Winter in Prague is usually a particular expertise.
Prague is gorgeous all yr spherical, however throughout the winter it transforms right into a particular sort of fairy story. Twinkling lights, snow blanketing the cobblestone streets and burnt orange rooftops, and seasonal specialties make winter in Prague really feel cozy and heat regardless of the chilly climate.
Talking of the climate, it might probably get unbearably chilly and grey in Prague in winter, so be sure you’re bundled up to your go to! It may be onerous to encourage your self to get on the market and make the most of winter in Prague if it’s freezing exterior. Fortunate for you we’ve give you a heat and fuzzy record of how to profit from your go to to Prague in winter.
What to Throughout Winter in Prague
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Prague Christmas Markets and Traditions
Should you’re visiting Prague in December, you’re in for an actual deal with – you’ll get to take pleasure in a number of the greatest Christmas markets in Europe! The Prague Christmas Markets are mainly the spotlight of winter in Prague.
With markets unfold all all through the town, you’ll have the ability to flick thru tons of stalls promoting conventional handmade crafts, jewellery, meals, and different items. Even if you happen to don’t plan on doing all your Christmas buying right here, check out what the native distributors and artisans have to supply and check out a number of the native delicacies – you received’t be disillusioned!
You’ll discover the most important and hottest Christmas markets within the metropolis heart: at Outdated City Sq., which can also be the house of the massive Christmas tree, and at Wenceslas Sq.. There are additionally markets price exploring at Náměstí Míru, Jiřího z Poděbrad, and Kampa Island.
The Christmas markets rework Prague in December right into a festive and cheery metropolis so it’s inconceivable to not get into the Christmas spirit. This yr, Prague’s Christmas markets open on November thirtieth and shut on January sixth.
And, if you happen to’re fortunate, you’ll get to expertise a number of the native Christmas traditions throughout your go to. In case your go to to Prague in December lands on the fifth, make your option to Outdated City Sq. to see St. Mikuláš (St. Nicholas in English!) and his satan and angel roam the streets handy out sweet to good children and coal to dangerous ones.
Or, if you happen to’re visiting Prague in January and your go to lands on the fifth, you’ll have the ability to watch the Procession of the Three Kings parade marking the tip of the Christmas season.
If you would like perception from an area, you’ll be able to even take a guided tour of the preferred Prague Christmas Markets!
New 12 months’s Celebrations in Prague
Should you’re visiting Prague in January (and the tip of December) for New 12 months’s, you’re in for a loopy time! This clearly overlaps with the Christmas markets in December and January, so that you’ll be getting the very best of all of the winter holidays all wrapped up in a single journey.
New 12 months’s Eve in Prague is one large occasion, it doesn’t matter what you determine to do. Nonetheless, there’s one large change it is best to learn about earlier than you propose your large day: Prague has determined to ditch the standard fireworks present in favor of video mapping exhibits on a number of the metropolis’s historic landmarks.
The New 12 months’s Eve occasion in Outdated City Sq. often kicks off round 5:00 pm if you happen to’re prepared to face the crowds. You’ll take pleasure in all of the festivities of the Christmas markets that may nonetheless be open together with reside music and DJs.
Should you’re seeking to hit the golf equipment and pubs on New 12 months’s Eve, there are a ton of choices for you if you happen to’re prepared to shell out a couple of Czech korunas. Roxy and EPIC, two of the preferred golf equipment within the heart, are throwing large NYE events, whereas there are additionally particular New 12 months’s Eve pub crawls which you could e-book by a number of totally different corporations.
Should you’re in search of a extra low-key night, try the New 12 months’s Eve Jazz Cruise or the Mozart Galas. The Mozart Galas embody a six-course meal together with the pleasure of listening to a few of Mozart’s most well-known items within the Boccaccio Ballroom.
It doesn’t matter what you determine to do on New 12 months’s, the town is sure to be vigorous and also you’ll discover a festive celebration wherever you find yourself – this is likely one of the greatest nights of winter in Prague!
