Prague New Year: 3-Day Itinerary

30 December – 1 January: a day and a half of sightseeing, a day and a half of New Year. Pick one of two paces: relaxed or balanced–packed.

Plan with your own dates

Enter your arrival and departure; the route adapts to your flights and that day’s markets and opening hours.

Relaxed

More chilled: late starts, plenty of market and café breaks and an afternoon rest at the hotel; at most one or two interiors a day.

Day 1 · Wednesday 30 December10:00–21:05

Old Town, the Spanish Synagogue and Charles Bridge

The market, the Astronomical Clock, Josefov’s most dazzling synagogue, the bridge and Kampa; the lit-up square in the evening.

10:00
Old Town Square Christmas Market 40 min
The Christmas tree, the wooden stalls and the quiet morning hour: have your first mulled wine (svařák) and browse the handmade ornaments.
10:40
Týn Church and Kinský Palace 10 min
The square’s postcard corner: the twin-spired Gothic church and the pink-and-white Rococo palace, from outside.
10:50
Astronomical Clock 20 min
The 11 am show.
Want to climb the clock tower (Old Town Hall Tower)? Add 40 minutes for a bird’s-eye view of the square and the market.
11:10
Walk · 5 min
On foot.
11:15
Spanish Synagogue 40 min
A gilded, Moorish-patterned interior inspired by the Alhambra; the most dazzling building in Josefov.
Ticket needed: book at least 2 days ahead
11:55
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
12:05
Lunch, Old Town 75 min
Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.
13:20
Karlova Street 15 min
The winding lane down to the bridge: puppets, glass ornaments and souvenir shops.
13:35
Charles Bridge 35 min
Baroque statues, the river and the castle above. As you cross, Kampa is on the right and the Old Town skyline behind you.
Fancy the view? Climb the tower at the Old Town end of the bridge: +25 minutes, tickets at the door (250 CZK); best at sunset.
14:10
Kampa Island 30 min
A quiet island park on the river, with Old Town views from under the bridge.
14:40
Café Break 45 min
Hot chocolate or coffee; warm up and rest.
15:25
Walk · 15 min
On foot.
15:40
Rest at the Hotel 120 min
Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.
17:40
Old Town Square by Night 45 min
The market at its best, with the tree and the square lit up. Sausages, trdelník, mulled wine and last souvenirs.
18:25
Christmas Concert (optional) 60 min
Classical concerts in churches and Smetana Hall. If you skip it, enjoy the square at your own pace.
Christmas concerts in churches and Smetana Hall; the programme comes out in November, so book early.
19:25
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
19:35
Dinner, Old Town 90 min
Czech food or a wine bar; book ahead for December evenings.

Open the route on the map

Day 2 · Thursday 31 December10:00–00:45

New Year’s Eve: the Castle by Morning, the River at Midnight

The cathedral closes at 3 pm on 31 December, so the castle comes first; then a rest, the markets and midnight.

10:00
Tram · 15 min
Take tram 22 up to the Pražský hrad stop instead of walking the hill.
10:15
Prague Castle Courtyards 10 min
The castle courtyards and the guards at the gate; the grounds are open daily 6 am–10 pm.
10:25
St Vitus Cathedral 40 min
The Gothic cathedral’s stained glass, Mucha’s window and the St Wenceslas Chapel. Closes early on holidays.
Ticket needed: book at least 3 days ahead Prefer a guide? Guided castle tours include the ticket.
11:05
Golden Lane 30 min
Tiny colourful houses under the walls; Kafka once wrote at number 22. Same ticket.
11:35
Hradčany Viewpoint 10 min
Red roofs and spires from the terrace beside the castle gate.
11:45
Nerudova Street 20 min
The slope from the castle down to Malá Strana: old house signs over the doors and small shops.
12:05
Malá Strana Square 10 min
Baroque palaces and the dome of St Nicholas; the old square the trams run through.
12:15
Lunch, Malá Strana 75 min
Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.
13:30
St Nicholas Church (Malá Strana) 30 min
The masterpiece of Prague Baroque: the green dome and gilded décor. The church isn’t heated. Tickets at the door (150 CZK).
14:00
Walk · 20 min
On foot.
14:20
Rest at the Hotel 220 min
Rest at the hotel and recharge for the evening.
18:00
Wenceslas Square Christmas Market 50 min
The market running the length of the square: sausages, mulled wine, gifts. The National Museum at the top.
18:50
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
19:00
Old Town Square by Night 30 min
The market at its best, with the tree and the square lit up. Sausages, trdelník, mulled wine and last souvenirs.
19:30
New Year’s Eve Dinner 150 min
Most restaurants serve a set menu and fill up in November: book in October or November.
22:00
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
22:10
Midnight: Smetana Embankment 140 min Our pick
7 minutes from the Old Town: the castle and Charles Bridge across the river, fireworks above the water. Prague has no official fireworks display; at midnight people set off fireworks all over the city. Watch out for fireworks in the crowd.
Other options
Letná Park, the Metronome: A panorama over the whole city’s fireworks; a 20–25-minute climb with stairs through a dark park.
Old Town Square: The biggest party atmosphere; very crowded, with glass and fireworks underfoot.
New Year’s Eve Cruise: Midnight on the river; dinner is on board, so no restaurant needed. Find tickets
00:30
Walk · 15 min
Back to your Old Town hotel on foot. The metro runs until about 2 am, then night trams take over.

