Prague has always been a destination for those who appreciate architecture, but during the christmas period the city comes alive with the christmas season being embraced in full. Christmas Markets take over the city’s squares and shopping districts transforming them into a place to meet friends, indulge in the christmas spirit, foods, drinks and to purchase the odd christmas present.
Christmas Markets
A good Christmas market always comes highly recommended. There are many Christmas markets in Prague but two stand out, those being Old Town Square and the smaller Wenceslas Square coming a close second. The markets in Prague are free to enter and are open from 10am to 10pm. Some markets start trading from as early as the last week of November with some staying open until the first week of January. On offer are christmas decorations, hand-made toys, candles, traditional Czech food and drinks and much more.
For more information see: myczechrepublic.com
The Weather
Typical weather for Prague in December is a high of 2°C/36°F and low of -2°C/28°F. You can expect around 1 inch of precipitation falling as rain or snow however, snow will generally fall in late November or early January rather than December. If snow does fall then it’ll most likely be a small dusting which will melt rather quickly.
For more information see: myczechrepublic.com
Help with the language
Czech is the primary language in Prague. It’s considered to be one of the more difficult languages to master and the locals know this. Most of those who work in the tourist industry, waiters and bar staff speak enough English to get their jobs done. Czechs who are under 25 generally have a better understanding of English as it’s now the Czech Republic’s official second language and is teached in schools.
For more information see: pragueczechtravel.com
Attractions
Charles Bridge
Credit: .martin
Straddling the the River Vltava you'll find many bridges, the most popular of which is the 600 year-old 'Charles Bridge' which is considered to be Prague's most iconic landmark. Commissioned in 1357 by King Charles, the bridge replaces the Judith Bridge which was destroyed by a flood in 1342. The bridge connects 'Old Town' and 'Lesser Town' and is rarely seen without somebody making the crossing day or night.
Old Town Square
Credit: Christine Zenino
This square plays host to the city's largest christmas market surrounded in Romanesque, Baroque, Rococo, Gothic and Renaissance style architecture.
Prague Castle
Credit: Roman Boed
The castle consists of three churches, a cathedral, a royal palace and stables, a monastery, a basilica, defensive towers and gardens.
Prague Astronomical Clock
Credit: George M. Groutas
The world's third oldest clock at over 600 years-old, the Prague Astronomical Clock is the highlight of Old Town Square. The clock was made in 1410 by a master clock maker and a professor of mathematics. This clock displays Babylonian, Bohemian, German and Sidereal time, sunrise and sunset, phase of the moon and the sun's position in the zodiac.
Wenceslas Square
Credit: Davis Staedtler
This square plays host to the city's second largest christmas market. You’ll also find a whole host of shops, bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels in this area.
Malá Strana (Lesser Town district)
Credit: John Menard
Heading over the Charles Bridge from Old Town Square, you'll be heading to Malá Strana a.k.a. the Lesser Town district. The Wallenstein Palace and the St. Nicholas Church are the most prominent attraction with further more palaces, churches, parks, pubs, restaurants, shops for you to enjoy.
Tyn Church
Credit: Alistair Young
'Church of Our Lady before Týn' is the full name of this church which dominates the Old Town of Prague. Since the 14th century this church has been the main church of Old Town.
Petrin Hill & Observation Tower
Credit: Chris Brown
Rising 130m above the Vltava River, Petrin Hill consists mostly of parks and is favourite a recreational area for the locals. The tower on top of the hill is 178m taller than the Eiffel Tower and provides excellent views of the city.
Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
Credit: দেবর্ষি রায়
Josefov is a city quarter where in the 13th century the Jewish people were all forced to move to after a ban was put into place stating they were no longer to reside or visit anywhere else in the city. Between 1893-1913 most houses were torn down and the area was remodeled. However, most of the buildings with historical significance were saved.
Dancing House
Credit: Pedro Szekely
The Nationale-Nederlanden building a.k.a. Fred and Ginger a.k.a. The Dancing House is a curving modern office block by architect Frank Gehry which features a top-floor restaurant.
Powder Tower
Credit: maggiejp
Dating back to the 11th century, the Powder Tower was one of the original gates which leads you into the Old Town portion of the city.
St. Nicholas Cathedral
Credit: Jorge Láscar
Completed in 1735, this Baroque style church can be found at the Old Town Square.
See our "Prague Tourist Attractions" Pinterest board.
Title Image credits: Boris Tylevich