Have your parents ever told you that there is no bad weather? Come to think about it, they were not wrong! Spring always feels like a new beginning; the days get warmer and longer.
Summer signifies summer vacation, traveling, going to the beach. You can finally walk around in a t-shirt.
Fall has its own magic that feels like a cup of hot chocolate; it always manages to paint the scenery in its own beautiful colors.
What about winter? Is winter as charming as the other seasons? What about winter in Prague?
Winter in Prague, or Prague in winter, is arguably even more gorgeous than the other seasons. The city feels warm and cozy despite the weather. It feels wonderful to curl up at home with a cup of hot cocoa or sit in a coffee shop and watch people do their Christmas shopping.
If you’re planning a trip to Prague this winter, you better prepare a tightly packed itinerary. Here are some things you shouldn’t miss!
What is the Best Time to Visit Prague?
That is an excellent question! The answer will depend on what you like to do. Prague in summer is packed with young people who come to enjoy the nightlife. You will come across many stag dos and groups of tourists. In winter, the atmosphere is totally different. Even though the weather is cold, it feels warmer in many ways.
The truth is, there is no perfect time to visit Prague. Any time you choose will be ideal if you make it so. Both the warmer and colder months have their charm. You will enjoy Prague in winter a lot more if you don’t like crowds and tourists.
The city is a popular tourist destination in Europe, but most visitors come in the summer months. Prague has a totally different atmosphere in winter. It is cold, and the temperature could drop below 0°C, but you can warm up with mulled wine from Old Town Square! Walk across the Charles Bridge and enjoy the city all to yourself.
Why Visit Prague in Winter?
You Will Have the City for (almost) Yourself
There are many reasons why you should visit Prague in winter. Too many to count! The main reason, of course, is fewer crowds. Prague becomes a breeding ground for tourists in the summer months.
People from all over the world come to enjoy the nice weather and appreciate the architecture. All of that is still available in winter (except for the warm weather), and you don’t have to think about avoiding crowds in the city center.
Prague Never Sleeps Even in Winter
The city doesn’t fall asleep, but it feels like everyone is getting ready for bed. You can still find wild parties and loud get-togethers if you look for them, but the city is quieter. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. Nothing feels better than entering a warm cafe after a long walk and watching the snowfall outside.
Witness Christmas Mood
Prague is very charming in the winter months. The city is incredibly wonderful right before Christmas. Everyone is running around and getting their presents ready in preparation for Christmas. Witnessing that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.
Prague in December
Prague in December is a special treat. For starters, you get to experience the local Christmas atmosphere in its entirety.
What contributes to the atmosphere is the Christmas markets. You will find several Christmas markets in Prague (but more on that later). So get a cup of a warm drink to go and walk around the city center.
The city puts up a giant Christmas tree on the Old Town Square right before Christmas. Locals come to sit around the tree and chat with their loved ones. Enjoy hot food and drinks from local vendors on the street and take pictures by the tree. It’s a view you won’t forget!
Prague in January
Christmas markets run until the first days of January, so you can still see some if you come right at the beginning of the month. But, unfortunately, January marks the beginning of the year, and it is one of the coldest months in the Czech Republic.
If you visit the city then, you are guaranteed almost no tourists. Don’t get frightened by the cold; hot cider will warm you up!
Before the Masopust celebrations that start around Easter, Prague is as tranquil as possible. So greet the beginning of the new year in Prague and take some time to reevaluate your life. The city will offer all the peace and quiet you need.
What is the Weather Like in Prague in Winter?
January is usually the coldest month in Prague. In March, the weather starts to warm up. The temperatures often drop below 0 degrees Celsius, all the way down to -15 degrees. Most days, you will find that the temperature will stay around 0.
Snowfall is not common in Prague, but you’ll see lots of snow if you venture out into the countryside. In Prague, snow only falls a few days out of the year. So you will experience the first snowfall in December already!
When the first snowfalls, the city looks magical. It might be a bit inconvenient for people who like to travel by car, as the roads get slippery. Other than that, life is not affected by snow in Prague. You will only see how much it adds to the already breathtaking scenery. My tip is: dress warm and don’t forget your snow boots!
What to Do in Prague in Winter
Prague in winter is a work of art. However, you can’t just sit in your hotel all day, drink coffee, and look outside the window. Though that may sound appealing to some, it will quickly get boring.
If you don’t know how to spend your days in Prague, follow our list! These activities are suitable for couples, families, groups, and solo travelers.
Enjoy a Charles Bridge Walk
Walking along the Charles Bridge is one of the most romantic things you can do in Prague. Want to make it even more romantic? Walk the bridge at sunset! Surely, your better half will appreciate the gesture. While you’re on the bridge, you can learn a little bit about Czech history.
The bridge was initially built to connect two parts of the city. Now, it is a popular tourist attraction. You won’t see cars on that bridge, as it’s only for pedestrians. Charles Bridge gets very busy in the summer months, so enjoy it while you can!
Enjoy the View and Visit the Prague Castle
The Prague Castle offers one of the most breathtaking views of the city. You’ll find that it’s not located too far from the center. You can take a tram to the stop Malostranska and walk up from there. Believe me, it is worth the walk!