Open the route on the map

Day 3 · Friday 1 January11:00–16:27

Vyšehrad, the Riverside and a Farewell Market

A late breakfast, the view from the city’s first fortress, the Dancing House along the river and a farewell market in the Old Town.

11:00
Late Breakfast 60 min
No rush: a long, late breakfast.
12:00
Metro · 15 min
Line C (red) to Vyšehrad station, then a 10-minute walk to the ramparts.
12:15
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
12:25
Vyšehrad Ramparts and Panorama 45 min
The city’s legendary first fortress: the river and the distant castle from the ramparts. Open-air and open every day.
13:10
Basilica of Sts Peter and Paul and the Cemetery 20 min
The neo-Gothic basilica from outside and the cemetery where Dvořák and Mucha are buried.
13:30
Walk · 15 min
On foot.
13:45
Riverside Walk 20 min
Along Rašínovo nábřeží: swans, boats and the castle across the river.
14:05
Dancing House 10 min
Frank Gehry’s “Fred and Ginger” building, from outside.
14:15
Walk · 15 min
On foot.
14:30
Warm-up Break: Historic Café 45 min
A long break in one of Prague’s historic coffee houses. Options: Café Louvre, Kavárna Slavia. Check holiday hours before you go.
15:15
Walk · 12 min
On foot.
15:27
Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min
A farewell mulled wine and last souvenirs; the lights come on around 4 pm.

Open the route on the map

Balanced–packed

Covers everything: the castle buildings, the Old Town Hall tower, the Jewish Quarter and Strahov; no hotel break, but historic café and beer hall stops instead.

Day 1 · Wednesday 30 December09:00–20:48

Strahov, the Castle, Malá Strana and the Bridge

One flow from top to bottom: Strahov Library, the castle buildings, Malá Strana, the bridge and sunset from the tower; the market and a concert in the evening.

