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Prague Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Prague? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

  • The capital and largest city of the Czechia, with a population of 1.3 million.
  • Founded more than 1,000 years ago (and having served as capital of Bohemia), the city has been a major political, economic and cultural centre for Central Europe.
  • Survived the destruction suffered by its neighbouring cities in World War II, and continues to enchant visitors with its medieval aura.
  • Nickname: The Golden City of a Hundred Spires

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

  • Currency: Czech Crown (CZK).
  • Spoken Languages: Czech, Slovak and English.
  • Best time to visit: May to October for clear skies, the warmest temperatures of the year and the world-class festivals that begin in May. Expect rainfall and always pack an umbrella.
  • Great festivals to catch: Prague Spring International Music Festival (May) and Christmas markets (December).
  • Arriving via airport: Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG) connects to the city centre with bus lines 119, 100, 179 as well as the Airport Express. Tickets cost Kč32 one-way. Taxis can be hailed from outside the arrival halls and charge Kč350-450.

WHERE TO STAY

  • Best Prague hostel for solo travelers: Luma Terra. Much newer (and cleaner) than the other options in town. 2 minute walk to tram/metro, 5 minutes to the centre (you can easily walk to all the main attractions in town). Spacious/clean rooms, big bathrooms, and overall closer to a hotel than a traditional “party” hostel.
  • The Nové Město district is an eclectic agglomeration of hostels, bars and cafés of varying direction that keep the streets of Žižkov lively and bright.
  • Staré Město is at the centre of things with tourist favourites, from historical attractions to modern necessities.
  • Malá Strana is an enchanting neighborhood with interesting side streets, filled with curiosities.

GETTING AROUND

  • The city-wide network includes the metro, tram, bus, funicular and rail system with uniform ticketing. Fares are Kč32 for a single ticket valid for 90 minutes of validation, or Kč24 for a short-term ticket valid for 30 minutes of travel. A 1-day pass costs Kč110, while a 3-day pass comes to Kč310.
  • The night tram service runs until 5 AM (every 30 minutes or so.) Very useful for getting back home after dark!
  • The Prague City Card comes loaded with benefits: free entry to 40 attractions, a free city tour and guidebook plus discounted entrance to over 30 attractions. It can be combined as a travel pass allowing unlimited access to public transportation for Kč1100 valid for 2 days or Kč1320 for 3 days. It can be delivered to hotels or picked up at tourist information centers.
  • Taxis charge a pick-up fee of Kč40 plus a maximum of Kč28 for each subsequent kilometer although most will be happy to negotiate the fare. Dial 257 257 257 for City Taxi.
  • Uber and Bolt are popular alternatives to taxis.

PRAGUE NIGHTLIFE

  • Drinking age is 18, and last call is never.
  • For fancy cocktails and a refined drinks list, the party crowd heads to Old Town and its square.
  • Wenceslas Square thrives with nightclubs and bars that stay busy till the early hours.
  • Masna is popular among the student crowd and features 80’s and 90’s music.
  • Great bars to check out in Prague: La Cave D’Adrien (wine bar), Kasárna Karlín (day drinking), OSSEGG Praha (Brewpub), Burza #4 zahrádka, poco., Fermé
  • Looking for the best cocktails in town? Manesova Bar and Books ($$$), Café Bar Pilotů, Parlour
  • Clubbing? Live music? Check out this handy page for up-to-date nightlife (concerts, events) in Prague: Ngtly Prague

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

  • Chrám svatého Víta (St. Vitus Cathedral) is the spiritual heart of the city, if not the Czech Republic. It is located within the Prague Castle which also serves as the residence of the president.
  • Karluv Most or Charles Bridge connects Staré Mesto and Malá Strana over the Vltava River. Its focal point is the 30 Baroque statues and the lively atmosphere enhanced by merchants and food vendors.
  • Lobkowicz Palace is home to one of the oldest art collections in the country, spanning 600 years of Czech and European history.
  • Vyšehrad: historical fort with stunning views over the city and its beautiful park.
  • The Lennon Wall: dedicated to John Lennon, symbolizing peace and love.
  • Gardens of Vrtba: a hidden gem known for its Baroque architecture and beautiful gardens.

INTERESTING WALKS

  • Tour the Hradcany Castle district for sweeping Baroque architecture, wonderful views and quaint local restaurants.
  • Climb the 299 steps to the top of Petřín Hill and take in the unparalleled views.
  • Discover the grandeur of Staromestské námestí or Old Town Square, including the famous Prague Astronomical Clock which measures, instead of time of day, the phase of the moon.
  • Tour Josefov and admire the well-preserved synagogues of the historic Jewish Ghetto.
  • Consider joining a Free Walking Tour – it’s a great way to see the sights on a budget and meet fellow travelers.

LOCAL WISDOM

  • Prague is the birthplace of pilsner draft and takes great pride in its brewing. Must-try brews include Pilsner Urquell and Staropramen.
  • Tipping: 10% is considered appropriate. Some simply round up the price to the nearest Euro.
  • The art of carving Czech Marionettes for the puppet theatre has been around since the 18th century. They can be picked up at souvenir shops and markets and make a wonderful gift.
  • Need a break? Café Louvre and Café Savoy are great for coffee and a local pastry.
  • Looking for a hidden spot for snacks and drinks? Check out Scout Institute (located upstairs). Just don’t go telling everyone about it!
  • Letna Park features an impressive beer garden in the summer months, a casual affair perfect for cheap beer and snacks.
  • Czech street food specialties: trdelník (a sweet pastry) and klobása (sausage).
  • Local dishes to try: Czech goulash or svíčková (marinated beef with a creamy sauce).
  • Great restaurants in Prague that locals love: Smíchovské Vidličky a nože, Vinohradský Parlament, Žebírkov, Old Hanoi (Viet), Gao Den (Viet), Curry & Tikka, Pizzeria & Mexicana – Carosello, Shromaždiště (Vegan), CHUTNEJ (Vegan).
  • Where to find good cheap eats: hospodas or Czech pubs selling economic meals can be found around Wenceslas Square while food stalls abound in Josefov.
  • Dangerous areas: scam artists are known to prey on tourists around the metro stations and the red light district. Other than that, Prague is relatively safe given its size. As in any touristy city, keep a close eye on your belongings – particularly in crowded areas or on public transport.

Recommended trip duration: 3-4 days


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