My Solo Travel to Prague was the BEST - My Complete Guide

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Sepping onto the cobblestones of Prague with my backpack and a flutter of nerves is something I still can remember. After checking into a cozy hostel in the heart of the city, I found myself chatting with fellow travelers over a cheap pint of Czech beer within an hour of arrival. Just like that, the loneliness I feared never materialized – Prague had me feeling at home and in good company from day one.

In this guide, I'll share why Prague is perfect for solo adventurers (especially us girls!). 

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Why Prague is Perfect for Solo Travelers

It’s easy on the wallet. Prague is famously budget-friendly, which is a huge plus for us backpackers. You can enjoy world-class museums, hearty meals, and nights out without blowing your savings. I was pleasantly surprised to find that a delicious plate of goulash and dumplings cost me less than $10, and a half-liter of local beer often runs just $2-3.

Safe and stress-free vibes. I’ve traveled to big cities where I was constantly on edge, but Prague felt different. The city consistently ranks among Europe’s safest, and I personally felt comfortable wandering around even at night. As a woman, I noticed a refreshing lack of catcalling or harassment – a welcome relief.

Of course, I still kept my wits about me (watching my bags and avoiding unlit alleys), but overall Prague’s friendly atmosphere put me at ease. It's the kind of place where you can enjoy your own company without feeling anxious.

A social backpacker scene. Prague has been on the backpacker trail for decades, so you’re never really “alone” unless you want to be.

English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and there's a communal feeling among travelers here – we're all enchanted by the city together.

Compact and walkable. For solo explorers, Prague’s layout is a dream. The historic center is compact and made for walking – getting delightfully lost in the maze of cobblestone lanes is half the fun. When your feet get tired, the public transport (trams and metros) is cheap and easy to use.

Rich culture and fun nightlife. Prague hits that sweet spot between culture and fun, so whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, there’s something for you.

By day, I immersed myself in centuries of history – castles, cathedrals, and museums galore. By night, I had the option to chill with a book in a café or join a raucous pub crawl with new friends. There are jazz clubs, beer gardens, and even a famous five-story nightclub if you’re feeling adventurous.

Few cities cater to such a variety of travel styles, and Prague does it effortlessly, making solo travel feel perfectly tailored to you.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Prague

1. Sir Toby's Hostel - best for Couples, Solo Traveller
2. Advantage Hostel - Prague - best for Digital Nomads, Solo Traveller
3. Travellers' Hostel Husova
4. Travellers' Hostel Josefská
5. Travellers' Hostel Island

Sir Toby's Hostel

8.8

Praha 7

"…Great rooms, individual beds (not bunk beds), private bathroom. The rooms were surprisingly really more

from

$8.78

Advantage Hostel - Prague

8.4

Praha 2

"…The nine-bed room feels more like two rooms, with a small sitting area by the door. The beds are more

Travellers' Hostel Husova

9.2

Praha 1

"…Check out the "Club Ujezd," and Bohemian Bagel, both are just across the street! If you want to more

Travellers' Hostel Josefská

8.0

Praha 1

"…Dirty, horrible bunk mattresses, no pillows. It was very loud (I could hear people in the more

Travellers' Hostel Island

8.1

Praha 1

"…The price is great, the staff are friendly and the breakfast is good, but be warned: you're more

A 2–3 Day Itinerary on Your Own

Not sure what to do in Prague on your own?

Here’s how I would spend 3 days solo in the city again. Feel free to mix and match – Prague is wonderfully flexible. This itinerary covers the highlights and some offbeat gems while leaving room for those spontaneous moments that make solo travel so special.

Day 1

Morning: Start in the heart of Old Town. Grab a coffee and a pastry (try a local koláč) from a bakery to fuel up. Head to Old Town Square to see the famous Astronomical Clock strike the hour – it’s a tourist magnet, but watching the little mechanical figures dance is a classic Prague moment.

I joined a free walking tour that began in the square, which was a fantastic way to meet other travelers and get oriented. The tour took me through Old Town’s historic streets and into the Jewish Quarter (Josefov), where I saw the beautiful synagogues and learned about Prague’s Jewish history.

