We go to Prague on our own: we decide on the time, how to get there, how to dress, obtaining a visa, booking air tickets, hotel rooms and excursions, and much more. A trip to Prague in winter - what awaits tourists? How to dress in Prague

So, if you are a Prague resident, you:

1. Do you know what it means to “meet under the tail” (pod ocasem). The vast majority of Prague residents know that the meeting is scheduled on Wenceslas Square - at the statue of the bronze horse of St. Vaclav.

2. Don't drink absinthe (ever).

3. Drink beer (after all, beer in Prague is cheaper than soft drinks).

4. Wear blue jeans (Prague residents love blue jeans and wear them everywhere: to the office, to parties and even to award ceremonies).

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5. Use public transport.

6. You know transport etiquette (give way to elderly people and pregnant women on the tram).

7. Tell someone that they are standing on the wrong side of the escalator (you need to stand on the right side so that everyone can freely go down on the left side).

8. On a metro train, try to get as close to the door as possible.

9. Watch or have watched the TV series Ulice (a never-ending story about Czech “real life”).

10. Love sarcasm (Prague residents love to joke about themselves and their friends in a peculiar manner).

11. Don't go to parties in Lucerne and Karlovy Lazne.

12. Speak quietly (Prague residents like to be indignant that tourists speak very loudly).

13. Understand the difference between Karlak and Charles Bridge.

14. Hate people who ride Segways.

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15. Avoid the main tourist streets on your route (try to walk along quiet streets or courtyards).

16. Prefer bio/vegan/healthy food (many Prague residents don’t even know how to cook goulash and chops).

17. Be careful not to step into dog poop (especially in the Zizkov area).

18. Do not go to shops/cafes/clubs on Wenceslas Square (only if absolutely necessary).

19. Call a taxi by phone (Prague residents do not get into taxis on the street because of inflated prices. By the way, the other day in Prague I passed over taxi drivers who were inflating prices for tourists. You need to know that the maximum Prague tariff is 28 CZK per 1 km).

20. Keep a dog (Prague residents walk dogs to keep themselves in good shape, or carry small dogs in their bags).

21. Read free Metro newspapers in the morning (you can pick them up at metro stations until 9 am).

22. Always find a reason to celebrate something (holiday, name day, birthday, divorce, wedding - it doesn’t matter).

23. Do not show your emotions in public, no matter what happens (for example, you make an indifferent face if you meet a celebrity on the street).

24. You leave a tip to the waiters less than 10% of the amount on the bill (for example, if the bill was brought for 340 CZK, you will leave 350 CZK).

25. Go to Letna for a picnic (but still think it’s a good place for sports).

26. Watch matches of the Sparta or Slavia teams (you need to choose one of these teams and be confident in your choice).

27. You pay with a contactless card and are surprised if you can’t do it.

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28. Taking advantage at pedestrian crossings (and not wanting to wait until a passing car decides to stop and let you pass).

29. Hate it if someone calls you an “Eastern European” (Prague people are not Eastern Europeans, they are Central Europeans. Prague is further west than Vienna).

30. Look tired / unhappy / important under any circumstances.

In October, Prague is almost completely free of the numerous tourists who fill the main historical streets and squares of the city during the high season. Seeing the main attractions becomes much more enjoyable due to the lack of queues and crowds, and cool weather and many exciting events in the life of the modern Czech capital make October a very attractive month for traveling to Prague.

The capital of the Czech Republic at the end of October

Weather in Prague in October

October in Prague is already real. During the day, when the sun is at its zenith, it is still quite warm, but the nights are already cold, and in the mornings and evenings it is almost always cool, even when the sky is clear. Daytime air temperatures usually rise to 14 – 15°C, and at night drop to 4 – 5°C.

Many travelers are also attracted to October in Prague because the autumn coolness is accompanied by clear sunny days and little precipitation, because October is one of the driest months in the capital of the Czech Republic.

