Prague is famously appreciated for its eclectic architecture and monumental historical treasures. No matter if you are visiting Prague in Winter or another time, the rich atmosphere invites the curious and adventurous. Not to mention, it is without a doubt one of Europe’s most exciting cities to visit.
It goes without saying that Prague has become an iconic travel destination for some of the world’s elite. Prague is a staple in Europe for both business and pleasure. There is no shortage of things to do in Prague, from a thriving, colorful nightlife to luxurious shopping opportunities and more.
As the capital of the Czech Republic, it has been nicknamed the City of a Hundred Spires. Colorful baroque architecture, gothic churches, and a medieval astronomical clock are only a few of the many attractions to explore. If you are a curious traveler, keep reading for some insight on the best that Prague has to offer.
When is the best time to visit Prague?
The winter season tends to be a favorite time of year for visiting Prague. Most tourists and locals look forward to the dreamy snow-filled streets. The scenery makes for a charming fairytale vibe or romantic setting. Prague is one of the most magical places to explore in the wintertime.
Regardless of which winter month, it is wise to prepare for the harsh winters ahead in Prague. Ideally, you want to come with enough layers to keep yourself warm. I recommend bundling up to avoid catching a cold.
With the proper attire, start the season off right with some of these popular attractions. It tends to snow during the winter months, making it that much colder. There is never a lack of winter fun with cheerful Christmas markets, exciting Czech holiday traditions, and more.
Visiting Prague in December
While it is rare to have snowfall during December, the temperatures can still reach below freezing. With that said, expect cold temperatures as low as 32° and often reaching temperatures of 40°. On average, there are about 2 hours of sunshine every day.
December is likely the most popular month to visit Prague despite the cold temperatures. During this time, you can expect many traditional celebrations that take place around the city. Such traditions include St. Nicholas Eve, Christmas markets, and even a New Year celebration.
Visiting Prague in January
The winter season in Prague typically lasts from December to February, with January being the coldest. Temperatures can reach as low as 29° and as high as 37°. These low temperatures call for plenty of snowfall at least every two days or so.
Some consider January the best time to visit Prague in the winter. It truly brings out the magic and charm of the city. If you are looking to avoid crowds, January is one of the best times to visit Prague. Ultimately, if you book a trip to Prague in January, expect to be greeted by a winter wonderland.
Things to do in Prague in the Winter
Admire the Lamplights of Charles Bridge
Believe it or not, the infamous Charles Bridge is still powered by gas. Additionally, you’ll find over 700 other gas lamps sprinkled throughout the city in its most historic areas. Typically, the lamp lights automatically turn on as soon as the sun starts to set.
However, things play out a bit differently during the winter months. From December 1st to December 23rd, a lamplighter will manually light the gas lamps on the bridge. The lighting happens on a daily basis in December at 4 pm.
Back in the 19th century, this act would occur for all public lighting across the city. In remembrance, this tradition is upheld in spirit for the Charles Bridge.
Explore the Prague Castle
Since starting construction in 870, the Prague Castle has been one of the city’s historical treasures for over millennia. In December, you can catch the ‘Story of Prague Castle’ exhibition. The exhibition reminds visitors of the Czech Republic’s national history, linking the past with the present.
Stroll through Old Town
Walk the charming cobblestone streets of the infamous Old Town, home to several landmarks of Prague. Some historical monuments include the Astronomical Clock, the intricate Gothic Church of Our Lady Before, Tyn, to name a few.
One of the most iconic town gates is at the eastern entrance, known as the Powder Tower. The tower stands tall at a whopping 65 meters and was originally a gunpowder store. From stunning architecture to tasty cuisine, Old Town embodies the spirit of Prague.
Discover the Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter of Prague sits in between the Old Town and the Vltava River, where six synagogues sit. Other remarkable features include the Jewish Ceremonial Hall, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Jewish Museum in Prague. The quarter also serves as the birthplace of the famous Bohemian Jewish novelist Franz Kafka.
Feed the animals at the Prague Zoo
For my animal-loving friends, the Prague Zoo is worth checking out. Unlike some zoos, the Prague Zoo is open from 9 am to 4 pm during the winter months. There are dedicated sessions where visitors can feed the animals while learning fascinating facts about them. The zoo is home to several species, including Polar Bears, Antelope, Penguins, and much more.
