Türkçe

Prague New Year: 3-Day Itinerary

30 December – 1 January: a day and a half of sightseeing, a day and a half of New Year. Pick one of two paces: relaxed or balanced–packed.

Plan with your own dates

Enter your arrival and departure; the route adapts to your flights and that day’s markets and opening hours.

Relaxed pace — Christmas markets, shopping and café breaks

Markets, shopping and atmosphere: 1–2 main stops a day is plenty; the rest is for shopping, long meals, unplanned wandering and an afternoon rest.

Day 1 · Wednesday 30 December10:00–20:30

The Old Town Market and Charles Bridge

Two main stops: the market and the bridge. Unplanned shopping and a long lunch in between; a café break on Kampa is optional. Rest in the afternoon, the lit-up square in the evening.

Running late? Skip these first: Kampa Island, Old Town Square by Night. The rest of the day still works.

  1. 10:00

    Old Town Square: Christmas Market and Astronomical Clock 60 min

    Your first mulled wine (svařák) and a trdelník at the market; the Astronomical Clock show on the hour, the towers of Týn Church and handmade ornaments. Catch the 10 am show here; be in front of the clock a few minutes early.

    Stalls · Astronomical Clock show on the hour · Týn Church (outside)

    Want to climb the clock tower (Old Town Hall Tower)? Add 40 minutes for a bird’s-eye view of the square and the market. Open until 3 pm on 24 December and 4 pm on 31 December.
  2. 11:00

    Free Time and Shopping 75 min

    Shopping on Celetná, Havelská and Karlova, or just wander.

  3. 12:15

    Walk · 5 min

    On foot.

  4. 12:20

    Lunch, Old Town 90 min

    Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  5. 13:50

    Walk · 10 min

    Down Karlova past its little shops to the bridge.

  6. 14:00

    Charles Bridge 35 min

    Baroque statues, the river and the castle above. As you cross, Kampa is on the right and the Old Town skyline behind you.

    Fancy the view? Climb the tower at the Old Town end of the bridge: +25 minutes, tickets at the door (250 CZK); best at sunset. Open until 2:30 pm on 24 December and 4 pm on 31 December.

  7. 14:35

    Kampa Island 45 min Optional

    A quiet island on the river; a long break in one of the cafés under the bridge.

  8. 15:20

    Walk · 20 min

    Back to the hotel.

  9. 15:40

    Rest at the Hotel 130 min

    Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.

  10. 17:50

    Old Town Square by Night 60 min Optional

    The market at its best, with the tree and the square lit up. Sausages, trdelník, mulled wine and last souvenirs.

  11. 18:50

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  12. 19:00

    Dinner, Old Town 90 min

    Czech food or a wine bar; book ahead for December evenings.

Open the route on the map

Day 2 · Thursday 31 December10:30–00:40

New Year’s Eve: the Castle by Morning, the River at Midnight

One main stop: the castle in the morning, as the cathedral closes at 3 pm on 31 December. A long lunch in Malá Strana and a rest; somewhere warm after dinner, then the riverbank just before midnight.

Running late? Skip these first: Old Town Square by Night. The rest of the day still works.

  1. 10:30

    Tram · 15 min

    Take tram 22 up to the Pražský hrad stop instead of walking the hill.

  2. 10:45

    Prague Castle 60 min

    The courtyards and the guards at the gate, then St Vitus Cathedral’s stained glass and the St Wenceslas Chapel. No rush.

    15 min courtyards · 45 min cathedral

    Ticket needed: book at least 3 days ahead
  3. 11:45

    Walk · 25 min

    Down Nerudova to Malá Strana; look out for the old house signs over the doors.

  4. 12:10

    Lunch, Malá Strana 90 min

    Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  5. 13:40

    Walk · 20 min

    Across Charles Bridge to the Old Town; take your time on the bridge, with its statues and the castle behind you.

  6. 14:00

    Walk · 10 min

    Back to the hotel.

  7. 14:10

    Rest at the Hotel 230 min

    Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.

  8. 18:00

    Old Town Square by Night 45 min Optional

    The market at its best, with the tree and the square lit up. Sausages, trdelník, mulled wine and last souvenirs.

  9. 18:45

    Aperitif: Beer Hall or Bar 40 min

    A Czech beer or a glass of wine before dinner. Options: a wine bar or a mulled-wine stall.

  10. 19:25

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  11. 19:35

    New Year’s Eve Dinner 150 min

    Most restaurants serve a set menu and fill up in November: book in October or November.

  12. 22:05

    Somewhere Warm Until Midnight 85 min

    Stay on at the restaurant or move to a nearby bar or café. Rather than waiting two hours in the cold, head out for midnight in the last half hour.

  13. 23:30

    Walk · 10 min

    To the Smetana Embankment; 7–10 minutes from the Old Town.

