What to Pack for Prague in Winter
Winter is lurking behind the door, that's why we've created a complete Prague winter packing list to stay nice and warm on your holiday trip to the Czech Republic. After reading this post, you should know what essential things to pack for Prague, how to stay dry, warm, and fashionable.
Winter is coming to Prague and brings cold weather, soaking rain, slushy snow, short days, and below zero degrees temperatures.
But no worries, visiting the Prague in winter has its positives as well. First of all, the weather during winter is tolerable most of the time, and we do have many sunny days between November and March as well.
Second of all, arriving in Prague during this time allows you to explore the medieval city with fewer crowds, and you can also enjoy your stay for more reasonable prices.
For us, packing is one of the most boring parts of traveling, so we've decided to create this easy-to-use winter Prague packing list to make life easier for you too.
So you can solely focus on the best things to do in Prague and planning your travel itinerary. We created both 1-day Prague itinerary and 3-day Prague itinerary, so don't forget to check them out.
This Prague packing list basically covers what we like to wear in winter when we go out. As we are living in Prague, we know how the winter looks like here, we know what you can expect, and we are going to share tips on what to pack and what to leave behind.
As Prague is heading to the slower season, it's the time of the year that also brings a more relaxed atmosphere in the city with only one exception, Christmas time and New Year's Eve in December.
Christmas markets suddenly became in the past few years extremely popular in Prague and Central Europe in general, and the Old Town Square and the historical part of the city are so crowded, that we often prefer to stay in the warm comfort of our home during these days.
But we absolutely understand tourists might enjoy the lively and 'traditional' atmosphere.
We’ve already covered Prague in Winter and Prague Christmas Markets in separate blog posts, and now we will solely focus on the Prague packing list, and how to stay warm and enjoy your trip in winter.
Despite the fact, that the winter technically starts in the Czech Republic on the 21st of December, and ends three months later, the cold weather arrives much earlier, and you should come prepared in late October and during November as well.
The coldest months in Prague are January and February, and if you don't mind cloudy days and cold temperatures, it's also the best time to visit Prague without crowds.
Luckily, the Czech Republic has a mild climate, and though the temperatures can occasionally plummet below twenty degrees Celsius (under four degrees of Fahrenheit), it's usually just for a few days, and it's definitely nothing compared to winter in Calgary, we had the pleasure to enjoy when we lived there.
Are you planning a trip to Czechia and wondering what to pack for Prague?
Here is our tried and tested list of all essential things you need to pack for Prague in winter to enjoy your stay and have a great time.
PRAGUE IN WINTER
Prague is simply stunning in winter when the weather is nice and sunny.
Strolling around the historical parts of the Old Town, enjoying views from Prague Castle, or leisurely walking along the waterfront to Vysehrad are just a few activities to do in good weather. However, it can be a bit depressing when the inversion covers the city in a gray blanket, and the sun hides indefinitely behind the dull clouds.
Wondering what to do in Prague in winter? Our advice? Turn the bad weather to your advantage!
There are many attractions, museums, shopping malls, restaurants, and pubs to keep you entertained on your trip even when the weather is not that favorable.
Instead of sipping cold Czech beer on Naplavka and watching sunlit waters of Vltava river, head to the National Museum or Museum of Communism instead and learn something about fascinating Czech history. Winter is a perfect time in Prague for museum lovers who take an interest in art, culture, and history.
Weather differences are also causing common dilemmas such as what to pack for your Prague trip, questions like if you need to bring your winter jacket arise, and you might be also dealing with a problem with overpacking, or on the opposite side of the scale, underpacking.
We will look into this further in the text, but now we have one more thing to do - check the weather forecast.
CHECK PRAGUE WEATHER FORECAST BEFORE YOU GO
Even if the weather forecast looks promising for the next couple of days, it's still only a weather forecast, and the weather can change abruptly in a matter of a few hours.
Nonetheless, most of the weather forecasts these days are accurate and trustworthy (at least for the next couple days), and give you a rough idea how the weather is going to look like on your trip. That's more than enough to know if you want to spend a weekend in Prague.
Is the weather forecast indicating temperatures below minus ten Celsius? It might be a good idea to pack a winter jacket. Is it going to be five degrees above zero?
Winter jacket you brought to Annapurna Circuit or Patagonia last year might be an overkill.
By simply checking the weather forecast a day before your trip, you can predict essentials necessary to pack for your trip to Prague, and it will also help you decide what you might want to leave at home.
Also, every winter is very different in Czechia, and it may happen that this December in Prague is going to be pleasant and warm and January super cold or vice versa. That's something you never know, but the good thing is, that you can come to Prague prepared for all occasions.