First of all, the castle is one of the largest castle complexes in Europe! It is as grandiose as it sounds. It also gives you a fantastic view of Prague. If you don’t feel like visiting the castle’s interiors, you should at least get a coffee at the local Starbucks and enjoy the view.
If you’re up for a meal, book a table at Kuchyn. The restaurant serves Czech food and the best views. However, it does get pretty busy, so you probably won’t get in without a reservation.
Discover Christmas Markets
Depending on where you’re staying, you will find several Christmas markets. The main one is, of course, at Old Town Square. That’s where the tree is too. So you can combine a little shopping, drinking, and walking on the square.
Get a warm drink, walk around the Christmas market, buy some souvenirs for your loved ones, and take a picture by the tree. Another popular location is Wenceslas Square. Finally, you will find many stands by the New Yorker store. That’s where you can snack on some sugared almonds and look at local art.
While you’re in the center, you can also visit the Christmas market at Republic Square. Find the Christmas market right in front of the Palladium shopping mall.
Go Ice Skating at Night
Ice skating is a popular activity among children and adults alike. You will find many teenagers, adults, and even little kids at local ice skating rinks. However, people rarely go there to practice their ice skating or show off. Instead, everybody is there to have fun, drink something warm, and enjoy some physical activity.
Czechs are pretty active all year round, so they wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity to get out of the house. You can join them! You don’t need your own ice skates; just borrow a pair from the rink.
The most central ice skating rink is located on the street called Ovocny Trh, parallel to Na Prikope street. Another one is located in Dejvice, not far from the NTK library.
Watch a Concert Performance
Czech people love Christmas concerts! Attending a Christmas concert is a sure way to get into the spirit of the holidays. Check the schedule in the National Theatre. You will find shows like The Nutcracker shown all throughout December.
Smaller theatres have impressive performances too! You can visit the opera, watch a ballet, or even go to the cinema to enjoy a new Christmas blockbuster. Whatever you choose, don’t forget some themed snacks. That brings us to our next point…
Try Czech Food
Czech food is delicious, meaty, and heavy. Trust me when I say you will not leave the restaurant feeling hungry. You might ask for seconds, but you will undoubtedly leave feeling full and satisfied.
That being said, Czech cuisine is not vegetarian-friendly. Meat eaters will feel in heaven, while vegetarians will have to look for restaurants of other cuisines. Here are 3 dishes you shouldn’t miss:
Goulash
Many countries in Central and Eastern Europe have claimed ownership over goulash. Austria, Germany, Hungary, Czechia… It doesn’t matter who created it, but Czechs know how to cook it well. Goulash is a beef stew with paprika. It is usually served as a sauce with meat slices and dumplings or as a soup.
Svickova
Svickova consists of slices of beef covered in a creamy sauce. The meal is served with traditional Czech dumplings, some cranberry jam, and whipped cream. Odd combination, I know, but believe me, it works!
Enjoy the City on a River Cruise
A river cruise will show you the city from a different perspective. You will see the bridges that connect the two parts of Prague. Along the Vltava river, you will find many beautiful and significant buildings, like the Ministry of Transport and the biggest nightclub in Central Europe!
Besides, river cruises in Prague offer fantastic entertainment on board. You can enjoy some traditional Czech food, have a pint of lovely local beer, listen to some live music, and more. Booking a river cruise is a sure way to spend some time relaxing while enjoying beautiful sights.
Plan Museum Tours
If you like learning about the culture of the places you visit, you shouldn’t miss Prague museums. You can find out a lot about the country, its people, customs, and history through local museums. But, of course, the Czech Republic has a rich history too, so you’ve got a lot to learn! Here are 3 museums that you simply cannot miss:
National Museum
That’s an obvious one, but it’s really worth a visit! The unofficial tour starts outside. First, admire the exterior of the building that was recently renovated. Inside, you will find some changing exhibitions and some permanent ones. Many are focused on life in the Czech Republic.
National Technical Museum
The National Technical Museum is located next to Letna Park. It is a famous museum among children and adults of all ages. That’s how you know it’s actually interesting! In this museum, you will find exhibitions concerning the history of technology in the Czech Republic. For example, look at vehicles and household appliances that represent technological progress in the country.
Czech Museum of Music
Czechia has a rich history when it comes to world-renowned musicians. If you know anything about music, you must have heard of Bedrich Smetana and Antonin Dvorak. However, you can get a little closer to your favorite composers by visiting the Czech Museum of Music. The museum organizes classical music concerts too, so don’t miss that!
Take a Free Walking Tour
The best way to experience European cities is through walking. Prague is no exception. You’ll get to know all the ins and outs of the town if you just walk it. The city’s center is pretty small, so you won’t get lost. Even if you get lost, you will also find a lovely coffee shop or pub that will make it all worth it.
If you take sightseeing seriously but don’t want a boring tour of the tourist attractions, take a walking tour! This website offers free walking tours of Prague in English and Spanish. Register for a tour online, enjoy the city, and make some friends!