Celebrate winter with Ice Skating
What better way to celebrate the winter months than with a trip to the ice skating rink. Prague has several outdoor and indoor skating rinks to check out. One of Prague’s best ice skating rinks is at the Fruit Market in Prague Old Town. This skating rink resembles a genuine fairytale setting, and it is free to skate until late evening.
Historically, Prague has an ice hockey tradition, so ice skating comes naturally. When the Vltava River freezes over, do not be surprised to see locals skating around.
Go for a joyride on the Christmas Trams
Give your legs a break from the walking and hop on one of the Christmas Trams. The Trams are fully decorated with lights to help set the wintry, festive tone. Keep in mind that the lights last until the Three Kings Day on January 6. Some routes offer an extensive scenic route that travels past Prague’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Prague Castle and Charles Bridge.
Get a taste of Prague’s cafe culture
Back in the old days, officials would meet up at local cafes to discuss national matters. The importance of these brainstorming sessions led to the significance behind some of these cafes today. These cafes are known locally as the “Grand Cafe Houses” and are one of the traditional things to do in Prague.
Blow some steam and relax at the Sauna
For centuries, saunas have been an all-time favorite tradition in the Czech Republic. Visitors of all ages seek saunas to relax and promote health and wellness. These soothing attractions can be found in wellness centers, spas, aqua parks, and swimming pools. If you are looking to blow some steam after a long day of exploring, head to one of these saunas. Although, it is helpful to remember that nudity is not uncommon.
Take a River Cruise on Vltava River
The Vltava River is the longest river in the Czech Republic, spanning around 267 miles. Locals refer to it as the Czech National River and have become a lifeline of Prague over time. The river sets the stage for several events throughout the year, such as concerts and festivals.
During the warmer months, visitors can rent paddle boats to take out on the water. When winter comes around, this activity is no longer available. However, the city offers winter cruises on an all-enclosed, heated boat. These cruises typically run for about one hour and travel under the Charles Bridge with 360 picturesque views.
Cross-country skiing in one place
A ski trip is a must when visiting Prague in winter. This activity is best to embark on during the snowy month of January. The best part is Prague has several trails and parks where guests can use skis or snowshoes to move about.
One of the largest parks is Ladronka, where plenty of open space and trails are ready for exploring. Equipment rentals are available for the best experience possible.
Join the Masopust celebration
Also known as the Carnival period, Masopust is another way to explore Prague in the winter. The celebration typically falls around January 5th or 6th, between the Twelfth Night and Ash Wednesday. If you are not sure what to do when in Prague, check out one of the Masopust parades.
The experience is one-of-a-kind and typically includes a ceremonial dancing of masked characters and puppets. The parades and celebrations tend to reach Town Hall, and all ages are welcome to attend.
Get in the Christmas spirit at the Christmas Markets
Discover the Christmas Markets between November 28th and January 6th. Unlike other holiday markets in other countries, Prague’s Christmas Markets are open for longer. The market features hundreds of vendors that offer anything from handmade crafts, wooden puppets, houseware, and so much more.
Not to mention, the market is packed with plenty of food and beverage stalls to help get visitors in the holiday spirit. There is always something to satisfy everyone’s sweet and savory cravings, from smoked dumplings to spicy gingerbread.
The main Christmas market takes place in the Old Town Square with the largest Christmas tree. At 4:30 pm every day, the market opens to the public, and the holiday fun begins.
Visit the St. Vitus Cathedral
Prague’s most iconic church is the St. Vitus Cathedral, and it sits in the Prague Castle Complex. The church exudes Gothic architecture and features the tombs of several Bohemian Kings and Roman Emperors. The cathedral also happens to be the largest temple in Prague.
Explore the Spanish Synagogue
The infamous Spanish Synagogue located in the Jewish Quarter symbolizes architectural beauty. The interior is decked out with elaborate detailing, from tile work to gold leafing. The view is quite literally jaw-dropping and one of the peaceful things to do in Prague.
