Hi,
I am thinking of planning a trip right before Christmas - from Dec 14-21. I was wondering if Prague would be a good place to travel during this time of year? Is this a sufficient amount of time to experience the city? Or would you suggest Karlovy Vary? I have never been to Europe in the winter so any advice or tips would be amazing
Thank you!!
Yes, you have a sufficient amount of time to experience Prague and Karlovy Vary. If you are lucky and there is snow on the ground both cities look like fairy tale magic. With rain and drizzle - not so much. Advantage: fewer tourists, more local shoppers. Christmas markets open. Disadvantage: short days, cold, shops full of people - as almost everywhere before Christmas. I would leave four days for Prague and two for Karlovy Vary.
My wife and I were in just before Christmas a few year ago. We quite enjoyed it. But, it was full of tourists and the Christmas markets were not anything special. Except in the very early hours the Charles Bridge was jammed with people. I suggest taking a cooking class! We enjoyed the many concerts.
Mike noted " But, it was full of tourists " No it wasn't. Summer is when it is full of tourists. It's always busy because it is arguably the top touristic city in the world.
When you look at climate/weather data, keep in mind that temperatures underestimate how cold it is because it is a humid cold. As one of the world's top cities for walking the streets, dress warm & plan to be out of doors a lot.
You can easily spend 7 days in Prague, but if you want a day trip, go to Chesky Krumlov.
Except for the food, Christmas Markets are greatly overrated. The city is the star attraction.
Drink dark beer. I live in a Podunk town on the road between Denver & Salt Lake City, and we can buy Czech dark beer locally.
Days are short. Be out of your hotel by sunrise, but don't overlook the benefits of touristing after dark. The night time view of the castle from the Old Town end of Charles Bridge is one of teh greatest sights in Europe, & you have to stay up until near midnight to see it in the summer. Go see it early in your trip because you will want to return. Also,electricity is very expensive in EU, so they don't waste$$$ on garish nighttime illuminations like USA does. The soft street lighting at night gives the streets an aura of mystery and intrigue and is one of the best times to go exploring.
