First time to Prague - First time solo travel

Posted by Mike603 (New Hampshire) on 12/08/25 03:16 AM

Hi Everyone,

My name is Mike and I'm new to the Rick Steves' forums and new to Rick himself as my ex introduced me to his TV show just 5 years ago. I've clearly been missing out all these years with his great TV show and podcast. I am very new to traveling. In my younger days (1990's) I traveled to a few countries when I was in the military, but traveling with the military and traveling for vacation is two different things. As a civilian my ex and I traveled to Germany and Colombia, both great trips. But now I'm traveling solo and I'm a bit nervous about it. I'm doing my first solo trip, to Prague in June/July next year.

I was planning on staying outside of Old Town simply because the hotels seem to be quite a bit cheaper, but then I'd be on a tram every time I want to go see something. I see that Hotel Charles Bridge Palace seems to be in a great location (old town) and is very reasonable for price, has anyone stayed there and can recommend this hotel?

In both Germany and Colombia I carried my passport everywhere, I figured it was my "ID" or "papers please" document. I was never asked for it except at check-in of hotels. I don't want to lose or have my passport stolen, what do most travelers do? Do you carry it or leave it in your hotel room?

How much local currency do you think I need for 5 full days in Prague? I'm planning on using my credit card as much as possible but would like to have /some/ local cash on hand. What would be a reasonable amount?

And final, any tips for first time solo travelers? I'm kind of shy about talking to and meeting new people, something I need to learn to get over.

Thank you,
mike

Posted by Lesley

Sidney, BC, Canada

12/08/25 03:56 AM

1123 posts

Have you considered taking one of Rick’s tours to Prague? I did the city tour of Rome as my first solo city trip and really liked the mix of planned excursions and free time. You have the advantage of a group for when you need people or you can have private tine if you prefer.

I usually carry my passport port with me though never been asked for it. However as female I have the advantage of carrying a purse, a very small cross body that hold passport and a small amount of money for the day. I never take it off and have never had any problems.

Normally I take a credit card and a debit card. I draw out local currency from a bank atm as needed. Most of Europe has gone cashless, but markets less so. Maybe enough cash for coffees, sandwiches or drinks? I’ve usually started with 50€ in small denominations and that has lasted for a few days.

Posted by Frank II

Freedonia

12/08/25 04:05 AM

18219 posts

I have my passport on me at all times. I carry it in a "Hidden Pocket" type of money belt under my clothes along with extra credit cards, debit cards, etc. I hardly know it's there.

I was last in Prague this past spring. Four nights. Never used cash. I never even took out any Koruna from the ATM.

Posted by Carol now retired

Lynnwood, Washington

12/08/25 10:26 AM

9842 posts

Hi, Mike!

My son and his wife stayed at Hotel Charles Bridge Palace and were quite pleased with it, especially its location.

I stayed at the Hotel Cosmopolitan which is quite nice and a short walk to the center of Old Town.

I suggest signing up for some walking tours or day tours. It gives you a group of people to do something with but doesn’t require a great deal of social effort on your part.

Posted by Carrie

Chicago

12/08/25 11:21 AM

3881 posts

Welcome to the forum!

If you don’t have any cash, you won’t be able to tip the housekeeping staff, which is fine, you don’t have to. I’m one who does like to leave them a small tip as I know it’s appreciated.

On my recent trips, credit cards are great until the card readers don’t work. On my trip to Prague this past March, I needed cash for the original Mucha museum and was glad I had some. I always get cash from my bank (Wells Fargo) before I leave home. For a trip of 5 days, I would probably get the equivalent of $50. You can always spend cash, even if you don’t necessarily need it. Paid toilets is another place I have often found the credit card machines to be not working. So, I would rather have cash and not need it, then need it and have to scramble to find an ATM machine and hope it doesn’t eat my card.

As an often solo traveler, I wear a money belt, which has my passport, extra credit cards and cash, and my house key. Remember to take if off when you go thru airport security. I’ve become a little more relaxed on this recently and if I’m just out walking around near the hotel, I will leave the money belt in my suitcase.

I’m one who will spend a little more to have a hotel in a convenient location. I like to step outside and be able to walk to most places.

I’m not a people person and very much enjoy not having to talk to many people when traveling. :-) That’s not to say I’m unfriendly. I will make small talk with the locals if the opportunity presents itself.

If you do want some people time, the suggestion above of a walking tour is a great idea. My sister and I did a private tour with Jason from Living Prague Tours, that I had seen recommended here on the forum many times.

https://livingprague.com/tours/living-prague-tours/

He also does group tours.

I did a short trip report from my trip, which also included Vienna, that you might find helpful. Just scroll down to the 3 NIGHTS PRAGUE—THE JULIUS section.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/sisters-in-vienna-and-prague-our-trip-report

I’m 52 and just started traveling to Europe in 2021. I love it!! I just got back from my 14th trip to Europe last month, which is crazy to say. I find I’m less stressful on my solo trips because then I’m not worried about my sister and her husband. I have always found both the locals and fellow travelers to be very friendly and helpful. So, do not hesitant to ask for help if needed, especially at the train stations. I found the layout of the Prague main train station a little confusing. I believe there were 2 different places to get to the platforms and that threw me off. I stopped in at a bakery and both the cashier and one of the customers helped me out.

Have a great trip!!