Last Updated on: 22nd December 2024, 03:46 am

Thinking about taking a short break in Prague in the winter? Great idea! Many European cities are so much more enjoyable in winter – prices are lower, and there are fewer crowds (unless it’s Christmas market season).

Prague is simply stunning – yes, even in winter. Don’t let the cold weather stop you – the city’s beauty stands out with its charming streets, historic squares, and breathtaking architecture everywhere. I honestly didn’t expect Prague to be this beautiful or that cold.

With three days in Prague, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the Old Town’s cobblestone streets, see the famous astronomical clock, take a leisurely walk across the iconic Charles Bridge, visit the castle, explore different neighbourhoods and enjoy the views along the Vltava River.

Visiting Prague in winter is an absolute delight, offering a perfect mix of history, culture, impressive architecture, and hearty food. 

Here’s how to spend three days in Prague. 

Day 1 – Exploring Prague’s Old Town (Staré Město) 

I know I say it about every city I visit, but the best way to get your bearings and learn a little about whatever city you’re visiting is to start the day with a walking tour. And Prague is no exception.

I used Sandeman’s New Europe free walking tours on this occasion, but I’m also a massive fan of Guru Walks’ free walking tours. 

Once armed with this newfound knowledge, it’s time to set off and explore the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town and Old Town Square.

Prague’s Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)

Nestled in the heart of the Old Town, Prague’s Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) originally functioned as the central marketplace in the 12th century. 

Prominent attractions include The Old Town Hall with the renowned Astronomical Clock, Tyn Church and St. Nicholas Church.

Other noteworthy sites include Kinský Palace, the Prague Meridian, Stone Bell House and memorial stones commemorating the execution site of 27 Czech lords in 1621.

To truly appreciate the charm of the Old Town Square, consider sitting at a nearby café or restaurant and simply enjoying a warming mug of hot chocolate. 

Alternatively, although I didn’t actually do this myself, go to the top of the 70-metre-high Old Town Hall Tower for an excellent view of the square and its surroundings. 

The Iconic Astronomical Clock 

The mediaeval tower clock is located on the southern side of the Old Town Hall Tower. The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest clock still in operation. 

When the clock strikes the hour (from 9.00 am to 11.00 pm), the procession of the Twelve Apostles begins. 

The parade of the Apostles is visible from the Old Town Square, but if you want a better view, you can buy a ticket to the Old Town Hall and watch from the tower’s chapel.

The show is just 45 seconds and, dare I say it, a little underwhelming, but the clock is beautiful, and it’s only 45 seconds, and it’s just one of those things you just have to see when you’re in Prague.  

Explore the Historic Jewish Quarter.

Situated between Prague’s Old Town Square and the Vltava River, the Jewish Quarter, known as Josefov, has a turbulent history dating back to the 13th century. It began when Jews were directed to abandon their homes and settle in this designated area.

Over time, as restrictions on Jewish residency expanded in Prague, individuals from Austria, Germany, Moravia, and Spain sought refuge in this quarter. The ruling authority of the time frequently altered the ghetto’s structure, with substantial changes occurring between 1893 and 1913.

Fortunately, the important historic buildings survived, standing as a testament to Prague’s Jewish history.

Even during the 20th-century Nazi occupation, these monuments persevered. Strangely, Hitler had this idea of transforming the Jewish Quarter into a “Museum of an Extinct Race,” gathering artefacts from occupied territories for this morbid plan.

Today, most historic monuments form the Jewish Museum, accessible with a self-guided ticket or a Jewish Quarter Tour. The Old-New Synagogue has a separate ticket, available on-site or through a tour guide.

Day 2 – Discover Mala Strana 

Prague’s Lesser Town (known locally as Mala Strana) is one of the prettiest areas in the city. It lies just below Prague Castle, on the banks of the Vltava River. 

One of the nicest things to do in Malá Strana is just to wander the streets at leisure and admire the beautiful architecture.

This is one of the nicest areas for those wondering where to stay in Prague. 

Charles Bridge

Well, you can’t visit Prague and not stroll across the historic Charles Bridge at least once and admire the views of the Vltava River and Prague Castle.

This bridge has a long history—it’s the oldest one still standing over the Vltava River in Prague and the second oldest in the Czech Republic. 

Charles IV had it built in 1357 after the previous bridge, the “Judith Bridge,” was destroyed by floods in 1342. The construction, led by the German-Czech architect Peter Parler, took almost 50 years and was completed in 1402. 

It was known as the “Stone” or “Prague” Bridge until 1870 when it officially became the “Charles Bridge.” 

Interestingly, until 1841, it was the only bridge over the Vltava River in Prague.

What makes the Charles Bridge special is its famous statues—over 30 of them are along the bridge. They’re all in Baroque style and depict religious themes from the past. Most of them are copies of the originals found in the National Museum in Prague. 

The oldest and most well-known statue is that of St. John of Nepomuk, the patron saint against floods. His statue is placed where he’s said to have been thrown into the river. 

