There is no more beautiful story in the world than the story of the magnificent Verona. How and where the feeling of young heroes flares up

Or hot mulled wine and snack on dumplings?

At the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, Christmas trading begins at the end of November. There are children's workshops here: you can paint gingerbread cookies, make angels, bells, devils and write a letter to Hedgehog - the baby Jesus: in the Czech Republic it is he who brings gifts to children.

It’s also very pleasant to ride the tram in Prague. You buy a regular ticket and go to the final station. It's very close. But the tram runs on schedule, precisely, minute by minute. And outside the windows there are beautiful city landscapes. Accordingly, you understand how ordinary people live. On final stop tram - water park. It is too amazing adventure.... Or a suburban forest hidden in a ravine..... And after walking around in the frost, taking plenty of photographs, you go to some restaurant. Vole with knee and dumplings.!!! For beer lovers, it is cheaper than soda. For wine lovers - big choice. Having refreshed and warmed up, we hit the road again. This is how you wind endless kilometers around the enchanting city, a magical and mysterious city.

If you're traveling to Prague in December, be prepared to bundle up. The average temperature in winter is 0°C. Average precipitation in December is at least 25 mm and may be in the form of snow or rain. Don't forget to bring gloves, a warm scarf and a hat. Make sure your feet are warm. It is advisable to have waterproof shoes. Avoid high heels, especially if you plan to walk a lot around Prague. You will be very lucky if you spend Christmas or New Year in Prague. You will be amazed by the beauty of the decorated shop windows and streets. In the central squares there are daily theatrical performances and fairs. And, of course, many excursions will be available to your attention.

Snow most often falls before Christmas and falls almost every day or not at all until January. There is a Czech proverb that says: "St. Catherine's in ice, Christmas in mud." St. Catherine's Day falls on November 25th, so if you trust folk wisdom, you can see what the weather is like on that day, and you will know what to expect for Christmas. In local parks you can enjoy sledding and snowball fights. As soon as a lot of snow falls, parks and squares are filled with noisy companies and even entire families. There are several indoor skating rinks in Prague, or you can go to a skating rink under open air. It is poured in the historical part of the city, entry is free and it closes very late.

There are several indoor skating rinks in Prague, where mainly hockey players and figure skaters train and hockey matches are held. By the way, hockey is the most popular look Czech sport, which is practiced by both boys and girls. It’s interesting to look at them, but it’s more interesting to show yourself. It's quite affordable, considering that ticket prices range from 1 to 2 euros (plus about the same for rental and sharpening of skates). There is no need to worry about “personal” uniforms - there are specialized stores at each stadium. Among the skaters who are already confidently spinning spirals on the ice, there are always many beginners for whom a special area is fenced off. If you yourself are indifferent to skating, or are afraid to spend the rest of your vacation in the company of bruises and bruises, do not deprive your children of this pleasure - adults accompanying them are allowed in for free.

Christmas Eve in Prague is called “Generous Day”. On this day, a glass of water is placed under the table. After dinner they take it out and examine it. If there is less water, the year will be dry, if there is more, it will be rainy.

It is worth noting that all Prague skating rinks are indoor. However, lovers of space and starlight, which accompanies them in a leisurely circle on the ice amid a round dance of flying snowflakes, can go to the open-air skating rink. It is poured in the historical part of the city when the real ones come winter frosts. And while it may not amaze you with its scale, entry is free and it closes very late. Among the visitors there are great talents who decorate the skating rink with whimsical ice sculptures.

But let’s return to the stationary skating rinks, the largest of which is at the Nikolaika stadium, located in the very center of the city. It is followed by the skating rink of the Štvanice sports complex, which is smaller in size and the building is not in the same at its best, although it’s easy to get there by regular public transport. But to get to the Letnany stadium, you will have to show patience and endurance, because even the metro does not go to this remote area.