Afternoon: Cross the iconic Charles Bridge (Karlův Most) around mid-day, weaving through artists, musicians, and vendors. Snap a selfie with the statues lining the bridge and soak in the view of Prague Castle on the hill.

On the Lesser Town (Malá Strana) side, wander the charming streets and make your way to the John Lennon Wall – an ever-changing graffiti mural that’s become a symbol of peace and youthful hopes. For lunch, I popped into a casual pub for a bowl of soup and roast pork with dumplings. With new energy, climb uphill toward Prague Castle.

Evening: After a busy day, take it easy. Head to a viewpoint to catch the sunset – my personal favorite was Letná Park, where locals gather with beers at the beer garden overlooking the Vltava River and Old Town’s spires.

Watching the sky turn pink behind Prague’s skyline was a solo travel high point for me. As dusk falls, make your way back to Old Town for dinner. 

I ended my night with a casual stroll across Charles Bridge again, this time under the streetlights and with far fewer people around – pure magic.

Day 2

Morning: Wake up early and beat the crowds up to Prague Castle (if you didn’t fully explore it yesterday). The castle opens in the morning, and it’s the best time to wander the ancient courtyards in relative peace. Don’t miss the intricate details of St. Vitus Cathedral’s stained glass windows glowing in the morning light.

After soaking up the castle’s grandeur, walk down the hill through the quaint backstreets of Malá Strana. A short tram ride or walk will take you to Petrín Hill, a favorite local green space.

You can hike up or cheat a bit with the funicular. At the top, climb the Petrín Lookout Tower – it’s like a mini Eiffel Tower – for panoramic views of the city.

Afternoon: After coming down from Petrín Hill, treat yourself to a leisurely lunch in the Lesser Town or nearby. I found a little cafe with outdoor seating and enjoyed a plate of trdelník (that sweet cinnamon chimney cake) for dessert.

In the afternoon, cross the river to New Town (Nové Město). Stroll down Wenceslas Square – a broad boulevard that’s more modern but steeped in history.

If you’re into museums, the nearby Mucha Museum (showcasing Alphonse Mucha’s art nouveau works) is a manageable, enjoyable stop.

Alternatively, check out the quirky Dancing House by the river for some cool photos. 

Evening: Tonight, dive into Prague’s famous nightlife. As a solo traveler, I felt completely comfortable joining a group activity – so I went on an organized pub crawl that my hostel recommended.  It turned out to be a blast.

Day 3

Morning: If you have a third day (lucky you!), it’s time to see a different side of Prague or even take a little adventure outside the city.

One option: head to Vyšehrad, a historic fort on a hill overlooking the Vltava. This fortress is a local favorite and far less crowded – I spent a peaceful morning wandering its medieval walls, striking cemetery, and the beautiful Church of St. Peter and Paul. The views from Vyšehrad of the city are fantastic and it felt like a secret escape within Prague.

Alternatively, if you’re itching to explore beyond Prague, consider a half-day trip to Kutná Hora to see the famous Bone Church (Sedlec Ossuary) – it’s eerie and fascinating, and an easy train ride away. I personally decided to stay within Prague and soak up more of its atmosphere instead of rushing out.

Afternoon: For your final afternoon, delve into one of Prague’s trendy neighborhoods. I recommend exploring Vinohrady or Žižkov – areas where a lot of young locals and expats hang out.

Evening: Finish your Prague adventure with a memorable final evening. If you’re up for it, treat yourself to something a bit special: maybe dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the Prague Castle illuminated at night, or a river cruise on the Vltava to see the city lights reflecting on the water.  

Hostels in Prague

Prague is hostel heaven. As a solo traveler, I gravitate towards hostels for the budget factor and the built-in social life, and Prague’s hostels did not disappoint. There are dozens of options scattered around the city, from party hostels buzzing with nightly events to small boutique hostels that feel like a home.

Hostel quality is generally high here. You can expect free Wi-Fi, bed curtains in many dorms (yay privacy!), secure lockers for your stuff, and staff who are used to helping solo globetrotters. If you’re a solo female traveler, you’ll be happy to know that most places offer female-only dorms too.

