From Castles to Christmas Markets: 3 Days in Prague at Christmas

Prague is a captivating city.

Renowned for its gothic architecture, heartwarming food, elaborate Christmas Markets and some of the cheapest beer in Europe, Prague is the perfect place to visit for a cheap city getaway.

The week before Christmas, my sister and I flew to Prague and spent 3 days and 3 nights uncovering the best sights, food and drink the city has to offer. We stayed in a really cool (and BARGAIN) Air BnB located around a 15 minute tram ride from the Old Town centre and used trams and Uber to get around.

Here’s my 3 day itinerary with everything to see and do in Prague at Christmas time. 

Day 1

Free walking tour

Whenever I arrive in a new city, the first thing I like to do is to book onto a free walking tour.

These tours tend to be led by locals who know the city inside-out and are a great way to get a base understanding of the history, culture, religion and food of where you are. They always include key must-see spots in the city and are a fab way to get your bearings on your first day. Free walking tours are technically ‘free’ however, an optional donation is always greatly appreciated (and deserved) at the end of the tour.

In Prague, we booked onto a tour with Free Walking Tour Prague via their website. This company offers four different walking tours, which cover different areas of the city. We opted for the Old Town tour as we thought this would cover a good chunk of the places we wanted to visit during our stay. From the Powder Bridge and Old Town Square to the Jewish Quarter and Astronomical Clock, we ticked off a lot of sights in just 2 1/2 hours.

Finish your morning with a hearty local lunch at U Parlamentu (recommended by our tour guide) in prep for a chilly walk to Prague Castle.

Wander along Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is one of the most famous spots in Prague. Scattered with grand gothic statues, musicians and artists, this bridge connects Prague’s Old Town with Prague Castle. Try to avoid the bridge at the height of the day as it is bound to be swarming with excitable aka. annoying tourists.

Climb to Prague Castle

Prague Castle is situated a strenuous 10/15 minute walk uphill from Charles Bridge. Although the steep cobbled hill may be off-putting, there are plenty of cute cafes, restaurants and shops to stop off at on the way. When you reach the top, grab a mulled wine from the small Christmas Market and enjoy the smashing panoramic view across the city.

It is free to explore the castle’s grounds however, there is a charge to go into buildings such as, the cathedral. Liz and I made the executive (some may say wise) decision to spend our money on hot toddys and Czech snacks at the castle’s Christmas market instead.

Dinner at Wine O’Clock

Wine O’clock was recommended to me by a friend and on arrival, it was love at first sight. Bottles of my favourite Italian red wine lined the walls of the small rustic room, candles flickered on each inviting table and the menu was simple yet intriguing. The restaurant oozed relaxation and we instantly felt at home. 

This cosy wine bar prides itself on warm hospitality and slow dining and on sitting down, our waiter insisted on us ordering a couple of tapas style dishes over a few courses so we could enjoy the food as we mixed up our wine choices.

The food was simple, fresh and delicious. From burrata and bruschetta to baked goat’s cheese and tartiflette, all food was prepared in front of us and the other guests as if we were in someone’s home. As there is limited seating, I would highly recommend booking a table to avoid disappointment. 

Day 2

Christmas markets

Over the Christmas period, Prague is scattered with a wealth of enchanting Christmas markets. The most well-known market is located in the Old Town Square where twinkling chalets selling Czech snacks, mulled wine and souvenirs are complimented by the stunning Gothic architecture towering above. Locals will say this market is overpriced however, the beauty of the square at this time of year is worth the premium.

You can find other Christmas Markets outside the castle, by Namesti Miru tram stop (this is considered the local market) and Wenceslas Square. 

Beer tasting

Beer and Prague go hand in hand. Therefore, a trip to this city would not be complete without sampling some of the local brews.

If you’re interested in learning about the processes involved in making Czech beer then a visit to the beer museum would be worthwhile. Alternatively, find a local pub and order beer after beer until you find your favourite.

We went to a brewery come pub near the Old Square called U Tri Ruzi and came out feeling rather squiffy headed and more open to the idea of ale.

Cocktails at Black Angel’s bar

End your second day with a cocktail…

Black Angel’s is a prohibition themed bar that can be found just off of the Old Town Square. Located in an enclaved basement, Black Angel’s is quirky and unique and offers cool, eccentric cocktails inspired by 20th century bartending legend, Alois Krcha. Sip on a Yo Mama or a specially brewed absinthe whilst listening to the talented pianist of the night. Drinks here may be expensive for Prague but they are worth every penny for the experience. 

No photos are allowed inside the bar to upkeep their sense of mystery and secrecy.

Day 3

Breakfast at Café Jen

On our last morning in Prague we decided to check out this charming lil’ café located just around the corner from our Air BnB in Ruska. Light, airy and hip, Café Jen was everything we wanted from a hearty brekkie spot. We sipped on great coffee and prosecco, gorged on smashed avocado, melted brie and pomegranate seeds on toast and did our best to resist the delicious looking cakes on the counter.

No booking necessary, just turn up and enjoy! 

Walk to Vysehrad Fort

Our final adventure of our time in Prague was climbing to the Vysehrad Fort, which was recommended to us by our Free Walking Tour guide. Situated South of the Old Town Square, you can either walk along the waterfront to the fort or, hop on a tram. 

We were lucky enough that it had snowed on our last day, which made the trip a lot more festive but also, absolutely freezing and slippy…

Walk along the peaceful fort walls whilst appreciating the fab views across the city before warming up with a coffee or a mulled wine at the café by the cathedral. 

I absolutely loved visiting Prague at Christmas time. Every corner of the city was strewn in Christmas memorabilia and I can’t imagine a better place to get you in the festive spirit before Christmas Day.