Learn how to Make the A lot of the Gloomy Prague Winter Climate
Should you’re visiting Prague in winter however not throughout the Christmas and New 12 months’s holidays, by no means worry! You’ll nonetheless have the ability to take pleasure in every part the town has to supply throughout these chilly months, even when it’s chilly and grey exterior. Whether or not you’re visiting Prague in December or in February, you could have the chance to make your journey as cozy as you need, and we’re right here to assist with the following pointers.
Seasonal Specialties
Among the best issues about Prague in winter is the seasonal foods and drinks, in fact!
Should you’re spending time exterior exploring the town, take a minute to heat up with a cup of mulled wine (svařák in Czech) or sizzling honey wine (medovina in Czech). Not solely do these drinks style good taking place, however carrying a cup of those round with you’ll hold your fingers heat! Plus, these scrumptious drinks are pretty low cost and yow will discover them virtually wherever across the heart. Cease at one of many market stalls or pop into one of many ice cream retailers and also you’ll have the ability to seize a cup to go.
Should you’re in search of a sizzling drink however you need one thing rather less alcoholic (properly, you’ll be able to add alcohol to it if you need…), seize a cup of sizzling chocolate! The Czechs do it proper – at some locations, you’ll have the ability to select from darkish chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate and so they’ll serve it to you with a spoon as a result of it’s so thick. The recent chocolate is a must-try throughout winter in Prague!
After all, we couldn’t provide you with sizzling beverage solutions with out additionally providing you with a listing of warming winter meals to line your abdomen! Prague does winter meals very properly as they serve a number of sizzling, hearty, and flavorful dishes.
First up is the roasted goose with dumplings and pink cabbage, or Pečená Husička in Czech. This meal is historically served on St. Martin’s Day, November 11, however may be loved all winter lengthy so that you received’t miss out if you happen to’re visiting Prague in December or January.
And what’s that scrumptious odor coming from the Christmas markets? Should you’re visiting Prague in December and even in January, it’s in all probability Pražská šunka, or Prague ham, being roasted over an open flame. You received’t have the ability to cross up these stalls with out your mouth watering, so that you would possibly as properly dig in.
Lastly, if you happen to’re in Prague in winter, it’s a must to attempt the Czech gingerbread, or perník. Czech gingerbread is really an area delicacy, because the artwork of it started within the smaller city of Pardubice within the 1500s. “Pardubice gingerbread” is so scrumptious and distinctive that the EU has truly made it a protected meals! Strive any selection you want: gingerbread cookies, the precise bread, or one of many gingerbread strudels stuffed with jam.
Ice Skating in Prague
Now that your abdomen is full and also you’re feeling heat and comfortable on the within, it’s time to get shifting! Among the best methods to benefit from the winter in Prague is to go ice skating. The town of Prague opens a number of ice rinks scattered all through the middle and some on the outskirts for guests to take pleasure in:
Ovocný Trh in Outdated City is the proper rink for you if you happen to’re out exploring the markets within the heart. Positioned proper subsequent to the Nákupní buying heart, this rink shall be open each day from 9:00 am till 9:00 pm and admission is freed from cost if you happen to carry your personal skates. If it’s a must to lease some, you’ll pay solely 50 Czech korunas.
Na Františku, additionally in Prague 1, hosts one other common ice rink throughout the winter. This one is situated proper subsequent to the Kotva buying heart in case it’s worthwhile to get some last-minute Christmas buying executed. This one is a bit more costly, charging 70 kc for admission.
There may be additionally an ice rink situated proper beneath the Žižkov Tower the place you’ll be able to skate for two-hour classes at 100 kc per session. The bar and cafe additionally situated within the Tower Park supplies a pleasant après-skate ambiance.
There may be one other free skating rink at Letná Park annually, full with meals and beer stands and a pleasant view of the Prague Fort. As this one is a bit farther from the middle, it tends to be much less crowded with vacationers and is extra of a household spot.
Sledding in Prague
If you wish to make the most of the chilly and snowy climate throughout winter in Prague however you’re not so good on skates, perhaps sledding is extra your pace! There are a couple of locations to go sledding across the metropolis.