And in case you forget something back home, there are many shopping malls in the center, where you can buy yourself a new piece of clothing, which will also turn into a souvenir.
Travel Insurance
If you are a seasoned traveler, you know that travel insurance is an essential thing to have for safe traveling.
Prague streets in winter might be covered with snow and ice, and are difficult to walk on, so the risk of falling is bigger than in summer.
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!
WHAT TO PACK FOR VISITING PRAGUE IN WINTER
Although some prefer to warm up their bodies with a cup of mulled wine and mead bought at the stalls around Old Town Square, we strongly recommend you to pack warm clothing too.
Think layers and you should pull through, of course, if you pack wisely.
You might think that packing for Prague in winter (or the Czech Republic in general, if you plan on doing day trips from Prague to Terezin, Kutna Hora, Cesky Krumlov or Ostrava) shouldn't be that difficult.
And it's not if you know what to expect.
PRAGUE PACKING LIST
We won't give you a complete checklist of things you have to pack as we think you are smart enough to figure out this by yourself, so take this guide as the starting point that could be improved with your contributions and past travel experiences.
Our Prague packing list is rather a guideline for you to familiarize yourself with Prague weather in winter, and to set your expectations straight.
Try to bring only things you will wear more than once, you are going to save space in your luggage, and pack more efficiently.
WHAT CLOTHES TO WEAR IN PRAGUE IN WINTER
Prague is best-appreciated on foot, so good walking footwear is essential. By the way, you should read these articles about getting around Prague and how to use Prague metro.
And we can't stress this enough. You will spend a lot of time in the streets roaming around the city and believe us, there is nothing worse than to spend the whole afternoon walking in numbingly cold wet shoes.
No matter how cute and stylish you think your sneakers are, you want to keep your feet nice and warm. Winter ankle boots are real winners here and complete allrounders that will handle your day out in Prague without a breeze.
As the temperature falls below freezing on rainy days, keep in mind, that the cobblestone streets will turn into ice rinks, and sometimes it's quite dangerous to get around in shoes without a proper grip and traction.
Our Tip: If it's super icy, be extra careful at the metro entrances as these areas can be quite slippery and dangerous.
This brings us to another item on the packing list.
Socks. Good boots are not the only thing you will need on your trip to Prague, and warm socks are almost as important as your footwear. We like warm Merino wool socks for traveling in winter. Don't forget to pack a pair of a comfortableunderwear too.
One of the most useful tips when packing for a trip to Europe in winter is to start with a quality base layer. If you don't want to feel miserable, try one of these warm tops that will fit perfectly under your upper layers.
And now to the most nagging question you were too afraid to ask.
Do you need long johns? That's something completely individual, but we don't think you need to pack long johns for your trip to Prague.
However, if you really want to spend a day out and you know it's going to be one of those super cold days, wearing warm underwear is worth considering.
Jeans are cheap and fashionable though they are not very cold and wind resistant, and we would ditch them for something more winter-proof, like these outdoor pants when the temperatures drop significantly.
On the other hand, if you prefer your look over your comfort, jeans are completely fine for the most of winter days in Prague.
We love pullover fleeces, and this layer is critical to keep your warmth inside. It's paper-thin, warm and light, go wild and pack a pair.
Who doesn't love puffer jackets? When we are going out for photo walk to capture Prague's stunning cityscape in winter, we always wear (or carry as an extra layer) our trusty down jackets.
When you are waiting for sunrise on Charles Bridge or Petrin Hill in cold weather, you will appreciate fine insulation properties.
We know that down jackets are a bit pricey, but they're worth every dollar we spent on it.
We prefer down over the synthetic filling as it packs small and is super light-weight, the only disadvantage is that it's not good in the rain.
Military jacket, pea coat, trench coat, parka, there are so many choices to choose from. Regardless of your style, you are going to need a reliable top layer, so you should find a coat that's stylish and practical.
A winter coat is essential to have for wintertime in Prague, and you should look for a layer with a waterproof outer shell (check if the coat has waterproof zippers and cuffs as well).
A pair of good gloves will keep your hands warm and protect you from cold and wind.
Whether you have a winter coat with or without a hood, you need to pick up a winter hat ASAP.
The last of the extras you need is the scarf. Look for the extras that combine aesthetics with functionality.
A scarf, gloves, and hat should not only match your style but also add extra warmth to improve your overall comfort.
WINTER GEAR
When looking for a good travel umbrella, you need to make a compromise between durability and portability. Blunt Metro Travel Umbrella is considered one of the best, has great build quality, and can stand up to any weather.
