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Considering of visiting Prague in winter? Glorious concept! Plenty of cities in Europe are extra pleasurable to go to within the winter — you get to take pleasure in decrease costs and smaller crowds (so long as you don’t go to throughout Christmas market season, that’s).
I’ve been residing in Prague for a number of years and I’m presently gearing up for my fourth winter right here (or fifth if you happen to depend my lengthy go to earlier than I moved right here). Winter could be a very particular time to go to Prague — there’s no higher season for museum-hopping and classical music performances, motels slash their charges, and Czech meals is made for winter climate!
That mentioned, I’ll be sincere with you — winter could be a drag right here, too. Typically it looks like the climate is grey for weeks on finish; generally the darkish days in December and January actually dampen your spirit.
I do suppose, nonetheless, that the positives outweigh the negatives in Prague in winter. It’s a terrific place for a winter journey.
Let me present you what it’s like — your 100% sincere information to visiting Prague throughout the winter months! I feel you’ll have an exquisite time right here.
(Planning a visit to Prague? Don’t miss my information to unusual things to do in Prague, my picks for the best Prague restaurants, and naturally — what NOT to do in Prague!)
This submit was printed in November 2023.
![Kate poses for a selfie in a snowstorm with giant flakes in her hair and on her black jacket. She wears a black face mask with multicolor hearts on it and smiles. Behind her are a tree covered with snow, some park benches, and pastel orange, green, and yellow homes in the distance.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/IMG_6568-1024x769.jpg)
Is Prague in winter value it?
I completely suppose that visiting Prague in winter is value it — so long as you’re used to winter.
As I typically inform folks visiting my former properties of New York or Boston in winter, “For those who’re from Minnesota, you already know what you’re moving into. For those who’re from Texas, you’re going to have a tough time.”
Folks from hotter climates typically battle with choosing the proper winter gear (I give gear suggestions on the finish of this submit), and even when they do, they typically have a tricky time being exterior within the chilly. For those who’re from a heat surroundings and also you’re not used to spending a lot of time exterior within the winter, you might be extra comfy visiting at a special time of 12 months.
For those who’re used to winter and know the best way to thrive in chilly climate, you’ll do effective right here. Prague’s previous city is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and simply strolling round and ingesting within the metropolis’s magnificence is a worthy method to take pleasure in a cold day in Prague.
And even if you happen to’re not the most important winter fan of all time, the slim streets have a means of blocking the wind, and also you’re at all times a stone’s throw away from a comfortable pub or cafe.
![The gorgeous Bohemian buildings of Prague dusted with a fresh layer of snow.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Prague-in-Winter-1024x683.jpg)
Issues to Know About Visiting Prague in Winter
“Christmas in Prague” and “Winter in Prague” are two VERY various things.
When lots of people speak about visiting Prague in winter, they’ve one factor in thoughts: vacation festivities, Christmas markets, and good cheer. Whereas the Christmas season is a very fashionable time to go to Prague, and for good motive, I need to ensure you know the distinction.
Christmas (late November by early January) is a very fashionable time of 12 months to go to Prague. Right now, you possibly can count on enjoyable Christmas lights, a number of Christmas markets, and large crowds of vacationers swarming Previous City Sq..
Winter (early January by late March), nonetheless, is the least fashionable time of 12 months to go to Prague. That is when you will discover the fewest crowds and the bottom costs — although one can find nothing remotely resembling vacation cheer.
I say this to ensure you know what you’re moving into. For lots of vacationers, “winter” is synonymous with “Christmas.” That’s not the case for a lot of the winter in Prague. It’s nonetheless very a lot value visiting — it’s simply totally different.
![The Prague Christmas markets, with viewing platform in front of a Christmas tree and church towers.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Prague-Markets-for-Christmas-1024x768.jpeg)
Prague’s Christmas markets are fantastic.
Prague’s Christmas markets begin annually in early December and are completed by January 6. This begins later than the Vienna and Budapest Christmas markets, which make their debut in mid-November, however they go on a bit longer than the German Christmas markets, which generally finish on December 23.
