A solo traveller's journey to Prague

Prague is a city of love, architecture, music, drama, crystals and lots of beer! The city has the ability to fill you with anticipation and get you high on life. My 3 days solo travel to the picturesque, Prague, was beyond my expectations.

Living abroad, away from family, I always turned to Bollywood movies to feel connected to home. Imtiaz Ali’s dreamy movies definitely made sure that I fell in love with Prague virtually, so of course, I wanted to go on my own adventure there.

Like anyone else, I Googled and researched all the places in Europe that are safe for women solo travelers. The options included scores of places like Berlin, Iceland, Norway and so on, but there was something quaint about Prague that made me decide on it for my solo travel destination.

Places to Visit and How

Prague is a place to be on foot; right from prodding through the famous Old Square across the Charles bridge of the 14th Century over the river Vltava, to experiencing the Old Jewish Ghetto of the 19th Century, the European architecture of the city will have you smitten. The Astronomical clock, withstanding from the 15th century, in my opinion, was a bit too hyped.

The Prague Castle or “Hrad” to the Czech is like a fairytale fortification. The changing of guards, not as sharp as the one at Buckingham Palace, is worth a watch. The gothic structure of St. Vitus cathedral will give you feels of the straddling European culture.
Tip: Touch the “Golden penis” for good luck they say, and exit from the courtyard through the main gateway, enjoying vintage views of Prague, at every step.

Put on your hiking shoes and climb up the Petrin Hill while munching on fresh fruits from the luscious trees. Apart from the endless greenery, you can also glimpse at the serene city from between the foliage. Take the train back downhill and enjoy uninterrupted views of Prague. Do not forget to admire the Lennon wall while grooving on your favourite Beatles song.

My recommendation: Do take the free yellow umbrella tour; learn about communism and swift around the mosaics.

Culture

Praha, as the people of Czech call it, is a city hailing from the 8th century. It has a surplus of history and historical architecture. The people of Czech take pride in their architecture, from huge gothic cathedrals, the castle, to the paving, which is mosaic in white and black marbles.

Although, most people in Czech speak Russian apart from Czech, they have immense love for learning foreign languages. In my opinion, nobility assails from the Czech people, as they are very respectful, polite and benevolent. They love their art, music, theatre, museums and definitely their booze.

There are immense gothic masterpieces to bohemian art pieces from the 20th century to be admired all over the city. The Loreto is filled with baroque architecture while the Klementium library is one of the most divine libraries in the world.

Czech food and booze

Beer in Prague is cheaper than water. Prague has the most beer drinkers in the world. Home to the famous Pilsner and the original Budweiser, you’re in for finding every bar thoroughly stocked. You’ll also find the green fairy, Absinthe, which are the most popular alcohol and middle and Eastern Europe around every corner.

The highly recommended bars in Prague are U Vejvodu with a rich historical atmosphere, the Hangar’s bar, inspired by old aviation, Black Angels bar for its cocktails and U Fleku brewery.

When in Prague, you just can’t get over the appetizing pickled cheese they offer. The chimney cakes aren’t too behind, filling your palette with pleasure. For meat lovers, the pork knuckle and braised beef at Cafe Louvre, are hands down the most impressive in the city. The most famous bar snack here, the Chlebíčky, which are open sandwiches are a must try. The city also offers scores of vegan restaurants with a wide platter for the absolutely famished.

Stay

I highly recommend staying in the city center, as there is suited accessibility which enhances the experience of strolling the pathways of this magnificent historical town.
On my visit, I stayed at a hostel in a 6-bed female dorm. I made my own clique there with people from Italy, Mexico, Brazil, the United States and London. I had a truly international escapade and made long lasting friends.

Hostels- Hostel Downtown, Hostel One Prague and Hostel One Home.
Hotels- The Four Seasons, The Alchymist and Mandarin Oriental.
Budget properties- Dancing house hotel, Fusion Hotel and Hotel Golden well.

Night Life

I highly recommend the Prague Pub Crawl to get the sense of the nightlife in the city.
The pub crawl includes free vodka, wine, Czech beer and Absinthe for the first hour. Following which, you’re taken to 3 other majestic pubs with a free shot at the entrance and the crawl ends at the biggest club called “Karlovy láznê”. You will be acquainted to youngsters from around the world, parting as your comrades for life.

Apart from this, the riverside parties flowing with sangrias are a big hit. The stroll across the cobbled Mala Strana ending at the John Lennon wall will have you bewitched.

Best time of Visit

According to my extensive research, summer (June to August) is the best time to visit Prague or majority of the European cities. There is the tourist hustle bustle and activities at length.

In my case, I prefer visiting places in the non-peak season (Spring/Fall), as there is more interactions with the locals and the hotels are priced at a considerably lower tariff. I was in luck to have endured the perfect weather for gallivanting, I visited Prague in the month of May, during which, and the day was pleasant and filled with sunshine while the evenings were breezy, making a good mood for the beer with authentic Czech food.

Weather and Currency

The weather between March to May (spring) is mild and beautiful. Temperatures are between 8 to 18 degrees Celsius. In autumn, that is, September and October the temperature will vary between 5 to 13 degrees Celsius so get ready to pack warm clothes. The winter is the coldest of all seasons with temperature ranging from -2 to 4 degrees Celsius.

You’ll have to buckle up in numerous layers. The most famous and touristy season in Praha is summers that is June to August. The temperatures are around 23 degrees Celsius, making a pleasant time for vacation. Prague is also light on the pocket, as 1 INR is approximately equal to 3 CZK.

By Aditi Jaju