In your comments, you often ask me: "What to see in Prague in winter?" In this post I tried to answer as fully as possible, what is the attractive capital of the Czech Republic in winter, where you can go, what to see, what to do.
Prague in winter
At the beginning of winter, Prague looks quiet, thoughtful, austere. There are noticeably fewer people on the streets, the sun rarely comes out due to heavy clouds, the weather is not very conducive to walking.
When the snow falls, the city transforms - it becomes elegant and bright. A fluffy white blanket covers the spiers and tiled roofs, sets off the beauty of ancient palaces, covers the trees in parks. By the end of December, Prague is blooming with Christmas decorations, sparkling with illumination lights. The atmosphere of the upcoming holidays reigns in the city. People rush to, rush to skating rinks and attractions, have fun on the streets, relax in pubs.
Let the damp cold wind blow, and the stone paving stones are covered with fine snow - dress warmer, walk through the city! The spirit of romance, miracle, legend soars in winter Prague. There are few tourists; you can explore the capital's sights without fuss, take pictures slowly. All the beauties of the city in winter appear in a different light.
Admire the sights of the city
The Charles Bridge
The holiday can be celebrated on a grand scale (you can buy tickets for the New Year's performance). A performance takes place there, and a banquet for the audience is served in the lobby during intermissions; at midnight, all guests celebrate the arrival of the New Year, and after that the ball begins.
The series of New Year's celebrations ends on January 6 with the holiday of the Three Kings-Magi. They sing carols in the streets, light "Epiphany bonfires" that illuminate the path of the Magi. In Czech houses, the Christmas trees are lit for the last time, and the Christmas markets are finally closed the next day.
Christmastide ends, and from the end of January begins - two weeks of bright carnivals, merry balls and entertainment, preceding Great Lent. This is a pagan holiday, but it is strictly consistent with the church calendar.
The festivities open with a colorful street procession: on the very first Saturday of Myasopust, mummers, artists, and acrobats pass through the streets. The parade ends with a picnic on the island. On the days of the carnival in Prague, competitions for the best mask, performances, games, festivals are held.
Where to go. What to watch
Visit museums
When it gets cold for a walk, go to any of Prague, visit exhibitions, galleries. It stands on Wenceslas Square. Within the walls of this huge building are collected historical, archaeological, scientific exhibits.
At the Exhibition Center -, there is a sculptural collection -.
Skating rinks are open throughout the winter in Prague. Free (only by paying for the rental of skates) you can ride on, on the roof of the "Arfa" gallery, in the park. Visiting the Bronzova and Nikolajka stadiums is inexpensive. Ice Arena Letňany offers a whole range of sports activities. Mass skating takes place in the arena of the KOBRA club, on the Štvanice island, in the Na Františku sports complex.
Water parks
Indoor pools are open in Prague in winter: Hloubětín (with salt water), Holešovice, Radlice; sports centers Podolí ČSTV and YMCA, Suchdol Sportcentrum.
You can go to the water parks:, or Letагany Lagoon. There are also swimming pools in Prague hotels.
Aerodynamic tube
Dizzying entertainment is offered by the Skydive Arena in the Letняany district. This is a vertical wind tunnel that creates the effect of free fall - a wind tunnel. The speed of a person flying in it is 200 km / h; the flight lasts three minutes. In my article, everything is described in detail.
Zoo
5D cinema
IN mall Garfa Gallery opened 5D cinema - a spectacular attraction of the new generation 5D Kino Praha with a three-dimensional image, movable chairs, full effect of presence.
Take a tram ride
If you are tired or cold while walking around Prague, get on the tram and take an independent excursion. The routes run through the whole city, past the ancient historic quarters and the most beautiful places.
Parks
IN good weather go to the park. In winter, Prague is open,. While there is still no snow, they ride bicycles and rollerblades here, skiers get out on the snow. It is beautiful in snow-covered parks, as if in a forest. The lighted paths are calm and safe, you can walk even late in the evening.
