Hello,
I have 4 days to spend in Eastern Europe and want to use that time to explore Prague. The tricky part here is that I will be traveling solo to Prague. I have been researching a lot about the city, a few must visit places, etc. But apart from the sensible and most obvious -don't stay out too late, avoid deserted streets, etc... just wanted to get a general opinion if it is ok for a solo lady traveler to explore Prague?
Thanks.
Definitely. You'll love it.
Thats very reassuring! Thanks Chani.
Prague is the pefect city for wandering around alone. loads of little streets off the main drags and some delightful little squares ,courtyards and green spaces you just stumble upon.It is as safe a city as any i have visited,loads places to stop for refreshment or a bite to eat.
You'll be fine and if you follow the tips you noted you probably won't feel concerned at all. I felt safe walking around Prague and evening returning to my hotel near old town square after dark. There were always lots of people around.
http://livingprague.com/
you might find this website useful
First thing when you hit town is to sign up for one of the "free" tours--where licensed tourguides are paid tips. You'll learn the layout of the city.
Then signup for one of their pub crawl tours that meet around 6:00 p.m. You'll usually find such a tour to be really fun--with 10-15 nuts from all over the world going to 3-4 bars/restaurants. You'll learn where the best hangouts are and where you can eat for reasonable prices.
I spent 3 1/2 days in Prague on my own and it was fine. It is a great city and if you follow your "obvious" guidelines you'll do great. I spent some time doing a day trip to Kutna Hora and it was a blast. I would add to be somewhat careful of taxis in Prague. You can walk most places, take buses, or trams.
Ditto to what others said - I spent 2 days solo before a RS tour and had no issues. I concur with the day trip to Kutna Hora - nice to see the countryside and see a smaller town. Try to find accommodations in the center to maximize transport options. The metro is one of the deepest in Europe - and quite a trip! I highly recommend getting advance tickets to the guided behind the scenes tour of the Municipal House (see here). It has one of the most spectacular art nouveau interiors I've ever seen.
You will be fine. The only time I was concerned was for pick pockets when I was watching the astronomical clock-you are packed in and looking up. Keep a hand on your purse or day bag, but that's just good practice.
I went out at night to the black light theatre and walked back to my hotel after. Felt safer than when I was walking back from shows in NYC.
Prague is a very safe city. It has some reputation for pickpockets but in my own experience Rome is much worse. Also reputation for unscrupulous taxi drivers; nowadays they were mostly tamed. It finally happened when one driver did not recognize the mayor and overcharged him. Taxi mafia was chased from the airport and Main Train Station. Thank God! Nowadays I had only good experience with taxis. One of the best companies is AAA. Honest and english speaking drivers. I always call them. Prague is much safer than any American big city. In Prague I go out at night, no fear. Cannot say that about Seattle and that's one of the safest cities in the US.
If you can handle San Francisco alone, you will find seeing Prague on your own to be a piece of cake.
A huge THANK YOU to everyone for your inputs... really helpful.. I feel pretty confident exploring Prague on my own.
Also thanks for the idea to signup for the tours, visiting the Muncipal house, Kutna Hora, etc.!!
Our general advice for solo travelers applies all over Europe.
