Amazing things to do in Prague in Winter

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Whenever I think of Prague in winter I think instantly of Micheal Hutchence walking in the mist beside the river serenading me…personally. It may be an extremely far stretch in anyone’s imagination but we were heading to Prague and I was keeping my dream alive.

And with this in mind who wouldn’t want to visit Prague in winter? The city is beautiful, historic and oh so picturesque. It is a top destination in Europe for the Christmas Market and wandering Charles bridge in the snow. But what else is there to do in Prague?

A red tram crosses one of the many bridges in winter in Prague
The old-style Prague Trams get you around the city

Know before you go. Our top Prague travel tips

Travelling to Prague can be such an enriching experience for travellers and one of the top destinations in Europe. Prague is famous for well-preserved castles, Baroque and Gothic cathedrals, medieval squares, dreamy bridges, nightlife spots, and a lively arts scene.

There are so many things to do in Prague, and having the best place to stay in Prague to explore is extremely important for travellers. Here we’ve got some information to get you planning your vacation to Prague to make your trip completely hassle-free.

Where to stay in Prague

You’ll never be short of options for your accommodation in Prague. In the Czech capital, you will find a range of hotels, apartments, and hostels for singles, couples and families.

You will be sure to be able to find something to suit everyone from hostel to apartment and hotels. If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs, we recommend using Hotellook and Trip Advisor to find the best prices in Prague for your European holiday.

Luxury: The Mandarin Oriental Prague oozes luxury and charm for the discerning traveller. Features include tourist desk, fitness centre, spa, sauna, steam room and more. For families, there are large rooms and babysitting available.

Mid Range: Located just 1.8 kilometres from Charles Bridge is the Ibis Praha Mala Strana Hotel. The hotel has 225 well-appointed guestrooms, Bar, Restaurant, a swimming pool and a fitness centre. 

Budget: Located between the Prague Old Town and Wenceslas Square is Dream Hostel Prague. This location features both private and communal rooms for guests. Featuring all the facilities such as washing machines, kitchen for cooking, communal areas this place is excellent for budget savvy travellers to Prague.

Prague apartment alternative for your stay

If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation when on your Europe holiday, then an apartment is the best choice for you on your vacation in Prague. There are so many options for singles, family holidays to Prague, and budget-friendly options as well. Check out the map below to find the perfect apartment in Prague for your holiday.

Book your Prague Apartment

How to get to Prague

Being the biggest city in the Czech Republic, Prague is connected by highways in all directions, long distant buses, trains and planes all bring people daily to the city. This easily makes Prague of the easiest destinations in Eastern Europe to visit.

  • Prague is a hub for train travel around the region.Prague can reached from London via Brussels and Cologne, while direct trains from Munich and Berlin are popular.Book your domestic and international trains with Omio
  • Prague can be reached directly by bus from 339 cities with Flixbus.. Book all your bus tickets to Prague with Flixbus starting at € 1,99
  • Driving in The Czech Republic is super easy. You can pick a rental car up at the Airport and dedicated sites in the city. Major highways lead into Austria, Germany and Poland.

How to get around in Prague

Public transport in Prague is possible by Metro, bus and tram. A ticket for the Prague public transport network permits travel on the Prague Metro, trams and buses for a set period of time: 30 minutes or 90 minutes. You can also pick up a 1-Day, 3-Day and 1-Month passes. Tickets can be bought at kiosks or onboard the transport.

Travel insurance in Prague

Travel Insurance is recommended for all travellers entering Prague. The last thing you want is a huge bill for medical expenses should you require care. We recommend using Visitors Coverage Travel Insurance to protect yourself from any hiccups on your holiday to Prague.

Using your phone in Prague

Relying on Wi-fi when you are travelling and sightseeing in Prague. Making calls and staying in contact when you travel in Prague is important for family and safety.

Plan your trip to Prague and order your sim before you leave home to stop any stress about travelling, data and calls on your family vacation in Prague.

Buy a Prague City Card

Save time and money in Prague, and discover the city’s sights and Prague attractions at your own pace with a 2-day, 3-day or 4-day Prague Card. The card gives you free entries, free tours and massive discounts in Prague. Buy your Prague City Card today.

Let’s explore Prague at winter

So now that you have all the information to plan your vacation to Prague. In winter, there are numerous Prague things to do in winter, such as ice skating in the Old Town Square or visiting the magical Christmas markets.

For any visit to Prague in winter, one wants to have a memorable experience. How much you get to see and experience depends on how long your winter break in Prague is for.

The daylight hours can be short in Prague during winter, so the weather would play a huge part in what you can see.

