There’s no better way to get in the Christmas spirit than a short weekend trip away! And there are so many great European cities to choose from for a festive trip, such as the traditional German Christmas markets or Scandinavian-style celebrations. This makes it difficult to pick the best destination, especially during a busy and expensive time of the year. Which is why Prague is a top contender for a Christmas Trip, thanks to its many Christmas Markets, variety of amazing attractions to weave into an itinerary, and it is very affordable. This blog will highlight the best Prague Christmas Market, as well as must-see attractions, tips for planning, a trip budget for 5 days and other travel advice for Czechia.
Prague
A Christmas trip to Prague feels like stepping into a winter wonderland in December. The twinkling lights, mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts fill the air around the cobblestoned streets. It’s the perfect decorations and atmosphere to get you in the festive spirit as you walk through the Old Town Square Christmas Market. There are several Prague Christmas market places dotted around the city with wooden stalls selling homemade souvenirs and local food. The city embraces the Christmas traditions alongside the cold winter weather, where snow is likely!
Prague offers classic tourist attractions, such as wandering over Charles Bridge towards Prague Castle, with the majestic St Vitus Cathedral a must-see! There are many cosy cafes to dive into to escape the crisp winter air during the day. Then in the evening, there are classical concerts, ballet and fancy restaurants to choose from for the cultural appreciation. Prague at Christmas blends charm, culture, and celebration, creating a truly unforgettable winter escape.
Why Prague and the Itinerary
After an incredible solo trip to Copenhagen in 2021, I was eager to replicate the festive experience after a less traditional trip to Madrid a year later. Whilst Vienna and several German cities were in the running, very cheap flights and accommodation tipped it to Prague. I had originally travelled through Prague on my first Solo Trip, but that felt like a lifetime ago, and it would be more special with Roisin joining the adventure. The plan was to spend 5 days, 4 nights in the city with an Airbnb in Vinohrady, a 30-minute walk to the Old Town Square. I would say Prague suits a long weekend up to 4 days best, as on the last day we were struggling for new things to explore.
Prague: Trip Planning
Maximise the Christmas Atmosphere
Fairly obviously, December is the perfect time to visit Prague before Christmas, with the markets starting on the 29th of November and continuing until the 6th of January. I visited the weekend before Christmas, where celebrations were in full swing. If you’re staying over Christmas Eve and Day, many restaurants will be closed, so be sure to check what is open.
Flights
The main international airport is Václav Havel Airport Prague, around 15km outside the city centre. It’s easy to take the bus and the metro over to the city in around 45 minutes. It’s best to book at least 2 months in advance due to the popularity of European and North American tourists visiting. Another option is to fly to Vienna, Berlin or Munich and take a 4-5-hour train to Prague. To get from the Airport into the centre, there are 3 main options: Airport Express Bus to Prague Main Station. Another popular option that we did was take the 119 Bus + Metro A, the fast and cheap approach. Finally, a Bolt/Uber/taxi for convenience can be ordered.
Accommodation
As with any city, Prague has a wide variety of accommodation available, with the city centre being the most expensive. I stayed in Vinohrady, which is 25 minutes out from the Old Town but much cheaper for Airbnbs and rentals. On average, the cheapest hostels cost around €20–€40 per night, while hotels in the city centre average €90–€120 per night. Further out from the centre, the prices drop to around €60–€70 per night, and rented apartments typically range from €60–€90 per night.
Prepare for Real Winter Weather
Prague in December is definitely a winter trip where layers and appropriate clothing are needed! The typical day temperature range is -5°C to +3°C with a bitterly cold wind. There was a cold snap at the start of our trip, where snow covered the city, making it feel very magical! The days ranged from clear blue skies to overcast and threatening rain/snow. I would recommend warm and comfortable boots or shoes as the streets can get icy. Thermal layers and a warm down or winter jacket are a must! Along with gloves, hats, and scarves to keep the bitter cold at bay. I used my Backpacking Kit List as a base for packing, then added cold-weather gear into my Osprey Farpoint 40.
Food & Drink Recommendations
The cold weather and popularity around Christmas time make booking restaurants necessary. The weekends in the Old Town will be busy, so either arrive early or pre-book. We decided to eat at 2 restaurants in Prague, with the first being the fine dining restaurant, Mylnec. With a 4.7 rating from almost 5000 reviews on Google, the quality of food and service is excellent. Pizza Nuova was the other, more affordable but delicious restaurant, which didn’t require a booking over lunch. Finally, Prague is known for its beer; therefore, it would be rude not to experience the delicious beverage. I would highly recommend U Kunštátů – Craft Beer in Old Town and order their beer flight to sample local craft beers! For bars, the best was Kontakt Bar near Lazarska, a very fun underground bar with very cheap cocktails and beers!