Air temperature in Prague in October for the last 4 years

How to dress in October in Prague

In October in Prague you will definitely need a jacket or coat. Autumn winds can already feel winter-chill, so if you get cold or cold easily, bring a warm but lightweight scarf or stole that will help keep you warm if needed and can easily be stowed away in your bag if the temperature suddenly gets warmer than expected.

In October, especially at the beginning of the month, summer-like warm days are possible, when the temperature rises to 20°C, keep this in mind when packing your suitcases. Pay attention to long-sleeved T-shirts, jumpers and sweaters that can be worn at the same time, putting one item on top of another. A wardrobe selected according to the principle of multi-layering will help you not to depend on fluctuations in air temperature both during the day and throughout your stay in Prague in October.

Boots, ankle boots, sneakers and any other footwear comfortable for walking on paving stones are a must. If you don’t usually think through the contents of your vacation suitcases, you don’t have to do this now - you’ll find everything you need in.

View of the city from Uvoz street

What to do in Prague in October

If you start to freeze during a walk or on an excursion, do not rush to return to the hotel or go to the hospital for medicine; the most popular thing in the cold season - a glass of tart hot mulled wine and sweet trdelnik - will help you quickly warm up. You can buy them right on the street, without leaving your intended route.

Petrin Hill in autumn

Cold days are the best time to discover hearty Czech cuisine. Traditional Czech dishes such as may seem a bit heavy in the summer months, but in autumn weather they can warm and energize even the most fanatical tourist. On the menu of Prague cafes and restaurants you will find warming soups, stews and meat dishes, usually accompanied by potato or bread, and, of course, the real thing.

When choosing a restaurant or cafe where you would like to have a snack, pay attention to the outdoor terraces. Many have outdoor heaters, which will keep the atmosphere cozy in cooler weather and allow you to enjoy autumn in Prague while you enjoy lunch or dinner.

On rainy days or a chilly winter day, head to the galleries or see Czech art, history and culture. Another equally successful activity in bad weather can be choosing gifts and wonderful souvenirs for friends and family.

In October it is still quite comfortable to make a one-day trip from Prague to nearby Czech cities and to some European cities. You can choose an interesting direction for yourself from already proven excursion tours - or, or you can independently go explore the sights of cities such as, Vienna or. When choosing independent day trips outside of Prague, be sure to pay attention to the opening hours of historical sites; many of them are closed for the winter or operate on reduced hours.

Oktyabrsky Dresden

Where to go in Prague in October 2019

Prague is famous for opera, ballet and concerts. Throughout October, Prague hosts performances in magnificent, stunning concert halls, as well as in many historical churches. Tickets usually sell out quickly, so if you want to attend the Prague Opera or a classical music concert, we recommend pre-booking your tickets: Connoisseurs of modern theatrical art should attend a performance, one of the most popular forms of urban recreation among travelers coming to Prague.

From October 10 to 13, 2019, Prague will host the SIGNAL Light Festival, an open-air celebration of light. On the most famous historical buildings in Prague, everyone will be able to see magnificent light projections created using modern building lighting technologies and video projections. To enjoy the light show, you just need to walk around or at night. Official website of the festival:

Winter comes to the Czech Republic slowly. The streets become cool, rainy, damp and gray. Although the grayness goes away already in the first days of December, when. In several days the city is transforming: lights, lanterns, aromas of mulled wine and cinnamon are everywhere. And red roofs and viburnum berries cheerfully peek out from under the snow... Everything is like in Christmas movies.

There is just enough snow to cover the roofs of houses.

Does it make sense to go here in winter? How many Russian tourists frozen to death in a fierce Czech snowstorm? Should I take a spare fur coat and high boots with me? Is it true that all museums are closed in winter, and shops in November close forever until spring? If you do go, where should you go? What can you see in the capital of palaces and beer? Make yourself comfortable, now we’ll talk about everything in detail.

But first, for inspiration, a short video from winter Prague:

A few words about the weather

The Czech winter is very kind to tourists: it doesn’t spoil you with heat, but it doesn’t intimidate you with frost either. The weather is quite suitable for walking around the city: the coldest night here will be -8°C, but during the day the temperature can rise to +5°C. In December it gets dark already at 16.30, in February it is light until 17.30. There is just enough snow to lightly decorate the houses. There are no blizzards, blizzards or snowdrifts in the Czech Republic.