Some of the amazing statues you will find in Prague
Statues in the Praha Old Town

Top rated things to do in Prague in winter

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, Prague attracts visitors from all over the world to its unique medieval architecture, stunning churches and picturesque squares.

If you are visiting Prague in winter, which is probably your best time to go there due to its gorgeous Christmas markets, fantastic winter views, New Year’s Eve fireworks and also other events like ice hockey, football, skating and more.

Before heading out to explore, make sure you layer up for the cold winter weather in Prague.

The banks of Vltava River leading up to Charles Bridge. You can see the bridge gate and other classicall building
The Skyline you will see when visiting Prague in Winter

Visiting Prague in winter – Charles Bridge

The first place many people will visit when on vacation in Prague is Charles Bridge. After you check into your Prague accommodation it is the perfect Prague attraction to visit

. Don’t be surprised at the number of people on the bridge, even though it is so cold. Everyone you will see visiting Charles Bridge will be rugged up ready for the Prague winter weather.

Charles Bridge from a distance displaying its recognisable arches that lead it accross the Vltava River
Prague Winter travel always includes Charles Bridge

You can still get to see all the statues along the sides of the bridge, and it wasn’t a fight to get moving but don’t expect a picture of Charles Bridge tourist-free.

*It was while we were standing on Charles Bridge that it started to snow very lightly, and we were all excited to see it. For us, it was an amazing experience, and we think for that reason, a walk along Charles Bridge makes it one of the best times to visit Prague in December

Prague in the winter – Charles Bridge Tower

One of the first pictures of Prague most tourists will see is a picture of the Prague Old Town Square taken from one of the Charles Bridge Towers. For many visitors to Prague getting this picture of the Old Town Square is top of their things to do in Prague.

Charles Bridge Tower greets you at the entrance to the bridge
Prague winters are great for fewer crowds

Top tip for visiting the Charles Bridge Towers

The climb up to the top of the Charles Bridge Tower did take me a lot longer than I thought due to the height and the last section was by a ladder. This was my sticking point. There was a small gap between the ladder and the door that I needed to get through to get out onto the platform that was where I could get my photo from. I was so scared but once I was up there getting my picture it was all worth it.

View accross Charles Bridge with tourists walking during Prague in winter
Prague in winters is just beautiful

Old Town Square in Prague during winter

Having previously visited Prague in the autumn, it was much different this time around. Instead of people enjoying food and drinks in the sun, they were enjoying mulled wine and Christmas foods.

The Prague Old Town Square has been popular in Prague since the 11th century. The architecture of the Church of Our Lady before Týn with its two 80-meter-high towers is outstanding.

In addition to the Church of Our Lady, you will find the Old Town Hall with its astronomical clock, the Baroque Church of St Nicholas, the Rococo Kinský Palace, the Gothic House at the Stone Bell and the monument to Jan Hus.

The Old Town Square Prague Christmas Market

. In December, there are several things to do in Prague, such as visiting the famous Christmas markets, exploring the stunning Prague Castle, and enjoying ice skating in the beautiful Old Town Square.

In the Czech Republic, the 5th of December is the traditional beginning of Christmas. In Prague on the 5th December, Saint Mikulas (as he is known here) gifts children with sweets and treats in the Old Town Square.

Prague Christmas market was amazing, and it is one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe. We had some amazing food, the smoked ham was so delicious, and it really warmed you up on a cold night.

The market was full of traditional Christmas decorations, wooden toys, and much more.

We had so much mulled wine at the amazing Christmas market and then we wandered the shops as they all seemed to be open late and accommodate all the tourists in Prague that were wandering the city.

The kids and adults loved the market, it’s certainly a good night activity if you are looking for things to do in Prague with family.

The carols were a big hit with both visitors and locals alike, even though they were not in English the tunes were familiar and everyone ended up singing and dancing in front of the stage.

The huge Christmas Tree in the centre of the square was also a highlight, and it was so beautifully decorated. The Christmas Market is the number 1 thing to do in Prague in December, hands down.

Wenceslas Square

In the middle of Wenceslas Square, another Christmas market has sprung up in the last few winter years. The location is really convenient as you can stroll from the nearby old town square.

Wenceslas Square is home to a number of good shopping options including some cool local designers. For those wanting to visit the National Museum, you will find it at the top of Wenceslas Square.

Ice Skating in Prague Old Town

The Czech Republic has a long tradition of ice hockey, so it’s no surprise that the locals also have a passion for ice-skating. In the very coldest winters, the water freezes over on the Vltava River.

At these times you will see plenty of people ice skating the river. The Prague Exhibition Grounds in the Holesovice area of the city and Ice Arena Letnany both offer indoor and outdoor ice-skating rinks.