Whilst on a free walking tour, we were provided these local recommendations for food & drink places. So whilst I can’t vouch for many of these places, I trusted our guides’ recommendations based on the great walking tour. For restaurants: U parlamentu, U Rudolfina and Mincovna all serve traditional Czech food in the Old Town. In the castle area, Kuchyň is highly regarded, and Lokal has many locations spotted around the city with the best Pilsner! For vegetarian food, Maitrea is the best one in the city. If you’re craving a burger, then Dish Belgicka near Vinohrady looks very good, and Vinodrasky parlament near Nameste Miru is very highly rated.
Then for bars, pubs and cafes: U Sadu and Anonymous Shrink’s office looks good (hard to get in from experience), however, Kontakt Bar is better in my opinion. The Atmosphere Cafe pub near Charles Bridge has a variety of choices on the menu to add to this list! Prague is known for its Chimney Cakes, and I would recommend trying LITTLE CHIMNEY on the way to Charles Bridge!
Public Transport
Prague is a little spread out, but it has reliable and cheap metro and trams to navigate around. With the city split across the river, it’s worth planning different days for the Castle to the Old Town or museums. We only used public transport to travel to and from the Airport. However, Prague is a stunning city to stroll around, especially with the snow and festive decorations. It’s worth having a map downloaded, as the narrow, twisting roads can be confusing to navigate!
Plan for Short Daylight Hours
The sun sets around 4 pm in December, so be prepared for the short amount of daylight. It means attractions like Prague Castle & St Vitus Cathedral feel busier at peak times with long queues (worth it in my opinion). The advantage is that you can enjoy the outdoor sightseeing in the morning and early afternoon before the markets come to life at night. My favourite activity was watching the sunset from the top of the Astronomical Tower over the Church of Our Lady before Týn.
Check out the Quiet Neighbourhoods
The Castle, Old Town and Charles Bridge during the day and particularly at the weekend are always chaotic! So why not venture further afield and see some of the quieter neighbourhoods to fully appreciate all Prague has to offer? Vinohrady is where we stayed with cute cafes, bars and a pretty Christmas market outside the church. Letná has a vast park with great views over the city and river below (a steep climb up though). And compared to the Old Town, Malá Strana has charming backstreets to explore below the castle and Petrin Hill above. Even further along is Nový Smíchov Shopping Centre if you want to browse a range of affordable and high-end shops.
Currency & Language
In Cezchia, the Czech Koruna is used; make sure you have converted any Euros if travelling around Europe. The conversion for 100 Czech Koruna is around 4.10 Euros, £3.60 or $4.80 US Dollars. As Prague is such a popular city for tourists, the main attractions, shops and food places have English-speaking employees to help.
Prague Christmas Market
Known among Europe’s most atmospheric, the Prague Christmas Market fills the bustling streets and squares with festive lights, wooden stalls and music. The main market in Old Town Square is the star attraction, surrounded by Gothic towers and a giant decorated tree. Smaller markets in Wenceslas Square, Náměstí Míru and Prague Castle offer a more local, cosy feel. Expect mulled wine, roasted ham, trdelník (chimney cakes are a must try!), handmade gifts and plenty of seasonal charm — perfect for soaking in the magic of a winter visit.
- Old Town Square – The most iconic between the Astronomical Clock and the Church of Our Lady before Týn. It’s by far the largest and busiest, so be prepared for the crowds.
- Wenceslas Square – The long Václavské nám. runs from Můstek to the Museum and has wooden stalls lining the streets and the central area. Better than the Old Town Square for arts and crafts.
- Náměstí Míru – My favourite because of the picturesque backdrop of Bazilika sv. Ludmily. It’s more local and authentic without the large crowds.
- Prague Castle market – There is no official large market, but in the plaza, there are some small stalls to browse.
Tips- Visit Old Town Square early in the morning to browse and photograph stalls before crowds build. Then return at night for the lights and mulled wine to get the best of both worlds.
Must-See Sights in Prague
Old Town Square
A maze of medieval streets, colourful façades, Gothic spires and lively squares. Home to the famous Astronomical Clock, Christmas markets and a classic Prague atmosphere. Perfect for wandering, photos and cafés. The food spots around the outside are tourist traps with expensive menus, but you’re paying for the prime location.
The Astronomical Clock is world famous, and large crowds will gather on the hour to watch the chiming performance. It’s worth watching when in the city, but keep your wits about you for any pickpockets! The best highlight of the Prague Christmas trip was climbing the Astronomical Clock Tower and watching the sunset over the Old Town Square and the city. The tickets were reasonable at 350CZK (£12.70) and could be booked on the spot (or before at this link). The view over the Church of Our Lady before Týn and the Christmas market below is stunning, especially at Golden Hour (see below for yourself).
Prague Castle
Prague Castle deserves a full day to explore, with the most jaw-dropping cathedral architecture you will ever see! The vast hilltop complex overlooks the city and has so much history to explore with the palaces, courtyards and charming Golden Lane. The St. Vitus Cathedral is beautiful inside and out, with a long queue to enter, but it’s worth the wait. There are gardens to walk around, dungeons to visit and take a moment to soak in the view of Prague rooftops from the panoramic viewpoints.