Shopping
The time of sales begins in Moscow stores from January 5-6. It ends at the end of February. Things from autumn and winter collections, souvenirs, crystal, jewelry are on sale. Discounts at this time reach 80%.
Very good idea Is a celebration of the New Year in one of the best Prague restaurants, old castle or a tavern, where everything is like in the Middle Ages! A real holiday awaits you - interesting show programs with contests and gifts, live music, a magical atmosphere, fireworks and, of course, the most delicious dishes from local chefs.
A number of Prague hotels relieve their guests from the heavy burden of choice and offer a New Year's program on the territory of their restaurants.
| Hotel | Dinner availability and conditions | Hall | Price |
| Adria 4 * | required | Neptun | 192 euros |
| Triton | 220 euros | ||
| Ambassador 5 * | required | 192 euros | |
| Art Deco Imperial 5 * | optional | 138 euros | |
| Art Nouveau Palace 5 * | required | 168 euros | |
| Barcelo Old Town 4 * | required | price is being specified | |
| Cosmopolitan 5 * | optional | 138 euros | |
| Century Old Town Prague 5 * | optional | price is being specified | |
| Grand Hotel Bohemia 5 * | optional | 408 euros | |
| Grand Majestic Plaza 4 * | optional | 136 euros | |
| Grandior 5 * | optional | 142 euro | |
| Grandium Prague 5 * | optional | 142 euro | |
| Green Garden Hotel 4 * | required | 102 euro (E) | |
| Hilton Prague 5 * | optional | Atrium | 284 euro |
| Bistro | 327 euro | ||
| CzecHouse | price is being specified | ||
| Sky bar | price is being specified | ||
| ZEST bar | price is being specified | ||
| Lindner Hotel Prague Castle 5 * | required | price is being specified | |
| Majestic Plaza 4 * | optional | 136 euros | |
| Novotel Praha Wenceslas Square 4 * | optional | price is being specified | |
| Occidental Praha 4 * | required | 66 euros | |
| Occidental Praha Five 4 * | required | 78 euros | |
| Occidental Praha Wilson 5 * | required | 156 euros | |
| Olympik 4 * | required | price is being specified | |
| Olympik Tristar 3 * | required | price is being specified | |
| Park Inn Prague 4 * | optional | price is being specified | |
| Savoy Prague 5 * | optional | price is being specified | |
| The Mark Luxury Hotel Prague 5 * | required | price is being specified | |
| Victor 3 * | required | price is being specified |
Bright meeting of the New Year in fabulous Prague on a modern comfortable motor ship. An unforgettable cruise from 2017 to 2018 along the Vltava at night, under the fiery colors of festive fireworks, surrounded by elegantly illuminated Prague sights. Gourmet New Years Eve Buffet, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Romantic, incendiary, touching and funny live music.
| Celebrating the New Year in Prague on a boat | ||
| Motor ship | Program | Price |
| ANDANTE (T) | Program (ANDANTE 2019) | 210 euros |
| BOHEMIA RHARSODY (T) | Program (BOHEMIA RHARSODY 2019) | 350 euros |
| GRAND BOHEMIA (T) | Program (GRAND BOHEMIA 2019) | 350 euros |
| KOTVA (T) | Program (KOTVA 2019) | EUR 252 |
| SWEET PRAGUE (T) | Program (SWEET PRAGUE 2019) | 468 euros |
New Year's Eve dinner in each of the listed below establishments in Prague and its environs will turn into a magical event with its own intrigue and pleasant surprises ...