Bobsleigh Monitor Prague is situated barely exterior the middle within the Prosek neighborhood. The Bobsleigh Monitor options 1 km of tracks with dips, loops, and different obstacles and you may even trip the monitor at evening. Should you’re a pace demon, you’ll be able to go as much as 62 km per hour, or you need to use the brake lever to sluggish issues down a bit. When you’re executed sledding, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a meal on the monitor’s restaurant, which additionally contains a terrace overlooking the town.
After all, if you happen to’re in search of a extra conventional sledding expertise on a snowy day, you’ll be able to carry your personal sled to whichever hill in Prague you want! Fashionable sledding hills embody Vyšehrad, Letná Park, Havlíčkovy Sady, Riegrovy Sady, and if you happen to’re a bit extra daring, the steeper and extra intense Petřín Hill.
Snowboarding Round Prague
Should you’re in search of one thing a bit extra energetic and difficult, a day journey to a ski mountain shall be up your alley. The Czech mountains can supply snowboarding simply pretty much as good as different locations in Europe however for a less expensive worth, so make the most of it if you happen to’re in Prague in winter.
Just below a three-hour bus journey from Prague, Šumava is residence to 2 ski resorts: Lipno and Špičák. Špičák gives cross-country trails in addition to a shifting ski carpet for novices, whereas Lipno is a little more various, providing a snow park with obstacles, a metered slalom course, a bobsledding monitor, and indoor squash and bowling for the non-skiers in your occasion.
A bit nearer to Prague by a two-hour bus journey is Černá hora – Pec Ski Resort, the biggest ski resort within the Czech Republic with 41 km of slopes and trails. There may be additionally a toboggan run for many who would reasonably not ski. After a time out on the slopes, you’ll be able to heat up within the thermal spas of Janské Lázně, because the ski resort is conveniently linked to this cozy spa city!
Additionally, two hours from Prague is Špindlerův Mlýn Ski Resort, one of the crucial well-known and most visited ski resorts within the Czech Republic. With 25 km of slopes, three snow parks, and 85 km of cross-country trails, there’s one thing for everybody at this resort.
Indoor Actions in Prague Throughout Winter
Should you’re not likely an outdoorsy particular person and also you’d prefer to keep away from the chilliness of winter in Prague as a lot as potential, we really feel you! Fortunately, there are additionally a number of indoor actions so that you can take pleasure in if you happen to’re visiting Prague throughout the depths of winter.
Head to a Cozy Underground Pub in Prague
Pubs are one factor Prague does proper all yr spherical, however its cozy underground pubs are the proper place to cover from the chilly if you happen to’re visiting Prague in December or January! With stone partitions, tasty drinks and pub snacks, and good firm, these pubs will remember to hold you heat on the coldest of days.
U Sudu is one in every of our favourite underground pubs. Positioned only a quick stroll from Wenceslas Sq. on the tram cease Vodičkova, U Sudu is a vigorous pub with a small upstairs space, however most guests migrate downstairs into the caves. The cellar pub boasts three bars, two of them underground, together with ample underground seating and some foosball tables and arcade video games.
Should you’re in search of an underground pub that serves full meals, Kozička is your spot. Conveniently situated in Outdated City, this pub serves burgers and pizza together with conventional Czech classics like goulash and fried cheese. Kozička will serve up virtually any consolation meals that strikes your fancy throughout your go to to Prague in winter. Because it will get later within the night, the maze of rooms at this underground pub fills up with a livelier crowd that stays properly into the evening – closing time on weekends is 5:30 am!
For beer connoisseurs, try Pivovarský Klub. Positioned in Prague’s Karlín district a bit means out of the middle, this heat cellar pub supplies a comfy, welcoming ambiance with its uncovered brick and arched ceilings. Pivovarský Klub serves six beers on faucet which can be repeatedly rotated and there’s additionally a big selection of worldwide and Czech beer you should purchase in a bottle.