Visit the Terezin Concentration Camp
Take a day trip to the Terezin Concentration Camp, one of the largest camps of the Nazi regime. It has become one of Prague’s most treasured landmarks, with over 33,000 lives lost. As tragic as the camp’s past is, it stands today as a symbol of hope during those dark times.
Learn the history of Prague
The Prague National Museum highlights Prague’s most pivotal historical moments, dating back to the Roman Empire. The museum sits in the heart of Wenceslas Square and features a diversity of the nation’s historical collections. The museum was initially founded in 1818 and was once known as the Raffles Museum.
Check out the Medieval Astronomical Clock
Prague is home to one of the world’s oldest operating astronomical clocks, located in Old Town Prague. The clock was first established in 1410, and on every hour, 12 apostles pass through the window above the dial. Legend has it that the clock is cursed by its clockmaker as an act of revenge on the town’s counselors.
Uncover the charm of Kutńa Hora
Kutńa Hora is a famous medieval town outside of Prague that is small enough to explore in a day. It was the second most important city of Bohemia at one point in time. It is home to UNESCO World Heritage Site St. Barbara’s Cathedral and the macabre Bone Church. The bone church is indeed filled with human bones composed in peculiar sculptures.
Gaze upon Petrin Tower
The Petrin Tower stands tall at 63.5 meters and sits on top of Petrin Hill. The steel tower was initially built in 1891 and reminded visitors of the Eiffel Tower. Make the trip up the tower by cable car or embark on a 35-minute hike.
There are approximately 300 steps to the observation deck if you choose to travel by foot. At one point in time, the tower was used as a transmission tower. It is now recognized as one of Prague’s most popular attractions.
Remember the Jewish Cemetery of Prague
Centuries ago, Prague had a decent Jewish population among the city. Although, the residents were limited to a small area of the town. They were granted only a small piece of land for a cemetery to remember those who passed. There are now thousands of tombstones that populate the small area. Guests can visit the cemetery in Prague Jewish Quarter to pay their respects for the lives lost.
Wander around the Wenceslas Square
Located at the center of New Town Prague sits Wenceslas Square. The center is filled with shops, restaurants, breweries, and cafes, making it a lively area for fun. A statue of King Wenceslas greets visitors at the front of the National Museum.
The Ugliest building in the world
In all of the beauty Prague has to offer, the capital also has its eyesores, though it is popular. The Zizkov TV Tower makes the top 10 list of ugliest buildings in the world. It’s hard to miss considering the drastic contrast among the rest of the city’s architecture.
This building makes the list of what to do when in Prague for its symbolism. The structure resembles what the Soviet Union pictured Prague’s future to look like. The tower features a few observation decks and provides a picturesque view of the city.
Thriving nightlife in Prague
Prague in winter is one thing, but Prague nightlife is year round. Regardless of freezing temperatures, the party scene continues to thrive. Whether visiting Prague in December or January, expect lively pub crawls, bumping clubs, and more. Prague is famous for many things, and one of them is the city’s nightlife.
Catch some world-class musical performances
Another appreciation of Prague is its rich musical history. A visit to Prague in winter calls for an evening of breathtaking performances. In December, locals can catch some classics such as The Nutcracker Ballet or Swan Lake. Other modern performances include orchestras and choirs with plenty of shows throughout the winter months. Those who are not too keen on musical performances can enjoy the stunning architecture of the theatres and opera buildings.
Satisfy cravings at traditional Czech food stands
Get a taste of authentic Czech cuisine at one of the many food stands that post up around the city. Prague is also famous for its flavorful street-food creations, especially in the chilly month of December. Once the holiday season rolls around, the streets are swarming with an overwhelming amount of edible options.
Shopping sprees in Prague
In the spirit of giving, Prague’s residents reduce their high-quality handmade crafts to shockingly low prices. These mini treasures make for the perfect Christmas gift, whether a mug, key chain, magnet, or other handcrafted items. A popular item among the shopping streets is hand-carved marionettes.
Celebrate Christmas with the locals
If you haven’t noticed yet, Christmas is a favorite among locals who reside in Prague. The capital goes all in on its celebrations for the festive holiday. From decorated cobblestone streets to massive Christmas trees, Prague wastes no expense.