The Prague Dragon Boat Club organizes an annual winter walk along the Vltava. All passengers of such a boat are also rowers. The bow of the dragon boat, a copy of Chinese boats, is decorated with a dragon's head, and the stern resembles a tail. This boat is 12.5 meters long and weighs 250 kilograms.

However, the sacrifices will be justified: literally next door to it there is a children's water park. Imagine the storm of delight of your “flowers of life”, who will be allowed to dive straight from their skates into the pool! Moreover, there will be plenty of time for this - all skating rinks are open only two hours a day (from 14:00 to 16:00) and only on weekends. If, while waiting for the children, who do not notice either the cold or the time while they are having fun, you are a little frozen, you can warm up with tea or hot wine at the buffet, which is available at every stadium.

In winter in Prague the days are short, it gets dark around 16:30. In the evening - of course, a concert of symphonic music. This is either Mozart, or Dvorak, or Smetana - everything that has to offer Public house or any other site in the city. And you return to the hotel, or even better, to the apartments - these are apartments that are rented out to tourists - with a feeling of indescribable happiness! Come to Prague in winter! And you will have something to tell your loved ones!

Some tourists believe that it is worth going to the Czech Republic only in the warm season, and that in winter it is not interesting, or rather, there is nothing to do. Indeed, in winter, not all interesting objects in the Czech Republic are available for inspection. For example, the vast majority of castles (including the famous Karlštejn near Prague) are closed until spring.

However, this country has a lot of attractions besides castles. And for lovers of alpine skiing, the Czech Republic can simply become home in winter. After all, it has many well-equipped ski resorts. The most popular of them are Spindleruv Mlyn, Harrachov and Pec pod Snezkou, which are located on the slopes of the Giant Mountains.

They are well equipped, offer guests excellent service, trails of any difficulty level for both beginners and advanced experienced craftsmen. These resorts are located a large number of various cafes, restaurants, clubs. Here you can also relax in the sauna and play billiards.

Rest on ski resorts In the Czech Republic it will cost much less than, for example, in the Alpine resorts of Austria, Switzerland or France.

Winter Prague – a heavenly tale

Prague is beautiful at any time of the year. Some people who have repeatedly visited the Czech capital believe that winter Prague has a special, incomparable charm. The pointed spiers of medieval buildings, dusted with fluffy snow, produce a very strong impression. And since winter in the Czech Republic is usually mild, the cold will not prevent you from taking a long walk around Mother Prague, as the Czechs themselves respectfully call their capital, and admiring its beauty. Moreover, the view is not blocked by crowds of tourists, who are especially numerous in the summer!

The weather in the Czech Republic in winter is changeable, humid, and often rains, so warm, waterproof shoes are a must. And on flat sole, since the historical center of Prague is paved with cobblestones.

It offers tourists, in addition to beautiful architectural ensembles, Prague museums, art galleries, as well as restaurants, of which there are many in this city. Czech cuisine is very hearty and tasty, and the prices are very low. Tourists visiting the Czech Republic for the first time should take into account that the portion sizes in catering establishments in this country are simply huge, so you can safely order one dish for two; for Czechs this is par for the course.

This ancient fortress an area of ​​45 hectares with picturesque towers, gardens, a palace complex, historical buildings where museums are located. Main attractions: Gothic Cathedral St. Vitus, Wenceslas and Vojtech, as well as Golden Street with miniature houses, where, according to legend, alchemists lived.

commons.wikimedia.org

On it stands the town hall with the famous astronomical medieval clock, Tyn Church (one of the symbols of Prague), St. Nicholas Cathedral with a crystal chandelier in the shape of a crown. Gave her Russian Emperor Nicholas II.

It is 520 meters long and connects the banks of the Vltava River. A hangout for musicians, artists, and souvenir sellers. The bridge is over 600 years old.

The highest hill in Prague with picturesque gardens, a tower that looks like a smaller version of the Eiffel, a mirror labyrinth and an observation deck.

It is 750 meters long, similar to a boulevard. There is a monumental building on it National Museum, as well as a monument to St. Wenceslas - the heavenly patron of the Czech Republic.