There are many ice skating rinks during winter in Prague, but the most magical is at the Ovocný Trh in the heart of Old Town. This ice-skating rink offers free public skating sessions and ice-skates rental,

The amazing Prague Castle

One way to keep warm in the Prague winter is to walk to Prague Castle. The views from up there over the city are phenomenal at night and daytime.

Prague castle at night time sits illuminated abouve the Vltava River during winter in Prague.
Prague Castle at night

Explore all of Prague Castle on this guided walking tour or take in the highlights open to the public. The Prague Castle complex is one of the largest fortresses on the planet. Highlights of any visit include the gargantuan gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane and much more.

Watch some sport in Prague

In the winter months in Prague, you can go and watch an ice hockey or football match. The Czech Extraliga ice hockey season runs from September through March. There are 14 teams in the current competition, including Sparta Prague.

The football season runs from September through April in the Czech Republic. Sparta Praha is the home team for this city and the most successful team in the country

Take a river cruise in Prague

A great way to see Prague out of the cold is on one of the many short cruises on offer in Prague.

The seating is on the inside or outside deck, take in the scenery as you glide by Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, Kampa Island, and the city’s top sights.

You can book a 3-hour dinner cruise or a short 1 highlights cruise depending on what you want. A Prague winter cruise is a great way to see the city.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Prague

New Year’s Eve in Prague is a big celebration with people eating traditional Czech food and drinking Czech beer for the occasion.

Prague unlike many other cities does not have official New Year’s Eve fireworks in the city centre. That is not to say that you will not see plenty of unofficial fireworks going off at midnight.

Instead, Prague has traditional New Year fireworks on the 1st of January at around 6 pm (that time in previous years but may be subject to change). The fireworks are let off from barges on the river.

Museums in Prague in winter

At last count, there are over 80 museums in Prague, some well known and some not so well known. A museum visit in winter is a great way to spend a few hours out of the elements. Below you find a list of some lesser-known Prague museums to visit

Experience a local meal or take a cooking class in Prague

Food plays a big part in the local culture when you visit countries and cities in Europe. Most cities have some great options when it comes to taking a cooking class with a local or have a local cook you a meal. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy indoor food experiences in Prague.

Maybe this is a way to learn how to cook it yourself. Cooking skills are a great thing to learn. Having a local cook a meal helps with your appreciation and understanding of local cuisine and your European holiday destination. Book your Prague food experience today.

Day trips from Prague in winter

One of the fun things to do in Prague in winter is to take a day trip from Prague if time allows. There are many amazing things to see in winter in the Czech Republic.

Cesky Krumlov Day Trip

An amazing day tour to the UNESCO-listed town of Cesky Krumlov from Prague. On your tour to Cesky Krumlov, you will be accompanied by an expert guide as you travel through the scenic Bohemian countryside before arriving in the famous medieval town

. Highlights include the Church of St. Vitus, the historic town centre and the Cesky Krumlov Castle, which dates back to 1240. After a full day of sightseeing in Cesky Krumlov, your tour will conclude with transportation back to Prague.

Terezín Monument half-day tour from Prague

Europe has a long history of war and conflict. The town of Terezín became the site of the largest Czech concentration camp of World War II.

Today, this town is a monument to the tragic fate of tens of thousands of Jews who died here. The tour of the site includes the Jewish ghetto, and the town school, and the museum.

A trip to Prague with family

A trip to Prague with kids can be enjoyable, rewarding and challenging all in one. The best things to do in Prague with family in winter should have a mix of both sightseeing action and fun attractions.

Besides the big-ticket attractions in Prague, you should also consider activities (weather allowing) such as Segway, Laser Tag, indoor play centres for younger children, a boat cruise, Mini Golf and more.

Some frequently asked questions about Prague

Visiting a new city is always daunting even for seasoned travellers. There are always some frequently asked questions about Prague that will help with your trip to Prague going smoothly. Below we have some of our best travel tips for Prague.

What to eat in Prague in winter

Being a cold winter country, you will find Czech Cuisine hearty and filling. The Czech cuisine traditionally includes thick soups a large variety of sauces, both based on stewed and cooked vegetables and meats dishes, roasted meats with natural sauces (gravies), are popular dishes that go well with beer, especially Pilsner.

Some of the hearty dishes that are popular in Winter include:

  • Goulash
  • Apple Strudel
  • Roast Pork
  • Schnitzel
  • Dumplings
  • Svíčková

Just off the main squares in Prague, you will find a lot of cheap places to eat. The food is still good quality but with lots of tourists around there needs to be cheap places to eat in Prague. The amazing goulash with crusty bread is hard to pass up after walking around the cold Prague Winter.

