Why you need to be travelling to Prague in December

What it is like travelling to Prague in December: my opinion

If you’re thinking of travelling to Prague this December to see those beautiful Christmas Markets with your very own eyes, let me tell you what it is really like. 

Firstly, December is really cold in Prague. Like, really, really cold. I had been travelling through Europe during this time to check out all the Christmas markets but I found Prague to be the coldest. This means that you’ll want to make sure you have lots of mini stops to keep warm as standing outside all day is just not an option.

Secondly, Prague has a unique art deco vibe that is great to look at but not to walk on in winter. The sidewalks in the old town are made up of beautiful mosaic stone tiles that become slippery death traps when covered in melting snow. I literally wrote off the idea of wearing cute, dainty, winter wonderland outfits within the first 10 minutes and wore my waterproof hiking boots every day (don’t worry, I made it work).

What is the best place to stay in Prague for Christmas Markets?

The Art Deco Imperial Hotel Prague is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Prague’s historic city centre and super close to the train station so it is the best place to stay in Prague for Christmas Markets. This is where we stayed while we were in Prague. We took the train to Prague so we wanted something close to the station (as walking far or having to get transport to the station in the cold and snow with luggage is not fun) while also not having to go far to get to the markets. You can also read my full review on The Imperial Hotel Prague.

Why is it the best place to stay in Prague for Christmas Markets?

The Art Deco Imperial Hotel features historic and elegant rooms and suites that are tastefully decorated with classic furnishings but have modern amenities so you won’t be freezing during the December nights. The Art Deco Imperial Hotel’s central location makes it the perfect base for exploring the most instagrammable spots in Prague, including the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and Prague Castle so you’ll easily be able to get to the Christmas markets. I wrote a review of the Art Deco Imperial Hotel if you’re interested!

Best places to take pictures in prague in winter

Prague Castle

Prague Castle isn’t really a castle but more a complex of things to see on top of the hill. It is a must do even in winter as it is one of the most instagrammable spots in Prague. When we went, we started by going up the Old Castle Stairs and looking out at Vyhlídka Na Opyši (which is a great viewpoint). Walking up the stairs will keep you warm and it is worth it for the viewpoint.

Next we hit Zlatá ulička u Daliborky (The Golden Lane) which has cute, quaint little traditional homes and shops where you can step back in time. You can then step a little further back in time by exploring the Daliborka Tower, an old dungeon where prisoners were kept. None of this is insulated well or has heaters (duh) but it is still warmer than standing outside.

The best part about Prague Castle during winter is the Christmas Markets right outside St. Vitus Cathedral. They’re small but very quaint and the perfect place to warm yourself up with a hot drink. It is one of the Best places to take pictures in Prague because you get the view of Christmas Markets with the gothic cathedral in the background.

Definitely make sure you go inside the St. Vitus Cathedral which is nice and warm and very beautiful.

On our way out to lunch we went past Galería Nacional de Praga (Palacio Schwarzenberský) which is a must see piece of architecture. 

Old Town Square

The Old Town Square is the other biggie you need to check out. It is one of the best places to take pictures in Prague during winter because it has the most popular, and biggest, Christmas markets in Prague. There is nothing quite like a mulled wine under the sparkling lights of a Christmas tree with the Church of Our Lady before Týn in the background and the Prague Astronomical Clock singing away. Pure bliss. Blissfully cold. Keep an eye on the temperature of your toes.

Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is super cute but super, freaking, cold. When we went, it was snowing and it basically felt like being stuck in a blizzard due to the winds bustling down the river. Was it worth it? No. Couldn’t see a thing. Had to run to the warmth of the nearest Starbucks and lick my wounds.

Where to eat in Prague as a vegan

Café Imperial

If you’re in Prague, Cafe Imperial is a historic cafe that is a must visit for the full Prague experience. The cafe was established in 1914 and is renowned for its stunning Art Deco interior, which was designed by the famous Czech architect, Josef Gočár. The cafe is often very busy, but if you stay at the Imperial Hotel, you can easily drag yourself out of bed late morning and enjoy the cafe at breakfast time where you will have a more comfortable, quiet, experience. There aren’t awesome, unique, vegan options here but they can make you a soy cappuccino.

Loving hut

Loving hut is a popular global vegan chain store. Every store is different and serves different meals every day but it’s a good place for a quick, cheap, and casual meal for travellers on the go.

Vegans Prague

If you’re looking for traditional Czech food then this is the spot you need to check out. Vegans Prague have a wide range of vegan versions of all the popular Czech food you’d want to try like goulash, potato dumplings, and cabbage rolls.