The weather is mild even in January.

Winter in Prague cool, humid and damp. Sometimes the winds can get really wild. Rains also happen often. By our standards, the weather is reminiscent of the end of a particularly rainy November. Therefore, a strong umbrella, a light hat, waterproof shoes and a windproof jacket are what Necessarily you need to take it with you.

Clothes you need to take a warm, comfortable and versatile one: so that you can walk along windy streets all day and sit in a restaurant in the evening. Shoes It is advisable to choose a thick and flat sole. Our young ladies, of course, are used to wearing heels in snow, rain, and the height of a tsunami, but you can’t run on slippery/wet paving stones in heels for a long time. Although if you decide to celebrate the New Year in the Czech Republic, then a pair of elegant shoes and a dress, of course, will be needed.

Excursions

The trip experience will be incomplete without excursions. Tourists are increasingly booking excursions via the Internet. This is more convenient for several reasons. Can:

• take your time to read the description and reviews and choose what you like;
• do not fuss and do not waste precious time in Prague searching and purchasing excursions;
• buy in advance from home and pay by card;
• There is more choice online than at any agency or travel kiosk, and prices are 15-20% lower, because... no agency fee.

There are many options - from the simplest for €15 (ideal for a first acquaintance with the city) to the most fashionable excursions in the quest genre:

• - €65 for a group of 1–9 people;
• - €23 per person.

The choice is wide - from a trip to the springs (€30) to a trip to neighboring Germany: (€55), (€35) or even (for 2 days and with a stop at Neuschwanstein Castle - €130).

How do you like the opportunity to see the sights of the Czech Republic from above? costs €209 - you choose the direction and program yourself.

The most popular excursions in 2019:

• - see and learn;
• - eat delicious food and drink beer;
• - to be surprised;
• - to see not only Prague;
• - to have something to remember.

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And a few more points of the winter program in the Czech Republic:

• Ski resorts: in Šumava, Jezerskie Mountains, Giant Mountains, Liberec.
• Carriage ride or a vintage car.
• Winter forest in Stromovka or Letna.
• Festival classical music named after Boguslav Martinu.
• Czech carnival.
• European Film Days(end of January - );
• Maslenitsa(meat-eater).
• Fair Saint Matthew.

Ski resort Krkonose.

Some museums and attractions are closed before . If you want to watch something specific, you need to find out in advance whether it is possible. Although those who are traveling to Prague for the first time will not have such a problem: most of the excursions and architectural monuments operate as usual.

St. Nicolas day. Walking distance to Prague.

Elina (32 years old, Tallinn):

“We gave up on the winter holidays. Still, a sudden change in climate is not very suitable for children, so we chose the Czech Republic: you can walk for a long time, it still won’t lead to frostbite.
We took the children to the skating rinks several times: 30-60 crowns and three tons of children's happiness. My husband and I really liked the skating rink on the roof (Harp Gallery) - we have never seen anything like it anywhere else. By the way, admission there is free, we only paid for renting skates. If you want to save money, bring your own, because... rent costs 40-60 CZK per hour.
You can also take the kids to the Toy Museum (Jiřská 4, Prague 1) and the Lego Museum (Národní 31, Prague 1). My daughter was simply stunned when she saw the Barbie collection, and even my husband was interested in the Lego museum. I would like to note one more point: in the toy museum you can take photographs for free, but in the Lego museum you will have to pay extra for photos.”

Czech meat-eater. Why aren't our mummers?

What is shopping like in Czech?

Best in winter: right here sales begin. The first wave is from mid-December to January 1-3. The beginning of the second wave occurs in , and it will end in mid-February.

Winter sales are the best of the year. Clothes, shoes, electronics and all sorts of New Year and Christmas souvenirs can be bought for literally half the price. Discounts are up to 80%.

