Dec. Travel to Vienna and Prague

"are there any limitations as to cultural activities because of the weather?" The major cultural activities, such as the professional orchestras (not the costume or student ensembles that perform in the summer), the opera, theater and major art exhibits will be inside.

I visited both cities a few years ago during the first week of January. I found no problems with any of the inside activities and, in fact, there were almost no crowds except for several tour groups from Japan. I consider the several hours I spent in complete, unmolested freedom at Vienna's KHM as the best museum experience I have had. Some of the outdoor stuff was obviously limited. Few people were sitting outside enjoying beers in the squares of either city. In Prague only a very few brave artists were displaying their works on the Charles Bridge. Dress warmly, the wind cut right through me, and have good, dry shoes. Especially in Prague I found the hill walking hard going on the wet, slushly streets.

We just got back from Prague and Vienna on Friday. These are two very beautiful and historic cities. We did a lot of walking and if you do the same I am sure you will need the appropriate clothing. However, the public transportation is very good and you can always take a cab. I understand there are concerts galore in both cities but you may need to dress up more in winter when most of the tourists are gone. In Vienna we saw a concert, Schonbraun Palace, and the bascilica. Also toured Capichian Crypt and did some shopping. In Prague we walked across Charles Bridge, saw churches,
and Prague Castle. In addition, we walked through the Jewish section, and did shopping. There are also various concerts to visit. Hope you have a great time.

We were in Prague this past Dec 29-29. There was nothing that we couldn't do because of the weather or time of year. It was extremely cold and snowy for Prague at the time and the sidewalks were rather slippery and we needed lots of layers, but it was a wonderful time to be there.

it's a GREAT time to visit those cities. I was in Vienna in December (granted, I arrived BEFORE xmas, when the markets, decorations, etc.) were in full swing. But my trip extended into past xmas, and it didn't hamper anything I wanted to do. It's a fun, vibrant city at a very festive time of year. I didn't visit Prague on that particular trip. But from what I understand from all I've read and from friends who HAVE been there in Dec., past xmas, the same WILL apply to Prague. ONE note, although you prob already know this, it's VERY cold in Vienna in Dec., so pack accordingly! As long as you're dressed properly (think layers), you'll be fine.

I too visited Prague and Vienna before Christmas in Dec a few years ago and loved it. I flew to Prague and spent three nights, we visited the Christmas markets and took a full day private tour of the old and new town. It was great! We then took the train to Vienna and spent two nights before departing on a Christmas Market danube river cruise which was also wonderful. We were able to see all the sights that we had planned. The crowds were minimal and the weather was cold but comfortable in the proper jacket. I like the winter weather and prefer to not have crowds so it is a good time for my family to travel. We went to Ireland this year for Christmas and New Years. The only negative of vacationing during Christmas is a lot of restaurants and tourists sights were closed for the holidays. I would go early Dec. or after New Year's to avoid the holiday closures.