09:00
Tram · 15 min
Tram 22 to Pohořelec; Strahov Monastery is right by the stop.
09:15
Strahov Library 40 min
The fresco-covered Theological and Philosophical Halls, viewed from the doorways.
Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
09:55
Strahov Panorama 10 min
The whole city from the edge of the monastery garden; one of Prague’s best views.
10:05
Walk · 5 min
On foot.
10:10
Loreta 10 min
The Baroque pilgrimage church and its carillon tower, from outside; the bells ring on the hour.
10:20
Walk · 5 min
On foot.
10:25
Hradčany Viewpoint 10 min
Red roofs and spires from the terrace beside the castle gate.
10:35
Prague Castle Courtyards 10 min
The castle courtyards and the guards at the gate; the grounds are open daily 6 am–10 pm.
10:45
St Vitus Cathedral 45 min
The Gothic cathedral’s stained glass, Mucha’s window and the St Wenceslas Chapel. Closes early on holidays.
Ticket needed: book at least 3 days ahead Prefer a guide? Guided castle tours include the ticket.
11:30
Old Royal Palace 25 min
The Gothic vaults of Vladislav Hall and the room of Prague’s famous defenestration. Castle ticket.
11:55
St George’s Basilica 15 min
The castle’s oldest church behind its red Romanesque front. Same ticket.
12:10
Golden Lane 30 min
Tiny colourful houses under the walls; Kafka once wrote at number 22. Same ticket.
12:40
Walk · 10 min
Down the Old Castle Stairs; downhill with a view.
12:50
Lunch, Malá Strana 60 min
Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.
13:50
St Nicholas Church (Malá Strana) 30 min
The masterpiece of Prague Baroque: the green dome and gilded décor. The church isn’t heated. Tickets at the door (150 CZK).
14:20
Lennon Wall 10 min
The ever-changing graffiti wall on the way to Kampa.
14:30
Kampa Island 20 min
A quiet island park on the river, with Old Town views from under the bridge.
14:50
Charles Bridge 30 min
Baroque statues, the river and the castle above. As you cross, Kampa is on the right and the Old Town skyline behind you.
15:20
Old Town Bridge Tower 25 min
Watch the sunset from the tower (around 4 pm in December): bridge, river and castle in one frame. Tickets at the door (250 CZK).
15:45
Walk · 8 min
On foot.
15:53
Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min
The Christmas tree, the wooden stalls and the quiet morning hour: have your first mulled wine (svařák) and browse the handmade ornaments.
16:53
Warm-up Break: Historic Café 60 min
A long break in one of Prague’s historic coffee houses. Options: Grand Café Orient, Café Louvre, Kavárna Slavia. Check holiday hours before you go.
17:53
Walk · 15 min
On foot.
18:08
Christmas Concert (optional) 60 min
Classical concerts in churches and Smetana Hall. If you skip it, enjoy the square at your own pace.
Christmas concerts in churches and Smetana Hall; the programme comes out in November, so book early.
19:08
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
19:18
Dinner, Old Town 90 min
Czech food or a wine bar; book ahead for December evenings.

Open the route on the map

Day 2 · Thursday 31 December09:00–01:00

New Year’s Eve: Old and New Town, Midnight at Letná

The Old Town Hall tower, Josefov, Wenceslas and the Municipal House; a historic café and the riverbank in the afternoon, midnight at Letná.

09:00
Astronomical Clock 10 min
The 9 am show.
09:10
Old Town Hall Tower 40 min
Up by lift for a bird’s-eye view of the square and the market, with Týn Church and the castle in one frame.
Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
09:50
Týn Church and Kinský Palace 10 min
The square’s postcard corner: the twin-spired Gothic church and the pink-and-white Rococo palace, from outside.
10:00
Walk · 5 min
On foot.
10:05
Pinkas Synagogue 25 min
The memorial synagogue whose walls bear 80,000 hand-written names; upstairs, drawings by the children of Terezín.
Ticket needed: book at least 2 days ahead
10:30
Old Jewish Cemetery 25 min
Hundreds of tilting, layered headstones in one of Europe’s oldest Jewish cemeteries.
10:55
Rudolfinum and the Riverbank 10 min
The neo-Renaissance concert hall and the riverbank in front, with the castle across the water.
11:05
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
11:15
Havelská Market 20 min
A small year-round street market: wooden toys, handmade gifts, dried fruit.
11:35
Walk · 8 min
On foot.
11:43
Wenceslas Square Christmas Market 40 min
The market running the length of the square: sausages, mulled wine, gifts. The National Museum at the top.
12:23
Lunch, Old Town 60 min
Czech cooking: goulash, svíčková, dumplings. Book ahead in the holiday weeks.
13:23
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
13:33
Municipal House Café 45 min
The Art Nouveau café of the Municipal House (Obecní dům): chandeliers, mirrors and coffee. Check holiday hours before you go.
14:18
Powder Tower 10 min
The Old Town’s Gothic gate where the Royal Route begins. From outside.
14:28
Old Town Square Christmas Market 50 min
The Christmas tree, the wooden stalls and the quiet morning hour: have your first mulled wine (svařák) and browse the handmade ornaments.
15:18
Walk · 12 min
On foot.
15:30
Warm-up Break: Historic Café 90 min
A long break in one of Prague’s historic coffee houses. Options: Café Louvre, Kavárna Slavia (nehir ve Kale manzaralı). Check holiday hours before you go.
17:00
Smetana Embankment by Night 25 min
The floodlit castle and Charles Bridge across the river; an evening stroll.
17:25
Aperitif: Beer Hall or Bar 110 min
A Czech beer or a glass of wine before dinner. Options: U Fleků, Lokál.
19:15
Walk · 15 min
On foot.
19:30
New Year’s Eve Dinner 150 min
Most restaurants serve a set menu and fill up in November: book in October or November.
22:00
Walk · 25 min
Cross Čech Bridge and climb the steps to Letná; set off before the crowds.
22:25
Midnight: Letná Park, the Metronome 130 min Our pick
A panorama over the whole city’s fireworks; a 20–25-minute climb with stairs through a dark park. Prague has no official fireworks display; at midnight people set off fireworks all over the city. Watch out for fireworks in the crowd.
Other options
Smetana Embankment: 7 minutes from the Old Town: the castle and Charles Bridge across the river, fireworks above the water.
Old Town Square: The biggest party atmosphere; very crowded, with glass and fireworks underfoot.
New Year’s Eve Cruise: Midnight on the river; dinner is on board, so no restaurant needed. Find tickets
00:35
Walk · 25 min
Back to the Old Town on foot or by night tram.