Take Amazing Pictures
Prague is the city of views. If beautiful views are essential to you, you will find that Prague offers a lot. Of course, you probably also want to take pictures, but you’d rather avoid the super essential and touristy places. Everybody has a photo on the Old Town Square; that’s boring! Here are some unique spots for amazing pictures in Prague:
U Prince terrace
The U Prince restaurant is located near Old Town Square. The restaurant boasts a lovely drinks menu and delicious local cuisine. That’s all fine and great, but all the fun happens upstairs. Walk into the restaurant and take the elevator all the way up. Then, Ta-da, you have the best view of Old Town Square!
Copyright: U Prince Terrace
The crazy thing is, even locals don’t know about this place, so you can snap a truly unique picture. Pro tip: if you’d like a cocktail, go down to Black Angels bar located in the same building. You can’t take pictures there, but it will be a memorable experience nonetheless.
T-Anker terrace
This restaurant is located on the roof of the Kotva shopping mall, not far from Republic Square. Once again, it’s a beautiful restaurant with delicious Czech food and traditional Czech beer. If you keep walking into the building, you will find another terrace that belongs to Fashion Club.
Copyroght: T-Anker terrace
Both offer great views of the city. Sure, the place is a bit mainstream. You’ll see lots of people taking pictures there, but that’s how you know it’s good, right?
Letna park
The Letna park and beer garden are lovely places to visit in the summer. Enjoy a pint of beer in the shadow of the trees from a hill overlooking the center of Prague. The beer might not be as well appreciated in the winter, but the view is still breathtaking.
The park is located a bridge away from the center of the city. Get up there and walk along the river. Once you reach the viewpoint, you’ll understand what it’s all about!
Take Day Trips from Prague
Prague might be the capital of the Czech Republic, but it’s not the only exciting city in the country! So if you’ve got some extra time, venture out of the town and visit a nearby village.
Cesky Krumlov
This is a popular destination among tourists and locals alike. Cesky Krumlov houses one of the most beautiful castle complexes in the country. It’s located only 2 hours away from Prague. You can get there by bus or rent a car.
Brno
Brno is one of the biggest cities in the Czech Republic. The Moravian region is famous for its delicious wine and beautiful nature. If you like either or both, don’t hesitate to take a trip to Brno. It will take you approximately 2 hours to get there by bus, but it’ll all be worth it!
What to Wear in Prague in Winter?
Prague can get quite cold and snowy in winter. For that reason, I strongly recommend a warm winter jacket.
Make sure your jacket is waterproof (in case of rain or heavy snowfall), long (so that your legs stay warm), and has a hood to cover your head.
You won’t appreciate the jacket in shopping malls with heating, but you’ll be glad you’re wearing a warm coat when you’re sitting by the Christmas tree on the Old Town Square, sipping mulled wine.
Another item you shouldn’t forget about is gloves. A scarf and hat are necessities during Prague winter. A good pair of shoes will only make you more comfortable.
Don’t even think about bringing your pair of sneakers! They won’t survive the Prague cold.
How to Get Around in Prague?
Much like other European capitals, Prague has an excellent infrastructure. The 3 main modes of transportation are trams, busses, and the metro.
The metro is the fastest, while trams allow you to gaze out the window and enjoy the city. In addition, public transportation is quite budget-friendly. You can buy a tram ticket on tram stops, inside trams and busses, and using your phone (find the instructions inside trams).
If you prefer a more personalized approach to travel, you can take Uber. A popular alternative to Uber is Bolt. There are local taxi companies in Prague too, but their prices tend to be much higher. Those who like to drive can register in car-sharing services.
Where to Stay in Prague?
Penzion Alice
Those looking for a budget-friendly option will find Penzion Alice an excellent choice. It is located between the city’s center and the trendy neighborhood Karlin. So take a stroll to Karlin in the morning and find yourself in one of the many urban coffee shops.
Copyright: Pension Alice
Vienna House Andel’s Prague
This hotel is located in Smichov, next to an enormous shopping mall. It takes approximately 15 minutes to get to the city center by tram. It would take around the same time to walk to Lesser Town and the Charles Bridge.
Copyright: Vienna House Andel’s Prague
Prague Marriott Hotel
If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, you can stay at Prague Marriott Hotel. The hotel was recently renovated, so it is brand new! It’s located right in the city’s center, not far from Republic Square.
What is Good to Know Before Visiting Prague?
One thing that you should know before visiting Prague is that you might not get along with the people right away.
They may seem rude or unwelcoming at first. But, unfortunately, that is the curse of all countries that fell under the rule of Soviet Russia.
As the Czech Republic is recovering from that, the younger generation is much more welcoming. So don’t get discouraged if the waiter gives you a bad attitude. Instead, accept it as part of the original Prague experience!
Final Words about Prague in Winter
Prague is beautiful all year round; you can’t go wrong! However, winter just has its own unique charm. So if you’re thinking about celebrating Christmas or greeting the New Year in Prague, don’t hesitate! There are so many things to do and see that are not even in this guide.
Start with our list and see where it takes you. Prague is the city of magic. Add to that the magic of the holiday season and let some magic into your life!
Read also: Belgium in Winter
