Czech Republic
Prague
Czech Republic
Prague
Updated Mar 10, 2025
Overview
Prague captivates visitors with its Gothic spires, Baroque palaces, and medieval Old Town. Beyond iconic sights like Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, discover local haunts in Žižkov and Vinohrady. Savor Czech cuisine in cozy pubs, explore quirky museums, and cruise the Vltava River. Wander off the beaten path to find secret gardens, underground jazz clubs, and artisan workshops. Prague's charm lies in its blend of history and modern creativity.
Best time to visit. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Experience magical Christmas markets in December. Summer brings festivals but more tourists. Winter is chilly but atmospheric with snow-dusted spires.
City stats
Population
1,309,000
Land area
192 sq. mi.
Currency
Czech koruna
Year founded
870 CE
Official langauge
Czech
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
Prague
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
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Average weather
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| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 36°F - 27°F | 32°F - 22°F | Cloudy | 7:58 am | 4:28 pm | 7 days 0.9 in | 8 days 4.9 in | 9 mph |
| February | 41°F - 30°F | 37°F - 25°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:18 am | 5:21 pm | 6 days 0.9 in | 6 days 3.5 in | 9 mph |
| March | 50°F - 36°F | 47°F - 32°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:17 am | 6:12 pm | 8 days 1.1 in | 3 days 1.4 in | 11 mph |
| April | 59°F - 42°F | 57°F - 39°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:04 am | 7:58 pm | 9 days 1.2 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 9 mph |
| May | 68°F - 51°F | 67°F - 49°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:07 am | 8:43 pm | 10 days 2.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| June | 73°F - 56°F | 73°F - 55°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:52 am | 9:11 pm | 11 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| July | 77°F - 59°F | 78°F - 59°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:13 am | 9:02 pm | 11 days 2.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| August | 77°F - 59°F | 77°F - 58°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:56 am | 8:16 pm | 10 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| September | 68°F - 52°F | 67°F - 50°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:41 am | 7:15 pm | 8 days 1.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| October | 57°F - 43°F | 55°F - 40°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:27 am | 6:13 pm | 7 days 1.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| November | 45°F - 36°F | 41°F - 31°F | Cloudy | 7:18 am | 4:23 pm | 7 days 1.0 in | 2 days 0.6 in | 9 mph |
| December | 38°F - 30°F | 34°F - 25°F | Cloudy | 7:58 am | 4:03 pm | 7 days 0.9 in | 6 days 3.1 in | 9 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Czechs celebrate the start of the new year with fireworks and gatherings. It's a public holiday. | Expect closures. Plan for festivities. | ||
| Easter Monday | Variable (March/April) | Christian holiday with unique Czech traditions. Men whip women with willow branches for luck. | Experience local customs. Some closures. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | Public holiday celebrating workers' rights. Often marked with rallies and demonstrations. | Expect some closures. Enjoy spring weather. | ||
| Victory in Europe Day | May 8 | Commemorates the end of World War II in Europe. Features ceremonies and remembrances. | Visit war memorials. Some businesses closed. | ||
| Saints Cyril and Methodius Day | July 5 | Honors missionaries who brought Christianity to Slavic people. Religious observances held. | Minor impact on travel. Some celebrations. | ||
| Jan Hus Day | July 6 | Commemorates religious reformer Jan Hus. Marked with services and historical reenactments. | Learn about Czech history. Limited closures. | ||
| St. Wenceslas Day | September 28 | Honors patron saint of Bohemia. Pilgrimages and religious services are common. | Visit St. Vitus Cathedral. Some closures. | ||
| Independent Czechoslovak State Day | October 28 | Celebrates the 1918 founding of Czechoslovakia. Patriotic events and ceremonies held. | Experience national pride. Expect closures. | ||
| Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day | November 17 | Commemorates 1989 Velvet Revolution. Marked with demonstrations and remembrances. | Join memorial events. Some closures. | ||
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Main Christmas celebration in Czech Republic. Families gather for traditional dinner. | Most businesses closed. Join local customs. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Public holiday continuing Christmas celebrations. Relaxed day with family gatherings. | Widespread closures. Enjoy festive atmosphere. | ||
| St. Stephen's Day | December 26 | Extension of Christmas holidays. Traditionally a day for visiting friends and relatives. | Many closures. Good for social activities. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prague International Film Festival (Febiofest) | Late March to early April | Major film festival showcasing international cinema, attracting filmmakers and cinephiles. | Great time for film enthusiasts to visit. | ||
| Prague Spring International Music Festival | May 12 - June 3 | Prestigious classical music festival featuring world-renowned orchestras and soloists. | Ideal for classical music lovers. | ||
| Prague Fringe Festival | Late May to early June | English-language theatre festival with diverse performances across various venues. | Great for theatre enthusiasts. | ||
| United Islands of Prague | Late June | Free open-air music festival featuring local and international artists on Prague's islands. | Fun time for music lovers to visit. | ||
| Prague Proms | Late June to mid-July | Summer music festival blending classical, jazz, and crossover performances. | Excellent for diverse music fans. | ||
| Bohemia Jazz Fest | Early to mid-July | Free open-air jazz festival held in Old Town Square, featuring international artists. | Great atmosphere for jazz enthusiasts. | ||
| Prague Pride | Early to mid-August | Week-long LGBTQ+ festival with parades, concerts, and cultural events across the city. | Vibrant time to experience diversity. | ||
| Dvorak Prague International Music Festival | Early to mid-September | Classical music festival celebrating Czech composer Antonin Dvorak and his contemporaries. | Perfect for classical music aficionados. | ||
| Signal Festival | Mid-October | Light art festival transforming Prague's landmarks with video mapping and installations. | Unique visual experience for visitors. | ||
| Prague International Jazz Festival | Late October to early November | Major jazz event featuring local and international artists across various venues. | Excellent time for jazz lovers to visit. | ||
| Prague Christmas Markets | Late November to early January | Traditional markets with festive food, drinks, and crafts in Old Town and Wenceslas Square. | Festive atmosphere but crowded. |
1 | Learn basic Czech phrases like 'Dobrý den' (hello) and 'Děkuji' (thank you). Locals appreciate when tourists make an effort to speak their language, even if it's just a few words. |
2 | Remove your shoes when entering someone's home. It's customary to take off your shoes and wear slippers provided by the host. This practice keeps homes clean and is seen as respectful. |
3 | Tipping is expected in restaurants, usually 10-15% of the bill. Unlike in the US, servers in Czech Republic often don't include the tip in the bill, so be prepared to add it yourself. |
4 | Be quiet on public transportation. Czechs value peace and quiet in public spaces, especially on trams and metros. Keep conversations low and avoid loud phone calls. |
5 | Try the local beer, but drink responsibly. Czech beer is world-renowned, but public drunkenness is frowned upon. Enjoy in moderation and behave respectfully in public spaces. |
6 | Don't jaywalk or cross on red lights. Traffic rules are taken seriously in Czech Republic. Wait for the green pedestrian signal, even if no cars are coming, to avoid fines. |
7 | Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees out of respect. Some places may provide shawls or coverings for visitors. |
8 | Use formal greetings with strangers and older people. Address them as 'Pan' (Mr.) or 'Paní' (Mrs./Ms.) followed by their surname. Czechs appreciate politeness and formality. |
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