Open the route on the map

Day 3 · Friday 1 January10:30–18:42

Vyšehrad, the Dancing House and a Farewell Market

The city’s first fortress, the Dancing House and the National Theatre along the river, a historic café; a farewell market and the 5 pm clock show in the Old Town.

10:30
Late Breakfast 60 min
No rush: a long, late breakfast.
11:30
Metro · 15 min
Line C (red) to Vyšehrad station, then a 10-minute walk to the ramparts.
11:45
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
11:55
Vyšehrad Ramparts and Panorama 45 min
The city’s legendary first fortress: the river and the distant castle from the ramparts. Open-air and open every day.
12:40
Basilica of Sts Peter and Paul and the Cemetery 20 min
The neo-Gothic basilica from outside and the cemetery where Dvořák and Mucha are buried.
13:00
Walk · 15 min
On foot.
13:15
Riverside Walk 20 min
Along Rašínovo nábřeží: swans, boats and the castle across the river.
13:35
Dancing House 10 min
Frank Gehry’s “Fred and Ginger” building, from outside.
13:45
Walk · 15 min
On foot.
14:00
National Theatre and Legion Bridge 15 min
The gold-roofed theatre and the castle view from the bridge.
14:15
Walk · 15 min
On foot.
14:30
Warm-up Break: Historic Café 40 min
A long break in one of Prague’s historic coffee houses. Options: Café Louvre, Kavárna Slavia. Check holiday hours before you go.
15:10
Walk · 12 min
On foot.
15:22
Old Town Square Christmas Market 70 min
A farewell mulled wine and last souvenirs; the lights come on around 4 pm.
16:32
Astronomical Clock 30 min
The 5 pm show and a last mulled wine on the square.
Want to climb the clock tower (Old Town Hall Tower)? Add 40 minutes for a bird’s-eye view of the square and the market.
17:02
Walk · 10 min
On foot.
17:12
Dinner, Old Town 90 min
Czech food or a wine bar; book ahead for December evenings.

Open the route on the map

Tips

Don’t leave your shopping until late on 31 December: large stores close at 5–6 pm. On 1 January and 25–26 December stores over 200 m² are closed by law, and on 24 December they close at noon; small gift shops are up to their owners.
The neighbourhood markets (Náměstí Míru, Náměstí Republiky) end on 24 December. Over New Year only the Old Town and Wenceslas markets are open (until 6 January). To see them all, go in the first half of December.
Book New Year’s Eve and Christmas Eve dinner in October or November: most restaurants serve a set menu and fill up early.
Prague has no official fireworks display; at midnight people set off fireworks all over the city. Watch out for fireworks in the crowd.
Visit the castle on the morning of 31 December: St Vitus closes at 3 pm that day, opens at 12:30 on 1 January, and the castle buildings are fully closed on 24 December.
On 31 December trams switch to the night timetable around 10 pm and the metro runs to the centre until about 2 am. On 24 December trams stop regular service around 6 pm. Staying in the Old Town and walking back is easiest.
Churches aren’t heated (St Nicholas included), so keep your coat and gloves on inside. In December it gets dark around 4 pm.
The Jewish Museum is closed on Saturdays. Jewish Museum tickets

Times are for Wednesday 30 December – Friday 1 January and were checked against official sources (20 October 2026); holiday hours can change. See the guide page for sources and the open/closed table. New Year’s Eve in Prague

Frequently asked questions

Is 3 days enough for Prague New Year?