Is Prague Safe for Solo Travelers?

In a word, yes. I found Prague to be very safe, even as a woman often exploring alone. Violent crime is rare, and locals generally mind their own business (in a polite way).

I remember walking back to my hostel after midnight one night – slightly nervous out of habit – and realizing that the streets were mostly filled with other late-night wanderers or couples, none of whom paid me any attention. That was a liberating feeling.

In many ways Prague feels more relaxed and safer than some other capitals I’ve visited.

That said, common sense goes a long way. The biggest issues you might encounter are petty crimes like pickpocketing or the occasional scam targeting tourists. In crowded areas like Old Town Square or Charles Bridge, keep your backpack zipped and in front of you, especially if someone tries to distract you with a “petition” or silly trick.

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How to Meet People?

One of the joys of solo travel is the people you meet, and Prague makes it easy. Here are some of my go-to ways to connect with others when I’m traveling alone in Prague:

Stay at social hostels: This is my number one tip. Choose a hostel known for its friendly atmosphere or communal spaces. As mentioned, many Prague hostels host events (think beer tastings, cooking nights, free walking tours) where you can mingle. 

Join walking tours and day trips: Prague has excellent free walking tours that leave from Old Town Square. I went on two different tours (one for Old Town/Jewish Quarter and one for Prague Castle area) and each time I ended up chatting with fellow travelers.

Embrace the nightlife (responsibly): Whether it’s a pub crawl, a craft beer tasting, or just an evening at a local bar, nightlife in Prague is very social. I’ve found that people in hostels often invite anyone and everyone along when going out.

Don’t be shy – say yes to that invite to the beer garden or that concert. Prague’s bars are generally friendly and not too expensive, so it’s easy to spend a fun night out with new friends. Just pace yourself with those strong Czech beers!

Be open and friendly: This sounds obvious, but a smile and a simple “Where are you from?” go a long way. I struck up a conversation with someone next to me in a line for street food, and we ended up sharing a table and chatting for an hour.

The great thing about Prague is that it attracts people from all over, so every encounter can turn into a cultural exchange. Don’t worry if you’re introverted – I am too until I get talking about travel!

The bottom line: you may arrive in Prague solo, but you might just leave with a bunch of new friends from around the world. I certainly did.

Best Neighborhoods to Stay Solo in Prague

Prague is divided into several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe. As a solo traveler, I looked for areas that were central (for convenience), safe, and had options for food and fun nearby. Here are some of the best neighborhoods I recommend considering:

Old Town (Staré Město): The historic heart of Prague is an obvious choice for first-timers. Staying here means you’re steps away from major attractions like Old Town Square and Charles Bridge. It’s touristy and can be crowded, but you can’t beat the convenience.

Malá Strana (Lesser Town): Just across the river from Old Town, at the foot of Prague Castle. Malá Strana is picturesque and slightly quieter, with beautiful Baroque buildings and embassies. I find it great for solo travelers who want a central location but a more relaxed atmosphere at night.

New Town (Nové Město): Despite the name, New Town is still quite historic (19th century) and includes areas around Wenceslas Square and Národní třída. It’s a bustling area for shopping, restaurants, and nightlife, and a lot of locals hang out here too.

Vinohrady: A bit outside the tourist core, Vinohrady is an upscale residential district known for its leafy streets, cute cafes, and a ton of great restaurants and bars. It’s popular with expats. I stayed in a hostel on the border of Vinohrady and loved the balance – quiet at night, but a short tram ride (or 15-20 minute walk) into the Old Town action.

Žižkov: This district, adjacent to Vinohrady, has a gritty, artsy character and the most pubs per capita in Prague. Žižkov is a backpacker favorite for its affordable bars and lively nightlife. It’s slightly further from the main tourist sights (you’d take a quick tram or a 25-minute walk), but I’ve stayed here and enjoyed the offbeat vibe.

In general, I’d choose Old Town or New Town for the classic experience, or Vinohrady/Žižkov if you want a mix of local life and nightlife. And remember, Prague is very walkable, so even if you don’t stay right in Old Town, you can get there easily during the day.