There’s one primary Christmas market on Previous City Sq., that includes meals stands, scorching mulled wine, trdelniky (chimney muffins that are NOT Czech however are all over the place), sausages, and a big Christmas tree. This market will get completely mobbed within the evenings, nevertheless it’s a part of the expertise!
There are a number of different, a lot smaller markets within the metropolis, like on Náměstí Republiky and Wenceslas Sq., and the farmers’ markets nonetheless energetic in December have a Christmasy aptitude to them.
And right here’s a little bit of honesty: if you happen to’re not from Europe, you’ll LOVE the Prague Christmas markets. For those who’re from Europe or have traveled to a number of totally different Christmas markets, you’ll discover that Prague’s markets pale compared to many different cities. It’s enjoyable right here, nevertheless it’s not among the best Christmas markets in Europe.
That being mentioned, Prague occurs to be inside a number of hours of three of my all-time favourite Christmas market cities: Nuremberg (3:45 by bus), Dresden (2 hours by practice), and Vienna (4.5 hours by practice). Berlin, Munich, Český Krumlov, and Salzburg are different nice cities that may fill out your Christmas market journey on this area (although don’t pack an excessive amount of in!).
Many vacationers come to Prague as a part of an extended city-hopping tour taking in Christmas markets throughout Europe. I’m a BIG fan of Christmas market-hopping journeys (here’s information on how to plan one in Germany) and extremely advocate doing this your self.
![A faded red brick building in the snow on a sunny day in Prague.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Prague-in-Winter-Park-with-Red-Building-Snow-1024x768.jpeg)
Winter is the least touristy time of 12 months in Prague.
Prague is an extremely fashionable metropolis for tourism — for good motive! We’re one of the vital lovely cities on the planet! And it doesn’t matter what time of 12 months you go, you’ll be sharing the Charles Bridge with a whole bunch of your fellow vacationers.
However if you happen to’re in search of a less-touristy expertise in Prague, you’ll love Prague in winter. The quietest month of the 12 months is January.
For those who’re seeking to expertise Prague with the fewest vacationers, low cost resort charges, simple entry to museums, no waits at eating places, and feeling like extra of an area, January by March is the perfect time to go to. Although be mindful college holidays and Valentine’s Day can herald small bumps of winter tourism in February.
![A hotel room with a large gray bed up against a padded wall.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Hotel-Room-in-Prague-in-Winter-1024x768.jpeg)
Fancy motels drop their costs in Prague in winter.
Prague isn’t the dirt-cheap getaway that it was 20 years in the past, however costs listed below are a lot decrease than you’d count on to pay in Paris, or London, or Vienna. For that motive, lots of people touring on multi-city journeys select Prague for his or her “splurge” resort.
Properly, it simply received sweeter — in January and February (particularly January), many Prague motels drop their costs considerably. Typically they promote winter getaways to locals as a staycation possibility. (And sure, my husband Charlie and I’ve loved a number of staycations at fancy Prague motels in January!)
So sure — if you happen to’ve at all times dreamed of staying someplace fancy — maybe the Four Seasons Prague, with a view of Prague Fortress? Or on the new-ish, fashionable and trendy Andaz Prague, a stone’s throw from my beloved Kantyna? Or maybe within the coronary heart of the Previous City on the Josephine? — winter is the time to do it.
Find deals on more Prague hotels here.
![A plate of golden fried chicken schnitzel on top of potato salad, served with a beer.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Krystal-Bistro-Prague-Restaurants-1024x768.jpeg)
Czech meals is ideal for winter.
Conventional Czech meals is hearty — and a bit heavy. Plenty of meat and carbs, washed down with a pilsner. Precisely the sort of meals that you simply need to persist with your ribs in winter.
And as you’d count on, there are some eating places across the metropolis dishing up implausible Czech meals. I don’t eat a ton of Czech meals, however I eat it way more typically in winter, when it fits the season so effectively!
Krystal Bistro is my favourite Czech restaurant in Prague, which really serves Czech meals with French methods for lighter, extra elegant dishes. I completely love their kuřecí řízek (kur-ZHEH-tsee r’ZHEE-zek, or hen schnitzel), which is at all times one in every of their specials on the board. You may get it with buttery mashed potatoes or with excellent, mustard- and pickle-filled potato salad.
