Jul 22, 2025

Backpacking Across Prague? Here's How to Stay Safe As a Woman

Prague Morning

Backpacking through Prague is as magical as the photos make it seem. The cobbled streets, fairy-tale castles, and late-night jazz bars; it’s a dream for solo travelers, especially women. 

Did you know that 82% of travel decisions are made by women, and their travel frequency is increasing? In early 2024, 35% of women took two trips. Two! That’s nearly double the rate from early 2020.

But as a woman exploring on your own, safety is always something you want to think about. It’s always good to learn how to be more aware, prepared, and confident in new surroundings. Here’s a quick guide to help you stay safe while enjoying everything this city has to offer.

Be Smart About Romantic Connections

One of the reasons people travel is to meet people, and Prague is a beautiful city with beautiful people. You’ll probably meet some interesting people on the road, maybe even spark a romantic connection that leads to something either casual or serious. 

In the Czech Republic, online dating is becoming increasingly popular. In fact, 13.4% of couples meet online, which is surprisingly higher than in Germany, where the figure is only 9%. If you match with someone on Tinder, let a friend or someone at your hostel know where you’re going, and trust your gut. 

Likewise, it goes without saying that if you’re sexually active, it helps to know your birth control options. Sometimes, you may not have access to your preferred birth control, which is something people overlook when traveling in a new country. Imagine visiting pharmacy after pharmacy, and the only option in stock is something like Depo Provera.

As TruLaw explains, this is a popular injectable contraceptive that’s available globally. Unfortunately, there has been legal action taken against Pfizer due to the apparent risk of brain tumors from its side effects. 

You can literally look up the birth control shot lawsuit information right now and see how risky it is. Thus, ensure you are carrying your own stock of preferred contraceptives or research and track places that sell what you need. 

Trust Your Instincts (And Know the Local Area)

Prague and the Czech Republic are known for being a safe place for tourists. In fact, in 2024, the crime rate dipped by 4.5% when compared to the previous years. Most of the crimes that occur relate to property crime at 54% according to police president Martin Vondrasek. 

Interestingly, other reports indicate that attacks by minors are increasing. Some reports show that violent crimes by those under 18 have risen by 25%. So, even the safest places can be dangerous if you meet the wrong person at the wrong time and place. No matter how experienced you are as a traveler, your instincts are your best safety tool. Watch your surroundings and avoid zoning out with headphones in crowded spaces. 

Some areas, like Žižkov or around the main train station (Praha hlavní nádraží), can feel sketchy at night, especially when foot traffic is low. That doesn’t mean you can’t go there, but it does mean planning your route ahead, sticking to well-lit streets, and avoiding shortcuts after dark. If you’re out late, rideshare apps like Bolt or Uber are a safer bet than flagging down a taxi.

Blend In Without Losing Yourself

In recent years, Prague has seen an influx of many foreigners. In fact, by 2022, 25% of Prague’s population held foreign citizenship. Though it’s just one of twenty-seven cities, Prague hosts 35–38% of all registered foreigners in the country.

As such, it’s worth being a little mindful of how you present and interact with the native population. For starters, locals tend to be quiet in public places like trams, metros, and cafés. Loud talking or drawing attention to yourself can mark you as a tourist, which sometimes attracts the wrong kind of attention.

Dress in a way that balances comfort and awareness of local norms. This doesn’t mean changing who you are. But if you don’t want stares (or worse), it helps to be low-key in more traditional or suburban parts of the city. 

Learn a few basic Czech phrases like “Děkuji” (thank you) or “Promiňte” (excuse me). It goes a long way. Also, don’t be afraid to ask locals for advice as they’re often willing to help if approached respectfully. Naturally, you don’t need to blend in so much that you lose your sense of fun. But knowing how to adapt is the respectful thing to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Prague cheap or expensive for tourists?

Prague’s still pretty budget-friendly compared to Western Europe. You can get a decent meal for under $10, public transport is cheap and efficient, and hostels are affordable. Just watch out for touristy restaurants near Old Town, as those prices are inflated. 

2. Do’s and don’ts in Prague?

Do try local beers, be polite, and validate your tram ticket. Don’t talk loudly on public transport or assume people will automatically smile at you. People are a little more reserved here. Also, don’t exchange money on the street. This is a classic tourist scam. Use ATMs or legit exchange offices.

3. Do they speak English in Prague?

Yep, especially in touristy spots like restaurants, museums, and hostels. Most young Czechs speak at least some English. But once you get out of the city center, it helps to know a few Czech basics or have Google Translate ready.

At the end of the day, there’s something bold about stepping into a new city on your own, especially one as layered as Prague. While no list will ever cover every variable you might face, staying curious, clear-headed, and unapologetically prepared will take you further than any map.

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