Where to Eat and Drink in Prague

Food is half the adventure, and Prague offers plenty of it at backpacker-friendly prices. As a solo traveler, I never felt awkward eating out alone here – the city’s casual pubs and cafes are very inviting. Here are some must-try eating and drinking experiences I loved in Prague:

Czech comfort food: You can’t leave Prague without trying the local cuisine. Think roast pork with sauerkraut, beef goulash with bread dumplings, and smažený sýr (fried cheese) for a quick bite. Many pubs do a “daily menu” at lunchtime that’s super cheap.

Street food and markets: For quick and budget-friendly eats, Prague’s street food hit the spot. The smell of trdelník (the cinnamon-sugar chimney cake) will tempt you on every corner in Old Town – it might be touristy, but it’s fun to try at least once (I admit I had two or three during my stay). 

Cafés and coffee breaks: Prague has a delightful café culture, which is great for solo travelers needing a break. Some historic cafes date back a century – I treated myself to coffee and cake at Café Louvre, an old haunt of Einstein and Kafka, and felt like I stepped back in time.

Beer halls and breweries: The Czech Republic is the beer capital of the world (they consume the most beer per capita) and Prague is its showcase. If you are a beer lover, you'll be in heaven.  

6 Hidden Gemz for Prague (by Hostelgeeks)

How it works

Final Tips and Surprises

After experiencing Prague solo, here are some final tips and little surprises that might help you out:

Local currency: Don’t forget that Czechia uses the Czech Koruna (CZK), not the euro. Many places accept cards, but it’s handy to have some cash for small purchases or when splitting a bill with new friends.

Public transport tickets: Prague’s trams and metro are super convenient. You can buy a 24-hour or 72-hour transport pass that covers all rides – a great deal if your hostel is a bit outside the center. Just make sure to validate (stamp) your ticket/pass the first time you use it, or you could get fined by ticket inspectors.

Early bird gets the worm: If you want iconic spots like Charles Bridge or Old Town Square mostly to yourself, go very early in the morning. I dragged myself out at dawn one day and was rewarded with a nearly empty bridge shrouded in mist – easily one of the most magical moments of my trip.

Embrace the Czech pace: One surprising thing was how locals enjoy simple pleasures. On weekends, you’ll see families and friends lounging in parks, drinking beer, listening to music. Join in!

Prague taught me to slow down a bit – not every moment has to be spent checking off attractions. Some of my best memories are sitting on the riverbank with an ice cream or chatting with a local vendor at a market.

Quirky Prague: Keep your eyes peeled for Prague’s playful side. The city is filled with odd sculptures and art installations (those giant babies crawling on the TV Tower, the peeing statues near the Kafka Museum, and the rotating Kafka Head sculpture to name a few).

Stay open to spontaneity: Finally, the beauty of solo travel in Prague (or anywhere) is the freedom to change plans. Some of my favorite experiences weren’t on any itinerary.

Leaving Prague, I felt a mix of contentment and sadness – content because the city gave me more than I expected, and sad because I wasn’t ready to leave this beautiful place where I’d built a temporary little solo traveler life.

So pack that bag, book that hostel, and get ready to create your own Prague story – one solo step at a time. Šťastnou cestu (happy travels)!

Backpacking Prague? Here’s What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I’ve been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I’m passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

Must-Read

Where to Stay in Prague as a Solo Traveler

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Where to stay in Prague for First Time

My experience and what you can expect

How to Pick a Hostel in Prague

What to Expect (and what not!)

Backpacking Prague

All those cool and unique experiences we are looking for!

I stayed in a Backpacker Hostel in Prague

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About the author: Nour De Wilde Salhab

A Lebanese-Congolese-French-Belgian girl as likely to be found climbing a volcano in Indonesia or reading a sci-fi book by the sea in the South of France. Always on the hunt for remarkable experiences. My two favorites so far: volunteering in emergency medical services in Lebanon and solo backpacking around the world. Life is enjoyable in all its facets, from its healthy extremes to its mundane slows.