Best Things to Do in Prague in Winter
As locals, we want to show you in this complete travel guide why Prague in winter is a wonderful place to visit. Learn about Christmas Markets, the best things to do in the wintertime, what to expect, where to stay, and what to pack during December, January, and February when the cold weather hits the country. In this post, we will cover all the essential things to know before planning your winter trip to the capital city of Czechia!
It's a peaceful Sunday morning, and the snow had been falling all night in Prague. The sun is about to rise over the snow-covered roofs and hundreds of spires, we left the Old Town and Charles Bridge behind us, and we are now climbing a short hill to Prague Castle.
It's too early and so cold, that we bearly meet anyone in the streets.
Now and then, a small flake lands on our nose, and we can hear that the snow is softly cracking under our feet, and that puts a smile on our face.
We arrive at Hradcanske Namesti just in time for the perfect sunrise and intensively enjoy the peaceful atmosphere we rarely have the opportunity to soak up in Prague, a city which has been lately one of the most popular destinations in Europe.
It's really cold, and we are freezing, but the views were worth all the effort, and we are just enjoying ourselves, with a cup of hot tea in mind, which is awaiting us at home. What a start of the day!
Welcome to Prague, a magical place all year round, but especially in winter.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM VISITING PRAGUE IN WINTER
If you are wondering how Prague in winter looks like, you are in the right place. The ambiguous feeling is probably the most accurate description of our relationship with winter in Prague.
But as we live here it will probably differ from your holiday experience.
Winter can be one of the best times for exploring Prague, and the worst at the same time. Well, how is that even possible?
When the fresh snow starts to fall, it covers the cobblestone streets and metal spires and red roofs in a blanket of white, creating a postcard wonderland that you will immediately fall in love with. It's simply one of the best times to visit Prague, as the city turns into a magical fairyland.
However, if the dull gray clouds gather above the city and the temperature rises, melting snow creates a dark mess in the streets, and when you haven't seen the sun in fourteen days straight, you can feel your mood sinking.
But you know what, you can always turn bad weather to your advantage. Of course, if you know how and if you know what are the best things to do in Prague in winter when the weather is not favorable, except for the classic touristy stuff everyone wants to see and do in the city of hundred spires.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT PRAGUE IN WINTER
One of the most overlooked things to consider when planning your trip to Prague in winter we haven't seen mentioned anywhere is that days are substantially shorter between November and February.
December has the shortest days in Prague, and we even have a beautiful proverb here in the Czech Republic that goes 'Lucie sips the night away but the day stays the same'. This basically means that when Lucie has names day on December 13th, the day is the shortest in a year.
In summer, you get 16 hours of daylight, in winter only 8. Now that's quite a difference.
And you might think that this is not as bad as it sounds, but we can put this information in a context. In the middle of December, the sunset in Prague is at 3:58 PM. Fast forward to June, and the sun disappears below the horizon at 9:15 PM. The time difference is staggering, and you should be well aware of that.
For some, it might be a no big deal, for others, this is a dealbreaker when planning a trip to Prague.
For this particular reason, winter in Prague is a perfect time for museums, shopping, eating out or culture. Those who love to take long evening strolls in the center or those who cannot imagine holidays without night photo opportunities will have a blast here as well.
IS DECEMBER OR JANUARY A GOOD TIME TO VISIT PRAGUE?
Prague is an all-year-round destination, and every month has its pros and cons.
We would probably recommend coming to Prague in winter even to first-time visitors because if you know what to expect and arrive prepared, you will enjoy your trip no matter the time of the year.
January and February are the best months to visit Prague for people, who want to avoid crowds, and don't mind there is a higher chance for bad weather.
The good news is, that it's not so gloomy and rainy all the time, and you can luck out the weather, though you can forget about having a picnic on Petrin Hill or Vysehrad.
Overall, we like walking around Prague in winter, plus you can master planning 1-day Prague itinerary or 3-day in Prague itinerary and put some fancy coffee houses on your bucket list, so you will always have a place to warm up before you continue exploring this beautiful city.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN PRAGUE IN WINTER
As one of the best travel destinations in Central Europe, Prague offers activities for all travelers no matter the time of the year.
Some activities we are going to mention below are possible to do in both summer and winter, some of the activities are only for winter months (hello ice skating).
Here is our personally tried and tested list of the best activities and best things to do in Prague in winter.
BOAT TOURS
Cruising Vltava River at night while enjoying views and dinner is one of the best things to do in Prague.
