The word ‘Bohemian’ rings true for Prague, both for its lineage as the historic capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia and its unconventional cultural spirit. The city is known for its art, architecture and spirited nightlife fuelled by excellent beer; the Czech Republic boasts of the highest beer per-capita consumption in the world! The majestic Baroque and Renaissance architecture stands beside the quirky architecture of the Dancing House, while the laidback Vltava River flows past the most happening nightclubs and bars. Prague in February experiences one of the coldest months of the year, but that doesn’t dampen the spirit of residents who are looking forward to the end of winter. Here is a short guide of what to see and to do in Prague in February.
Why is Prague in February a must-visit?
- Off-season perks – Every seasoned traveler knows the potential of low-season travel, and Prague is one of the European cities where you can enjoy these perks. Get low airfares, discounts on accommodation and shorter queues everywhere you go. Yes, it’s cold, but you can save 10%-30% of your travel budget and spend more on tours and activities.
- Authentic Prague – Prague is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in Central Europe and come summer you will see hordes of tourists everywhere! If you are not one for the buzzing city life, then Prague in February is ideal for you. You can watch locals go about their daily-life, and the fun activities like the nightlife remain unchanged no matter the season.
- Cultural activities galore – Winter is at its peak in Prague in February, but the residents put up a good fight against it. The Masopust festival with its carnivals and parades liven up the city, while there are music concerts and theatre festivals to keep you snug and entertained in the long evenings.
Prague Weather in February
Prague in February is still reeling under the cold weather; the average temperature is 1°C (33°F) with lows of -1°C (30°F) and highs of 5°C. The sky is always overcast with snow and rain expected for most of the month. Bright sunshine is a rarity and daylight is about 9 hours long.
Prague in February : Things to do
1
Prague Castle
The UNESCO Heritage Prague Castle has been the seat of power for everyone who ruled the Czech Republic and continues today as the office of the President. Its construction started in 870 AD and finished only in 1929, covering a plethora of architectural styles. One of the largest castle complexes in the world, a castle tour is the best way to explore it.
February Timings
Prague Castle Complex: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Historical Buildings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
119 08 Prague 1,
Czechia
Getting There ›
2
St. Vitus Cathedral
The awe-inspiring St. Vitus Cathedral is situated within the Prague Castle complex and is the seat of Archbishop of the Czech Republic. It is a great example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and a climb of 287 steps up the Great South Tower offers you with scenic views of the city.
February Timings
Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Great Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral : 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
III. nádvoří 48/2, 119 01 Praha 1,
Czechia
Getting There ›
3
Karlštejn Castle
The Karlštejn Castle just 30 KM from Prague is one of the most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic and full of artefacts, treasures and Royal jewels. The way to the castle goes through Bohemian countryside and in February it is a pretty winter wonderland with stark images of snow against the majestic castle.
February Timings
Friday-Sunday: 10:00 AM- 3:00 PM
267 18 Karlštejn,
Czechia
Getting There ›
4
Vltava River Cruise
The Vltava is the lifeline of the Czech Republic and known as the Bohemian Sea. Many of Prague’s historic landmarks are situated along the banks of the river, and a Vltava River Cruise is the best way to explore the area. In February, the river cruises use heated boats for comfort.
February Timings
Timings vary according to the chosen cruise
Prague,
Czechia
Getting There ›
5
Prague Astronomical Clock
Witness the oldest mechanical clock still in operation in Prague! The Astronomical clock has features that include the Old Czech Calendar, Zodiac signs, the transition of the sun and moon, and is decorated by the 12 apostles and other statues. The gilded clocks are beautiful and a mechanical marvel!
February Timings
Daily: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Staré Město,
Czechia
Getting There ›
6
Dancing House
Amidst the Baroque and Renaissance buildings of Prague stands the oddity that is Dancing House. The unique construction was finished in 1996 and resembles two dancers, and is iconic of modern Prague. Duck inside on a snowy February day and pay a visit to the art gallery and restaurant inside.