  14. 23:40

    Midnight: Smetana Embankment 45 min Our pick

    7 minutes from the Old Town: the castle and Charles Bridge across the river, fireworks above the water. Arrive around 11:30 pm so you don’t wait long in the cold. Prague has no official fireworks display; at midnight people set off fireworks all over the city. Watch out for fireworks in the crowd.

    Other options

    Letná Park, the Metronome: A panorama over the whole city’s fireworks; a 20–25-minute climb with stairs through a dark park.

    Old Town Square: The biggest party atmosphere; very crowded, with glass and fireworks underfoot.

    New Year’s Eve Cruise: Midnight on the river; dinner is on board, so no restaurant needed. Find tickets

  15. 00:25

    Walk · 15 min

    Back to your Old Town hotel on foot. The metro runs until about 2 am, then night trams take over.

Open the route on the map

Day 3 · Friday 1 January11:00–16:27

Vyšehrad and a Farewell Market

A late breakfast, the view from the city’s first fortress, a riverside walk, a historic café and a farewell market in the Old Town.

  1. 11:00

    Late Breakfast 75 min

    No rush: a long, late breakfast.

  2. 12:15

    Metro · 15 min

    Line C (red) to Vyšehrad station, then a 10-minute walk to the ramparts.

  3. 12:30

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  4. 12:40

    Vyšehrad Ramparts and Panorama 60 min

    The city’s legendary first fortress: the river and the distant castle from the ramparts. Open-air and open every day.

  5. 13:40

    Walk · 25 min

    Along the river to Národní, passing the Dancing House.

  6. 14:05

    Warm-up Break: Historic Café 70 min

    A long break in one of Prague’s historic coffee houses. Options: Café Louvre, Kavárna Slavia. Check holiday hours before you go.

  7. 15:15

    Walk · 12 min

    On foot.

  8. 15:27

    Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min

    A farewell mulled wine and last souvenirs; the lights come on around 4 pm.

Open the route on the map

Balanced–packed pace — Prague’s landmarks and Christmas markets

Explore the city and see the markets: nearby stops are grouped (the castle as one visit, Malá Strana as one walk). You can skip anything marked “Optional” and the day still works.

Day 1 · Wednesday 30 December09:00–20:53

Strahov, Prague Castle, Malá Strana and the Bridge

One flow from top to bottom: Strahov, the castle (one visit), a Malá Strana walk and the bridge; the Old Town market in the evening. The bridge tower and the concert are optional.

Running late? Skip these first: Old Town Bridge Tower. The rest of the day still works.

  1. 09:00

    Tram · 15 min

    Tram 22 to Pohořelec; Strahov Monastery is right by the stop.

  2. 09:15

    Strahov Library and Panorama 50 min

    The fresco-covered Theological and Philosophical Halls, viewed from the doorways.

    35 min library halls · 15 min city view from the monastery garden

    Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
  3. 10:05

    Walk · 15 min

    Through Hradčany to the castle; Loreta is on the way.

  4. 10:20

    Prague Castle 135 min

    One visit: St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St George’s Basilica and Golden Lane. There is a security check at the entrance; if the queues are long, skip Golden Lane and the rest of the day stays on time. The castle closes early on holidays.

    15 min security and queues · 45 min cathedral · 25 min Old Royal Palace · 15 min St George’s · 30 min Golden Lane · 5 min walking between courtyards

    Ticket needed: book at least 3 days aheadPrefer a guide? Guided castle tours include the ticket.
  5. 12:35

    Walk · 20 min

    Down Nerudova to Malá Strana; look out for the old house signs over the doors.

  6. 12:55

    Lunch, Malá Strana 60 min

    Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  7. 13:55

    Malá Strana Walk 40 min

    The dome of St Nicholas, the Lennon Wall and Kampa; one walk.

    Nerudova · St Nicholas (outside) · Lennon Wall · Kampa

  8. 14:35

    Café Break 35 min

    Hot chocolate or coffee; warm up and rest.

  9. 15:10

    Charles Bridge 30 min

    Baroque statues, the river and the castle above. As you cross, Kampa is on the right and the Old Town skyline behind you.

  10. 15:40

    Old Town Bridge Tower 25 min Optional

    Watch the sunset from the tower (around 4 pm in December): bridge, river and castle in one frame. Tickets at the door (250 CZK).

  11. 16:05

    Walk · 8 min

    On foot.

  12. 16:13

    Old Town Square: Christmas Market and Astronomical Clock 60 min

    Your first mulled wine (svařák) and a trdelník at the market; the Astronomical Clock show on the hour, the towers of Týn Church and handmade ornaments. Catch the 5 pm show here; be in front of the clock a few minutes early.

