Hello,

I am planning a trip in early July to Germany and will be going to Berlin for work. Afterward, I wanted to go somewhere for a few days to have a short vacation. I am thinking about either Amsterdam or Prague. I can afford about 3-4 days maximum and will be traveling by myself (late 20s, single female from North America). I would like to take a train from Berlin rather than fly.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to which city would be better in this circumstances? I want somewhere where I am going to feel safe. Also, any suggestions on attractions or places to stay that are good for solo female travelers would be helpful.

Thanks!

I've not been to Prague but Amsterdam is easy and comfortable for a solo traveler. Three or four days sounds about right to me. I only had a couple of days on my way back from Rwanda, and I made the most of them. It will be light until late in July, which will be perfect for walking.

I stayed in an itsy-bitsy single at the Toren. It's heavily <i>designed</i> but I enjoyed it. Good location, friendly staff, extremely comfortable beds, rooms with Nepresso coffee makers, good breakfast.

http://www.thetoren.nl/index.php?lang=EN

A few pics of my room in this gallery:

http://www.pbase.com/leelygoes/rwand...herlands_accom

I'd say Amsterdam, it's a relaxed and relaxing place with lots of attractions and places to comfortably sit and watch your surroundings. Prague is more grey and austere, more of an inside kind of place, not so many inviting eating and drinking possibilities. It feels harsher to me, while Amsterdam is all wandering by canals in a casual atmosphere.

<b>tarquin</b>: Prague grey and austere? Not so many eating and drinking possibilities? More of an inside kind of place?

I take it you've not been back since the Velevet Revolution. It'll be warmer than Amsterdam in July (i.e hot) and as lively and as it ever is (i.e incredibly).

To be honst Sarah you've to decide two great cities, both equally "easy" for a solo US woman to travel within; safe, welcoming, easy to negotiate, with friendly locals many of whom speak English.

If it were me I'd pick Prague, but that's just a personal preference and becasue I loved living and working there for six months in my twenties. But you can't go wrong in either. Flip a coin perhaps?

Dr D.

Prague is lovely ,but I would go to Amsterdam...

I've been to both and don't think it makes a bit of difference in terms of being a single female (which I was). I prefer Prague for lots of reasons, but that issue had nothing to do with it.

I don't share tarquin's feelings about Prague, if anything, I think Prague is easier and more of a casual, outdoors place than Amsterdam. One isn't any greyer than the other, that depends on the weather (and Amsterdam can sure be grey in the winter) and time of year.

Prague is gorgeous- and unique in that it's the only sizable city in central europe not destroyed in WWII - since Chamberlain handed Czech over to Hitler. The Old Town is beautiful and there are a hos of wonderful sights. Also a great music scene. Amsterdam is cute but IMHO Prague has a lot more to do/see.

I've been to both as a solo woman, I loved both, and I think 3 or 4 days would work well for either city. I think you can choose whichever one you most want to see. Enjoy!

I have been to both as a single female, and although I enjoyed Prague, I loved Amsterdam.

Unfortunately, this is one of those questions that noone can answer for you. For that matter, you won't know which one you prefer until and unless you visit both cities. In terms of safety, I felt safe in both cities.

If there is anything that might slightly tip the scales, for me Prague had more of a romantic vibe and I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had been with a boyfriend or husband. I didn't feel that way either time I visited Amsterdam. I also thought Prague was a bit cold and austere, and I don't mean in terms of weather. I know others feel quite differently.

I think you will have a good time whichever city you pick.