Prague: A Chill Summer Stay at The Julius
Solo in Prague: Driving In, Slowing Down, and Soaking It All In
I arrived in Prague the way I like best, on my own time, windows down, playlist on, and no airport chaos. Driving in from Germany was pretty smooth, and by the time I pulled into the city, I was ready to ditch the car and just wander.
I stayed at The Julius, right in the centre of Prague, and honestly, it’s hard to imagine a better location for a solo traveler. You’re right in the thick of it. Step outside and the city just unfolds in every direction. You’ve got side streets leading to coffee spots and galleries, and in minutes you’re in the Old Town, gawking at the astronomical clock or wandering across Charles Bridge. As I arrived, there was this buzz out front, people arriving, people leaving, everyone checking maps, laughing, chatting, soaking up the sunshine. It had that proper city energy that makes you want to drop your bags and start walking.
The hotel itself? Effortlessly stylish. It’s got that clean, contemporary design that still manages to feel warm. Think marble floors, velvet drapes in deep greens, low lighting that makes everything look good, and burnt orange chairs that somehow pull the whole lobby together. It’s modern but not cold. The lobby bar is the kind of place where you’d feel just as comfortable ordering an espresso at 8 AM as you would sipping a glass of red at midnight with your journal or a book.
I booked a superior room for around €183 a night, which, considering the size and quality, felt like great value. It was more apartment than hotel room. Spacious layout, proper living area, a fully equipped kitchen (though, let’s be honest, I didn’t cook), and huge windows that let in loads of natural light. The bathroom was sleek and well-thought-out with a great rainfall shower and clean lines. After walking all day, it was a luxury to come back to.
The design throughout the hotel is cohesive and calming. It’s been done by Matteo Thun & Partners, and you can tell warm autumn tones, brass accents, custom-made furniture, it all flows together seamlessly. Nothing about the space feels generic. It feels considered.
The vibe at The Julius is very much about flexibility and comfort. It’s designed for short or extended stays, which means you’re not locked into the usual hotel rhythm. You can eat in, dine out, stay up late or crash early. And for someone traveling solo, that freedom matters. It feels like your space. Not just a room for the night.
What I also appreciated was their focus on sustainability. The hotel has LEED Gold and Green Key certifications, which is something I noticed in the details, energy-efficient lighting, thoughtful use of materials, no excess waste. It’s the kind of luxury that’s low-impact, which makes it feel even better.
Service was smooth and understated, which I like. The check-in process was easy, and everyone I interacted with was helpful without being overbearing. I didn’t need much, but I knew I could have asked for anything and been sorted in no time.
If you’re heading to Prague and want somewhere beautiful, central, and comfortable with just the right mix of hotel polish and home-like ease, I’d absolutely recommend The Julius. As a solo traveler, it gave me space, peace, and just enough city pulse to feel connected without being overwhelmed. I came for the location, but I’d come back for how it made me feel grounded, welcome, and free to explore at my own pace.
Dinner at Lokál Dlouhááá - 8 mins from The Julius
After settling into my hotel, I went looking for something casual, comforting, and preferably Czech. I ended up at Lokál Dlouhááá, which came highly recommended and was just an easy 8-minute walk from where I was staying. The moment I stepped inside, I knew I’d found the right place. The vibe was loud, buzzing, and unapologetically local - long wooden benches packed with people, beer flowing like water, and the kind of controlled chaos that only happens in places that truly get it right.
I ordered the svíčková, a classic Czech dish of beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce, served with fluffy bread dumplings and a touch of cranberry on the side. I’d never had anything like it before, it was rich, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying. The kind of meal that makes you want to cancel all evening plans and just sit back in a happy food coma.
Now, I’m not usually a beer person, but I gave in to the local spirit and ordered a dark Czech beer, and let me tell you - it was phenomenal. Smooth, creamy, almost chocolatey, and dangerously easy to drink. Honestly, if all beer tasted like this, I’d reconsider my stance entirely.
While the place gives off a "locals’ pub" energy, the truth is, it’s a bit of a mix these days and probably just as many tourists as locals, despite what some reviews suggest. Still, it hasn’t lost its authenticity. Don’t expect overly friendly or chatty staff, though. It’s not that they’re rude, just efficient and no-nonsense. It’s part of the charm in a way - you’re there to eat, drink, and soak in the atmosphere, not to be pampered.
If it’s full when you arrive (which it often is), head to the back and add your name to the waitlist. Grab a drink and hang out, they’ll call you when a table frees up. The turnover is pretty quick, so you likely won’t be waiting long. When we sat down, the service was actually quicker than expected. Plates came out fast, and the portions? Generous.
Prices are refreshingly reasonable, especially for the center of Prague. You can enjoy a filling, traditional meal and a few pints without feeling like you’ve been ripped off. All in all, Lokál Dlouhááá delivered exactly what I was looking for: hearty food, cold beer, good energy, and a snapshot of real Czech pub culture, even if it’s no longer a total local secret.
Coffee at EMA Espresso Bar - 6 mins away
The next morning, I needed proper coffee, not just any old caffeine fix, but the kind of cup that makes you slow down and enjoy the moment. I walked over to EMA Espresso Bar, just a 6-minute stroll from the hotel, and immediately knew I was in good hands.
EMA has that effortless cool vibe: minimalist interiors, high ceilings, clean lines, and big, beautiful windows that flood the space with light. There are a few small tables inside and a couple more outside, but the window bar is where it’s at, perfect for a solo sit, watching the morning rhythm of Prague roll by.
I ordered a flat white with oat milk and grabbed a croissant (because when in Europe, always croissant). The coffee? Excellent. Balanced, smooth, with beans that clearly weren’t an afterthought. As someone who doesn’t pretend to be a coffee expert but knows a great cup when I have one, this one delivered. And as it turns out, I’m not alone in that opinion. We ended up coming back twice during our time in Prague, and I’d probably go again if I had one more morning to spare. Judging by how full it always was, a lot of other people feel the same way.
The atmosphere is relaxed but purposeful. Locals tapping away on laptops, couples chatting quietly, a steady stream of regulars and curious wanderers. No one’s rushing you out, but the staff keep things moving efficiently behind the bar. They're quick, helpful, and friendly enough not overly chatty, but welcoming in a no-fuss way.
They offer a solid lineup of specialty coffee drinks, teas, and a handful of pastries that go way beyond your average chain fare. If you’re into coffee, I mean really into it, this is a must-visit. Their beans are something special. A guy next to me mentioned he’s a coffee roaster himself and said EMA’s blends are what he strives to match. That says a lot.
The Google rating of 4.6 stars? Absolutely deserved. Prices are fair for what you get, especially considering how good the coffee is and how lovely the space feels. EMA isn’t just a coffee stop - it’s a place you’ll want to build into your Prague mornings.
One Thing I Did: Letná Park Views
Later, I made my way to Letná Park: a bit of a walk (about 25 minutes from the hotel), but totally worth it. There’s this iconic spot where you can see the Vltava River winding through the city, with all the bridges lined up in a perfect row. It’s peaceful, breezy, and gives you that “I’m really here” feeling. I just sat on a bench for a while, watching the city move below. It was the pause I didn’t know I needed.