    Stalls · Astronomical Clock show on the hour · Týn Church (outside)

    Want to climb the clock tower (Old Town Hall Tower)? Add 40 minutes for a bird’s-eye view of the square and the market. Open until 3 pm on 24 December and 4 pm on 31 December.
  13. 17:13

    Free Time: Rest or Stroll 45 min Optional

    Drop by the hotel to rest, or take a stroll past the windows of Pařížská and along the river.

  14. 17:58

    Walk · 15 min

    On foot.

  15. 18:13

    Christmas Concert 60 min Optional

    Classical concerts in churches and Smetana Hall. If you skip it, enjoy the square at your own pace.

    Christmas concerts in churches and Smetana Hall; the programme comes out in November, so book early.
  16. 19:13

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  17. 19:23

    Dinner, Old Town 90 min

    Czech food or a wine bar; book ahead for December evenings.

Open the route on the map

Day 2 · Thursday 31 December09:00–00:50

New Year’s Eve: Old Town Hall Tower, Jewish Museum and Markets

The Old Town Hall tower and the Jewish Museum in the morning; the Municipal House, the Old Town market and a riverside historic café in the afternoon. Wenceslas, Celetná and the evening stroll are optional; midnight at Letná.

Running late? Skip these first: Wenceslas Square Christmas Market, Shopping on Celetná. The rest of the day still works.

  1. 09:00

    Old Town Hall Tower and Astronomical Clock 45 min

    The Astronomical Clock’s show on the hour and the lift up the tower for a bird’s-eye view of the square and the market. Catch the 9 am show here; be in front of the clock a few minutes early.

    Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
  2. 09:45

    Walk · 5 min

    On foot.

  3. 09:50

    Jewish Museum (Josefov) 90 min

    One ticket, four stops: the name-covered Pinkas Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Klausen Synagogue and the gilded Spanish Synagogue.

    25 min Pinkas · 25 min Old Cemetery · 15 min Klausen · 25 min Spanish Synagogue

    Ticket needed: book at least 2 days ahead
  4. 11:20

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  5. 11:30

    Wenceslas Square Christmas Market 40 min Optional

    The market running the length of the square: sausages, mulled wine, gifts. The National Museum at the top.

  6. 12:10

    Lunch, Old Town 60 min

    Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.

  7. 13:10

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  8. 13:20

    Municipal House Café 45 min

    The Art Nouveau café of the Municipal House (Obecní dům): chandeliers, mirrors and coffee. Check holiday hours before you go.

  9. 14:05

    Walk · 7 min

    On foot.

  10. 14:12

    Old Town Square Christmas Market 50 min

    The Christmas tree, the wooden stalls and the handmade ornaments: try the mulled wine (svařák) and trdelník here. The market is quietest in the morning and busiest once the lights are on.

  11. 15:02

    Shopping on Celetná 30 min Optional

    Bohemian crystal, Czech glass and Christmas ornaments. On 31 December large stores close at 5–6 pm, so finish shopping before then.

  12. 15:32

    Walk · 12 min

    On foot.

  13. 15:44

    Warm-up Break: Historic Café 60 min

    A long break in one of Prague’s historic coffee houses. Options: Café Louvre, Kavárna Slavia (river and Castle views). Check holiday hours before you go.

  14. 16:44

    Free Time: Rest or Stroll 70 min Optional

    Drop by the hotel to rest, or take a stroll past the windows of Pařížská and along the river.

  15. 17:54

    Aperitif: Beer Hall or Bar 82 min

    A Czech beer or a glass of wine before dinner. Options: U Fleků, Lokál, Café Imperial.

  16. 19:16

    Walk · 14 min

    On foot.

  17. 19:30

    New Year’s Eve Dinner 150 min

    Most restaurants serve a set menu and fill up in November: book in October or November.

  18. 22:00

    Somewhere Warm Until Midnight 75 min

    Stay on at the restaurant or move to a nearby bar or café. Rather than waiting two hours in the cold, head out for midnight in the last half hour.

  19. 23:15

    Walk · 25 min

    Cross Čech Bridge and climb the steps to Letná.

  20. 23:40

    Midnight: Letná Park, the Metronome 45 min Our pick

    A panorama over the whole city’s fireworks; a 20–25-minute climb with stairs through a dark park. Be up there around 11:40 pm so you don’t wait long in the cold. Prague has no official fireworks display; at midnight people set off fireworks all over the city. Watch out for fireworks in the crowd.

    Other options

    Smetana Embankment: 7 minutes from the Old Town: the castle and Charles Bridge across the river, fireworks above the water.

    Old Town Square: The biggest party atmosphere; very crowded, with glass and fireworks underfoot.

    New Year’s Eve Cruise: Midnight on the river; dinner is on board, so no restaurant needed. Find tickets

  21. 00:25

    Walk · 25 min

    Back to the Old Town on foot or by night tram.