Kulajda (ku-LIE-da) is one other good Czech specialty for winter — it’s a soup full of potatoes, dill, bitter cream, and a poached egg. The perfect kulajda in Prague, in my view, is at Café Imperial, a grand, elegant restaurant. Don’t miss the gold swan taps within the restrooms.
And Prague locals love their enjoyable pubs that blend socializing, scrumptious meals, and the most effective beer on the planet. Lokal is a well-liked selection, with a number of totally different places in Prague; my favourite of all is Kantýna.
However you already know what? You don’t have to restrict your self to only Czech meals. Prague has a FANTASTIC eating scene, with worldwide delicacies, all for a lot decrease costs than you’d get in Western Europe or the US. I put collectively a list of my favorite restaurants in Prague here.
While you need a break from Czech meals, go for Vietnamese meals! We have now an enormous Vietnamese group within the Czech Republic, Vietnamese eating places are all over the place in Prague, and a pleasant steaming bowl of pho hits the spot on a cold day. (My favourite pho in Prague is the roasted beef pho at Ngô Restaurant — it’s so wealthy and deep.)
Learn Extra: Best Prague Restaurants, According to a Local Foodie
![Old Town Square in Prague, surrounded by candy-colored buildings, gothic church towers, and the metal-layered astronomical clock.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Old-Town-Square-Prague-Unusual-Things-to-Do-in-Prague-1024x780.jpg)
Not all excursions run in winter — however loads nonetheless do.
Earlier than you guide your winter journey to Prague, you must know that many tour firms take January and February off. Not all of them, however a variety of them. You must discover out upfront if the tour you’ve got your coronary heart set on runs throughout your journey.
That mentioned, loads of Prague excursions run year-round, together with on the coldest days of January! Listed here are a number of of my suggestions:
Three-Hour Prague Walking Tour — This tour takes in the most effective of the Previous City in three hours, from Previous City Sq. and the Astronomical Clock to the Charles Bridge, throughout to Malá Strana, up the hill to St. Vitus Cathedral — and in addition provides you free entry to Prague Fortress.
Prague Foodie Tour — My favourite factor to do anyplace is to take a meals tour — and on this tour, you’ll pattern so most of the greatest Czech specialties and go to some cool neighborhoods (together with mine, Karlín!).
Letná Bohemian Alternative Bar Tour — Wish to expertise Prague nightlife, however dread the considered badly behaving bachelor events? Go away the previous city and head to Letná, one in every of Prague’s coolest neighborhoods, for a very native night time out with some unforgettable bars.
Prague Communism and Nuclear Bunker Tour — Everybody who involves Prague (People particularly) desires to know extra concerning the communist period, however persons are typically afraid to ask. Actually, take a communism tour as an alternative! You’ll be taught a lot — and when else are you going to go to a nuclear bunker?!
Prague Jewish Heritage Tour — Prague has such a phenomenal Jewish historical past, and this 2.5-hour strolling tour tour takes within the traditionally Jewish neighborhood of Josefov, the place you’ll go to the synagogues in addition to the Previous Jewish Cemetery. Even you probably have zero Jewish heritage, that is so fascinating to study.
Prague Micro-Brewery Tour — Prague is all concerning the Pilsner Urquell — or so that you suppose. There are many microbreweries creating actually fascinating beers, and this tour will introduce you to a number of of them, with beers and snacks, together with limitless beer tastings on the closing cease.
![People ice skating in the evening, the outline of Prague Castle behind them.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Ice-Skating-Prague-in-Winter-1024x684.jpg)
Winter is time for ice skating in Prague!
Ice skating in Prague is without doubt one of the nicest issues about visiting throughout the winter season. There are many skating choices everywhere in the metropolis! Skating is normally free — you solely have to pay for skate rental (which I’m guessing you want, as you’re visiting Prague).
And since it’s the Czech means, a lot of ice rinks serve beer, svařák (mulled wine — extra on that in a bit), road meals, and sometimes have music enjoying.