Czech online stores such as Kasa.cz, Alza.cz, Mall.cz are also participating in the sales. The only caveat: it is advisable to know the approximate prices before sale. Feedback from tourists suggests that some sellers hang up a “75% discount” sign, but the price does not change at all.

During winter sales, almost the entire population of the Czech Republic goes shopping.

Varvara (28 years old, Moscow):

“Winter Prague, of course, is beautiful and all that, but my friends and I were only on a sightseeing tour. All the rest of the time - . We bought sweaters at C&A Moda: there were 50% discounts, how can we resist? Gifts for mom and mother-in-law. It turns out that there are discounts on porcelain in winter too! Well, of course, my beloved, I had to pamper myself: .
Another similar trip is planned for 2015: I want to choose a handbag for myself, and to go with it, shoes, a coat - everything as it should be.”

It is simply impossible to pass by.

Where to refresh yourself after a long excursion?

Here it is, real happiness for the male stomach! , juicy meat, aromatic sauces, smoked meats, ... What else do you need after the frosty air on your next excursion? And the famous Czech beer? You tell your wife that you want to know the original Czech traditions and calmly go to the bar. Now at your disposal there are a few hours until the wife suspects something is wrong. And during this time you can do so much...

Interior decoration of the Michal restaurant.

It is very convenient to please your stomach in such establishments:

• restaurants:“Michal”, “U Modre Kachnicky”, “U Bansethů”, “Klášterní pivovar”, “Zvonařka”, “U dvou kocek”;
  It’s best to try the assorted meats “Česká bašta”, “Brewer-style goulash according to the recipe of the cook Doushi”.
• budget cafes:"Peklo" on the street. Vodičkova, 39, “Steak Hračanská”, “V Cipu”, “Lokal”;
• dining rooms:"Obcerstveni", "Jidelna", "Lahudky";
  Here you can feed yourself on 100-200 crowns per day. First courses - from 25 CZK, second - from 45 CZK.
• breweries:“Pivovar U Medvídků”, “U Kalicha”, “U svateho Tomase”, “Pivovarský dům”.

Is your meal accompanied by live music? Keep in mind this will add 30-50 CZK to your total bill.

Gregory (29 years old, Nizhny Novgorod):

“Tourists, of course, spoil Prague. Even decent establishments, such as “Pivovarský dům”, do not hesitate to add extra dishes to the bill. Nowadays it’s better not to go to well-hyped restaurants with all sorts of shows and dressed-up staff - it will be beautiful, expensive too, but it’s unlikely to be tasty.
In most establishments there will be a persistent aroma of beer and cigarettes, so it’s worth choosing for lunch with children in advance - by the time you find a suitable place, you’ll work up an appetite a hundred times over.
To choose places for breakfast or dinner, I constantly read reviews on travel sites. The main thing here is to always look at the date, because... In recent years, some things have changed in both prices and quality. My best finds: the coffee shop “Ebel Сoffee House” and the old beer hall “U Cerneho Vola”, I strongly recommend it!”

Winter prices: when to go to save?

As soon as it starts, tours to the Czech Republic go off with a bang. And they stand accordingly at this time. Want to save money? Then go see the Charles Bridge at the end of winter. February, for example - time for discounts and last minute travel packages(30-40% discount). The influx of tourists is subsiding, so... But on New Year's Eve, the cost of the tour increases by about 100 EUR per person.

Gingerbread houses, the real ones.

To extend the charm, buy for the return trip Alena Ezhkova’s book “77 Prague Legends”. Firstly, a book is much better than a magnet. And secondly, with it you can return to the Czech Republic for a short time at any time.

It is generally customary to return to this country. Prague is like a parent’s home: it’s cozy, there are always delicious smells and hearty food, but it’s all so... old. Believe me, here worth a visit in winter. At a minimum, in order to.
- Trynd..? Tyrn..? Trd... what?!!
- Come and find out at the same time.

Tours to the Czech Republic always remain popular among Russian tourists, despite the lack of stability in a number of other European destinations. You can travel around the Czech Republic at any time of the year, and you always need to know about the rules, traditions and laws of this country, located on the very border of the cultures of Western and Eastern Europe. Well, you need to know things that you shouldn’t do in the Czech Republic long before the stage of preparation for the trip itself.