Open the route on the map

Day 3 · Friday 1 January10:30–19:27

Vyšehrad, the Riverside and a Farewell Market

The city’s first fortress, the Dancing House and the National Theatre along the river, a historic café and a farewell market in the Old Town. The late-afternoon stroll and the 5 pm clock show are optional.

Running late? Skip these first: Astronomical Clock, 5 pm Show. The rest of the day still works.

  1. 10:30

    Late Breakfast 60 min

    No rush: a long, late breakfast.

  2. 11:30

    Metro · 15 min

    Line C (red) to Vyšehrad station, then a 10-minute walk to the ramparts.

  3. 11:45

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  4. 11:55

    Vyšehrad Ramparts and Panorama 60 min

    The city’s legendary first fortress: the river and the distant castle from the ramparts. Open-air and open every day.

  5. 12:55

    The Riverside and the Dancing House 35 min

    A walk along Rašínovo nábřeží; Frank Gehry’s Dancing House and the gold-roofed National Theatre, from outside.

    Riverside · Dancing House · National Theatre

  6. 13:30

    Walk · 15 min

    On foot.

  7. 13:45

    Warm-up Break: Historic Café 50 min

    A long break in one of Prague’s historic coffee houses. Options: Café Louvre, Kavárna Slavia. Check holiday hours before you go.

  8. 14:35

    Walk · 12 min

    On foot.

  9. 14:47

    Old Town Square Christmas Market 70 min

    A farewell mulled wine and last souvenirs; the lights come on around 4 pm.

  10. 15:57

    Free Time: Rest or Stroll 45 min Optional

    Drop by the hotel to rest, or take a stroll past the windows of Pařížská and along the river.

  11. 16:42

    Astronomical Clock, 5 pm Show 20 min Optional

    The 5 pm Astronomical Clock show and a last mulled wine on the square.

    Want to climb the clock tower (Old Town Hall Tower)? Add 40 minutes for a bird’s-eye view of the square and the market. Open until 3 pm on 24 December and 4 pm on 31 December.
  12. 17:02

    Aperitif: Beer Hall or Bar 45 min

    A Czech beer or a glass of wine before dinner. Options: U Fleků, Lokál, Café Imperial.

  13. 17:47

    Walk · 10 min

    On foot.

  14. 17:57

    Dinner, Old Town 90 min

    Czech food or a wine bar; book ahead for December evenings.

Open the route on the map

Tips

  • Don’t leave your shopping until late on 31 December: large stores close at 5–6 pm. On 1 January and 25–26 December stores over 200 m² are closed by law, and on 24 December they close at noon; small gift shops are up to their owners.

  • The neighbourhood markets (Náměstí Míru, Náměstí Republiky) end on 24 December. Over New Year only the Old Town and Wenceslas markets are open (until 6 January). To see them all, go in the first half of December.

  • Book New Year’s Eve and Christmas Eve dinner in October or November: most restaurants serve a set menu and fill up early.

  • Prague has no official fireworks display; at midnight people set off fireworks all over the city. Watch out for fireworks in the crowd.

  • Visit the castle on the morning of 31 December: St Vitus closes at 3 pm that day, opens at 12:30 on 1 January, and the castle buildings are fully closed on 24 December.

  • On 31 December trams switch to the night timetable around 10 pm and the metro runs to the centre until about 2 am. On 24 December trams stop regular service around 6 pm. Staying in the Old Town and walking back is easiest.

  • Churches aren’t heated (St Nicholas included), so keep your coat and gloves on inside. In December it gets dark around 4 pm.

  • The Jewish Museum is closed on Saturdays. Jewish Museum tickets

Times are for Wednesday 30 December – Friday 1 January. Some are officially confirmed for 2026, others are based on the last published season (the 2026 schedule is pending); check again before you go. The table on the guide page shows the status of each time: New Year’s Eve in Prague

Frequently asked questions

Is 3 days enough for Prague New Year?

Three days is ideal to enjoy New Year without rushing and see Prague’s highlights.

Which museums and landmarks can you visit inside on a 3-day New Year trip to Prague?

Relaxed: Prague Castle (basic circuit). Balanced–packed: Strahov Library, Prague Castle (basic circuit), Old Town Hall Tower, Jewish Museum.

How far ahead should I book tickets?

Prague Castle (basic circuit) at least 3 days ahead; Strahov Library at least 1 day ahead; Old Town Hall Tower at least 1 day ahead; Jewish Museum at least 2 days ahead. Queues are long in the holiday week.

I’m going on different dates; how does the route change?

Enter Prague and your arrival and departure in the planner on the home page. For any date from 25 November – 5 January it builds the route around that day’s markets and opening hours: New Year’s Eve on 31 December, Christmas Eve on 24 December, and closed markets are dropped.