10 Things To Do in Prague As a Solo Traveler

10 Things To Do in Prague As a Solo Traveler

Dmitry A. Mottl [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

You’ve done it – booked a trip by yourself to Prague. Now what?

Sure, traveling alone can be daunting. You have to book the flights alone, carry your own luggage, and somehow figure out how to pack a few weeks’ worth of clothes into one carry-on bag. Even though some people are a little intimidated in traveling by themselves, the process of going at it solo can help you realize things about yourself. You have to face situations in which you might normally have help, and figure out how to problem solve without someone alongside you. You’ll also be able to have different experiences in the places you visit – you might ask people for directions, and that conversation can turn into them inviting you out to see a circus and beers afterwards. It’s been known to happen. Traveling alone is a rewarding and exciting experience, and Prague is no exception. The bustling and lively city has so much diversity that you can find attractions for budget travelers, activities for those who want a more upscale holiday, and various events to go to alone. After all, anything can happen on vacation. We have listed the top 10 things to do in Prague as a solo traveler to help you figure out a good place to start – since you’re going to have to do everything else alone.

Explore Naplavka

First up, if you arrive in the summer then you’ve come at a great time. There are loads of visitors, the locals are out and about, and the sunny weather shines through. One of our favorite spots in the city to explore is Naplavka. This area is basically the boardwalk adjacent to the famous river Vltava, splitting the city into two sides. The open space is full of farmer’s markets during the days, selling produce and fresh fruit, and comes alive at night with live music, festivals, food stands, restaurants, and open-air bars. You can also check out the boats docked here, and hop on one of the beer garden boats for a few pints. The beer gardens in Prague are a great way to meet people since you’re typically sat at long communal tables, almost prompting you to talk to your drinking neighbors. Since there are so many people that flock here, you’ll be sure to run into a diverse mix of people – and surely other solo people to meet as well.

Get in some cardio with a walking tour

For an active and fun way to learn a little more about the city, we highly recommend taking one of the city’s walking tours – free or paid. For the free ones, you are just encouraged to tip your guide whatever you deem it necessary, or whatever you can afford. Budget travelers, this is for you. The guide will take you to the most popular attractions around, wandering through the Old Town, to the castle, and around the best neighborhoods. You can also choose to do a themed tour, whether it be history or drinking, and meet people who have similar interests. This is a sure way to be able to spark a conversation about a topic you both care about – i.e. history of beer in Prague. The architecture and ambiance of the city is also a great way to spend a few hours. You will be walking along cobblestone streets, peering into seemingly-hidden bars, small alleyways, and underground restaurants. If you’re in the mood for a free one, then check out Sandemans and save a few bucks.

Travel back in history in the Old Town

Up next, the Old Town in Prague is one of the city’s most famous attractions – and for good reason. The beautiful buildings, historical significance, and open square provide picturesque backgrounds and interesting places to spend your day. Wandering over the famous Charles Bridge from the west side of the river, you will almost feel as if you’re traveling back in time. Walking down the pathway, with statues flanking either side and street vendors selling Czech souvenirs, you enter the Old Town and are immediately greeted by the Old Town Bridge Tower, boasting amazing views over the surrounding area. Continuing on, the Old Town Square hosts many of the famous sights tourists flock to. The Astronomical Clock is a beautifully-made and intricate clock that puts on a show every hour on the hour – and should be seen and heard at least once during your trip. The numerous cafes and restaurants give you the opportunity to have a traditional and historic vibe with your meal, with some having fantastic views of Old Town Square or Old Town Hall.

Listen to some live music at one of the many venues

If you’re in the mood to extend your day and see the local nightlife, we recommend checking out one of the city’s live music bars. First up, head to the Roxy. This electric club gives off a relaxed feeling due to the warehouse-vibe and chilled-out setting. The big dance floor gives space for everyone to dance, the beer is cheap, and the energy is high. The Roxy has live music almost every night, with musical styles ranging from rock to high-paced dance music. This venue is also one of the city’s main central concert halls, featuring both local and international talent. Insider tip: try to hit up one of the Free Mondays for live music without a cover charge. Another concert hall, Lucerna Palace is one of the main spots to listen to live music. The two concert halls here are located just off of one of the most famous squares in the city, Wenceslas Square, so the central location makes it very convenient to get to. With a basement and a massive ballroom, this venue is diverse in hosting well-known acts as well as smaller-name artists. If you’re more in the mood for something different, then head to one of the best jazz bars around at Reduta. Situated on Narodni street right in the city center, this location is ideally situated close to the National Theatre for easy-finding. The nightly jazz music here fits in well with the decor of velvet chairs and dark-colored curtains. If you want to visit the place where Bill Clinton performed an impromptu saxophone performance – then this is where to go. No matter what location you choose, the vibes will be good, the energy is high, and the love of music will bond everyone there. You can be sure to meet someone if you’re so inclined, or just enjoy listening to some live music and dance the night away.