Charles Bridge
Prague’s most iconic bridge is what connects the Old Town to the Castle. The Medieval Bridge started construction in 1357 under King Charles IV, and finished in the early 15th century, hence the name. It’s lined with imposing statues and artists, musicians and merchants selling their goods as the crowds squeeze past. It’s safe to say that Charles Bridge is one of the most chaotic bridges to walk over! The best time to visit is early in the morning for sunrise with magical light and fewer crowds. The short daylight hours over Christmas time are busy, whereas the sunset with the castle and bridge is special to see.
Dancing House
A quirky, modern architectural icon nicknamed “Fred & Ginger.” Its flowing curves contrast beautifully with the city’s historic buildings. The rooftop bar offers great views of the Vltava River. Be careful of the traffic and avoid rush hour to get good images. A stone’s throw from the Dancing House is Žofín Palace on an island in the Vltava River, which makes for a pleasant park and palace walk.
National Museum
The National Museum at the top of Wenceslas Square is a grand Neo-Renaissance landmark to witness. The museum is dedicated to natural scientific and historical collections of the Czech Republic, its history, culture and people, among others. The interior design is stunning and elegant, whilst the fascinating natural history and archaeology exhibits are a great way to spend half a day inside from the cold. Entrance tickets cost 360 CZK, and there is a mandatory bag store downstairs.
Vyšehrad
Further out from the city centre, Vyšehrad is a peaceful historic fortress perched above the river. The views from the walls are some of Prague’s best panoramic views. Explore quiet parks, ancient ramparts, a beautiful cemetery and the impressive Basilica of St. Peter and Paul.
Náměstí Míru- Vinohrady
The Airbnb we stayed at was located in Vinohrady, where we grew to appreciate the quieter residential area and charming neighbourhood. At Náměstí Míru, the beautiful Church of St. Ludmila (Bazilika sv. Ludmily) is the centre of attention and the backdrop for the Christmas market. The Vinohrady area is known for cafés, wine bars, leafy streets and cheaper accommodation options only a short distance from the Old Town.
The Powder Tower
Prašná brána, the Powder Tower, is a dramatic 15th-century Gothic tower that once formed part of Prague’s medieval city walls. You can climb to the top for striking views over Old Town’s rooftops. Plus, the Powder Tower is next to Municipal House in the Theatre District. And a few minutes walk up the road is the Palladium Prague Shopping Centre if you fancy a spot of retail therapy.
Other Prague Attractions
- Idiom Installation (Book Tower)– A hypnotic art installation inside the Municipal Library — a tall column of books with mirrors that create the illusion of endless shelves stretching into infinity. Great quick stop for unique photos.
- Jewish Quarter – A mesmerising, rotating metal head created by artist David Černý. The kinetic sculpture continuously shifts its mirrored layers, reflecting Kafka’s surreal literary style.
- The Narrowest Street (Vinarna Čertovka) – A quirky, ultra-narrow pedestrian passageway near Charles Bridge — so tight it uses traffic lights to let people pass one way at a time.
- Petrin Hill Top– A peaceful green escape with gardens, winding paths and a miniature “Eiffel Tower” offering panoramic city views. You can ride the funicular up if you prefer not to walk.
- Franz Kafka (Rotating Head Sculpture) – A mesmerising, rotating metal head created by artist David Černý. The kinetic sculpture continuously shifts its mirrored layers, reflecting Kafka’s surreal literary style.
- Letna Park – A large hilltop park with vast views over the Old Town and the river.
Budget
Overall, Prague is a very affordable city with flights there and accommodation being on par with cities like Budapest & Bucharest but cheaper than Munich and Vienna. The highest cost will be food & drink, where the Old Town is more pricey than more local or hidden places. And the Christmas markets are priced higher for mulled wine and Chimney cakes compared to other places. The budget below is the cost for one person, but shared accommodation for 2 people (£50 a night each for 4 nights).
| Item | Cost (£) | Cost (CZK) |
| Flights | £220 | 6074 |
| Airbnb | £200 | 5522 |
| Activites | £100 | 2761 |
| Food & Drink | £200 | 5522 |
| Other | £30 | 828 |
| Sub Total | £750 | 20707 CZK |
Prague Christmas Trip- In Summary
Prague transforms into a true winter fairytale at Christmas, with its Gothic towers, cobblestone lanes and grand squares glowing under festive lights. The world-famous Prague Christmas market creates an unbeatable atmosphere, offering mulled wine, traditional Czech treats and beautifully crafted gifts. Add in snowy castle views, cosy pubs, iconic landmarks and charming neighbourhoods, and you get a perfect blend of romance, culture and seasonal magic. Whether you’re exploring historic streets or warming up with holiday food, Prague delivers an unforgettable Christmas experience.