When the day disappears and night rises, the city stays on. Christmas carolers can be heard over the bustling crowd as you stroll through the streets.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Prague
End the year on a solid note in Prague, surrounded by lively charm and high spirits. New Year takes the cake for one of the city’s busiest times out of the holiday season. The city comes to life as folks from all around the capital stay out late to celebrate the new year.
At the peak of January 1, the city of Prague launches a full-blown firework show over the Vltava River. Due to the hype around the holiday, I recommend booking festivities in advance as things tend to sell out quickly.
Visit the Ancient Medieval Town Cesky Krumlov
On the outskirts of Prague sits Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This charming little place features cobblestone streets, brightly colored architecture, and rustic eateries. Not to mention, you can get some of the most captivating views of Prague from here. Ideally, I recommend spending around two days or so visiting Cesky Krumlov.
Take a selfie at the Lennon Wall
Without a doubt, the Lennon Wall is likely the most popular spot for photography. Locals and tourists alike gather to gawk at the wall of art throughout the year. It can tend to get busy, although traffic dies down significantly during winter. I recommend visiting the wall earlier in the day to get the perfect photo.
See the peacocks of Vojanovy Sady
A great benefit to visiting Prague in the winter is fewer crowds, meaning more wildlife. The Vojanovy Sady park is home to a few free-roaming and friendly peacocks. It’s easier to catch a good glimpse of the peacocks at this time when there are fewer people around. Since they are around people regularly, they are less afraid. The park itself is a peaceful setting to sit back and relax.
Walk down to Vysehrad Castle
Vysehrad Castle sits southeast of Prague Castle. Rumour has it that the very spot the Vysehrad Castle rests is where Prague was initially built. During winter, visitors can catch fairytale views of Prague from the scenic balcony. This castle is a favorite hidden gem among locals and tourists.
Explore Golden Lane
Also known as the Playground for Alchemists, the Golden Lane is an exciting mystery. The street was originally built in the 16th century. Today, the road is home to several tiny brightly-colored houses dating back to the 1950s. Franz Kafka once called this street his home in house number 22.
Where To Stay In Prague
Prague is a popular destination for all sorts of travelers from backpackers to holiday makers and digital nomads. There is a whole bunch of accommodation options regardless of your budget, although the good ones get chop up fast during peak season. Here are some well rated accommodations in Prague to consider.
Hostels in Prague
Hostel One Home: Conveniently located near the train station and 10 minutes away from the Old Town Square, this is a clean and cozy hostel that is good for socialising and party. It is popular among solo travelers who are looking to hang out with other travelers.
Hostel DownTown: Color and fun hostel in central Prague, close to some of the key highlight landmarks in Prague. There are spacious common areas to mingle with others and events everyday.
Hostel Elf: A classic hostel with funky decorations with fun and homely vibe that has been around for a long time. It is a 20 minute walk from Old Town but the hostel really prides itself on the atmosphere and social events they create among guests.
Mid Range Accommodations in Prague
Don Giovanni Hotel Prague: Not in the most central location compared to others but easy access to the metro and city center. Spacious and nice 4 star hotel with a range of amenities including restaurant, bar and garden. Good for business or leisure travelers, and known for having a good breakfast.
Metropolitan Old Town Hotel: Great location in old town of Prague. While the decoration is more classic, the hotel is newly renovated and provides access to a lot of facilities with their sports and spa centre.
Pytloun Boutique Hotel Prague: A design boutique hotel in the centre of Prague, on Wenceslass Square. The hotel feature modern, stylish rooms that offers views of Wenceslass Square or Franciscan Gardens. Price is on the higher end of mid range.
Luxury Accommodations in Prague
Hotel KINGS COURT: Centrally located in Prague, next to the Art-Nouveau Municipal House with convenient access to key city highlights. The historic facade of the hotel gives an impressive presence, while also featuring a relatively modern interior design. Lots of amenities including pool, spa and sauna.
COSMOPOLITAN Hotel Prague: Beautiful modern luxury boutique hotel. This 5 star hotel is housed in a historic building from the 1880s. They have taken advantage of this by creating a unique combination of historical elements and modern design to give a luxury feel.