| Restaurant suggestions | |||
| A restaurant | Dinner availability and conditions | Hall | Price |
| Elishka Hall (T) | program | 190 euros | |
| Tavern U Pavouka (E) (T) | program | 202 euro (E); EUR 224 (T) |
|
| program | 136 euros | ||
| Novomestsky Brewer (E) | program | 101 euros | |
| Restaurant U Spirku (E) | program | 120 euros | |
| U Zajíce (at the Hare) | program | 150 euros | |
Banquet hall Elishka (Opletalova 29, Praha 1)
Tavern U Pavouka (Celetná 595/17, 110 00 Staré Město)
Folklore Garden (Nad konečnou 18, 159 00 Praha 5)
 |
The Folklore Garden restaurant recreates the atmosphere of the Czech hinterland: an original interior with large wooden tables, dim lighting that encourages guests to socialize, original folk music, songs and dances. Beautiful girls in folk costumes, they will serve you delicious treats, and you will appreciate national cuisine and drinks. If you want to learn how to dance or play a national instrument, then you will not be denied anything and even help. The local "village" orchestra consists of professional virtuoso musicians. In short, noisy fun with music, smiles and laughter awaits you at Folklore Garden! |
What could be more romantic than celebrating New Year in the Czech Republic? Of course, Prague is beautiful at any time of the year, but in winter it turns into an amazing snowy fairytale. Cheers cheers! Hello beloved Prague! This means that the New Year will certainly be fabulous and bright. That is why we came here. How did we celebrate the New Year in Prague? This is my story, friends ...
So, from celebrating the New Year in magnificent Prague and remembering this day for a long time, you are separated by a few simple steps ...
We buy tickets to Prague and book a hotel
First, you need to decide on the travel dates, choose the right hotel for these dates and find the best air tickets for the price. It makes sense to first "monitor" the price of the flight. As a rule, this is the main item of travel expenses. And after that, look for housing.
For those who are not friendly with online services for finding tickets and accommodation, I suggest reading how we do it:
It's better to plan everything in advance. After all, the earlier before the departure date the tickets are purchased, the cheaper they are. Direct flight to us Czech Airlines(round trip) cost 42 thousand rubles for two (December 2015). You have the opportunity to compare prices to date.
By the way, usually the cheapest flight from Moscow during the Christmas holidays is December 31st. As the saying goes, "from the ship to the ball."
With regard to housing. In Prague you can find as cheap hotels and luxury apartments. During new year holidays There are many guests from all over the world in the country, therefore it is recommended to book accommodation in advance.
Our choice for the second time fell on the four-star hotel OREA Piramida, which is located in Prague 6. Not for the lazy, because the distance to the Old Town is about 3.5 km from here. But you can get to the center by tram or bus to the Malostranská stop, and then walk for about a kilometer.
A few words about why this is not the first time we have chosen the Orea Hotel Pyramida 4 *.
- Relatively inexpensive for a four star hotel during the New Year holidays.
- Very good varied breakfast (and on 1st January - a life-saving hot soup).
- The hotel is quite large, and in spite of the full employment, you feel quite comfortable here.
Vaclav Havel Airport (Ruzyne), getting to the hotel
So, on December 31, we landed safely in Prague, at the airport named after Václav Havel (Ruzyne), went through all the standard customs procedures and went to the bus stop public transport, which is located near the terminal. We got to our hotel in about an hour with one change. It was not difficult, the bus number and the optimal route were suggested to us by googl, there is also a timetable for public transport departing from the airport to the city.
The main thing is to make sure in advance that you have cash in the form of crowns, because tickets are purchased in special machines exclusively for Czech crowns.
If you don't want to bother with public transport at all, order a private transfer. Today, the choice of companies providing these services both in Russia and in Europe is very large. Choose the most the best option and you can order a car online if you have an Internet connection, for example, here:
Walk in New Year's Prague
Almost all hotels in Prague have Russian-language channels and even some federal channels are broadcast, so you feel at home here. And to the traditional for us "If you don't have an aunt ..." hands and ask to cook up "a herring under a fur coat." But seriously, after a little rest after a tireless flight, take a walk through winter Prague, the mood will immediately become festive.
We went for a walk to the center of the Old Town, in order to feel the atmosphere of the holiday and meet, then, the New Year on the Old Town Square.
We went on foot through our favorite beer restaurant in the Strahov Monastery. Good Czech beer makes the mood immediately good).
