What to Pack for Prague in the Winter
If you’re planning a trip to Prague for the winter months, you’ll want to be prepared for cold temperatures! January is the coldest month on average, with temperatures averaging around 2°C for the high and -2°C for the low. December and February are the other coldest months with snow and rain possible, though not much.
There is a lot to see in Prague, and though most of the sights are within close proximity to one other, you’ll probably be outside quite a bit. (Especially if you’ll be attending any of Prague’s Christmas markets or the evening sightseeing cruise.) So, bundle up! Since I was there for Christmas, I’m here to offer some helpful tips on the best items to pack to keep you as warm as possible.
But first, let’s talk about some of the top things to do in Prague, as you’ll most likely be spending quite a bit of time outside.
What to do in Prague:
Renowned for its fairytale-like architecture, including the iconic Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, this European gem is captivating with its medieval alleyways, historic squares and vibrant cultural scene. Savouring piping hot trdelník from street vendors. Beyond the tourist hubs, discover the true soul of Prague as the cold weather unveils a quieter, more intimate side of this enchanting European capital.
- Castle Tour with Local Guide: Prague Castle is one of the largest ancient castles in the world, covering an area of approximately 70,000 square meters. It has been the seat of Czech kings, emperors and presidents for over 1,000 years.
- Or combine Prague Castle with a 3-Hour Walking Tour of Old Town
- Evening Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy the views of Prague lit up at night on this 50-minute boat cruise. This is a popular activity so be sure to book in advance through the link!
- Try some trdelník, a sweet, cylindrical Czech pastry made from rolled dough that is wrapped around a cylindrical mold, grilled, and then topped with sugar and walnut mix or cinnamon.
- Wake up early to talk along Charles Bridge: The iconic Charles Bridge, a masterpiece of medieval Gothic architecture, spans the Vltava River and has 30 statues lining its sides, each with its own unique history and significance.
- Go on a tour of the Town Hall and see the famed Astronomical Clock
And that is just barely scraping the surface of all there is to do in Prague. Perhaps I’ll save the rest for another blog post. Now, let’s talk about what to pack for Prague in the winter.
To keep things simple and streamlined, I usually like to pack a similar, monochrome or neutral palette. I pack everything in either my Away carry-on or medium sized luggage, depending on the length of my trip. Then, I pack my laptop, chargers, and camera + equipment in the most comfortable backpack I’ve ever owned. I used to always have shoulder/back pain when traveling until I bought it. It’s been a huge game changer! If I know it’s going to be rainy, I use this water-resistant backpack.
Warm, Waterproof Coat
It may seem self-explanatory but this could make or break your trip. A warm, waterproof coat is a must for traveling throughout most of Europe in the winter. Believe me, you’d much rather take your time walking around the beautiful Czech streets and town squares than rush back to the hotel because you can no longer feel your toes!
I tried on at least fifty different winter coats and eventually settled on this coat which I wore throughout the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany throughout winter. It has kept me so warm! I can’t imagine traveling in the winter without it. AND, just to let you know, it folds up easily and can be fit into a packing cube for easy packing!
I will also sometimes wear this fleece underneath for an added layer of warmth. It’s one of the most comfortable jackets I’ve ever purchased. It’s so cozy too!
Warm Sweaters
I went from living in San Diego where you’ll rarely need even a light jacket, to living in Berlin where I learned just how valuable it is to have wool in your wardrobe. Layers will be key in Prague. We’ll get to that next. For now, let’s focus on sweaters to keep you nice and warm, whether you’re climbing the Old Castle Stairs for a tour of Prague Castle or enjoying coffee and cake inside a cafe. You’ll want to look for either merino wool or cashmere, cashmere being the warmest.
Base Layers
Base layers were brand new clothing item for me after my first winter in Europe and I must say, they are a necessary one! Base layers, or thermal underwear, are the first layer of clothing you’ll put on. Worn against the skin, their job is to wick sweat away from your body and hold in heat. I’d say I’ve noticed the biggest difference when wearing the bottom layer under my jeans.
Warm Hats, Gloves, and Scarves
I can’t imagine not having these three items with me in Prague. You will absolutely need a quality pair of warm gloves. I’d also recommend a hat or something to keep your ears warm and a big scarf to nuzzle your chin into :) I always recommend wool or something like this gorgeous cashmere beanie. As for scarves, I recommend these beautiful lambswool scarves from Scotland. I have one in ‘Black Watch.’
Boots & Socks
A good pair of waterproof boots coupled with warm, wool socks like these are the perfect recipe for being able to feel your toes in Prague. And when it comes to socks, it’s worth noting that thicker doesn’t necessarily mean warmer. It’s all about the material so you can pretty much forget about wearing cotton socks. Stick to a warm synthetic blend or go with some trusty wool socks.
For boots, I love my Timberlands when it’s raining, snowing, or I just need some extra traction in case of ice/slippery surfaces. I’m also very impressed with the vegan Dr Martens boots.
Skinny Jeans or Fleece-Lined Leggings
Now, you can wear whichever kind of trousers you’d like. Personally, to keep any cold air out, I prefer wearing skinny jeans with either fleece-lined leggings or my base layer underneath. And definitely keep your ankles covered. These are my go-to skinny jeans. I usually wear black denim in the winter because it truly goes with everything (coats, shoes, hats, etc.)
Miscellaneous
If you’re curious to know what my other favourite travel essentials are such as my favourite compression packing cubes, my portable charger, or which European plug adaptors I use, you can find all of my travel must-haves here.
I hope that helps! Be sure to follow along on Instagram @ChelseaDinen for more of my travel tips throughout Europe! I’d love to hear from you.
Check out more of my Europe guides:
- What to Wear in Amsterdam
- What to Do in Stockholm, Sweden
- How to Spend 24 Hours in Vienna
- Visiting the Fairytale Cotswold Village of Castle Combe
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