February Timings
Daily: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Jiráskovo nám. 1981/6, 120 00 Nové Město,
Czechia
Getting There ›
7
Old Town and Jewish Quarter
Known as Staré Město and Josefov, the Old Town of Prague is of special importance to the Jewish community. A walk down the cobblestone streets reveals the history of Prague and the Jews through the Old Jewish cemetery, Ungelt Square and Tyn Cathedral. A walking tour in February will minimize your time outdoors while visiting all the landmarks.
February Timings
Tour starts daily at 11:00 AM
Staroměstské nám, 110 00 Staré Město
Czechia
Getting There ›
8
Tipple With a Legendary Beer Tour of Prague
The Czech love their beer and the history of brewing in Prague goes back to the 993 AD. Today, you can find fantastic Pilsner beer in the city, and a tour with a local expert will ensure you get to sample the best beer. Get all the low-down on the best pubs in the on this tour.
February Timings
Tour starts daily at 6:00 PM
Charles Bridge, Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1,
Czechia
Getting There ›
9
A day trip to Terezin Concentration Camp
One of the largest concentration camps during the Holocaust, the Terezin Camp housed more than 150,000 Jews including 15,000 children, barely any of them survived. A tour of the camp will help understand the horrors of the era, and a peek into the life of the inhabitants.
February Timings
Tours go on daily from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
G578+G3 Terezín,
Czechia
Getting There ›
10
Go on a Prague Pub Crawl
Prague has one of the best nightlife in Europe with scintillating nightclubs and raucous bars. Go on a pub crawl with a local guide and enjoy VIP treatment everywhere you go. Visit Karlovy Lazne, the biggest nightclub in Central Europe and warm yourself on cold February nights with the best alcohol and all-night dancing!
February Timings
Prague Pub crawls start at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM
Celetná 558/12, 110 00 Staré Město,
Czechia
Getting There ›
Prague in February : Events to Look Out For
Masopust
3rd February
Masopust translates to ‘meat fast’ in Old Czech and is the celebration of spring and the feasting before Lent. Prague has carnivals, parades and costumed performers to celebrate Masopust and the Mardi Gras parades at Jiriho z Podebrad square, Ctěnice, Little Quarter and Letna are popular.
Zabijacka
27th January – 10th February
This one might get the vegans squeamish! Zabijacka was a traditional Pig Slaughter festival when the Czechs slaughtered pigs to preserve them for the upcoming months. Today, it is a part of Mardi Gras festivities and has changed to one with gourmet food stalls, and a lot of feasting at the carnivals.
Festival Mala Inventura
20th February – 28th February
The Mala Inventura festival showcases independent filmmakers and the new theatre. It has screenings, workshops and networking sessions for film creatives. In 2019, the festival will focus on movie makers from Berlin, and also have special workshops, and performances for children.
Grand Restaurant Festival
15th January - 28th February
The annual Grand Restaurant Festival is the biggest winter food festival in Czech Republic. The theme of 2019 is ‘Taste Da Vinci’ inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci; you can feast on this menu at partner restaurants at discounted rates. For foodies, there's literally no better time to sample the best of Czech cuisine.
Prague in February : 3-day Itinerary
Prague Essentials
LanguageCzech
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+420
Socket Type E
CurrencyCzech Koruna(Kč)
Prague Weather in February
February is one of the coldest months in Prague, and you will experience chilly days with an average of 1°C temperature. The sun rises at around 7:00 AM and sets around 5:00 PM, giving you about 9 hours of daylight to enjoy sightseeing. The likelihood of rain and snow is higher during the first two weeks of February.