One of the Christmas market specials in Prague is the roasted Ham. It was some of the best ham I have ever had and seeing it cooking in front of you makes you want it so much more. Just be careful in the size you get as it goes by weight, and it can be costly if you are not paying attention.

What to pack for winter in Prague

The one thing to remember about Prague is to pack for the weather, any and all of it.

  • In Prague, the summers are comfortable; the winters are very cold, dry, and windy; and partly cloudy year round. This can be sun, rain and cold weather all in the same day. Make sure you are prepared for all condition by carrying something for rain, sun and cold weather.
  • With a constant threat of rain and even Snow at times in the colder months we suggest you a weatherproof backpack, lightweight raincoat or Poncho and small travel umbrella.
  • In the colder part of the year, accessories are must to keep warm. Heading out requires in the German winter requires a scarf, gloves and warm smart coat.


It wasn’t snowing heavily at that time and there was only a slight sprinkling of snow on the ground but there were so many people wandering around. You can stop in at a cafe for a hot coffee or a goulash to warm up.

Prague street food will keep you full if you are just wanting something on the go. You will find an assortment of Sausage, pastries and the famously fried cheese sandwich on the Prague street food scene.

Willow and Marley Wyld of Wyld Family Travel watching a cruise boat go under Charles Bridge during Winter in Prague
Prague family trips are very popular

Why you should visit Prague in winter?

Prague is one of the most popular cities in Europe. During the warmer seasons, such as spring and summer, the city fills up with tourists. Accommodation is generally a little cheaper in the winter season as well. Visiting Prague in winter can be more enjoyable with fewer tourists in the city.

How cold is Prague in winter time?

Winter in the central European countries is very cold and snowy. Winter in Prague is the coldest season of the year. when At this time of the year average temperatures drop from 1°C at the start of December down to -1.5°C by mid-January.

The frozen Prague winter temperatures then begin to increase, up to an average of 2°C by the end of February. Yep, and increase to 2 degrees time to break out the bikinis.

Daily average weather in Prague change, in the same way, falling from 4°C/-1°C at the beginning of December down to 1°C/-4°C by January before rising up to 5°C/-1°C by the end of February

Does it snow in Prague?

Yes, it certainly snows in Prague. When we were researching this article, we had snow falling while walking across Charles Bridge.

It can snows in Prague in December, January and February when the weather is cold enough. In January, Prague experiences cold temperatures and occasional snowfall.

On average, the city sees an inch or less of snow in the months of December, January, and February. This weather may curtail your activities in Prague.

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Parking in Prague in the winter

We drove to Prague. Car parking in Prague can be quiet expensive and hard to find near your apartment. Prague has street meters, So parking in Prague can get quite expensive. If you don’t pay your car will be clamped and towed. There is free parking in Prague available. 

All of Prague 5 is free parking, everything south of Vitezna Street. See the Prague map below. We were able to find a free spot fairly easily. Most Prague hotels are on the other side of the river. We had a 10-minute walk from our free Praha parking. You can always find a parking garage for the night in Prague.

Map of free parking in Prague

We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel has helped you plan a trip to Prague, Czech Republic. There are so many things not to miss in Prague, you will be wanting to visit the city over and over.

For more travel inspiration for your trip to Prague, click through to our Czech Republic Destination Guide Page for more brilliant travel planning guides.


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11 thoughts on “Amazing things to do in Prague in Winter”

  1. This is great post. Have been to Prague and is one of my favourite EU destinations, I usually go in December for few days. Similar sometimes called little Prague is Ljubljana, highly recommend it too for December!

  2. What a comprehensive guide of prague. We have been before and absolutely would love to go back! Winter would be someting we would like to try as we went during the summer! Christmas markets sound like a great idea!

  3. Prague sure assumes a different avatar in winter.Prague is a place we have been wanting to head to along with some of the other places in the East European circuit. Would love to visit in winter too, look forward to following your journey there. The magnificence of the European architecture is something I really love.

  4. That’s too bad you got so sick the first time! Glad the second time around was better for you. I love your photos from the top of the tower! Even though you were afraid of the heights clearly it was worth facing your fears 😀

  5. I know the feeling of being sick overseas all too well – it sucks doesn’t it! And yes it really can ruin your perception of the place you’re in. So I’m so glad that you enjoyed Prague this time around, it’s one of my favorite cities! Haven’t been in winter though, but I would love to take in the Christmas markets, especially if you say they’re among the best you’ve been to yet!

  6. Prague looks so beautiful, I wish to go there some day.

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