A well-fitting comfortable daypack is essential for carrying a water bottle, extra clothes and the gear you need. Osprey Packs Daylite Plus is one of the most versatile backpacks you can get and the 20L capacity is just perfect for city breaks, and also for one-day trips from Prague.
For better looks check out this beautiful urban style Fjallraven Rucksack.
Even though Prague is safe for tourists, petty theft is not something unheard of, and you might consider purchasing an anti-theft backpack if you don't want to keep your eyes on valuables all the time.
A travel adaptor is essential to keep all your devices charged. Despite the fact, that some hotels are equipped with travel-friendly sockets, we always bring a travel adapter for a trip.
PHOTO GEAR
Modern mirrorless camera are so small and compact with incredible image quality, that there is no need to carry a large camera anymore.
Also, smartphones can produce images with excellent quality, and you carry them with you anyways. We love taking pictures with our iPhone, and the results are simply stunning in good conditions.
Of course, if you want to have the best quality photos, you are going to need a good body and a high-quality lens, which is usually bulky and heavy.
We don't like putting our camera in the day pack as it's not very convenient, so we have a separate camera bag to keep our camera ready all the time.
As a result of shorter days in winter, it's going to be dark early, which is a perfect opportunity to take great Prague night photos, and you will need a portable and light tripod. We have a compact GorillaPod, and it's working just fine for this purpose.
WHAT ELSE TO PACK IN PRAGUE IN WINTER?
Tap water in the Czech Republic is safe to drink, and you can bring your favorite water bottle to stay hydrated (yes even in winter you need to drink plenty of water) throughout the day and reduce the plastic waste on your trip.
If it gets too cold, consider bringing a thermos bottle, as it keeps batch of tea or coffee hot for several hours.
TOILETRIES
Furthermore, you should bring basic toiletries like make-up, deodorant or toothbrush.
Shampoos and shower gels are usually provided in the accommodation you are staying at.
Even on sunny days, we don't use a sunscreen in Prague in winter as the sun is not strong, though if you are super sensitive or protective about your skin, you might want to pack sunscreen just in case.
If it's dry and windy, lip balm with sunscreen is really helpful to prevent cracked lips.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Bring your passport (or ID if you are traveling from the European Union country).
You might also need a valid visa (check before you go to avoid any unpleasant surprises) and other travel documents, travel insurance (we'll talk more about it later at the end of the article).
We like to make copies of all important documents and then upload them to a storage service such as Google Drive, iCloud or Dropbox to have online access to them in case anything gets lost or stolen.
If you are a student, bring your student card (International Student Identity Card or simply called ISIC) to get discounts on tickets, in shops, or other leisure activities. Discounts in the stores are usually only 5-10%, but for the tickets, you can save up to 50% of the whole cost. If you have a rental car, bring you driving licence.
We like to stay organized when traveling around Europe and a travel wallet is a life-saver in achiveing this goal.
The Czech language is not easy to master, but with this phrasebook, you will be able to speak fluently in 3 days! Just kidding, use Google Translate, and you are good to go.
If you are a more curious visitor, look at this Czech phrasebook and dictionary from Lonely Planet.
Unlike many European countries, the official Czech currency is the Czech Crown.
Unfortunately, Czechia hasn't adopted Euro yet, and you can't use the same money as you would in Germany, Austria or Italy. Despite this little drawback, you don't need to exchange money before your trip as the ATMs are plenty, and you can pay with credit cards in restaurants or stores.
Our Tip: Many tourist stores, hotels, and restaurants do accept Euro, but as you would expect, there is a catch. And it's a big one.
These businesses have very unfavorable rates, and you are better off withdrawing money from official ATMs.
EXTRA PACKING TIP FOR PRAGUE
As we are nearing to the end of our Prague packing list blog post, we have one last tip for you.
Try to pack light. Not as light as possible, you are not going hiking in Patagonia or island hopping in Malaysia, just reasonably light.
When you are packing for the trip to Prague, you can easily add an extra three t-shirts or a pair of jeans, because you don't have to carry your luggage around, and it will stay in the hotel room throughout your stay.
But it can happen, even without realizing, your luggage will be packed with stuff you won't wear, or won't need at all. So here is our last Prague packing travel tip. It's winter, you will probably be wearing most of the clothes anyway.
If you bring only a carry-on, you will not only save time at the airport, more importantly, you might avoid baggage fees, not to mention the airline can't lose your luggage.
And in the worst-case scenario when you forget something, there is a large shopping mall Palladium right at the city center in Republic Square with more than 170 stores selling everything from clothes to electronics.
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.
