This article is part of our ongoing series of Wanderlust Women City Guides. We hope they offer you useful tidbits of information as you plan your solo journey to some of the most interesting places around the world.
Today’s guest contributor is Michelle Onorato, of “Guy and Girl Travels.” She takes us to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. Michelle found this medieval city full of romance and dreams, evoking early childhood fantasies involving princes, towers and damsels in distress. Prague is at once stunning and historical and nothing takes your breathe away more than discovering its beauty on your own.
1. Top 3 Attractions
1. Prague Castle – This 9th century castle is the most popular attraction in Prague. It is the largest ancient castle in the world and saw most of its development under the 14th century Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV. There are several buildings on the grounds worthy of a visit including, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica and the Prague Castle Gallery.
Prague Castle at Night / Photo: Adam Zivner
2. Strahov Monastery – This popular site of religious pilgrimage dates from the 12th century with the establishment of the Premonstratensians, an ancient order of the Catholic Church under St. Norbert. There has been a religious building on the site since then but the current structure dates mainly from the 18th century and houses art collections and many rare volumes of theology.
3. Petrin Hill Observation Tower – You have to be in great shape to climb the Tower but it’s worth the price (only about $3.50) for the view alone. At 229 steps, some 60 meters high, it should take you about an hour to climb to the top. During the summer it’s open until 10pm for a magical evening view, but check the hours for the rest of the year.
2. Good Restaurants
Prague is a city full of great restaurants but sadly, the only one which comes to mind is a total tourist trap. It’s Cafe Italia in the Old Town Square. Their Pasta Carbonara melts in your mouth and is affordably priced at 220 KC (about $11.50).
Charles bridge in Prague / Photo: Chosovi
3. Hotels – great location to stay!
Most of your time will be spent in and around the Old Town Square, so I recommend this location for your hotel accommodations in Prague. The Old Town Square is within walking distance to many of Prague’s highlights, with Prague Castle being one of the farthest away at a 40 minute walk. (The last 10 – 15 minutes are uphill.) Forty minutes may sound like a lot, however, I highly recommend it as you’ll cross over Charles Bridge, the Vltava River, Little Venice, and uncover many pretty streets in the Mala Strana district.
4. Nightlife
The Czech Republic is known around the globe as the number one beer drinking country! So, if you don’t know where to begin with Prague’s endless bars and beers, take a pub tour on your first night to hit some local pubs and sample the different flavors!
5. Shopping
Bargain, bargain, bargain…………oh, and did I say bargain! All of the souvenir shopping in Prague is negotiable, so bid low and mention “paying in cash” to get the best deals! There is also a fun, open-aired market called Havelske Trziste (Havel’s Market), which is located on Havelska Street. To get there, go down the narrow, populated street located next to Starbucks in the Old Town Square.
Charles Bridge is also well known for finding affordable paintings, photos, and crafts. However, don’t expect haggling to work here as these set prices are already pretty low!
6. Safety
The views from Petrin Hill in the Mala Strana District are spectacular and worth the 50-minute hike from the Old Town Square but solo women travelers should take this journey during the day because it’s rather desolate at night.
7. Best Tourist Tips
There are tourist kiosks everywhere you turn, especially in the Old Town. Stop in the Old Town Hall and you’ll find plenty of brochures….and step just out front and you’ll see tour guides lined up and available. Remember, cash is key in Prague.
Taking tourist photos inside the city’s historical buildings requires a license in Prague. Yes and you have to pay for it. Always inquire when purchasing your admission ticket before you have to re-stand in long lines for the separate photography license.
Carry change with you at all times because the majority of bathrooms in Prague are fee-based, including some restaurants and bars!
Taxis are an adventure in Prague. The majority of them are aggressive even just sitting at the taxi stand in unmarked cars. Instead, I suggest using the AAA Taxi Company or your hotel’s recommended car service.
When planning a trip to Prague, book a few nights in Karlovy Vary, the world famous spa town located two hours outside of the city! (Think Queen Latifah in the movie, Last Holiday!) It’s the perfect spa getaway to pamper yourself endlessly. Also, Karlovy Vary is well known for its homemade Czech Spa Wafers, so indulge in these yummy sensations! After a few days here, you’ll be rejuvenated to new heights!
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Michelle Onorato is a Jersey Girl who loves to travel. By day, she’s a
Business Systems Executive for an autism service provider and by night
she’s a travelholic, who represents the female perspective on Guy and Girl
Travels.