Prague is decorated long before the holidays. A huge, though not always snowy, Christmas tree on Old Town Square - main character New Year.
Fir-trees are everywhere here. And in general, there are plenty of beautifully decorated places for New Year's photo shoots in Prague.
Touching nativity scenes can still be found throughout the city.
In December, there is a fair on the Old Town Square. Here you can not only buy sweets and Christmas tree decorations, but also see street theatrical performances.
Many hotels, as well as restaurants offer guests to order a gala dinner and entertainment program... But if this is your first time celebrating the New Year in Prague, then do it in the very heart of the Old Town, on.
Street food in Prague
Walking around New Year's Eve Prague, you can have a good meal right on the streets of the city. Although some people prefer to while away the evening in numerous Prague restaurants, if they can find a free table.
New Year's holidays are a great opportunity to taste national Czech dishes. Food is prepared and sold in almost all Prague squares. It is simply impossible to get hungry here. The best part is that it offers mainly traditional Czech cuisine. Everything is natural, fresh, nutritious and incredibly tasty.
The real gastronomic brand of the country is Boar Knee. The Czech Republic is a real paradise for meat-eaters. Delicious sausages melt in your mouth. Klobasy, tlachenki and drowned men will please even gourmets.
You will be cut off a piece from this appetizing ham, the cost depends on the weight of the piece.
To visit Prague and not try the famous Czech delicacy trdlo is an unforgivable oversight. The sweet aroma of this delicacy with hints of vanilla and cinnamon hovers over the Old Town Square and whets the appetite. You will see such a sign, feel free to take the line).
What is traditional Czech trdlo?
Trdlo (or trdelnik) is a sweet treat with a hole in the middle. Yeast dough strips are wound on a metal or wooden cylinder and baked over an open fire. Sprinkle them with nuts, sugar or cinnamon. Delicious! The cost is about 50 CZK.
It's funny, the Czech word trdlo can be translated as "fool", and Czech mothers sometimes call their restless children that way.
You can buy trdlo not only on the Old Town Square. It is baked in many other places in the city. Prices are approximately the same everywhere.
New Year's Eve and fireworks in Prague on the Old Town Square
The bulk of tourists, like us, wander the streets of Prague, enjoying the anticipation of magic. In the evening, the city comes alive with colorful lights and garlands.
Towards midnight, everyone starts to gather in the Old Town Square. It is getting very crowded, too crowded. Here is the main traditional meeting place for the New Year in Prague.
Fairs work until nightfall, you can try mulled wine, old town potato pancakes and drink champagne. We had carefully stored with us).
Long before the festive fireworks, Old Town Square looks like a battlefield. I remember that the roar of firecrackers and firecrackers did not stop for a minute. My heart sank when suddenly something exploded under my feet. It was very, very noisy. We were in a hurry to take a secluded safe place with a good view.
In the crowd, Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian speech was clearly distinguished. As always, there are a lot of our compatriots in Prague.
And so, at twelve at midnight, to our loud "Urrra !!!" fireworks broke out. Happy New Year Prague!
Everyone was jubilant, raised their glasses, we too ... And, of course, made wishes ...
It was a little surprising that there were so few police officers that it seemed as if there were none at all. Maybe the disguise is good?
Absolutely drunk youth hardly behaved within the bounds of decency, but not aggressive. Everyone was drunk and cheerful. The champagne flowed like a river. Perhaps, in Russia we have already grown out of the habit of such "freedom" a little.
About 15-20 minutes later, together with a crowd of townspeople and guests of the city, in a friendly, bubbling stream, we set off to storm public transport stops. I was glad that there were few passengers in our direction (BILA GORA) and we got to the hotel comfortably. Do not forget to purchase travel tickets in advance.
Trams were on duty that night until morning. All went home safely.