Historical district of Prague with beautiful houses.

One of the largest in Europe. The zoo has a unique pavilion where the jungle is recreated.

For those who came for a week

Žižkov TV Tower. Its peculiarity is its unusual decoration. Giant cast iron babies (each weighing 700 kg), made by sculptor David Cherny, crawl along the tower. The height of the building is 216 meters, there is a bar, a restaurant inside, observation decks and a hotel with a single deluxe room.

How to get there: by metro to Jiřího z Poděbrad station or by land transport to the tram stop with the same name.

dancing House. It was built on the site of a building destroyed during the war. The house seems to be clenched into a fist by a giant: according to the architect’s idea, it is a metaphor for a dancing couple. People call the unusual building “Ginger and Fred” (in honor of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire) and “The Drunk House.”

Address: Jiráskovo náměstí 1981/6, Prague 2.

To get to the place, use the applications collected at the end of the article.

Located in a former brick factory. In the courtyard of the museum there is a famous fountain - two bronze men pissing, who write words asked by visitors with water. The museum is divided into two parts: “Existential Space” and “Imaginary Typography”.

Address: Cihelná 2b, Prague 1.

From here you have a gorgeous, photogenic (especially at sunset) view of the Vltava River and bridges. The park has a 24-meter metronome with a 20-meter barbell. At this place there used to be a huge monument to Stalin. Nearby you can see old pairs of shoes hanging - a symbol of the need to part with the past without pity.

Address: Letenske sady (Letna Park), Prague 7 - Letna.

The narrowest street is. Its width is 70 centimeters. One person can walk along it: for this purpose, traffic is regulated by special traffic lights. Previously, this was a fire passage between houses, and “Devil” was the name of the winery located nearby.

The street is located on Kampa Island (in the “Venice of Prague”), where there are many interesting tourist sites. Including the wheel of a 500-year-old water mill.

How to get there: walk 150 meters from the Charles Bridge (if you move from the center towards Hradcany, after the bridge you need to turn right).

Which is considered man-made monument not only to the legendary Beatle, but also to freedom. The wall was painted over many times, but the young people painted it again. The cult place has become a tourist place.

Address: Velkopřevorské náměstí, Prague 1.

Tankodrom Milovice. Located 50 kilometers from Prague. From 1968 to 1991, the headquarters of the Central Group of Forces of the USSR was based here, now it is a giant entertainment complex with tanks, special-purpose trucks and ATVs that you can ride.

Located in the Anděl Hotel in Prague. This is one of the largest (121 meters long) and detailed models in the world railway tracks, running through the Ustetsky and Karlovy Vary regions. Stations, landscapes, towns are recreated in the smallest detail.

Address: Stroupežnického 3181/23, Anděl, 150 00 Praha 5.

Tour of unusual monuments . You can arrange a walking tour along your own route.

• There is a hanging man on Gusovaya Street (a monument to Sigmund Freud).
• Along the banks of the Vltava, near the Kampa Museum, 34 penguins are marching and there is a six-meter-tall chair.
• Also a lot unusual sculptures in the museum itself. In the courtyard, for example, there are three giant babies - “brothers” of those crawling on the Žižkov TV Tower.
• Near the Estates Theater there is the “Cloak of Conscience”, or “Commander” (dedication to the opera “Don Giovanni” by Mozart).
• In the Futura gallery there is a monument to sycophancy - two five-meter nude human figures, inclined at an angle of 90 degrees.
• On the wall of the Prague theater Na Zábradlí is located human embryo, which begins to glow in the evening (the work of David Cherny).
• In the Lucerne shopping center on Vodickova Street there is an unusual statue of the patron saint of the Czech Republic. Saint Wenceslas sits on an inverted horse.
• At the foot of Petrin Hill there is a monument to the victims of communism.

Gastronomic tour. In the Czech Republic you should definitely visit authentic establishments and try National dishes or .

