The Truth About Visiting Prague in Winter (according to a local!)

Thinking of visiting Prague in winter? Excellent idea! Lots of cities in Europe are more enjoyable to visit in the winter — you get to enjoy lower prices and smaller crowds (as long as you don’t visit during Christmas market season, that is).

I’ve been living in Prague for several years and I’m currently gearing up for my fourth winter here (or fifth if you count my long visit before I moved here). Winter can be a very special time to visit Prague — there’s no better season for museum-hopping and classical music performances, hotels slash their rates, and Czech food is made for winter weather!

That said, I’ll be honest with you — winter can be a drag here, too. Sometimes it seems like the weather is gray for weeks on end; sometimes the dark days in December and January really dampen your spirit.

I do think, however, that the positives outweigh the negatives in Prague in winter. It’s a great place for a winter trip.

Let me show you what it’s like — your 100% honest guide to visiting Prague during the winter months! I think you’ll have a wonderful time here.

(Planning a trip to Prague? Don’t miss my guide to unusual things to do in Prague, my picks for the best Prague restaurants, and of course — what NOT to do in Prague!)

This post was published in November 2023.

Is Prague in winter worth it?

I absolutely think that visiting Prague in winter is worth it — as long as you’re used to winter.

As I often tell people visiting my former homes of New York or Boston in winter, “If you’re from Minnesota, you know what you’re getting into. If you’re from Texas, you’re going to have a hard time.”

People from warmer climates often struggle with choosing the right winter gear (I give gear recommendations at the end of this post), and even if they do, they often have a tough time being outside in the cold. If you’re from a warm environment and you’re not used to spending lots of time outside in the winter, you may be more comfortable visiting at a different time of year.

If you’re used to winter and know how to thrive in cold weather, you’ll do fine here. Prague’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and just walking around and drinking in the city’s beauty is a worthy way to enjoy a chilly day in Prague.

And even…