Three days is ideal to enjoy New Year without rushing and see Prague’s highlights.

Which places do you go inside?

Relaxed: Jewish Museum, Prague Castle (basic circuit). Balanced–packed: Strahov Library, Prague Castle (basic circuit), Old Town Hall Tower, Jewish Museum.

How far ahead should I book tickets?

Jewish Museum at least 2 days ahead; Prague Castle (basic circuit) at least 3 days ahead; Strahov Library at least 1 day ahead; Old Town Hall Tower at least 1 day ahead. Queues are long in the holiday week.

I’m going on different dates; how does the route change?

Enter Prague and your arrival and departure in the planner on the home page. For any date from 25 November to 5 January it builds the route around that day’s markets and opening hours: New Year’s Eve on 31 December, Christmas Eve on 24 December, and closed markets are dropped.

Prague New Year: 3-Day Itinerary

Relaxed

Old Town, the Spanish Synagogue and Charles Bridge

Old Town Square Christmas Market 40 min

Týn Church and Kinský Palace 10 min

Astronomical Clock 20 min

Spanish Synagogue 40 min

Lunch, Old Town 75 min

Karlova Street 15 min

Charles Bridge 35 min

Kampa Island 30 min

Café Break 45 min

Rest at the Hotel 120 min

Old Town Square by Night 45 min

Christmas Concert (optional) 60 min

Dinner, Old Town 90 min

New Year’s Eve: the Castle by Morning, the River at Midnight

Prague Castle Courtyards 10 min

St Vitus Cathedral 40 min

Golden Lane 30 min

Hradčany Viewpoint 10 min

Nerudova Street 20 min

Malá Strana Square 10 min

Lunch, Malá Strana 75 min

St Nicholas Church (Malá Strana) 30 min

Rest at the Hotel 220 min

Wenceslas Square Christmas Market 50 min

Old Town Square by Night 30 min

New Year’s Eve Dinner 150 min

Midnight: Smetana Embankment 140 min Our pick

Vyšehrad, the Riverside and a Farewell Market

Late Breakfast 60 min

Vyšehrad Ramparts and Panorama 45 min

Basilica of Sts Peter and Paul and the Cemetery 20 min

Riverside Walk 20 min

Dancing House 10 min

Warm-up Break: Historic Café 45 min

Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min

Balanced–packed

Strahov, the Castle, Malá Strana and the Bridge

Strahov Library 40 min

Strahov Panorama 10 min

Loreta 10 min

Hradčany Viewpoint 10 min

Prague Castle Courtyards 10 min

St Vitus Cathedral 45 min

Old Royal Palace 25 min

St George’s Basilica 15 min

Golden Lane 30 min

Lunch, Malá Strana 60 min

St Nicholas Church (Malá Strana) 30 min

Lennon Wall 10 min

Kampa Island 20 min

Charles Bridge 30 min

Old Town Bridge Tower 25 min

Old Town Square Christmas Market 60 min

Warm-up Break: Historic Café 60 min

Christmas Concert (optional) 60 min

Dinner, Old Town 90 min

New Year’s Eve: Old and New Town, Midnight at Letná

Astronomical Clock 10 min

Old Town Hall Tower 40 min

Týn Church and Kinský Palace 10 min

Pinkas Synagogue 25 min

Old Jewish Cemetery 25 min

Rudolfinum and the Riverbank 10 min

Havelská Market 20 min

Wenceslas Square Christmas Market 40 min

Lunch, Old Town 60 min

Municipal House Café 45 min

Powder Tower 10 min

Old Town Square Christmas Market 50 min

Warm-up Break: Historic Café 90 min

Smetana Embankment by Night 25 min

Aperitif: Beer Hall or Bar 110 min

New Year’s Eve Dinner 150 min

Midnight: Letná Park, the Metronome 130 min Our pick

Vyšehrad, the Dancing House and a Farewell Market

Late Breakfast 60 min

Vyšehrad Ramparts and Panorama 45 min