There are such cafes and bars, for example, in the areas of Zizkov and Vinohrady.

You need to try boar's knee, dumplings with goulash, duck, utopentsy, pickled cheese.

• To the Ferdinada restaurant on Karmelitska, 18.
• To the Vytopna beer depot on Wenceslas Square. Beer here is served on small steam locomotives along rails laid between the tables of visitors.
• Coffee shop Kafíčko near the Kafka Museum, where very tasty thick hot chocolate. Address: Mišeňská 67/10, Praha.

For those who want to feel like a local

Bike tour. The best way explore non-tourist places in the city - bicycle (classic or electric). There are several cycling routes in Prague that go to holiday destinations local residents. You can find out the details.

Slope in Riegrovy Sady, from where it opens beautiful view. Prague residents come here for picnics. Be sure to bring a blanket with you.

Open air cinemas: Výletní kino Smíchov, located on the Smichov embankment of the Vltava, Žluté lázně beach (movies are shown here on Tuesdays), art space MeetFactory.

On the Vltava with open concert venues and bars, a farmer's market (open on Saturdays), where you can buy fresh vegetables, fruits, bread, fish, cheese and other products. From October to April, one of the ships moored here has a sauna.

Here you can find inexpensive rarities from sellers from different countries Europe. The market is open on weekends from 9:00 to 14:00.

Theater "Ta Fantastika". This is a black theater where they show artistic productions, based on the optical effect of the black cabinet. Thanks to this, objects on stage “come to life” and become actors along with the actors. Main means of expression here there is movement, light, music. You won't need a translator.

What not to waste time and money on in Prague

1. Experienced travelers do not recommend waiting on Old Town Square when the clock on the city hall begins to strike. Yes, it’s an interesting sight: the figures begin to move, a trumpeter plays. But it’s definitely not worth wasting time waiting for this.
2. The same applies to another event - the changing of the guard at Prague Castle. There's nothing special about it.
3. It is quite expensive to visit the Jewish quarter and the cemetery located here. If you are attracted historical burials, it is better to visit the Visegrad Fortress, where many famous Czechs are buried.
4. You can save money on walks along the Vltava. They are quite short, not cheap, and you can clearly see the river from the banks.
5. It is not recommended to linger in the park in front of the Main Station: according to reviews, this is not the most crime-free place in Prague.
6. There is no need to pay money to enter Zlata Street: you can walk along it in the evening for free. You can also save on visiting the royal chambers of Prague Castle.
7. Skip the not-so-tasty ham from the skewers in Old Town Square. You will most likely have a large and expensive piece cut off, which you will probably regret.
8. Don't spend time in shopping centers and passages of Prague. You won't find anything special in them.

Winter Prague– the phenomenon is quite specific. At least, regarding the winter of recent years.

Remember the beginning of 2010. The city had not seen such an abundance of snow for 12 long years and was not ready to withstand the insidious elements.

The famous paving stones were literally buried under multi-centimeter snowdrifts, and the townspeople kept their heads up for a long time, fearing that a huge lump of snow would be thrown off the roof without warning.

What did you think? It was such a winter then. And the subsequent warm breezes were not at all pleasing.

We can say that in January 2010, Prague residents finally felt what real Russian cold was like. On some days (not to mention nights) the thermometer dropped below 20 degrees. It’s scary to even imagine how the walking tours went, because local guides like to stand for a long time near any attraction, telling its history in detail, describing the events associated with it. I remember that even at minus 1-2 degrees it was chilly if the group stopped for at least 5 minutes. The only thing that helped was cognac, carefully poured into a half-liter Mattoni bottle (hey, we’re in the European Union, it’s probably not customary here to drink alcohol in historical center from the throat).