Change currency outside banks

This is one of the most important rules for tourists in the Czech Republic. All banks have strict control over foreign currency exchange, so you can safely exchange rubles for crowns without fear that the commission will exceed the stated 3%. You should avoid street exchange points, especially those located near train stations and crowded tourist areas. There, guests of the Czech Republic can not only be deceived with the exchange rate, but also simply robbed.

Buy souvenirs in “tourist” areas

This rule is elementary, and applies to many Czech cities, as well as many attractions. Both here on Red Square and in Prague on the Charles Bridge, any souvenir will be several times more expensive than in a regular store on the next street. There definitely won’t be any exclusives here, and few people will want to pay an extra 5-10 euros for a trinket. By the way, the same rule applies to cafes and bars located near busy excursion spots.

Take a taxi on the streets and train stations

Absolutely all taxis parked on the streets of Czech cities operate at an increased rate for foreigners. There may be no taximeters in such cars at all, or they will be hidden, and the trip very often ends with an amount that is quite consistent with a two-day hotel stay. It is best to order a taxi by phone, having previously learned about the prices.

Talking to Czechs about politics

Politics is a slippery topic throughout Europe, and especially in the countries of the former socialist camp. The older generation of Czechs do not have any open hostility towards Russians or the communist past; many even speak Russian quite well. But the same cannot be said about young people: T-shirts with a crossed out hammer and sickle are everywhere here. In general, the topic of politics is not the best reason for discussion, and in some cases it can cause a loud scandal with assault.

Trust strangers on the street

Street fraud is the most common crime in the Czech Republic, the victims of which are tourists. The high-risk zone for everyone is half-empty subway cars and other public transport, evening streets and the outskirts of the city. Under no circumstances should you respond to a statement from a person dressed like a police officer, but not presenting a special identification card or badge. Also, you should not respond to offers from pretty girls to have a good time - for this in the Czech Republic there are completely legal “adult” bars.

Dish in a restaurant

Forget about food culture

The Czechs are almost as zealous about food culture as their Balkan neighbors. National cuisine is a source of pride here, and local beer has entire drinking rituals. For example, in the Czech Republic it is considered bad form to snack on beer with anything other than smoked sausages. It is also considered barbaric to drink beer from bottles or cans - the Czechs themselves buy the foamy drink exclusively for bottling, or drink it in bars. By the way, the famous dumplings in restaurants are usually served in such portions that not every tourist is able to eat it in one sitting.

Trying to buy strong alcohol

Recently, due to the mass poisoning of the population with counterfeit alcohol, a law was passed in the Czech Republic completely prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages with a strength of more than 20%. However, underground bootleggers still find ways to sell vodka, scotch and other strong drinks. An attempt to sell a prohibited product and its purchase and storage are now considered a serious administrative violation. If purchased alcohol is found, the police have every right arrest a tourist for several days.

Look for “forbidden” adventures

It's no secret that prostitution is legalized in the Czech Republic, but this business is often used by unscrupulous people in order to lure tourists into a not-so-pleasant story. Very often, available girls are accomplices of robbers and swindlers, who, in turn, often have a “protection” in the nearest police station.

Important: Drugs in the Czech Republic are also partially freely sold, but for exceeding the amount of possession of marijuana or hashish you can earn a criminal charge. This legislation applies to tourists much more strictly than to ordinary Czechs, so you should think several times before tasting the forbidden fruit.

Czech currency

Give tips to the staff

Having given a waiter or maid a tip once, you need to be prepared that you will have to pay extra every time, otherwise the service may simply refuse to do their job. They do this based on the ignorance of tourists - in most hotels and restaurants, the tip amount is already included in the final price tag, so there is absolutely no need to hand over extra bills to the staff who profit from tourists.