There are various different underground pubs to discover scattered all throughout Prague in winter, so even if you happen to don’t make it to one in every of our favorites, you’ll nonetheless discover one thing to your liking! For extra on consuming beer right here is our information to the very best bars in Prague!
Golf equipment in Prague
Winter is membership season in Prague, which signifies that in case you are into EDM music similar to Drum and Bass you might be in luck! There are a ton of acts coming to Prague throughout the winter months, performing in venues similar to Roxy, Cross Membership, and Storm.
There are additionally a number of winter music festivals to take note of throughout your go to, similar to Let it Roll Winter Version, and Creativeness Competition. So if you happen to prefer to occasion, Prague within the winter ought to completely be in your record! For a full record of golf equipment to go to take a look at our article on Prague’s nightlife!
Keep Indoors at a Prague Museum
One other option to escape the chilly of Prague in January (or another winter month, for that matter), is to soak up a little bit of tradition indoors by visiting one in every of Prague’s many museums.
After all, the Nationwide Museum on the prime of Wenceslas Sq. is the primary one which involves thoughts for a lot of guests. The newly-reopened historic constructing homes a number of everlasting and rotating exhibitions protecting subjects from Czech historical past and statehood to ladies’s emancipation and the science of genetics.
The Museum of Communism can also be a sensible choice and is situated a brief stroll from Outdated City Sq. at Náměstí Republiky. Delve into the historical past of the communist system and the way it affected Czech historical past and tradition and what this nation is at the moment.
Should you’re extra into artwork than historical past, try the Nationwide Gallery throughout the river in Prague 7 or the Mucha Museum within the heart. The Nationwide Gallery homes the biggest artwork assortment within the Czech Republic and options each everlasting and momentary exhibitions of Czech and worldwide artwork. The Mucha Museum is devoted to the Czech Artwork Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha and options not solely collections of his works but additionally documentaries of his life.
There are a number of different museums price testing in Prague in winter: the Nationwide Technical Museum, the Kafka Museum, the Museum of Music, the Jewish Museum, and the Museum of Senses simply to call a couple of. It doesn’t matter what you’re fascinated about, yow will discover a museum to discover throughout your go to to Prague.
Beat the Prague Winter at a Saunas and Spas
Lastly, if all you’re actually seeking to do throughout your go to to Prague in winter is loosen up and take it simple, pamper your self at one in every of Prague’s many spas and saunas.
One of many Czech Republic’s most unusual experiences is the beer spa, the place you’ll be able to sit in a bathtub of heat beer extracts whereas additionally consuming beer from the faucet! The components within the beer tub are good to your pores and skin and you may benefit from the precise alcoholic selection whereas sitting within the wholesome parts it’s constituted of. Belief us, it’s an amazing combo. There are various totally different locations and firms that supply this expertise, so that you’ll remember to discover one which’s best for you.
Sauna Spot Dvorce is near the town heart and options every part you can presumably need for a day of leisure: 4 Finnish saunas of various warmth and humidity, a personal sauna, a whirlpool and plunge swimming pools, a bar (sure, serving alcohol), and a therapeutic massage room. Make sure you try a sauna ceremony, a 10-15 minute lengthy present, when you’re there. It’s uniquely Czech, if not a bit weird. Pamper your self nevertheless you’d like at this sauna world throughout your go to to Prague in December or January.
Saunia Chodov is a bit bit farther from the middle, however the vary of companies out there right here is definitely worth the journey. Saunia Chodov options six various kinds of saunas: Finnish, natural, salt, tropical, steam affect, and steam tub. Afterward, cool off within the ice properly, mist showers, or cooling pool. There may be additionally a bar with a view, a leisure zone, and sauna cosmetics out there for buy. They repeatedly host occasions, competitions, and giveaways so you’ll be able to verify their program for something occurring throughout your go to!
There you could have it: a number of the greatest methods to profit from winter in Prague! The climate right here can get fairly chilly however with the following pointers you’ll have the ability to make the most of it with some out of doors actions or hold heat within the saunas and pubs. Winter in Prague is likely one of the most stunning seasons so it doesn’t matter what you do, you’re in for a magical time. Keep heat on the market!
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