When was the last time you went on vacation straight out of a fairytale? Hold your breath because Prague is unequal in vision in winter. Prague magically comes to life in December.
Being one of the hotspots for December, Prague has many things to do in winter. Known for its festive Christmas markets, cobbled streets, Czech beers, amazing waterfront views, legendary musicals, and time-travelling museums, Prague is a blissful experience.
Winter in Prague could get really cold. It snows and rains, making it more chilled than expected. The weather in December can range from 2° C at its highest and -4° C at its lowest.
Sure, it’s cold as ice, but the city is alluring in a way that even on the most chilled days, tourists are covered in layers and enjoying all that Prague has to offer.
Before you plan your time in Prague, know the weather you are in for, and for questions like where to go, what to eat and what to do in the enchanting city of Prague, I got you. Here is a list of tourist activities that will give you memories for a lifetime.
1. Visit The Markets
In winter, Prague features some of the best festive markets in Europe, especially during December. These markets are the best place for tourists to experience Prague’s local culture and artifacts.
Around Christmas time, the atmosphere is completely ecstatic, filled with carolling, massive Christmas trees, colourful decorations, and bright lights. These markets are the best places where you can shop for trinkets and traditional handicrafts and eat the best street regional foods.
1.1. Old Town Square
When you enter Prague’s most famous and longest-running Christmas market, you feel like a wonderland. Surrounded by some great historic buildings, Old Town Square is the perfect place to get some souvenirs.
The wooden hut markets sell everything from handicrafts to spicy gingerbread. Their mulled wine and hot chocolate are perfect for warming you up.
1.2. Wenceslas Square
Against the background of the National Museum, Wenceslas Square is the second largest market filled with tourists and locals. The lack of live entertainment compensates with cafes, shops, and theatres.
If you are a food lover who loves to try some Czech rational food, the streets are filled with some great options for you. This market has its charms, specializing in wooden and steel gifts, perfect for taking some home.
1.3. Prague Castle
The markets at Prague Castle can be seen as cozy compared to the big ones. Located in front of St. Vitus Cathedral, the smaller Christmas markets have their beauty.
Filled with many stalls, it is the perfect place where you can buy some handcrafted crafts like soaps, crystals, jewellery, and a lot more, with plenty of traditional food to binge on.
2. Ice Skating
Enjoying ice skating in Prague is a perfect way to show off some moves and embarrassingly tumble down.
An ideal activity where you can keep your body moving and warmed during the chill in December. Ice skating is a favourite for locals and tourists; the rinks are filled with couples, kids, and families.
2.1. Na Frantisku
Located near Na Frantisku Hospital, Na Frantisku is free (unless you rent the skates) and perfect for kids to enjoy some skating. If your better half likes to skate and watch, the premises are surrounded by white benches where you can sit and enjoy the experience.
2.2. Ovocny Trh
Located in the heart of Prague, this rink is owned by the Prague city hall; hence, there’s no entrance fee.
The equipment for ice skating is available for hire, and the city is filled with fun activities to enjoy after a great ice skating session.
2.3. Tower Ice Park
Located below Zizkov Tower, it’s a brand-new ice rink. You can rent your skates here and enjoy some ice skating time with your loved ones. Surrounded by many restaurants, one of which is Miminoo, you can grab something to eat and have a great evening.
3. Museums
Museums in Prague are rich, not just in history but the stories they tell; we suggest you carry some tissues to cry your heart out. If you crave some inspiration and want to know the stories of what this land has been through, we recommend visiting some of these museums in Prague.
3.1. Strahov Library
Located in Stahove monastery and found in the 12th century, it is the most valued and well-kept library in the world. The library is heaven for avid readers and consists of two halls and 200,000 volumes.
3.2. Jewish Museums
Known as the ‘museum of an extinguished race, this museum was preserved by the Nazis while most of Europe was destroyed. It is rich in history and is a must on the list of places to visit in Prague.
3.3. Franz Kafka Museum
This museum is a tribute to the famous Czech novelist Frank Kafka. This museum is home to the 1st edition of the writer’s books, including diaries and drawings. Outside the courtyard is the infamous sculpture of two men pissing in a pond.
4. Hotels
Where to stay in Prague is a big question for tourists. Fortunately for travellers, Prague hotels are much cheaper than elsewhere in Europe. So, if you want a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and reasonable, these are on top of our list to stay in Prague.
4.1. Miss Sophie’s Prague
One of the best places to stay and close to Charles Bridge, Miss Sophie’s is a cute little boutique hotel that is both luxurious and warm in the winter. To the tourists, it’s the perfect hotel for some great Instagram photos, as it was featured in Elle and Glamour.
4.2. Cosmopolitan
It is a nice, cozy apartment in the middle of Prague, within walking distance of Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square. The apartment is quiet, and the windows face a beautiful courtyard, a perfect view for some wine and cheese for the evening.
4.3. Czech Inn
Beautifully restored 19th-century building. It is within walking distance from the historical centre of Prague. The hostel features stylish rooms, a brick cellar bar, and free WiFi in public areas. Perfect staying options for backpackers travelling across Europe.
5. Cafes
When you travel, you want to visit as many places as possible to have a meaningful trip; however, not taking breaks can kill your motivation to keep going, and you might end up in your hotel rooms sooner than expected. We know the perfect solution to fill your bellies and act as a great mood booster. Check them out.