Two of the ice rinks near town middle are Ovocný Trh Outside Rink, which is correct by the previous city corridor and attracts quite a lot of winter revelers; and Na Františku, which is on the sting of the Vltava River from the Jewish Quarter and has a pleasant, large rink surrounded by lovely buildings.
If you need a extra native expertise in Prague, I invite you to River Rink — an ice skating rink in my neighborhood of Karlín, a straightforward eight-minute tram experience from the Previous City, however a really native place the place you hardly ever see vacationers. You’ll discover loads of children and adults right here, and an après-skate bar with cocktails.
![A theater with a cast taking their bows on stage, the sides of the theater filled with lit up box seats.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Estates-Theatre-Prague-1024x768.jpeg)
See a classical music efficiency in Prague.
For those who’re a fan of classical music, boy are you in for a deal with — Prague is without doubt one of the greatest European cities for classical music, from symphony to chamber music to opera. And tickets occur to be very moderately priced.
Winter is an particularly good time for classical music in Prague, as January, February, and March are filled with performances. (Summer time is definitely one of many worst occasions to go to as a result of the orchestras are on vacation!)
I’m particularly a fan of the Estates Theatre, the place each seat above orchestra stage is a field seat (although you’ll be sharing with others). They placed on frequent performances of Don Giovanni — the famed Mozart opera was first carried out in Prague!
Not a classical music fan? There are all types of theatrical performances as effectively. I like to recommend trying out the Prague Shakespeare Company, who carry out a mixture of Shakespeare and non-Shakespeare. It’s at all times fascinating (and so they’ve carried out the funniest model of A Midsummer Evening’s Dream I’ve ever seen!).
You can find a directory of performances here.
![Kate wearing a plaid shirt and holding a cup of tea in one hand and an axe in another in front of a sign reading "the house of axes"](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Kate-at-Axe-Throwing-1024x853.jpeg)
Have your self some svařák — mulled wine!
Mulled wine is a staple of Christmas markets throughout Europe — however within the Czech Republic, it’s extra of an all-winter beverage. Right here in Prague, it’s known as svařák (SVAR-zhak), or generally svařené víno, and it’s completely scrumptious.
Purple wine is mulled with quite a lot of spices together with cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and star anise, then delivered to a boil briefly, then introduced all the way down to a simmer (we are able to’t be having boozeless wine on this nation, you see).
You’ll find svařák throughout Prague in winter, from wine bars to cafes to road stalls. It’s the right dish for warming your fingers on a chilly night in Prague.
However my favourite svařák ingesting expertise was at The House of Axes, an axe-throwing spot (and one in every of my favourite unusual things to do in Prague). They serve svařák in dainty little china teacups as you throw axes like Vikings. I like the juxtaposition!
![A gothic church in Prague, underneath a light layer of snow, the sky gray and dark and cloudy.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Prague-in-Winter-Snowy-Church-1024x768.jpeg)
Winter may be GRAY, DARK, and MORE GRAY and MORE DARK.
One of many harder issues about residing in Prague, I’ve discovered, is that it may really feel prefer it’s grey for months over the winter. You would possibly luck out and get a stunning snowstorm at some point and brilliant blue skies one other — however for many guests, you possibly can count on stable grey skies on your complete go to.
For those who get up and the solar’s out, exit and revel in it — it fairly often doesn’t final in winter. So many occasions in Prague I’ve regarded out the window and thought, “Lovely day — I’ll take pleasure in that on my stroll this afternoon!” just for it to go grey inside an hour or two.
After which there’s the darkness. On December 21, the winter solstice, the solar rises at 7:58 AM and units at 4:02 PM. On January 21, it’s barely lighter with a dawn at 7:50 AM and sundown at 4:36 PM — however barely. Plenty of Prague locals take vitamin D within the winter to fight this (I really take it year-round as a result of it may’t harm!).
Understand that grey days are one thing you possibly can threat year-round in Prague (we get fewer sunny days than in New England, the place I grew up) — but when sunshine is a precedence, you must time your journey between Might and September.
![People hanging out and drinking beer around a big marble table in a high-ceilinged pub in Prague.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Kantyna-Pub-in-Prague-1024x768.jpeg)
Heat up in a enjoyable pub in Prague.
Right here in Prague, we all know that Czech beer is the most effective beer on the planet — and it occurs to be delightfully low cost. Czechs are inclined to punctuate life with visits to the pub. End a motorbike experience or a day of snowboarding? Head to the pub. Trying to have fun a promotion? Head to the pub. Your pal’s again on the town after every week away? Head to the pub.
The perfect native beers in Prague are tank pilsner — that is the good things. Pilsner is marked with levels, which is roughly double the proportion of the beer (i.e. a 12-degree beer is about 6% alcohol). Pilsner Urquell is the go-to model (and I humbly recommend you keep away from Staropramen — see extra on my What Not to Do in Prague submit); a number of enjoyable native breweries are Vinohradska and Únětice, and you will discover these beers everywhere in the metropolis.
So the place’s a great place? My all-time favourite is Kantýna, which is extra of a restaurant, however occurs to serve a number of the greatest tank pilsner within the metropolis. You possibly can stand in the midst of the room and revel in your beers amongst convivial Czechs.
One other good spot is the aforementioned Lokal, with scrumptious beer and down-home Czech delicacies that locals love.
If you need the most cost effective tank pilsner within the metropolis, head to U Glaubiců in Malá Strana, near Prague Fortress. Right here the beer is about 43 Czech koruna (lower than $2).
And don’t overlook the micro-breweries, both! Czechs are making all types of beers lately (and as a Massachusetts native, it warms my coronary heart to drink a New England IPA within the Czech Republic).
Two of my favorites are Dva Kohouti in Karlín and Automat Matuška in Dejvice, the latter of which additionally serves dynamite barbecue and quirky vegetable dishes.
![The atrium National Museum, with giant intricate staircases and walls made of marble.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/National-Museum-Prague-1024x725.jpeg)
Spend your days museum-hopping in Prague.
On the coldest days of winter — particularly when it’s raining and sleeting — you’ll be glad to move indoors. It’s the right time to move to a museum.
Whereas Prague isn’t a museum powerhouse in the best way London, Paris, and Amsterdam are, you possibly can simply fill a number of days with museum visits alone. Listed here are a number of the spots I like to recommend:
The National Museum (Narodní Muzeum) sits atop Wenceslas Sq. and has an eclectic mixture of displays. My favourite is the Corridor of Minerals, with a whole bunch of rocks and minerals laid out so neatly and colorfully. I like to recommend visiting the highest ground simply earlier than sundown for beautiful views over town.
The Strahov Library, close to Prague Fortress, is totally gorgeous — it’s straight out of Magnificence and the Beast. You must know that you may solely poke your head in with a daily ticket. As a substitute, I strongly advocate shelling out for a private tour, which is able to allow you to really stroll by the beautiful library and take pictures. (Additionally, there’s a extremely good brewery simply exterior the library!)
The Jewish Museum of Prague is without doubt one of the oldest Jewish museums on the planet, relationship again to 1906 — and as you’d count on, a sobering place to go to. Prague’s synagogues, together with the large Klausen Synagogue, Maisal Synagogue, Pinkas Synagogue, and the gorgeous golden Spanish Synagogue, host quite a lot of Judaica and artifacts from earlier than the Jewish ghetto was destroyed throughout World Battle II.
The Franz Kafka Museum is without doubt one of the quirkier museums in Prague, telling the story of the literary legend. Whether or not you had been compelled to learn The Metamorphosis at school or just a fan of the “Kafkaesque” episode of Breaking Dangerous, this museum is an fascinating deep dive into one in every of Prague’s favourite sons.
The Sex Machines Museum at all times will get introduced up in Prague — normally with a number of eye-rolls — however right here you will discover each sort of erotic assist you possibly can think about, a few of them relationship again greater than 500 years! (Preserve out of the best way of bachelor and bachelorette events.)
![People sitting in a cozy cafe, chatting and working on laptops.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Muj-Salek-Cafe-Prague-in-Winter-1024x750.jpeg)
Seize a espresso at a cute cafe in Prague.