Seeing the majestic medieval landmarks from the river will allow you to admire the beauty of the city from a different perspective in a very laidback and quiet manner.
There are a lot of options you can choose from, but we think that the evening cruise is the best bet, as you can spend the day out exploring the city.
In summer, you can go out from the boat to the deck, and although you can do the same in winter as well, the biggest advantage of taking the boat cruise when it is cold outside is, that you can stay nice and warm while eating traditional Czech meal and soaking up the views.
You can consider booking this well-rated Prague Sightseeing Dinner Cruise in advance here.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN PRAGUE
Christmas markets are a wonderful idea, and they are part of the magical holiday atmosphere, but even though we've included Prague Christmas Markets on our list, we, as locals, don't like them that much, and we will tell you why in about a minute.
Even though the tourists really love Christmas Markets in Prague (or in general everywhere in Europe), it's one of those things locals don't care much about, and usually avoid them as much as possible.
It's not that the markets are not worth visiting, they create a wonderful atmosphere in the historical part of the city and the smell of a mulled wine and roasted pork always dazzle your senses.
But here comes the crucial part.
The markets are only for tourists, and tourists only and vendors sell extremely overpriced things here.
These places are not some marvelous local markets (which we love and enjoyed very much for example in South America) where the locals go to do everyday shopping. But this comes without a surprise, Prague is a top travel destination, therefore the markets are aimed at tourists.
And we know that it's the part of the experience and Christmas atmosphere, and you are willing to pay more, because it's your holiday, just be careful when you buy something. Old Town Prague ham stalls are infamous for scams, and the rule of thumb is to avoid places selling food by 100 grams.
If you see a stall selling food only in grams, smile, wave, and find another place to fill your empty stomach. The trick here is that vendors will load your plate to the fullest, and you will pay a ridiculous amount.
It's up to you to decide if the street food consisting of ham and potatoes is worth 50 Euros to you or not (which is a price for the starter and main course in a luxury Prague restaurant).
We always try to be honest as much as possible, and we shared our opinion on the Christmas Markets in Prague so you know what to expect, and hope you'll find this piece of information useful.
PRAGUE BEST MUSEUMS
Freezing rain, sleet, snow... It's time to go inside! Every visitor can enjoy the endless possibilities Prague has to offer and discover how many museums and exhibitions are actually scattered around Prague.
We will help you to find the best museums in Prague that you should visit during the winter.
Obviously, the most popular choice is the National Museum at the top of Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske Namesti). This magnificent building is a must-visit place even if you are not planning to go inside, but we think that it would be a shame to miss out on exploring the fascinating interiors with many exhibits.
On top of that, you can buy the ticket that allows you to climb to the top of the cupola. The museum has been finally renovated after many years of waiting, and now it's slowly filling with exhibits.
For technical persons and families with kids, there is a National Technical Museum near Letna Park with vintage cars, fighter aircraft, bikes and much more that will entertain you for several hours on a rainy day.
Another option is the Jewish museum in Prague, which is a very special collection of buildings, synagogues, and cemetery in the heart of the city. It's a moving experience and a must-visit place for every person visiting Prague and a powerful reminder of the past.
Iif you are really interested in this particular part of history, you should also visit a former Terezin Fortress on a day trip from Prague.
To name a few more museums worth exploring, you can visit the Museum of Franz Kafka, House of Black Madonna (Cubist museum), or the Museum of communism.
Also, DOX, the Centre for Contemporary Art, is a great place for modern art lovers in the Holesovice district (Prague 7) a bit off the historical city center.
Getting around Prague by public transport is easy, so that shouldn’t be a problem.
SHOPPING IN PRAGUE
If shopping is your thing, you will have a blast in Prague. From a luxury Parizska street with high-end stores, large shopping malls to hand-made jewelry shops or small book antiques, Prague offers great shopping opportunities for everyone.
The most popular shopping mall with tourists in Prague is Palladium on Namesti Republiky, where you will find more than 170 stores.
If you are looking for a traditional Czech souvenir, buy a Bohemian glass, garnet, wooden toys, or porcelain. Glassmaking has a long tradition in Czechia, and glass products will make an excellent gift.
Always compare the quality and the price, as some souvenirs are very overpriced.
OLD TOWN
Prague's Old Town is still one of the most beloved places by tourists and is filled with top attractions, museums, stores, cafes, and restaurants.
Old Town Square with the famous astronomical clock represents an imaginary heart of the district, and shows, that the Old Town used to be a separate town until it finally merged the capital city in the 18th century.