Where to Stay in Prague in February
Prague is a big city with unique neighbourhoods, which cater to special interests of travelers and their budgets. The Old Town area or Staré Město and Josefov is one of the most popular area and has both luxury hotels and hostels including Old Prague Hostel and Prague Hostel Square. Hradčany is the castle district with option to stay in heritage properties, some of the best hotels are Questenberk and U Raka. If you wish to have nightlife then choose to stay in the Vinohrady and Žižkov area which has bars and restaurants, best places to stay there are Hotel Anna and Le Palais.
What to Pack for Prague in February
Prague in February is both cold and wet, which means you have to prepare for both. Carry warm clothes like fleece jacket, multiple sweaters, long-sleeved shirts and winter coats, don’t miss out on thermal leggings and socks which will increase your comfort. Pack thick-soled waterproof shoes that work well in both water and snow. Get an umbrella and waterproof coat, scarf, and moisturiser and lip balm.
Getting Around in Prague in February
Prague is well-connected by public transport, and the official body is called PID or Prague Integrated Transport that ensures alignment of all the routes and rates. Prague in February is very cold and walking everywhere is not comfortable, but you have a lot of options to get around. The Metro had three lines with 61 stations, Tram has 34 routes including night trams, and the Petřín Funicular links Malá Strana with Petřín hill. Buses are cheap, and there are also River ferries. To make things easier, you can choose a Prague Card which includes free access to all these options.
Prague in February - Must Try Delicasies
Prague has a rich cuisine with many iconic dishes that will tease your taste buds. Here’s a list of the top expert-recommended dishes you should try while visiting Prague.
The crusty layer of Žemlovka hides the sweet, gooey flavors of the baked pudding that is perfect comfort food in winter. It is made with layers of Rohlík (Czech bread roll) soaked in milk and slices of apples or pears, and sprinkled with sugar and everything nice!
Try this dish here : Eska, Karlin
The smoke-flavored ham known as Prague Ham is a specialty of the city and is a trademarked-EU product. The brine-cured ham is expensive and sold by its weight in grams! You can find this delicious food everywhere from fine dining restaurants to street food stalls.
Try this dish here : Cafe Restaurant Hotel Troja
A popular dish in Christmas Markets in Prague Langoš is everything that tastes good and keeps you warm in winter. It is a toasty flatbread, topped with cheese, garlic, and ketchup. A great dish to be eaten on the go, it’s one of the cheapest foods you can find in Prague.
Try this dish here : Cobra
This spicy hot soup will open up your sinuses in a jiffy, especially when you are battling the cold in Prague in February. The soup uses heaps of garlic, sliced potatoes, and spices to flavor it and garnished with fried bread. A richer version includes lard or butter with grated cheese.
Try this dish here : Zlata Kovadlina
A winter drink that will warm your insides in Prague in February is the Becherovka. A classic Czech drink, it is a secret combination of herbs made in Karlovy Vary and has hints of cinnamon and pine. Mix it with tonic water or its twisted version of ‘Bohemian Coffee.’
Try this dish here : Restaurace U Fleku
Tips for Visiting Prague in February
- A great way to beat the evening chills in Prague in February is to visit indoor concerts. You can find lots of concerts and plays performing in Prague’s theatres including Black Light Theatre, National Theatre, Estates Theatre, New Stage, and Ta Fantastika Theatre.
- One of the best ways to embrace the cold in Prague in February is to skate on ice! Prague has many locations which are open till April. Some of the best ones are at Ovocný trh, Na Františku, Letná Park, Prague TV Tower Park, and ŠKODA Icerink.
- There are multiple ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day (February 14th) in Prague. Profess your love by painting on the John Lennon Wall, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Old Town, buy a traditional Czech Garnet, or go on a romantic dinner cruise on the Vltava.
- The St. Matthew Fun Fair starts early in Prague this year! It is one of the biggest Europe’s spring fair and will be open from 23rd February to 22nd March 2019. It has more than 120 rides and attractions and is open from Tuesday to Friday (1:00 PM – 9:00 PM) and on Sunday and holidays from (10:00 AM – 10:00 PM) and remains closed on Mondays.
Ready to Visit Prague in February?
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