Breach the walls of the Prague Castle

Back out into the city for your next day, you should make the trek to Prague Castle. This castle isn’t just one singular building, but more so an entire complex with numerous historical buildings, with the beautiful city architecture as your backdrop. Located in Mala Strana, you’ll be able to walk through the opposite side of the city from Old Town and check out some new streets on your way to the top. The walk up to the castle already sets the scene, with beautiful views over the red-roofed houses as you tackle the steady incline. Once you’ve reached the castle, the sheer size of the building will be enough to have you speechless. If you’re worried about if it’s worth it – it is. Not only can you tour around the castle itself, but there is also the St. Vitus Cathedral inside the walls as well, boasting stained-glass windows, high ceilings, and detailed sculptures. The entrance fee is about $15, and for hours of things to see, this price is definitely worth it in my book.

Cruise down the famous river Vltava

Vltava River, Church of Saint Nicholas at Mala Strana, Mala Strana Bridge Tower, Basilica of the Assumption in the Strahov Monastery – Ввласенко [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

Next up, we recommend seeing the city in a different way – on the river. You can be a little adventurous and hire a paddleboard to tackle the Vltava on your own. For about $35, you can rent a board, grab a lifejacket, and have a guide lead the way and tell you facts about this historical city. If you’d rather stay dry, the boat tours cruise down the river, with the guide telling you interesting facts you may not learn on your own. We recommend the boat for the colder months but definitely found the paddleboarding to be a fun activity to do for a couple of hours, a good way to meet people, and a method to work off all those beers you’ve been having. Speaking of beer….

Drink your way through the city

No trip to Prague is complete without drinking beer – lots of it. For the beer lovers out there, we recommend checking out the various beer gardens or taking a walking brewery tour. With most tours lasting about 3 hours, you get to meet some other people on holiday, learn some interesting facts about the brewing process, visit about 2-3 breweries, and get something to eat at the end with all your new friends. What better way to bond with people than with beers?

Put on your dancing shoes and head to Vinohrady

© Edgar Barany C (flickr)

For those who really like to party, we recommend checking out Vinohrady, the gay neighborhood in the city. The number of bars, clubs, and restaurants in this area are plentiful – and the vibe is incredibly welcoming. Any spot you walk into is open to anyone, and everyone, coming in, having a few drinks, and having a great time. If you’re a little nervous about being somewhere on your own and striking up a conversation at the bar, don’t worry. Almost any bar you go into here you’ll find yourself talking to locals in just a few minutes. The friendliness of the bartenders in this neighborhood is second-to-none and helps break the ice a little. Check out BeerGeek Bar for the best pints and craft beers, or Manesova Bar and Books for a few intimate cocktails.

‘Let It Be’ – as the Beatles once said

John Lennon Wall 30 Years of Freedom – By Nostrifikator – Nostrifikator [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

Next up, we have a great photo op for all of your friends left at home. Head out to the Lennon Wall and see the abstract art piece, comprised of spray-painted sayings, pictures, and designs. The wall was meant to be a tribute to the famous Beatles man, John Lennon, and has since taken on a new meaning. Everything painted on this wall preaches peace, equality, and various causes that seem to all have one thing in common – making the world a better place. Set up your camera on self-timer or ask your fellow tourist to get an artsy shot of you in front of this brightly-colored attraction.

Time to splurge for your last meal in Prague

Café Savoy, image sourced from their website

Last on our list, we have a bit of a splurge. Hopefully, you didn’t have a big dinner last night, because we have one of the best breakfast places ever here for you – Cafe Savoy. Starting off with perfectly-made coffee, this Mala Strana establishment is always busy and bustling, showing the popularity – and you’ll soon see why. The interior is gorgeous, upscale, and has a beautiful chandelier dangling from the high ceilings. If you’re going to eat fancy at least one time in Prague, then this is your spot. Head here for breakfast and get the best french toast in the country. You won’t be disappointed.

Here’s to no looking back, and exploring new places on your own

That’s it, 10 things to do in Prague as a solo traveler. Of course, there’s an infinite amount of activities to do in this beautiful city, with many more bars, beer gardens, attractions, and events to explore, but we feel as if this should cover your bases. The mixture of culture, ancient architecture, nightlife, and beautiful sights will make your solo trip one to remember. Hopefully, you’ll make some interesting memories, make a few friends along the way, and be confident in traveling alone next trip – traveling by yourself is a great way to grow and put yourself in situations you wouldn’t normally do. And that’s what makes it an adventure.