One of the best things to do in Old Town is to walk along the waterfront to get the amazing views of the Prague Castle and Lesser Town of Prague (Mala Strana), then visit Jewish Museum, admire the architectural beauty of the old buildings and of course, don't forget to watch the spectacular show of twelves apostles, that appear in the small door every hour on the astronomical clock.
We've already talked about the Christmas markets, so be prepared you will find many stalls and people gathered on the Old Town Square, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
Prague is safe even after dark, and Old Town area is one of the best places to go after sunset.
CHARLES BRIDGE
Everyone knows the classic postcard panorama look of Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) with Prague Castle in the distance overlooking the city.
A famous ancient bridge in the heart of Europe crossing the Vltava River has a long and fascinating history. As part of the Royal Way (or Royal Route), the soon-to-be-crowned new king began his journey at Namesti Republiky and led royal procession over the Charles Bridge to Prague Castle, and the bridge was one of the places where the Czech nation could celebrate their new king.
Now, the Charles Bridge is the top attraction in Prague and a magnet for tourists coming to the city from all over the world.
We've never heard of a person who would come to Prague and wouldn't go to the Charles Bridge. It would be like going to Paris and not going to Eiffel Tower or visiting New York without a trip to the Statue of Liberty.
Simply put, this is Prague at its best.
Have you ever wondered how many statues are on the Charles Bridge? It's 30 statues, although some of them might be under reconstruction.
Extra Tip: Charles Bridge can get extremely crowded, so look out for pickpockets.
CRAFT BEER
Is Prague the best beer city in Europe? It's hard to say, but it's very high on the list, and beer tourism is a real thing in Prague.
The market has changed and grown, and Czechia's craft beer industry is booming. And that's great news for everyone who loves a good beer.
Prince range for a good craft beer is between 60-120 CZK (2-5 Euros) in Prague, which is still incredibly cheap when we compare it with prices in other European capitals, despite the fact alcohol is getting more and more expensive every year.
You can also visit local breweries in the city if you are a fan, and taste some excellent lagers, wheat or black beer. Some of them have a long and fascinating history.
If you are looking for a unique beer experience, we recommend you to visit the pub Zlý Časy or BeerGeek where they have a large selection of beers.
If your passion for beer goes even further, you can visit the Staropramen Brewery, beer museum or take a Prague Beer Tasting Tour.
EATING OUT AND FINE DINING
Prague is not widely regarded as the best culinary destination in Europe however, a lot has changed in the past few years, and you will find great restaurants and new modern bistros in Prague as well.
Also, budget travelers will find places for eating out. A recent coffee boom stimulated the market, and many hipster coffee shops opened.
Apart from that, thanks to a strong Vietnamese community living in the Czech Republic, you can try delicious Pho, Bun bo Hue or Banh Mi on almost every corner.
If you run out of ideas what to eat, you can always try one of the Czech traditional meals like Svickova or VKZ (shortcut for Vepro knedlo zelo - Roast pork, dumplings, and sauerkraut), Goulash or Rizek (Schnitzel) or if you are brave enough, try Smazeny syr or simply Smazak (fried cheese).
Be warned, that's not for faint-hearted though.
ICE SKATING
Ice hockey is among the top two most popular sports in the Czech Republic, and you will find both outdoor and indoor ice rinks in Prague, which shows winter ice skating in Prague is a big thing.
For the most unique experience, head to Ovocny Trh at the city center (you can rent skates there), where public outdoor ice rink opens every year in December.
Wonderful historical buildings surround the square, and the scenery of Stavovske Divadlo (Estates Theatre) will blow your breath away. Ovocny Trh ice rink is the top attraction in Prague, so be prepared for crowds.
Other popular places to skate are under the Zizkov TV Tower, Na Frantisku, in Karlin district, or on the roof of the Harfa shopping mall near O2 Arena.
We've mentioned only outdoor skate rinks so far but you will find plenty of indoor rinks in Prague as well, though they are missing the beauty of being outside.
Once in a few years, the layer of ice on Vltava River is thick enough for safe skating, which is an ultimate outdoor winter experience in Prague, though you would be incredibly lucky to be here at this time.
CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERTS IN PRAGUE
Did you know that every Czech is a musician? At least according to an old proverb, that we like to say here.
We've never actually thought much of it, as our musical talent is very raw and unpolished (to put it mildly), but we can definitely say, that Prague is a city of music.
Prague is famous for classical music concerts, opera or ballet, and the affordable tickets create a perfect opportunity for foreign visitors to enjoy a well-performed classical music piece in the beautiful interiors of Prague concert halls.
