Celebrating New Year in Prague

 

There are places that you would never think to find such magical settings that stir the hearts of even the most resistant. Prague is one of them! Prague is the beautiful capital of the Czech Republic where you can find both romantic walks, historical and cultural landscapes, unusual restaurants, but also a total immersion in another world. If you’ve fallen in love with Prague, don’t miss these must-see visits; and if you haven’t already fallen in love, take a look at the unusual and wonderful places you could find if you choose Prague as your destination:

• Christmas Market 

The opening of the Christmas market with the illumination of a fir tree over 26 meters high in Staro Square is perhaps one of the most beautiful places to visit if you find yourself in the Czech capital during this period. You can experience the true Christmas atmosphere in the Prague Christmas markets, the magical yet also warm atmosphere with warm mulled wine, wooden houses, various creators and all this accompanied by festive music. The Christmas market is also the perfect opportunity to enjoy mulled wine, the Czech specialty trdelnik, buy gifts and souvenirs for all your loved ones and have a good time in this festive season. By the way, in Prague they don’t call it a Christmas market, but Christmas markets, because although the main market is located in the heart of the old city, there are many other Christmas markets that may be a little less famous, but no less delightful. For example, a short walk through the squares of Republic, Peace, Tyl or Wenceslas will allow you to admire other houses adorned with Christmas decorations. Some people do a tour of the bars, others do a tour of the Christmas markets and you’ll see that there’s plenty to get drunk on.

• New Year’s Fireworks

If you are lucky enough to find yourself in the Czech capital this New Year’s Eve, you will be able to enjoy the exceptional festivities of Prague! As many fireworks light up the sky of Prague and the entire city, the official fireworks are fired on the 1st^he January at 18:00 by the city of Prague. There are many good locations, whether on the Prague bridge, on the terrace of a café located on the quays, or even in the heights of the city; all the solutions are good for enjoying the celebration. Among the New Year’s fireworks, you can also admire them sparkling on the river with the wonderful castle, Charles Bridge, and historical district decorations.

• Eating trdelnik

Trdelniks are a small sweet treat that you can eat at any time if you’re a sweet tooth. It’s a baked pastry made with wood fire, sugar, and almonds; you can even add Nutella in winter to warm you up and ice cream in summer. Cheap, it’s a bit like eating a chichi or churros in France, or even a crêpe in Brittany; trdelniks are eaten without moderation and resemble a small cone, very appetizing. For a few euros (about 2€), you can get your hands on this delicious Czech treat.

• Taste of Goulash

Although the gastronomy in the Czech Republic is not particularly outstanding, it would be a shame not to try this typical dish of Central Europe, which is particularly found in Prague. Goulash, which is pronounced goulache, is a Hungarian soup made with beef and paprika and is very easy to prepare. It will fill your stomach for a small price and is one of the specialties of the Czech Republic. It is rare to see meals served without soup as an entrée or even as a main course.

And to enjoy local gastronomy even more in a place that is much less touristy than most Prague restaurants, opt for U Sadlu. U Sadlu offers very attractive prices, but also an original atmosphere. In the heart of a renovated cellar, you can enjoy generous portions even for the hungriest of eaters. The Lokal is also highly recommended by the Czech population, with dishes and menus that vary according to the arrivals. You can find typical Prague dishes at low prices. And on top of that, there’s a small smoking area for those who enjoy a small cigarette while enjoying a good unfiltered beer.

• Sleeping on a yacht

If you’re looking for a place to sleep, you’ve given some thought to a hotel room, an apartment, or a room with a host, but have you considered sleeping on a houseboat? Prague may not be the go-to city in this area, but you can easily find a «botel» as they’re called, these floating hotels where you can spend the night. Admire the swans at dawn, sleep on the Vltava, and even watch colorful sunsets that, depending on where you are (like on the Florentina Boat), can illuminate the city and offer you a magnificent landscape! As for the rooms, they’re often cabins on a boat, with bunks, and everything you need to enjoy a purely romantic and pleasant moment on a houseboat at dawn and dusk.

• Getting lost in the old town

The Old Town has enough to leave you in awe with just a few strolls through its alleys. Whether in the summer when the sun shines brightly on the monuments, in the winter when the snow delicately settles on the cobblestones of the alleys, or in autumn with the mist creating mysterious scenes, all seasons are pleasant for strolling through the streets of Prague and its Old Town. You can then discover the significant Staro Mesto district of Prague’s heritage. There are churches, hotels, and historical sites, as well as the famous Old Town Square. You can admire every sound made by the large clock installed comfortably on the terrace of a café. Passing near the heart of the Old Town and heading to the Mala Strana district, you can admire the Prague Castle as well as Charles Bridge and its artists, and many other places.

• Discovering the Jewish quarter 

After strolling pleasantly through the old city, you should not forget to take a short detour to Prague’s Jewish quarter, Josefov. Although many monuments and historical sites have been destroyed, Josefov is one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe. With a small guide who will explain the stories behind each place, you can discover the old Jewish cemetery, the museums, and the synagogue of this neighborhood.

• The unusual little activity for beer lovers: 

A little dip in beer! Besides enjoying a good Czech beer, you can also enjoy a massage with beer or simply relax in a beer bath. The perfect opportunity to unwind with this completely unique spa at the Beer Spa in Prague!