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How to warm up in winter Prague: tips for frosty days
Winter Prague is magical. The snow-covered Charles Bridge, the illuminated Castle and the smell of bratwurst at the Advent markets make the city one of the most beautiful European destinations. But when the thermometer drops to zero and an icy wind blows from the Vltava, romance is quickly replaced by the desire to find somewhere warm . We bring you a list of proven tips on how to warm up in Prague, whether you are a tourist who doesn't want to give up sightseeing or a local looking for a way to survive the frostiest weeks of the year.
Why does winter overwhelm us so quickly in Prague?
Prague's winter is not extreme, but it is damp and windy , which makes the feeling of cold much stronger. Furthermore, long walks on the cobblestones of the historic center mean that the body loses heat not only through the air, but also from the cold stones underfoot.
● Wind from the river in the area of the embankment and bridges reduces the perceived temperature by several degrees
● Moist air penetrates clothing more easily than dry frost
● Cold pavement and stairs exhaust your feet and increase the feeling of cold.
● Short days mean that after four in the afternoon, both the temperature and mood drop rapidly.
The good news is that Prague offers many places where you can hide during the day, warm up, and gain strength for the next part of the program.
Svařák, hot chocolate and winter drinks at Prague markets
The quickest way to warm up is with hot drinks, which you can find on practically every corner in Prague, and during Advent, especially at traditional markets.
● Mulled wine is a classic of the Christmas markets in Old Town and Wenceslas Squares and it is worth trying different varieties, such as white or non-alcoholic mulled wine.
● Mead and grog are traditional winter drinks that warm you up faster than tea.
● Hot chocolate in Prague pastry shops tends to be thick and honest, often with a generous portion of whipped cream.
● Punch and fruity hot drinks are a good choice for those who don't want alcohol.
Practical advice: markets have the best atmosphere in the early evening, but queues at the stalls tend to be shortest in the morning or on weekdays .
Bernard Beer Bath: warm bath in a beer mixture
If you're looking for a way to warm up not just on the surface, but literally with your whole body, the Bernard beer spa offers an experience that makes extraordinary sense in winter. It's a bath in warm water at a temperature of 36°C with a beer mixture developed in collaboration with the Bernard Brewery, which contains the same ingredients as beer, but is purified of alcohol and carbon dioxide.
● The procedure lasts approximately 60 minutes and consists of a bath and subsequent rest on a heated bed.
● Each room is fully private , so you don't have to worry about crowds or waiting in line.
● At the bathtub, guests pour themselves unlimited Bernard draft beer , adding to the casual feel of the experience.
● adjust the water temperature yourself during the bath according to your feeling.
● The experience can be supplemented with a 20 or 60 minute massage .
After the bath, it is recommended not to shower for at least 12 hours so that the active ingredients from the beer mixture remain on the skin for as long as possible. For a frosty day, this is an option that will warm you up and relax you, and then you can continue your evening program in the warmth.
Traditional Czech dishes that will warm you from the inside out
Czech cuisine is perfect for winter. Hearty, warm and filling meals will warm you up better than any sweater.
● Beef broth with noodles and liver dumplings is the quickest way to warm up without upsetting your stomach.
● Goulash soup and beer goulash with dumplings are among the most popular winter dishes in Prague pubs.
● Tenderloin in cream is a holiday classic that tastes best in the cold months.
● Cabbage soup and sour soup are traditional winter soups that are cooked according to home-made recipes in many establishments.
● Potato soup is simple, cheap and a great way to warm up after a few hours outside.
When choosing a restaurant, it is worth avoiding the busiest streets around Old Town Square and heading to Vinohrady, Žižkov or Smíchov , where the food is usually better and the restaurants are less crowded.
Cafés and teahouses where you can weather the worst of the frost
Prague is a city of cafes and teahouses, and in winter they become a haven where you can spend hours without feeling like you're staying somewhere unnecessarily.
● Traditional cafes with a long history offer a warm interior, newspapers and an atmosphere that has not changed in a century.
● Specialty coffee shops in the Vinohrady, Holešovice or Karlín areas are popular with locals and often offer hot desserts.
● Teahouses are the perfect choice for those seeking peace and quiet. They offer dozens of types of tea and usually offer comfortable seating on cushions.
● Book cafes combine reading with coffee, so they can be used to relax for several hours.
Practical advice: on the coldest days, popular restaurants tend to be full around 1 pm, so it's better to arrive early or reserve a table in advance .
Museums and galleries as a warm haven with culture
Prague's museums and galleries are a winter haven that combines warmth with time well spent. Most large institutions are heated and offer enough space for a visit of several hours .
● The National Museum on Wenceslas Square offers extensive exhibitions that will take up the entire afternoon.
● The National Gallery is housed in several buildings around the city, so you can choose according to location
● The DOX Center for Contemporary Art in Holešovice is spacious and also offers a café with seating.
● The Technical Museum is a good choice for families with children who need to warm up and have fun at the same time.
● The Prague City Museum offers a glimpse into the city's history without the big crowds
the current opening hours before visiting , as they may vary during the winter and on holidays.
Thermal and wellness experiences in Prague and the surrounding area
Prague itself does not have classic thermal springs, but it offers plenty of options for warming up with wellness treatments.
● Saunas and steam baths in Prague wellness centers and hotels are the fastest way to warm up your whole body.
● Aquaparks with heated pools , such as Aquapalace in Čestlice near Prague, offer a combination of water attractions and a sauna world.
● Massages with warm oil or stone techniques help relax muscles stiffened by the cold
● Beer spas represent an unconventional wellness option that is suitable for those who want an extra experience.
Wellness is an extremely rewarding activity in winter, as it turns the least pleasant time of year into an opportunity for relaxation .
How to dress for the streets of Prague in winter
The right clothing can make the difference between being able to survive the cold in an hour or surviving the day. There's a simple rule: multiple thin layers are better than one thick one .
● The bottom layer should wick away sweat, ideally made of merino wool or a functional material
● A middle layer keeps you warm, such as a fleece or a thin sweater
● The top layer should protect against wind and moisture
● Warm shoes with non-slip soles are a must, as the pavement in the center can be slippery in the cold.
● A hat, gloves and scarf will prevent the greatest heat loss and take up minimal space in your backpack.
It's also worth taking a spare pair of socks , as wet feet are the quickest way to catch a cold.
How to plan your day so you don't get cold
It's best to plan a winter day in Prague to alternate between outdoor and indoor activities . This way you can take advantage of the short daylight hours for a walk and enjoy the warmth when the cold is at its worst.
● the morning doing outdoor activities, such as walking around Hradčany or Malá Strana, when the light is best and the crowds are smallest.
● midday meal in a quiet pub off the main tourist routes.
● in the afternoon , such as a museum or café, when the temperature drops and the sunlight fades.
● The early evening and evening offer an opportunity to relax, whether in a beer spa, a wellness center, or over dinner with a view of illuminated Prague.
● between individual points instead of long journeys on foot to avoid losing heat unnecessarily.
Winter Prague is not about staying outside as long as possible, but about cleverly alternating warmth and walks . Those who plan their day carefully will enjoy the city in its most atmospheric form and will also return home warm, rested and feeling good.