What to do in Prague in winter

But winter Prague has its advantages. To warm up, you can go up the Road of the Kings, along Nerudovaya Street, as they did before the advent of “Afisha” - it gets hot very quickly, checked. You can go to cozy and warm ones more often and finally pay tribute to the local mulled wine. You can see in detail those that are hidden during the rest of the year by green foliage. You can walk through an illuminated but gloomy street in the evening, secretly hoping that in winter something unusual will definitely happen here.

And winter Prague is beautiful in its own way. It is no better or worse than summer or autumn, it is just different. More austere and more popular, as if the tops of churches and the roofs of palaces were dusted not by nature, but by the whimsical brush of a skilled artist. The lines turned out to be slightly asymmetrical, but the overall harmony and sense of style inherent in urban architecture remained unchanged. And even bare tree branches do not spoil general impression, organically fitting into the “design”.

Walking around the city is just as pleasant as the rest of the year. The main thing is to dress warmly and plan a route that allows you to briefly deviate from historical sights to landmarks.

You’ll have fun and won’t catch a cold.

And now the photo

Winter Prague - Charles Bridge

Winter Prague - Castle

Winter Prague - Loreta

Winter Prague – Staromak

Winter Prague - rooftops

And video

Fabulous. Mysterious. And damn interesting. This is practically how those who managed to visit the city at this time of year speak about winter Prague.

Believe it or check it?

Prague is the city you want to return to. Even if you have been there only once, it will attract you with its mystery, uniqueness, exciting antiquity and breathtaking views. You will always feel like you missed something, listened to something, didn’t pay enough attention, and spent too little time than you should have. How lucky the Czechs are who can enjoy their hometown to their heart's content. And how lucky are those who are planning to visit one of the beautiful capitals of the world in the near future.

Beautiful Prague is beautiful even in winter

If chance brings you to visit the city in the winter months, there is no reason to be upset: many of Prague’s attractions are also open in winter and are sometimes more spectacular than in summer or spring. Gothic buildings dusted with snow, park benches conducive to relaxation, neat houses illuminated street lamps

surrounded by white snowflakes, they create stunningly beautiful compositions. They deserve to be photographed. Prague is called the city of a thousand spiers! Apparently because with the sharp spiers of ancient Gothic buildings that have passed through centuries of bloodshed, epidemics, wars, it remains timeless. Silent witnesses thousand years of history they look at the numerous tourists and guests of the city. Therefore, it doesn’t matter when you were lucky enough to go to Prague, even in winter time

she is beautiful and original. Many people mistakenly believe that winter in Europe is not the time to relax and travel. Most likely for amateurs beach holiday a trip to the Czech Republic, where it can be windy and frosty, for example in Prague there are cold temperatures down to minus 10 degrees Celsius, will not be interesting. However, the charm of the snowy mountainous reliefs Czech Republic, among which sometimes rise majestic ancient castles

– this is a kind of prize for those who are open to everything new, worthy of attention and time spent. What then can we say about Prague, which is famous for its Castles, Cathedrals and Museums. There is no point in listing them, but it is worth talking about only three of them in order to push doubters towards an exciting journey.

Prague Castle Landmark of Prague - Prague Castle - included in the list of UNESCO protected sites. In this ancient Czech fortress alone, on the left side of the Vltava River, more than 50 architectural and historical monuments are concentrated. Among them:

• Old Royal Palace;
• All Saints Church;

Prague Castle is located on a hill. This place was chosen by Prince Bořivoj Přemyslid in the 9th century when he was looking for the most attractive strategic location for his future residence. The fortress expanded rapidly. One of its first churches was the legendary St. Vitus Cathedral. Much later Summer appeared Royal Palace, Imperial stables, castles of the nobility, Kunstkamera, Gardens.

Many rulers rebuilt the City in their own way, so all its buildings are varied and made in different styles.

There are as many as 9 gardens in Prague Castle, however, in winter only two are open to the public - Manezhny and Bastion. In the 20th century, Prague Castle became the residence of the President of Czechoslovakia, and today it is the largest presidential residence in the world. If you have a question, what to visit and

, the best place to start is Prague Castle. It's like visiting an ancient miniature fortress city. Excursions should be allotted a whole day so that you have time to see everything you like. This is the most visited castle complex in the capital, which can be immediately understood by the price tag in souvenir shops and cafes. Prices are especially steep on tiny Zlata Street, where there are only 16 houses.

Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square If you haven't been to the Charles Bridge, then you haven't been to Prague. This is a symbol of the capital and a magnificent place from where a wonderful view of the city opens. There are never cars on the Charles Bridge: it is created only for pedestrians. Although earlier they traveled along it on a horse-drawn horse, and later on trams. IN different times

it was rebuilt to strengthen the supports. The length of the bridge is 520 meters.

The bridge was built during the Gothic period of Prague's history, and the sculptures on it appeared during the Baroque period. The Charles Bridge, which, by the way, was originally called Prague Bridge, is especially good in the morning hours in the first rays of the sun. In winter, in the lights of the lanterns, the Charles Bridge seems more mysterious and enigmatic than usual. People here like to make a wish at one of the sculptures. It can be immediately distinguished from other bas-relief images by its characteristic “shine”: there are too many people wishing for it. If you are seduced not so much historical character By the way, the sales season begins in January, so you can buy quality goods at “delicious” prices. There is also a New Year's fair there if you come on Christmas Eve. Entertainment night complexes, brewing houses and pubs, cafes and restaurants will delight tourists with delights local cuisine with the obligatory tasting of delicious Czech beer.

Prague for children in winter

Everything listed above is interesting for adults, but Prague offers entertainment for children or for the whole family. For example, skating rinks that operate approximately from October to March, located at the Fruit Market, in the city center and at stadiums: Bronzova, KOBRA, Nikolajka. You can give your child a real drive by sending him into a “free soar.” This is a “Wind Tunnel” attraction, in which you can soar in a strong air flow at a speed of 200 km/h. True, such a flight will last only a few minutes.

You can get an equally “adrenaline” effect by sliding down the “Spacebowl” water slide in the Aquapalace Praha (Pruhonice-Cestlice). It works all year round. Little ones will enjoy a pirate ship, a “sea” area with almost real waves and surf, and other water adventures. For those who cannot imagine life without water, even in winter, many hotels or sports centers have indoor swimming pools.

The Spable and Gurvinek Theater is rightfully considered national treasure Czech Republic. This is a puppet theater, on the stage of which thematic performances are staged for different categories of people: for children, teenagers and adults. The Theater houses the Puppet Museum, where puppets from the 17th century are displayed. You can buy copies of them right there - in the theater store.

What else is interesting for children and adults in Prague in winter:

• Lego Museum;
• Toy Museum;
• Aquapark;
  
• Prague Planetarium;
• Museum of Ghosts and Legends;
• Kingdom of Railways;

Zoo in Prague in winter

Prague Zoo is not only one of the largest in Europe, but also very old. What animals can you see there? Monkeys, pandas, giraffes, panthers, elephants, porcupines, turtles. Each animal enclosure is a perfectly crafted fragment of their “natural” habitat. For example, "Indonesian Jungle" will take children and adults into the world of the tropical jungle. One of the amazing beautiful places The zoo is “Flamingo Island”, where wonderful pink birds stroll imposingly.

The zoo in Prague is very interesting and a couple of hours is not enough to get around it. At the entrance, there is a diagram of the zoo so that you can immediately go to the enclosures of interest. But the Prague Zoo is not a place where you need to rush, so it will take several hours to see the most interesting points. Visitors can enjoy comfortable benches for relaxation, a cafe, a cable car, “trolleys” for children, as well as a children’s tram that runs around the zoo. The huge zoo complex operates year-round, with a break during Christmas week.

As you have already seen, there are enough places and entertainment in Prague so that you can have a full-fledged vacation with your family or company, even in the winter season. We wish you to visit the capital of the Czech Republic in winter!

Especially for Liliya-Travel.RU - Anna Lazareva