I like Prague’s cafe scene. Whether or not you’re in search of a standard grand Bohemian cafe or one thing extra hip and native serving third wave espresso, we’ve received loads of choices. (And I go to a number of of them per week!)
Whether or not you’re up for espresso, tea, or scorching chocolate, I extremely advocate making an attempt my favourite Czech pastry — the větrník (vee-ET-er-NEEK). It’s a Czech tackle a cream puff, full of a number of sorts of cream and topped with caramel. You’ll find větrníky in tons of cafes.
For those who’re in search of a grand cafe within the conventional Bohemian type, Café Savoy is the place for you. You’ll love the inside, all picket and gold with chandeliers. This can be a restaurant serving meals, however you can too come for espresso and pastries.
In case your pursuits are extra towards the hip native café, a number of I like to recommend are Můj Šalek in Karlín, which has fab espresso and a dynamite větrník; Etapa in Karlín, which has a lot of vegan and gluten-free choices; and La Bohème in Vinohrady, which has a delightfully adorned inside (particularly throughout Christmas time).
The best possible espresso in Prague is served at EMA Espresso Bar. The espresso right here is constantly excellent, and only a hair above all the opposite prime locations. There are three places of EMA in Prague. (That mentioned, it’s not a comfortable place for hanging out — it’s extra of a are available, have your espresso, and go place.)
And at last — if you wish to attempt a Vietnamese egg espresso (it’s mainly a candy, thick, scorching drink like espresso combined with marshmallow fluff!), you possibly can have one at Cà Phê Cổ, a restaurant with a cool inside within the Vinohrady neighborhood.
![A view of the church towers and orange-roofed buildings of Cesky Krumlov](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Prague-to-Cesky-Krumlov-1024x683.jpg)
There are such a lot of locations within the Czech Republic to discover in winter.
Don’t restrict your self to solely visiting Prague within the Czech Republic! So many vacationers pop into the Czech Republic with out going past the Prague metropolis limits, and that’s a disgrace.
So what are some bonus locations value visiting in winter?
Karlovy Fluctuate can be my prime advice. This spa city is about two hours from Prague and there’s nothing like soaking in scorching springs throughout the chilly winter months. You can even stroll alongside the river, store within the boutiques, hike into the encircling hills, and revel in some scrumptious eating places.
Český Krumlov is one other stable selection. This small medieval city, about two hours from Prague, is totally gorgeous, with a fort and pointy church towers and a river curling across the metropolis. And whereas it’s extraordinarily touristy in the summertime (as in you’ll be combating your means by tour teams), winter is blessedly quiet. You can see my guide to Český Krumlov here.
Brno is a enjoyable possibility if you happen to love visiting cities and getting off the overwhelmed path. It’s 2.5 hours from Prague. For those who like structure, you’ll LOVE Villa Tugendaht (guide tickets means upfront), the city has a lot of historic websites, and there are many fabulous cafes, bars, and eating places.
Every of those can technically be accomplished as a day journey if you happen to’re formidable and begin early, however I strongly, strongly advocate staying a minimum of in a single day.
![A snowy forest surrounded by a mountainous landscape.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Bohemian-Switzerland-Winter-in-Prague-1024x683.jpg)
And there are some nice winter day journeys from Prague!
How a couple of day journey from town, then? There are many nice day journeys value taking in winter! Listed here are a number of which might be value it throughout the winter months:
Kutná Hora. I at all times advocate this as a day journey from Prague, because it’s a cool place with a straightforward, brief journey to get there. Kutná Hora is most well-known for its ossuary (creepy bone church!), however the city itself is de facto fairly and value strolling round and exploring.
To get to Kutná Hora, take the practice from Prague’s Central Station (Hlavní Nádraží), which takes about 50 minutes. For those who’d slightly go on a guided tour, you can book this one.
Plzeň. The Czech Republic is dwelling to the most effective beer on the planet, and Plzeň is dwelling to the Pilsner Urquell brewery. Pilsner Urquell is probably the most beloved beer within the nation, so if you happen to’re a beer fan, touring the brewery is a should! Plzeň additionally has a pleasant city sq. and is value strolling round.
To get to Plzeň, take the practice from Prague’s Central Station (Hlavní Nádraží), which takes about 90 minutes.