Just for the sake of fireworks, you shouldn't go to Old Town Square on New Year's Eve. After all, this is not the main New Year's fireworks in Prague. On January 1, at six o'clock in the evening, they start from the Letensky Gardens. Here's one worth taking a look at. Great pyrotechnic show!
That's it for today. Sleep, sleep ... There are still several days of Prague vacation ahead. Sightseeing, acquaintance with traditional Czech cuisine, shopping and much more. But that's another story.
The second of January is a great time for shopping. Discounts and sales start on this day. Here you can buy clothes, Czech crystal, electronics and other goods at a bargain.
New Year is a holiday of the soul. And the soul, as you know, wants fun, vivid impressions, novelty and ... a miracle. And you are unlikely to get all this by sitting on the couch. For emotions you need to go to Prague: the city ancient castles and squares, churches and monuments, festive positive and fabulous flair. A city where miracles are shrouded in reality. Having come here just once, you will understand where you will celebrate the next New Year.
How New Year is celebrated in Prague
Hall "Elishka". Located near Wenceslas Square. Here on New Year's Eve you will find a Russian-speaking entertainer, a knight's tournament, various competitions, dances and an excellent menu. Dinner starts at 8 pm and ends at 2:30 am. Price per person 150 euros.
Folkler Garden Restaurant. The action will take place in Czech traditions: folk music, dances, festivities, fireworks, national Czech dishes, and beer, wine and soft drinks are offered in unlimited quantities. Beginning at 8 pm, ending at 1 am. Price per person 120 euros.
Restaurant "U Shpirku". Located in the very center of Prague, just around the corner from Old Town Square. The program includes Santa Claus with the Snow Maiden, every hour of TV broadcasts from various capitals of the world. Beginning at 18 o'clock, from 00:45 a festive disco. The cost is 100 euros per person.
Details of the reservation and the menu can be found on the website of the company "De Visu" or by phone. 
For lovers unusual celebration Czechs have prepared their own options: New Year on the territory of the castle, New Year's boat trip and even New Year's "promenade" in a chic expensive car... Driving around festive Prague will be problematic, as many of the central streets are packed with tourists. But, as they say, any whim for your money.
Holiday tours to the capital of the Czech Republic
A trip to Prague for the New Year is the right and wonderful decision. But it is necessary to take care of the preliminary booking of air tickets and hotel rooms, because after December 20, a real invasion of tourists has been observed in the capital of the Czech Republic.
Traveling by bus, train or car is time-consuming and tiring at a similar and sometimes higher cost than a flight.
The closer the holiday, the harder it is to get it. After all, people want not only to celebrate well, but also to walk around the city, to absorb the spirit of Prague. And to do this, it is enough to take advantage of popular offers. 
New Year's Prague: dreams or reality
Choosing a gift for the New Year is another challenge. There is so much to go around, so much to see. Or you can save yourself from the routine by going to Prague and making yourself, your soul mate, and maybe your friends a gift that will stay with you for life. After all, New Year's Prague is a sea of emotions, drive, positive emotions, new impressions and acquaintances. This is the spirit of the Middle Ages, hovering in every street, in every national song, in every stone of the paving stone under your feet. Just once, having felt these emotions, you will realize what a real holiday is. And you will want to repeat your experience many more times. And hospitable Prague is ready to reveal all its secrets.
So go for the adventure!
Olga Stepanova
Reading time: 10 minutes
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Prague is one of the most beloved and famous European capitals, it has its own unique "face". Christmas and New Year's Prague is an enchanting spectacle that makes an indelible impression on those who first get acquainted with the Czech Republic, and on those who have already been to this amazing country more than once.
Prague sights - what is worth seeing on New Year's holidays?
Many people plan in advance, already well aware of what excursion program they want to get, what beauties of the capital to see. Of course, it is much more difficult to choose an entertainment program for beginners who will get acquainted with the Czech Republic for the first time.
It is for the doubters that the information of good travel guides, as well as reviews of experienced tourists, are most valuable.
There are a lot of attractions in such a multifaceted and magnificent Prague. The question is not to find yourself an interesting excursion, but to choose for your vacation just a few of the most interesting from the huge number of offered tourist routes.
With Prague, every traveler begins to get acquainted with the Vltava River, or rather, with the view of the bridges thrown across it. In total, 18 beautiful, modern and very old bridges soared over the Vltava, but the most famous of them is The Charles Bridge... This beautiful building in the center of Prague is decorated with statues of many saints - the Virgin Mary, John of Nepomuk, Anna, Cyril and Methodius, Joseph, and others. As a rule, at the first sightseeing tour around the city, tourists come here - for beautiful photos and vivid impressions, because this bridge has never deceived their expectations. On the eve of the upcoming New Year holidays, it can be recalled that on New Year's Eve on the Charles Bridge, a huge queue of those wishing to touch the monolithic bronze figure of the patron saint of Prague St. John of Nepomuk and make a wish is lined up, because this saint will help the desire to come true. If you stroke the dog at the feet of this saint, as has long been said, then all pets will be in good health.
Another great attraction of the Czech capital is Old Town Square... It hosts significant city events and holidays, including festivities on the most famous night of the year - New Year's. On the Old Town Square there is an old astronomical clock Orloj with interesting figurines of the apostles, Christ, a merchant and a dandy, a skeleton, by which you can see and exact time, and the date and time of the rising and setting of the Sun and the Moon, and even the location of the zodiacal signs in the sky. It is these chimes that will attract thousands of glances of jubilant people on New Year's Eve, when they methodically beat midnight. On the most famous square in Prague, there is the Old Town Hall, which has been turned into a museum, the Gothic Tyn Cathedral (Church of the Virgin Mary), St. Vitus Cathedral, the Golc-Kinsky Palace, and a monument to Jan Hus is erected in the center of the Old Town Square.
On the new year holidays not far from Prague, those who wish can go skiing. These are the places Mnichovice and Chotouň, which are located twenty kilometers from the capital, and have large hills with artificial white snow and ski tracks 200-300 meters. Of course, professional skiing on this track will not work, but the joy and vivid emotions from this holiday will be provided for both adults and children. The ticket price for 1 day is 190 - 280 CZK, which is 7.5 - 11 €.
Arriving in Prague for the holidays, you must definitely climb the high television tower to admire the mesmerizing beauty of the winter capital, with bright illumination and unique architectural ensembles... This tower has three observation cabins that allow you to view the city from a height of 93 meters.
Little travelers who have come to celebrate the New Year are expected Golden street, reminiscent of a fairy tale street where little gnomes live. There are small houses on the street, you can enter them, get acquainted with old instruments and paintings, examine furniture and utensils, buy souvenirs for memory. At the exit from this street is Toy Museum, it has a hall of toys of past eras, and halls of modern toys with their history - for example, Barbie dolls, tanks, etc. Golden Street is famous for the fact that the writer and philosopher F. Kafka lived on it.
How shops, restaurants, bars, banks, transport work in Prague during the New Year holidays
Excursions in Prague and sights on New Year's holidays
For Catholic Christmas and New Year's celebrations, a lot of people flock to the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, who want not only to celebrate the holidays in an interesting and fun way, but also to get vivid impressions of getting to know the country.
In the last days of the outgoing year, travel and excursion agencies provide very interesting programs that charge you with a pre-holiday mood, give positive emotions and allow you to get acquainted with a fairy tale. The most interesting: excursion to Cesky Krumlov (50 €); excursion in Detenice, viewing a medieval show (55 €).
On the last day of the outgoing year, you can perform a traditional rite, and visit Charles Bridge by touching the wish-fulfilling sculpture of St. John of Nepomuk. Simultaneously with this walk, you can go to walking tour "Prague Castle"(20 €), getting to know the city better, feeling the onset of the holiday.
On one of the evenings, or even on New Year's Eve, you can make boat trip on the Vltava river(25 €). You will be shown the surrounding views and sights, as well as a delicious dinner.
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