With its enchanting Old Town, imposing castles, bridges and churches, Prague is a fairytale destination, ideal for a Christmas trip you will remember for a long time.
Built on the banks of the Vltava River, Prague is, as Goethe put it, the «most beautiful gem in the stone crown of the world».Its hard not to fall in love with the capital of Czechia if you visit in winter and especially at Christmas.The distinctive blend of Baroque and Gothic architecture, the deeply atmospheric Old Town, the iconic Charles Bridge, the alleys of the historic Mala Strana neighborhood, the fairytale castle, the towers and the churches offer a backdrop that fits the festive atmosphere like a glove.
Christmas in Prague
The impressive Old Town Square
Beautiful Baroque-style buildings, impressive sights, cafes and restaurants set the scene in Old Town Square, in the heart of Prague. The best-known attraction is the masterful Astronomical Clock on the Gothic tower of the Old Town Hall, where tourists crowd to watch the show put on by the moving figurines every time the hour changes.
Christmas markets and ice rinks
In Old Town Square the citys largest open-air market is set up. Grab a steaming cup of wine and stroll among its wooden huts. Youll sample spit-roasted pork and grilled sausages, hear Czech carols and browse wooden toys, handmade jewelry and traditional marionettes. Famous too is the market at Wencelas Square, while you can also wander over to the smaller Namesti Republiky, Namesti Míru and Havelska Trziste. The festive scene is completed by the open-air ice rinks that pop up around the city, such as the one in front of City Hall.
The iconic Charles Bridge
This historic bridge is a jewel of the city. It was built in 1357, and between the 15th and 19th centuries it was the only bridge linking the Castle with the Old Town. It is 516 meters long and almost 10 meters wide, supported by 16 arches and adorned with 30 statues. Crossing the Charles Bridge youll enjoy, besides the unique view, performances by dozens of musicians.
The fairytale castle
On the other side of the Vltava the Castle towers, looking as if it were plucked from a fairy tale. It is the largest medieval complex in Europe and the oldest seat of the Czech kings. Prague Castle includes St. Vitus Cathedral with its elaborate Gothic architecture, the Basilica of St. George, palaces such as the Lobkowicz Palace and the Old Royal Palace, and various museums and art galleries. In the picturesque Golden Lane of alchemists and goldsmiths, with its colorful houses, time has stood still in the 16th century.
In the alleys ofMala Strana
Walk the cobbled alleys of Mala Strana, the district below the castle. Picturesque streets, Baroque buildings, squares, lush gardens and plenty of cafes, little shops and riverside restaurants compose the scene in Pragues most captivating neighborhood.
The flavors of Prague
Goulash, knedliky dumplings, smazeny syr (fried cheese), klobása (sausages) and kulajda soup are some of the local treats you shouldnt miss. Naturally, youll pair them with an ice-cold Czech beer. Also, dont skip trying trdelnik, a cylindrical grilled pastry, whose center you can fill with various fillings.
The historic cafes
The iconic cafes of Prague will whisk you back in time. The historic Café Louvre counted Kafka and Einstein among its regulars. Also famous is Café Savoy with its impressive decor, as is the atmospheric Cafe Slavia with its wonderful view of the Castle.