When we researched for this article, we were stunned by the number of concerts being held in Prague in one day, and you will probably notice by yourself, that there are many touts in the streets offering concerts in the city center.
Keep in mind, that despite the fact, that the classical concert in Prague is the top attraction for tourists, concerts are still evening cultural events, and many locals attend them.
So try to leave your knitted elk sweater and snow boots in the closet for this occasion, and dress accordingly to the occasion.
PRAGUE WINTER DAY TRIPS
Just because it's colder outside, it doesn't mean you can't explore other destinations in the Czech Republic. Here are some tips on the best day trips from Prague.
It's easy to visit all these places if you read our separate blog posts about each destination. Or you can just take a tour to stop worrying about the transportation and the planning part.
Cesky Krumlov is beautiful any time of the year. However, winter in Cesky Krumlov makes this otherwise busy UNESCO town a bit more tranquil and peaceful, so it's not a bad idea to visit it at all.
Kutna Hora, together with Bone Church in Sedlec, is always on the top of the list of Prague's day trips. It's close to the capital city of Czechia, and you can easily get to Kutna Hora by public transport.
We can't fail to mention Karlovy Vary, the most famous spa town in the Czech Republic that's known for exclusive spa treatments, hot springs, and beautiful architecture.
Here you can reserve the tours: Cesky Krumlov Tour | Kutna Hora Tour | Karlovy Vary Tour
NEW YEAR'S EVE
Although in general winter in Prague is the slow season, there is one particular date, when the city is full and prices are skyrocketing. Yes, we are talking about Prague's New Year's Eve and a couple of days before and after that date.
Thousands of people arrive in Prague to celebrate the end of the last year, and excitedly welcome the new year.
The atmosphere in Prague's city center on December 31 is very lively, and in case you plan on visiting the city during this top term, you should make your hotel and restaurant reservation well in advance.
On January 1 you can watch wonderful fireworks on the bank of Vltava River.
Our Tip: If you plan on visiting Prague at the end of December and beginning of January, find the cheapest rooms via Booking.com.
HOW COLD IS PRAGUE IN WINTER-TIME
Every winter in Prague is different, but the climate is mild, and the average low in January is -3 degrees Celsius.
Fun Fact: Just for comparison, did you know that Winnipeg is south of Prague and has average temperatures of -16 degrees in January?
Without any doubt, January is the coldest month in Prague, December and February are still very cold.
Some winters are cold, dry and bring snow, some are mild with heavy rains. If you are planning your trip to Prague several months in advance, it's impossible to predict how the weather is going to be like, and you have to double-check the weather forecast a few days before your trip starts.
Our advice? Be prepared for every possibility.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WEATHER APP
Having an accurate weather forecast is more important in Czechia in winter than ever. We use the native weather iPhone app daily, and the results we get are pretty accurate.
But if we want to get the best weather forecast for Prague, we check the data from CHMI, which is an official Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. They have an easy to use free app for both iOS and Android.
When searching for the app in the store, type CHMU, which is the Czech spelling for the app.
WHAT TO PACK FOR PRAGUE IN WINTER
Exploring the icy streets of Prague is fun when you stay warm and dry all day. On the other hand, it could be an excruciating experience if you have come unprepared.
You need proper winter ankle boots which will keep your feet nice and warm, also a winter coat is essential thing to pack for Prague in winter.
We've also created a complete winter Prague packing list where you will find much more information on this topic with useful tips.
We covered this topic thoroughly in the post and you should definitely check it out.
WHERE TO STAY
Because of reliable public transport, you can stay almost anywhere in Prague as it is easy to get to the historical part.
But we presume when this is your first visit to Prague, you would like to stay in the center where everything is nearby, and you don't need to worry about commuting.
We've handpicked three best hotels in Prague for every budget within walking distance from the center.
Budget | Hostel Boudnik - This hostel offers both dormitories and private rooms, and features free wifi- clean common areas and great location close to the city center.
Mid-range | Nyx Hotel Prague - It is quite hard to pick only one hotel in the mid-range category as there is simply too many of them, but this hotel lies in the center and beats the others with the unique design.
Luxury | Augustine Prague - A luxury hotel located close to Prague Castle set in an old monastery offers beautifully appointed rooms and apartments with stunning views over Prague.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Get Around: Buses and trains are an affordable way to get around the Czech Republic. Regiojet offers clean and modern buses and trains with all the amenities.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