Break the rules of Czech etiquette

The fact that a Czech is different from any Russian is an obvious fact, but in the mentality of this people there are several things that you need to know about in advance. Firstly, Czechs hate familiarity- addressing a stranger on a first-name basis here is tantamount to a big insult. Secondly, the level of emancipation in the modern Czech Republic is so great that considering a woman the weaker sex is considered something close to discrimination. Czech men do not even let close ladies through open doors, thereby showing respect for their rights.

Visit “promoted” museums

The rule is more relevant for Prague than for the rest of the Czech Republic, but in large cities it remains relevant. The fact is that modern tourism programs very often have museums as sponsors that have appeared in the Czech Republic quite recently. He especially likes to promote himself among youth groups of tourists. Sex Toy Museum in Prague, which no one recommends visiting, if only because the entrance ticket there costs about 10 euros in CZK.

Sex Toy Museum in Prague

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Instructions

On the territory of the Czech Republic there is a sign marking the geographical center of Europe, so Prague is no different from other neighboring countries. Compared to, the air temperature in Prague will be 5-7 degrees higher when you arrive or. Summer and winter in this city are also milder than in our capital. However, natural disasters in recent years do not allow us to say anything for sure, so check the weather forecast before your trip.

On a winter trip, you should not take heavy, warm fur coats and sheepskin coats - the best option would be sports-style clothing, for example, a puffer jacket and jeans. It is simply unrealistic to freeze while walking around Prague - on every corner you will find small and very cozy restaurants and bars where you can always warm up. For your feet, bring winter sneakers or boots with low heels, low, comfortable wedges.

In general, a sporty style will be appropriate in Prague at any time of the year. Having arrived in the city center, Prague 1, you will no longer want to take any bus - you only need to move around the central part on foot, so as not to pass any of the interesting places. Do not deprive yourself of this pleasure - a walk through old Prague, and take care of comfortable shoes. In spring, summer and autumn, sneakers or comfortable low-heeled shoes will again come in handy here - after all, all the streets in the center are paved with cobblestones, and you won’t get far in heels.

Jeans and sweatpants will also be appropriate all year round, but if you are traveling in the summer, why not show off in a light colored sundress or a beautiful dress? By the way, assume that you will want to attend a performance or go to a concert. Prague is not only a geographical center, but also an arts center. Bring smart clothes with you that you can wear to the theater or to a restaurant in the evening. And this is where high-heeled shoes will come in handy.

The Czech Republic is a small European country that tourists love to visit. The mild climate, abundance of historical monuments, excellent cuisine, famous Czech beer, and even relatively good service annually attract a huge number of people here - tens of times more than the number of indigenous residents. But to make your trip enjoyable, you might want to know a little more about how to interact with the locals, what is customary here, and what you should never do.

Instructions

If you want to feel more comfortable in this country, try to learn a few of the most common Czech words before your trip and buy a small phrasebook. It will be easier for you to establish contacts with the local population, even if you are only here for a few days. But it is also very good if you can communicate in or out. By the way, many older Czechs are fluent in the language.

Czechs for the most part are polite and sociable people, although they are very reserved and may even seem distant, closed, and unsmiling to you. But they don’t know you at all and are not obliged to rush to meet you with joy! Be polite and be sure to say hello to hotel staff, guides, store clerks and bartenders. Do the same if you need to clarify your route, you get lost or are looking for something. As a rule, Czechs do not refuse help.

Try to be punctual. If you have an appointment or, be on time. Firstly, this quality is very highly valued (and not only in the Czech Republic) and, secondly, you will not need to rush. Haste, fussiness, and running around look stupid and funny in the eyes of the calm and unhurried.

Don't jostle in line or push ahead. You should also not be indignant or somehow express your dissatisfaction with the excessive waste of time. If you are so impatient, then why are you waiting in line?

If you come to visit various monuments and attractions, you will probably have to visit at least one of the many existing churches that are well visited by believers. Remember that entering the temple requires a certain style of clothing. Women should not enter in trousers or miniskirts, with bare shoulders or breasts. Take the precaution of bringing a pareo or a light scarf-cape with you, and if necessary, you can tie it around your waist or throw it over your shoulders. Men should not enter the church in shorts. It’s better to immediately put on trousers for a walk.