Tradition has it that if you place your left hand on the left side of the statue’s base, you’ll either return to Prague or your wish will be granted. Just look for the worn-out spot caused by years of people following this belief—that’s the spot to place your hand.

Prague Castle

Overlooking Malá Strana stands the impressive Prague Castle.

If you just want to take a wander around the Prague Castle grounds, the courtyards, gardens, and even the Deer Moat, there is no charge.

However, if you want to see the interiors, you must pay. The ticket includes the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane and St. Vitus Cathedral.

Just behind the castle is Golden Lane. Imagine a street lined with houses that could almost pass for miniature replicas of their standard size. Initially named for the goldsmiths who once inhabited it, today, it’s mainly for tourists seeking souvenirs.

Unfortunately, you could only visit the Golden Lane if you purchased a ticket to see all the significant sites of the castle grounds. I only wanted to take a quick photo, not do the whole tour. However, I have heard if you arrive here after 5 pm, you can visit for free. 

If you don’t fancy walking up to the castle, take tram number 22 toward Vypich. The tram goes approximately every five minutes, and you’ll need to get off at Pohorelec station and then follow the crowds. 

St. Vitus Cathedral

While visiting Prague Castle, be sure to visit the impressive Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral.

You will need a ticket for a complete tour of the cathedral, but you can access the entrance for free. Even from this point, you can appreciate the impressive interior, particularly the vibrant stained glass windows.

Day 3 Discover New Neighbourhoods 

With three days in Prague, you’ll have a chance to explore new neighbourhoods with fewer tourists. 

In fact, you don’t have to walk too far from Prague’s main square, Wenceslas Square in the new town, to get to Vinohrady. It’s just a 20-minute pleasant stroll. 

Vinohrady is a classy residential area with quiet streets, lovely Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Gothic buildings, cute cafes, markets, cosy restaurants, parks, and even a small vineyard. In fact, Vinohrady is the Czech word for vineyard.

Afterwards, take a leisurely walk down to Wenceslas Square, which is more like a boulevard than a square with lots of shops and the impressive National Museum. 

After three days of exploring on foot, why not treat yourself to a massage?

Many visitors to Prague treat themselves to a beer spa, but I’m not keen on the smell of beer, so instead, I went for a Thai massage, which is not what you would really expect in Prague. 

But I enjoyed a fabulous massage at Thai World; it even made me homesick for the time I lived in Thailand.

And before heading out for the evening, be sure to have a coffee or cocktail at the Dancing House Hotel. It’s a unique design inspired by a photo of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing together.

For a small fee (100 CZK), you can enjoy coffee with a panoramic view of Prague or check out the rooftop bar for a stunning sunset. There’s no entrance fee if you order a drink at the bar.

The Dancing House is about a 15-minute walk from Charles Bridge on the eastern side of the Vltava River, close to Jirasek Bridge. Just follow the river, and you’ll find it easily. 

Maybe Take A Day Trip From Prague To Cesky Krumlov 

With three days in Prague, you could even venture further afield. It’s a long but easy day trip from Prague to the gorgeous town of Cesky Krumlov. But you know what’s better than a day trip? Spend the night; the town is even more beautiful when the day trippers have left.

How To Get To Prague From The Airport 

There is no direct metro or tram connection from the airport to Prague city centre. To get from the airport to the city centre, you can either take bus 119, which leaves from outside Arrivals to the last stop, Nádraží Veleslavín, where you transfer to metro line A or take bus AE (Airport Express) to metro line B or C.

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of public transportation, you can book a shared airport shuttle here. The airport shuttle offers door-to-door transportation from the airport to your accommodation in Prague.

How To Get Around Prague 

For me, I prefer to explore on foot, clocking up 1000s of steps on my Fitbit. But there’s no need to do that as Prague has a very efficient transport system. Check here for information on getting around Prague on their buses, metro and trams.

 

Top Tips For Visiting Prague In The Winter  

Dress warmly as it will be cold. 

Bring comfortable walking shoes if you love to walk everywhere like me. They are especially needed on those cobbled streets. 

For a free walking tour, check Sandemans’ or Guru Walk’s website for the latest information on their Prague city tours.

Plan your visit to the Dancing House Hotel during the late afternoon to catch the sunset. Well, you might be lucky and catch a sunset in February. 

Never ever use the Euronet ATM. They charge an absolute fortune in bank charges – never use them anywhere. They do have real ATMs in arrivals. But paying by card in Prague is popular – you don’t need much cash.

If you are coming from outside the EU, they have a vending machine in arrivals where you can buy a Vodaphone SIM card.

Prague may not be the first place you think of for a Thai massage, but there are many Thai spas in the city. I had an excellent massage at Thai World.

Prague is a wonderful city. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. 

For More Wintry City Breaks, Check These Posts

Cesky Krumlov – A Day Trip or Overnight?

The Sami and Reindeer Experience in Tromsø 

Bergen in December

Chasing the Northern Lights in Tromso

What To Do In Krakow In Winter 

Best Things To Do In Lausanne 

Visiting Gruyeres in Winter 

Montreux and Chillon Castle

Rattenberg, Austria’s Smallest City

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