Female dining alone at night in Budapest, Prague & Vienna. Need some reasuurance.
 

I'll be traveling alone for the first time in July, and I do feel comfortable with the notion in general. However,I'm begining to feel a bit apprehensive about going to restaurants at night by myself. I've been to Budpest and Prague before, but I've never dined alone at night. I just want to belnd in, get a decent table and enjoy a nice, early meal. Will I face any problems trying to do this?

I haven't been to those destinations but certainly other places in Europe & always travel alone & don't think twice about dining alone. I have for years & never bring a book to read.

A friend of mine here did return a couple months ago from Prague & Vienna & was alone & didn't mention any problems. She also always travels alone.

So go, enjoy your dinner & don't think twice.

I've spent a whole week in Prague by myself and had no problem dining alone or walking at night. It seemed worse for men walking by themselves at night in some areas though, with unwelcome advances by prostitutes!

Though I haven't been to the cities you specify, I am on a three month trip dinning alone twice a day - no problem. You've nothing to be ashamed of - your money is as good as anyone elses. Leave your book in your bag and let the people watching commence! Never shy away from a nice glass of wine and/or dessert and don't rush either.

Have fun and be confident (or just pretend to be confident as a start).

Enjoy your trip,

Murphy

While all the reassurances above are valid, your money is as good as, etc.
Remember, in every city in all the world, reside women who, at that moment, don't have a companion and get hungry.
You'll be fine. I haven't been to those cities either, yet, but Paris was easy as pie.

Thanks to all of you who replied. I do feel much better now. My main concern was not so much being alone, but I wondered how I would be received in the restaurants. I guess the pre-trip jitters are starting. I will remind myself that my money spends like everyone else's, and I suppose after I dine alone once that I'll be fine for the rest of the trip. Thanks again!

You could take yourself out to dinner in your own home town, some place nice, for a trial run?

Sometimes singles don't get the best tables (I have never been to the cities you mention but do travel solo often), it's true. But no one has ever been truly unwelcoming.

I prefer to pick more casual restaurants because I'm comfortable there. And I do bring along a book, or local entertainment guide, or something to read in case I feel awkward.

Also I don't order skimpy and usually break the ice with the waiter by immediately getting my wine order in!

Other people have made fun of this suggestion, but some evenings if I'm tired, I find decent to-go food, buy a bottle of wine, maybe a single dessert, and head back to my hotel room to kick back and watch local TV. No shame in that. You don't need to force yourself to eat in a restaurant every night if you're not in the mood.

Thanks, suze! I hadn't thought of it that way--I don't have to eat in a restaurant every single night. While I will definitely try a new restaurant in each city, there is no reason for me not to grab some great local food and relax in my pajamas a couple of nights if I want to. I guess I was worried about somehow "missing" part of the experience, but now I think that looking around and shopping for a little take out food would be fun! In fact, now I'm excited about doing that, too! Many thanks!

You're most welcome. Like I said people have treated this idea before like I was some pity case, but traveling is exhausting sometimes. Checking out local delis and markets is fun. I sometimes buy flowers for the room. And get a big kick out of silly local TV shows.

I think it's actually easier to dine alone at a restaurant in Europe than in US. I liked Ceska Kuchyne on 23 Havelska street. It's informal, authentic food, lots of locals.

Pack a corkscrew

I traveled alone in Italy last year for the very first time and loved it! My suggestion is to go to an outdoor cafe (weather permitting). It is more relaxed and people seem to freely talk from table to table. I never felt lonely and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Just remember that you are taking up a table for two, so order a decent meal (not just an appetizer)and tip accordingly.

Have a great time!

Cloygirl

I agree with Anya--I find that as a solo diner, I can slide in and get a table (at the bar, in the corner, next to a pillar, whatever) immediately, whereas when I'm with people I would require advance reservations.

If you don't take a corkscrew, buy it there as a souvenier... Fix up your hotel dresser with a few treats. Even a dresser scarf of some sort. A bit off topic, but a comfortable room to return to is a wonderful (re)treat.

Thanks, ladies, for all your tips and encouragement! This issue is now officially crossed off my mental list of concerns. Y'all are the best!

Hi lucy, I love Suze's idea of making your hotel room more comfortable. Think about buying some flowers at one of the local markets also..at least in Italy the flowers at the markets are so inexpensive. It is such a nice touch for your hotel room.

I have the same concerns as I will be traveling to budapest alone at the end of this month. I'm hoping the people watching will make it easier to eat alone.