solo travel rating: 1.5 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Prague was my first solo destination in Europe and I stayed there for only two days. I must confess I left my heart there, promising myself to return one day.
The transport system in Prague is excellent, and having all the great things-to-see in walkable distance makes it very easy. You just have to roam around and soak in the culture. You may get lost, but you'll be glad that you did. The city grows on you, and on the second day I really felt I belonged in the city.
If you are there for two days, it is good to divide your travel into the two sides of the Charles bridge. On one side you have the Prague Castle, and on the other side of Charles bridge you have the Old Town Square. Real Prague lies in the tiny streets where you will discover the city's culture.
I found a treasure like that hidden in one of the narrow lanes just before you get onto the Charles bridge (from the Prague castle side) - The John Lennon Wall. It is a wall of graffiti inspired by John Lennon during Czech's freedom movement. You must see that wall if you are a Beatles fan.
In the Old Town Square, I enjoyed the street music. It was like walking around in a movie with a great musical score. The Clock Tower becomes animated every full hour, and people gather around to watch the spectacle. It is fun, but not worth the hype, in my opinion.
If you are interested in art, there is an art gallery on the square. They house paintings by Mucha (a great Prague artist), Andy Warhol, and Dali. If you are interested in books, there is the Kafka museum near the Charles bridge, as well as a tiny Shakespeare book shop close by.
The John Lennon Wall
Solo Travel Destination Rating
Safety - 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language - 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1.5 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
Prague is a very walkable city.
Tracey's Story
Solo travel rating: 1.5 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Prague is a city of deep history, fascinating culture and architectural beauty. It is a very walkable city, although you may find that it takes a long time to get anywhere, as you will constantly find yourself looking up and around at the buildings, the statues, the large public squares, the beautiful bridges crossing the Vltava River, and Prague Castle, which sits high above the city.
There are a number of interesting museums, from the National Museum, with its astounding collection of 14 million items spread over multiple buildings, to the tiny Mucha Museum featuring the Art Nouveau style of Alphonse Mucha, to the quirky House of the Black Madonna, which houses the Museum of Czech Cubism.
In addition to being a wonderful city for walking, Prague also boasts a great public transit system, with an extensive tram route which provides a great - and inexpensive - tour of the city.
Let's not forget the food, and, of course, the beer! Food in Prague runs the gamut from grilled sausages with bread and mustard sold on the street, to stick-to-your-ribs goulash and dumplings, to lovely light cafe lunches, to Michelin Star fine dining. Czech beer is well known throughout the world, and there is no better way to enjoy a Pilsner than surrounded by the stunning art and architecture of this city, relaxing on an outdoor patio.
A view of Prague from the Zizkov Television Tower.
You must try the goulash and dumplings at least once!
Solo Travel Destination Rating
Safety - 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language - 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1.5 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
Where to Stay in Prague
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Here's a link to the Prague budget accommodation page on Booking.com.
Hotels Recommended by Solo Travelers
Hotel Astra
There’s lots here including an indoor swimming pool, sauna, indoor ten-pin bowling alley, a restaurant -- you don’t really need to leave the hotel. It’s a peaceful retreat set into the hill with fabulous views. The staff is friendly and attentive. This is a place where you can seriously relax.
Bedrichov 10
Spindleruv Mlyn, Prague
Czech Republic
Tel: 420 499 433 179
Book it on:
Hotel Eden
If you’re looking for budget accommodation that is centrally located then you can’t beat Hotel Eden. You can walk to the slopes for skiing in just 10 to 15 minutes from here and ski back almost to its door. In the summer there are fantastic cycling and walking trails. And you won’t need taxis as you are surrounded by bars & restaurants.
Špindlerův Mlýn 121, 543 51
Spindleruv Mlyn
Czech Republic
Tel: 420 499 523 448
Click here to book on their site.
Email: hotel@hotel-eden.cz
Design Hotel Jewel Prague
It's a small place in the middle of old town, rooms are new and comfortable. They leave a small cake or similar plus scented water each night for you to recover when you come back, plus a typical Czech tale or legend to read. It's a nice detail. I liked the decor of the bar, breakfast is very good, and it's a place in walking distance of practically everything. Very quiet.
Rytířská 3
Staré Město, Czech Republic
110 00
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