5.1. Café Savoy
It offers some ideal and traditional breakfast, and it is the best place to start your day in Prague. The place is a piece of art, with its beautiful sparkling chandeliers and art nouveau vibes. With the smell of some freshly brewed coffee, delicious eggs, french toast, and waitpersons serving in white aprons, this place is a great mood setter.
5.2. Globe Bookstore & Cafe
A book cafe, delightful! Popular among both young and old alike, the Global Bookstore cafe is the perfect place to grab a second-hand English novel, order some hot coffee or mulled wine, and grab a seat to read in peace.
6. Pubs
Prague is known for its famous Czech beers and diverse nightlife. Without its beers and wines for those who don’t drink beer, the experience is truly incomplete. So indulge in and don’t miss out on these amazing bars in Prague.
After sightseeing and visiting the museums and the markets, the nightlight makes the visit to Prague worth it. If you want to survive during the winter in Prague, these cozy pubs will certainly keep you warm.
6.1. Bar Konirna
Built in the 16th century, if you want to drink the beers from the old times, then this bar is for you. Just a few minutes away from the Charles Bridge, this small and local pub is not only known for its beer but also for some amazing Czech goods.
6.2. Skautsky Institute
Located inside the hustle and bustle of the old town square and offers amazing views of the place. After touring all day, top up your mugs with some of their Czech beer and enjoy a relaxed vibe.
7. Go For A Walk
Watching the sunset from the Charles Bridge or taking a morning walk on the streets of St Nicholas Church, walking in Prague is a beautiful activity in itself. The city speaks to you in languages you can’t translate but sense and even understand. It talks about love, beauty, and time. So walk along these beautiful streets and feel alive in a way you haven’t before.
7.1. Lennon Wall
A wall of graffiti inspired by John Lennon is the most instagrammable spot. Inspired by the lyrics and peace sign in the 1980s, this wall is truly a work of art worth a walk.
7.2. Charles Bridge
It is not just any ordinary bridge; it holds 16 arches and 30 figurines, making it the highest in the city. As you move away from Town Square, you cannot miss the walk on this beautiful bridge.
7.3. St Nicholas Church
St Nicholas Church is the central point in the minor area of Prague. The place is one of the most walked-upon places in the Czech Republic. Walking through the streets gives you a glimpse of the livelihood of the neighborhood.
Step inside the lanes to see the ornate architecture of the Gothic church dedicated to St Nicholas.
8. Concerts And Musicals
Christmas and musicals go hand in hand, and Prague is filled with them. Filled with orchestra, incredible dance performances, choirs, and musicals in Prague around Christmas time are some of the best things to experience.
The musicals are known to be just as remarkable as the opera in Vienna.
8.1. Nutcracker Musical
Perfect for both family outings or date nights, this musical representation of the story of the Nutcracker in the form of ballet is not something you would want to miss.
This musical is so famous that you might have to book your tickets in advance.
8.2. Christmas Concert
Many Christmas concerts will perfectly mirror your Christmas spirit if you are in Prague around Christmas. Places like the Prague Castle, Boccaccio Ballroom, and National Theatre are some of the places that host them.
8.3. Nightwish Concert
As we all know, rock music will never die, and neither will concerts. If you are in Prague during the time of December, the Nightwish Concert is the one concert you wouldn’t want to miss.
9. Myths And Folklore
Do not miss out on these amazing things when you are in Prague.
9.1. The Magical White Horse
When you visit the Prague castle, you will come across the story of the talking horse. Long ago, when Prague castle used to be located in Vyšehrad on the opposite side of the Vltava river, a greedy Prince Křesomysl ruled the land and, in the search for treasures, would tell farmers to abandon their lands and work in the mines.
A brave farmer called Horymír rebelled and was further sentenced to be executed. Fortunately, Horymír had a white horse, Šemík, and wished to ride him one last time.
Once his wish was granted, Horymír climbed Šemík and whispered something in his ear. The horse leapt so high that he landed safely on the other side of the castle, rescuing his master. However, the leap took all his strength, and the horse died.
Upon your visit, you can witness the statue of Šemík and Horymír at Vyšehrad Park.
9.2. Prophetic Queen Of The Czech Republic
Libuše, the youngest and wisest of three sisters, was also the queen of the Czech Republic back in the day. Known to possess prophetic powers, she ruled most of her decisions on the prophecies she received.
In accordance with one of her prophecies, she refused to marry any old prince as she had a vision of a man, a ploughman, named Přemysl. She located him and made him her husband.
Another one of her prophecies that gave birth to the city we call Prague today was a city near the river Vlata, which would be so famous that it would reach the stars. Due to her precious prophecies coming true, the people went where she told them and settled in then práh.
9.3. The Tale Of Iron Man
The monument of Iron Man is located in the old district of Prague, also known as the true ghost of Prague. Jáchym Berka is a man in the form of a ghost who has been waiting for his freedom.
The tale goes like this: Jáchym Berka was betrothed to a beautiful girl when he went to defend his country. Upon returning, he heard evil rumours, broke off the marriage, and wed another girl. Upon hearing the news, he killed his wife and hanged himself. It resulted in the death of both the girl and her father.
The curse can be broken if he talks to a virgin girl once a year; however, he still roams the street searching for his freedom.
On the Whole
Winter is the best time to visit Prague as it is less crowded during December, so you can enjoy the markets, sing along with the pieces of music, eat lots of good food, and gulp down some of the finest beer the city has to offer. So, follow the list and get ready for the enchanting vacation experience.
Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty
