Top five reasons to visit Prague in winter

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Ah, Prague. Possibly the most famous Central European city. The city that I fell in love with almost three years ago. Ever since my last visit, I had been longing to go back, and I finally did so last weekend (despite living just 6-7 hours drive from there..) in the dead of winter. Today I am sharing five top reasons to visit Prague in winter.

Roadside view on the drive to Prague from Lodz, Poland

Christmas markets

Prague is famous for its traditional markets popping all over the city around Christmas time. The markets in Prague are said to be truly impressive, featuring decorated wooden huts selling traditional goodies.

The biggest Christmas market is in the old town square, complete with a giant, colorful Christmas tree, but you can find several others in places such as Prague castle, under Charles Bridge, in Wenceslas Square etc . This year’s Christmas market in the old town square was open until January 5th, so we had 1 day to observe the beautiful market.

The smell of hot mulled wine in the crisp winter air, the crackling of firewood where skewers were set, the colorful lights that lit up the entire square and white snow! Truly a winter wonderland if you ask me! ❤ One of my favorite things about Europe are the traditional Christmas markets and I was understandably elated to be in Prague during this season.

Winter drinks/snacks

Snack options in Prague were aplenty. It was -12 degrees when we visited Prague, so the hot drinks really kept us warm! I loved sipping these takeaway hot drinks while admiring the architectural beauty in Prague.

We could buy them almost everywhere – in the stalls, in the pubs, in little shops, in restaurants. Some of the most popular food and drinks you’ll find on the streets of Prague during winter are smoked roasted ham, grilled Czech sausages(Klobasa),  sweet delicious pastry called Trdelnik,  hot mulled wine, hot chocolate and grog (Czech rum, hot water, lemon and sugar).

Trdelnik – it was so good!

On top of that, hearty Czech cuisine is perfect for the colder weather.
If you’re a foodie, Prague won’t disappoint! 😀

Trying out filling Czech food (soooo similar to Polish cuisine) in Prague old town

Smaller crowds

Christmas season is considered as one of the high seasons in Prague, but we were there in the first week of January, so it wasn’t as crowded. It was definitely pleasant to walk on the Charles Bridge without hoards of tourists everywhere.

Also, the locals of Prague stay in Prague during winter, unlike summer where they  mostly go to the countrysides,  or lakes all over the country to relax by the water. So less crowds and more local activity definitely make Prague more appealing to visit, at least I feel that way.

Cheaper deals on flights and accommodations

January and February are low-season months in Prague, during which you can make use of cheaper flights and accommodation costs. We drove to Prague from Lodz, Poland and rented an airbnb apartment at an amazing price, not too far from the center. If you’re looking to save some cash, go during the colder months!

The neighborhood where we stayed

Prague is absolutely gorgeous during winter

This is the most important one : Can you imagine anything more magical than all the red roofs of Prague painted with white, fresh snow? How wonderful is that! We were lucky to see white Prague last weekend and it was something I won’t forget. The city is just so pretty!

Charles bridge on the background

View of Prague from Petrin viewpoint

The first day was even sunny, and I find few things more beautiful than sun shining on white snow. The streets on old town didn’t have much snow, but a little outside the town, the land was blanketed with snow. We climbed the Petrin viewpoint tower and enjoyed the lovely snow-clad view of the entire city while sipping our hot wine! Prague shines during winter and you won’t even mind the cold on your hand to snap photos at every corner  of the city. 😉

Look at those colorful houses by the river!

So if you were doubtful about visiting Prague during winter, I hope I’ve convinced you enough to pack warm and just go! 🙂