Bohemian Switzerland and Saxon Switzerland. This area is definitely between the Czech Republic and Germany, nowhere close to Switzerland. It’s a phenomenal wooded paradise, dwelling to the most important arch in Europe (Pravcicka Gate) and the great thing about Kamenice Gorge, the place you possibly can take a ship experience by the canyon. Come right here for mountain climbing! It’s the Czech nationwide passion.
I strongly advocate visiting this area on a guided tour from Prague, because it’s a bit bushy to do by yourself, particularly in winter.
Dresden, Germany. In case your winter go to to Prague occurs to be between December 1 and 23, I encourage you to go to Dresden’s Christmas markets, which I feel are among the many greatest in Germany. Positively prioritize visiting the medieval Christmas market specifically! If it’s not on this time-frame, although, I’d give it a miss in winter.
To get to Dresden, take the practice from Prague’s Central Station (Hlavní Nádraží), which takes about 2.5 hours.
Český Krumlov. I URGE you to remain in Český Krumlov in a single day as a result of the in a single day expertise on this magical medieval city is one million occasions higher than visiting by day, particularly in winter. I wrote a whole post about it! THAT SAID, I do know that lots of people received’t have the ability to keep in a single day. So if that’s not an possibility, sure, you must go to on a day journey.
To get to Český Krumlov, you possibly can both book an organized full-day tour, or take the practice from Prague’s Central Station (Hlavní Nádraží), which takes about 2.5 hours and most journeys require altering in České Budějovice.
(Whereas Karlstejn Fortress is commonly advisable as a Prague day journey, the fort is closed throughout a lot of the winter months.)
![Hockey spectators wearing hockey jerseys and their faces painted red, which and blue like the Czech flag.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Hockey-Game-Winter-in-Prague-1024x683.jpg)
Winter is hockey season in Prague!
Do you know that Czechs are loopy about hockey? Not fairly on a Canadian stage (hehe), however anybody who’s seen the variety of Czechs on NHL groups received’t be shocked that hockey is a well-liked sport right here!
Throw in your heat coat, seize a beer from the concession stand, and prepare to cheer in your new favourite worldwide staff on the ice!
There are two primary groups in Prague: HC Sparta Prague and HC Slavia Prague. You possibly can watch them play at two of the most important venues within the nation — the O2 Enviornment and Tipsport Enviornment. The total season runs from mid-September by early March.
You should buy tickets for HC Sparta here and tickets for HC Slavia here (surprisingly, Slavia doesn’t have a web site in English although).
Oh, and don’t be shocked if a helicopter is simply hovering close by throughout the recreation. That’s a factor right here!
![A park in Prague with the lightest dusting of snow on the ground, the grass peeking through in patches.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Prague-in-Winter-1024x768.jpg)
Does it snow in Prague? Sure, however not a ton.
There are various snowy days in Prague throughout the winter months. I like the times when large, fats snowflakes fall from the sky and the whole lot will get quiet.
That mentioned, the snow hardly ever sticks round for lengthy in Prague. More often than not, it’s melted inside a day or so. Prior to now winter, we solely had one snowstorm the place the snow caught round for a number of days (because of temperatures beneath freezing for a lot of of them). That was in December.
So sure — it’s a good suggestion to convey snow-appropriate footwear to Prague in winter (suppose comfortable, waterproof boots with rubber soles). However you additionally won’t want to make use of them. Both means, it’s higher to be ready than not!
![Fireworks exploding over the medieval-era Charles Bridge in Prague.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/New-Years-Eve-in-Prague-in-Winter-1024x683.jpg)
New Yr’s Eve in Prague is LOUD.
Considering of coming to Prague for New Yr’s? For those who’re seeking to have fun in type, you’ll have a good time right here. Prague has tons of bars and golf equipment, lots of which promote tickets for particular New Yr’s Eve occasions (together with river cruises), and folks collect in Previous City Sq. to welcome the New Yr at midnight.
However you must know that Czechs LOVE to set off fireworks on New Yr’s Eve. And never simply at midnight — they begin early within the night (generally even throughout the day!) and preserve it going till daybreak.
