Prague in winter: where to go and what to see

Top attractions in Prague in winter

All of Prague's classic attractionsare open in winter . Even the frozen Vltava River won't stop you from strolling through the historic center.

Charles Bridge

We recommend starting with Charles Bridge, one of the symbols of the city. The 14th-century bridge is hung with Gothic sculptures and looks particularly solemn under a blanket of snow. There are almost no cars on it, so you can easily walk from the Old Town to Malá Strana and drink hot mulled wine in one of the tents by the bridge.

Old Town Square and Orloj

Old Town Square is the heart of Prague and the center of Christmas celebrations. In winter, agiant Christmas treeis erected here and a fair is held. Colorful stalls offer mulled wine, trdelnik, and gingerbread cookies, and in the evenings, the square is illuminated by lights. Nearby, on the town hall, is the famous astronomical clock (Orloj) — every hour, 12 apostles "come out" in front of crowds of tourists. The monument to Tyn Church, Gothic facades, and a scene with a puppet show on the chimes create a unique festive atmosphere.

Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral

Prague Castle, the largest medieval castle and park complex in the world, is located on Hradčany Hill . The fortress, palaces, towers, and St. Vitus Cathedral form an amazing ensemble. In winter, all this beauty is clearly visible from afar: the pointed spires of the cathedral and the tiled roofs of the palaces are covered with a light layer of snow. Prague Castle is not only about architecture: the official presidential Christmas tree is traditionally erected here, and festive concerts are held between the temples and halls. A ride on the funicular or a walk up the hill will allow you to see the city in all its glory. In winter, the Castle is especially memorable for its majestic atmosphere.

Wenceslas Square

Wenceslas Square is the commercial and cultural center of the New Town. In winter, it is bustling with people rushing to shops, meeting at the monument to St. Wenceslas, and visiting cozy cafes and beer halls. Prague's second main Christmas tree is often placed in the center of the square, and festive shop windows complement the city's lively atmosphere. At night, the buildings are illuminated, creating a festive atmosphere. Nearby is the National Museum, a beautiful Neo-Renaissance building with a golden dome—it is worth visiting if only for the view of Wenceslas Square from the top floor.

Christmas markets and New Year celebrations

In winter, Prague becomes a festive capital. From late November to January , Christmas marketsare held everywhere .

• The largest one is on Old Town Square (Old Town) with the main symbol being the largest Christmas tree in the country.
• Another large fair is held on Wenceslas Square.
• You can also visit the markets on Peace Square (Náměstí Míru).
• Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky).
• Mariánské náměstí.
• Tylovo Square (Tylovo náměstí).

These markets sell traditional decorations, wooden toys, handmade jewelry, and local sweets such as cookies, mead, and mulled wine. For example, it's nice to stroll among the Christmas trees and tents with a cup of sweet mulled wine, admiring the illuminated shop windows.

New Year's Eve in Prague is celebrated in open spaces. Fireworks light up Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square at midnight: young people take to the streets with champagne and firecrackers, and bells ring out from the city's ancient towers. Local churches hold festive evening services, and many restaurants organize special banquets with national dishes.

Winter entertainment and active recreation

Prague offers a wide range of entertainment for every taste.

Active recreation enthusiasts will enjoy the ice rinks – open-air ice skating rinks. For example, on Letenské sady hill (above the Sparta stadium) is one of the largest ice rinks in the city – Kluziště na Letné. Admission is free: skate rental and warm rooms for rest are available. Another popular ice rink opens on Ovocný trh Street in the city center, where concerts and winter evenings with music are often held.

You can spend the day with your children at thePrague Zoo —fewer tourists visit in winter, and you have a chance to see polar bears and walruses up close.

If you want something unusual, choose a boat trip on the Vltava River—in winter, they depart regularly and offer dinners or lunches with panoramic views of snow-covered Prague. Water restaurant cruisesare popular , as they are warm and cozy. The Aquapalace Praha indoor water park with pools and slides is also open . It is one of the largest water parks in Europe and a great option for escaping the cold.

Those who are not afraid to test themselves should visit the wind tunnel (Sky Dive Arena) or the Kart Centrum Radotín karting center .

Culture lovers will find performances and concerts: choir and orchestra performances take place in cathedrals and concert halls (for example, in Rudolfinum – philharmonic hall), and in theaters you can see The Nutcracker ballet or operas. During the holidays, the Prague Theater hosts children's matinees and master classes.

And even if you are tired and cold, Prague will suggest a way to relax: you can take a tram ride around the city—for example, route No. 22 runs through the entire historic center and will show you the main sights without having to go out into the cold. There are special retro tram tours and sightseeing buses available, but the easiest option is a single-use public transport pass.

Where to warm up: cafes, restaurants, and pubs

Winter is the time to sit in warm cafes and pubs. Prague offers dozens of gastronomic addresses. Try traditional cuisine: thick goulash, baked duck with dumplings, sweet Czech blackberry soup. Well-known desserts include trdelník, Christmas apple strudel, and nut cakes. Many old-style cafés serve hot chocolate, spiced punch, and seasonal mulled wine.

We recommend historic establishments such as Café Slavia on the embankment opposite the National Theater or Café Louvre on Nové Mesto Square, which was frequented by Einstein and Franz Kafka. Contemporary options include the stylish Café Café and the panoramic restaurant Oblaka on the Žižkov TV Tower (second floor), which offers views of the whole of Prague.

Prague's beer halls are also part of the winter experience. Legendary establishments such asUFleku,Kozlovna,Ferdinand, andPivovarskyDům serve their own dark and light draft beers and serve generous portions of Czech dishes. These places are always crowded and warm, and the festive atmosphere whets the appetite. In the days leading up to Christmas, many establishments are decorated with Christmas trees and lights, creating a festive mood.

Shopping and gifts

On Wenceslas Square and in Prague's large shopping centers, you will find shops to suit every taste. In December, Christmas sales are held in souvenir shops and boutiques, selling Bohemian glass, Czech garnets, local ceramic porcelain, and jewelry.

After Christmas (from January 5-6), the winter sales season begins: prices for clothing, toys, and souvenirs can drop by up to 80%. Large shopping centers (such as Palladium or Metropolis Zlicin) bring together dozens of shops and cafes where you can warm up and make great purchases.

Don't forget to bring home some Pilsner Urquell beer or jars of the famous Palenikvanilla pastila – great gifts for friends.

Day trips from Prague

If time permits, it is convenient to travel from Prague to other winter attractions in the Czech Republic. For example:

• Český Krumlov – a fairytale town under UNESCO protection; in winter, the ancient streets are quiet and beautiful, although the castle interiors may be closed.
• Karlovy Vary – a famous resort with hot springs; magnificent colonnades and warm mineral baths will warm you up at any time of the year.
• Kutná Hora – in this "museum town," St. Barbara's Cathedral and the famous ossuary are open all year round; walks through the winter streets of Kutná Hora are like an open-air museum.
• Karlštejn – a Gothic castle not far from Prague; although some of the exhibitions are closed in winter, the view of the snow-covered fortress is enough to feel its fairy-tale atmosphere.
• Dresden (Germany) – if you want to go abroad: about two hours by train and you are in one of the most beautiful Baroque cities in Europe with traditional Christmas markets.
  
  

Each of these routes can be taken without a guide: good roads and train schedules make independent travel easy.

Winter Prague is one of the coziest and most beautiful cities in Europe. Colorful Christmas markets, historical monuments, Catholic traditions, and warm encounters in cafes make it unforgettable. Pack some warm clothes, put your good mood in your suitcase, and set off to explore winter Prague—it will definitely not disappoint!