Visiting Prague as a solo traveler? No worries – even ladies. You absolutely don´t have to be afraid, Prague and the whole Czech Republic is very safe country. According to Global Peace Index 2022, Czech Republic ranks among the top 10 safest countries in the world.
Who writes this blog for you?
My name is Dana and I am working as a tour guide in Prague; running my small local business called Prague Behind The Scenes. With my services I strive to support sustainable and respectful tourism in Prague, not mass tourism. Besides being a professional in a travel industry I am also a frequent solo traveler. In this blog post I would like to share with you my tips for your solo trip to Prague.
1. Where to stay in Prague?
Prague doesn´t have no-go zones and you can perfectly stay wherever you wish or where your budget allows. Many travelers prefer staying downtown (Old town, Lesser town, New town, Castle district) where they can easily meet other travelers. When staying there, everything is close to hand – but of course also less authentic and less local and more expensive.
If you prefer a more genuine experience I can recommend you areas called Letná or Vinohrady. This is something that we call extended downtown. Very popular locations where a lot of expats live. There are also many great local restaurants, bars and cafés catering locals – no tourist traps.
Prague is not a big city and you can perfectly walk from Vinohrady or Letná to the city center for sightseeing. Prague is also very safe at night. Public transport is reliable and clean and you can always find a connection – even during the late hours. I use it myself every single day (or night 🙂
2. How to explore Prague alone?
Prepare a good pair of walking shoes 🙂 The best way how to explore Prague is on foot. Prague downtown is prefectly walkable and something cool is awaiting for you at every corner.
If you are on a budget you can take one of the many free walking tours to see the sights but if you prefer more personal and less touristy experience, you can explore the city with me, Prague local.
I am doing regular small-group tours for maximum of 4 people in a group. I should also mention that I never limit the minimum size of the group. This means that even when you are the only one in the group, the tour is available for the same price. If you prefer exploring the city on your own, take a look at my tips on what not to miss in Prague.
What to see and do in the Castle district?
- Prague Castle (Prague Castle is open from 6am until 10pm. After 5pm you can also visit the Golden lane for free, no crowds, no noise, perfect atmosphere).
- Area of Nový svět, the most picturesque quarter of Prague located only 10 minutes from Prague Castle. Here you should visit local café called Kavárna Nový svět. Tiny family run café serving delicious drinks and home-baked cakes.
- Loreta, beautiful Baroque complex and pilgrimage destination, very quite neighbourhood of Hradčany district.
- Have a lunch or drink at Kuchyň. Fair prices, local cousine, great views! Or have a light snack at Kafe a Hrnky on Nerudova street, hidden café with secluded garden in the back. You can also make your own pottery there.
What to see and do in the Old Town?
- Charles bridge in the morning (until 7:30am it´s absolutely magical and empty). Later in the day definitely climb Old Town bridge tower for fantastic views and sunset).
- Old Town square + Astronomical clock – also best in the morning for more authentic experience.
- Visit at least one church with oppulent Baroque decoration. For example Church of St.Jacob the Greater where you can see – besides the fantastic interiour – hanging mumified human hand. Another option is Church of Our Lady before Tyn right on Old Town square.
- Have a beer in a Scout institute and escape the crowds on Old Town sq.
- Have a meal in a local butcher shop called Naše maso.
What to see in Lesser Town (Malá Strana)
- Start with Kampa island, a lovely part of Prague that was completely flooded in 2002 and people were kayaking in Prague streets. You can still see the water marks on many local buildings.
- On Kampa island you can also find the shortest street in the whole of Prague.
- Another local highlight is the John Lennon Wall. Don´t forget to take a sneak peak behind it! Ther is a beautiful garden open for free.
- For fantastic views you should climb up to St. Nicolas church bell tower. On the very top you can still see a spying room of the Czech secret police (STB) that was in operation during the communism. The spot is called “Kajka” and it was placed there to monitor nearby western embassies and other “enemies” of the regime living in the neighborhood.
- Where to eat and drink in Lesser Town? Torto – tiny family run bakery (their pastries are a grandma level), Roesel beer and food (great for craft beers, lunch menu or small snacks all day), cozy wine bar U Mouřenína – hidden in the corner of Malostranské square, Pork´s for the best local pork knuckle, Cocovanka – tiny cozy boho style café, Lokál U bílé kuželky – for the classic Czech heavy food.
What to see and do in the New Town?
- Start your tour with “chlebíček”– cult Czech snack from Ovocný světozor inside Světozor passage – that´s where locals go to eat them.
- Then continue to Lucerna passage to see St. Wenceslas riding a dead horse (modern art).
- On Wenceslas square you shouldn´t miss newly renovated building of National museum.
- National theatre building (close to here you can also visit many of Prague´s islands located on the Vltava river – for example Střelecký island or Slovanský island – perfect chill out zones and best in summer).
3. Where to meet locals?
As I mentioned earlier, you don’t have to be afraid of any harassment or provocations from locals. We are a bit different. More closed. We usually don’t start conversations with people in the street or in a shop. Most of the time we are also frowning, it’s our default setting 🙂 Many locals are a bit reserved and shy when they have to speak English. Don´t take it bad please, after the first beer they start to be fluent. Good places where to meet talkative locals / expats are: Cobra bar, farmers markets, Kasárna Karlín, Letná beer garden, Náplavka river front – for example place called LabSpace – zero waste bistro….
Have a fantastic stay in Prague and if you have any questions or need more recommendations please feel free to contact me at dana@praguebehindthescenes.com – I will be happy to help you or show you around my hometown.
Dana, Prague local and guide for Prague Behind The Scenes
Dana, owner and fully certified guide for Prague Behind The Scenes | small-group tours and experiences.
You can also follow Prague Behind The Scenes online for more inspiration.
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