Personally, I don’t exit on New Yr’s Eve in Prague — I feel the vacation basically is the worst night time of the 12 months to exit, interval! So costly, crowded, and full of individuals partying means too onerous, regardless of the place on the planet you’re. As a substitute, you’ll discover me at dwelling with pals, consuming good meals and ingesting good wine, giving my cats a lot of love by the scary fireworks.
For those who your self need a enjoyable however not-as-crazy New Yr’s in Prague, I like to recommend leaving the previous city and getting dinner at a pleasant restaurant in a neighborhood like Vinohrady, Letná, or Dejvice, adopted by an area bar.
![A beautifully crenellated building in Prague, set at the end of a snowy garden.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Prague-Weather-in-Winter-1024x697.jpeg)
Prague Climate in Winter
What sort of climate do you have to count on in Prague in winter? Right here is month to month climate info for Prague from December by March, together with common temperatures.
Understand that the climate can range fairly a bit, and local weather change has additionally meant hotter, much less snowy winters in the previous few years.
Prague in December
In December, Prague tends to be fairly chilly, with common excessive temperatures round 36°F (2°C) and lows dipping to about 28°F (-2°C).
This month typically brings a contact of winter surprise, with a median snowfall of roughly 4.3 inches (11 cm). Rainfall is comparatively low, with round 0.8 inches (20 mm) of precipitation.
Understand that December can also be the darkest month of the 12 months, with the darkest days across the winter solstice.
Prague in January
January is without doubt one of the coldest months in Prague, if not THE coldest month in Prague of the 12 months, with common excessive temperatures round 35°F (2°C) and lows averaging 26°F (-3°C).
It’s a snowy month, usually receiving about 5.5 inches (14 cm) of snowfall. Precipitation within the type of rain is minimal, with a median of round 0.6 inches (15 mm).
Prague in February
In February, Prague’s climate stays chilly, with common excessive temperatures close to 38°F (3°C) and lows round 26°F (-3°C).
Snowfall continues, with a median of roughly 4.7 inches (12 cm). Rainfall is scarce, usually totaling about 0.5 inches (13 mm) on common.
Prague in March
As spring approaches, March sees barely milder temperatures in Prague, with common excessive temperatures reaching round 46°F (8°C) and lows round 32°F (0°C).
Snowfall turns into much less widespread in March, averaging round 2.4 inches (6 cm) throughout the month. Precipitation will increase barely, with a median of about 1 inch (26 mm) of rainfall.
![People walking past a Christmas tree and market stands in Prague.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Smaller-Christmas-Market-Prague-in-Winter-1024x768.jpeg)
Packing for Prague in Winter
So what do you really must pack for a winter go to in Prague? For those who’re from a chilly local weather, convey your common chilly climate gear. For those who’re from a heat local weather, listed below are some gadgets I like to recommend:
Base layers (thermal underwear). I’m an enormous fan of the Uniqlo heat-teach scoop-neck top and leggings, that are very heat, inexpensive, and I put on on a regular basis. Base layers are important for Christmas market journeys in winter as a result of they provide you an additional layer of heat.
Heat sweater. Sweaters (or jumpers, Brits!) make the right mid-layer between your base layer and your outerwear. Do you know that Uniqlo makes affordable cashmere sweaters in a ton of colours?
Warm winter coat. If it’s not waterproof, that’s okay, however make certain to convey an umbrella (and really convey it out with you).
Boots. Waterproof winter boots are very best, as anybody who’s stepped right into a deep slushy puddle can let you know. You won’t want them, however they’re a superb merchandise to have in your wardrobe for winter journey.
Heat socks. I’m a giant fan of merino wool socks, which I put on throughout the winter and for mountain climbing year-round.
Hat. I’m not a hat individual; nonetheless, I rock a beanie in winter in Prague.
Speakeasy travel supply scarf. I like these scarves, which are available quite a lot of patterns and supplies, and so they include a hidden zip-up pocket that’s good on your valuables!
Extra on the Czech Republic:
Extra on winter in Europe:
Have you ever been to Prague in winter? Any ideas? Share away!
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