The real definition of a winter wonderland is what you’ll find in Prague in January. So, if you’re wondering if January is a great time to visit Prague, the answer is a loud “YES”. The jaw dropping presence of amazing cultural and historical sites, and potentially less traffic in January, makes it the best time to visit Prague.
The Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square is a medieval marvel and it alone is responsible for millions of tourists rushing into Prague all year round. No doubt, there are cool places to visit, sights to see, and special treats to munch on in Prague.
Traveling to Prague isn’t just about booking a flight. To get the best experience, you have to plan your travel date around a time when there’ll be less tourist traffic. Lots of tourists like visiting Prague during the holidays, so there’s definitely going to be too much traffic during peak holidays such as Christmas. But then, by January, everyone’s already returning back to work, and that means less crowd that can intrude into your blissful experience of Prague.
You can celebrate New Year in Prague, then sit back and enjoy the best that Prague has to offer in January without stress. There are lots of things to do in Prague in January, and it goes beyond exploring Wenceslas Square.
How is Prague in January?
Prague in January is in winter, so you’ll definitely need to put on your winter coat. Every roof has a snow cap on, and that means lawns, pavements and roads are decked in snow. Prague is literally known as the winter wonderland in January, thanks to the white canvas of snow all around. The snow coupled with the majestic sights in Prague creates an amazing sight. Don’t forget your digital camera – you’ll need to take thousands of pictures to remind you of why Prague is a winter wonderland in January.
Seeing as it’s winter in Prague in January, you should travel with thick winter clothing, and also visit the nearest restaurant for a hot cup. Depending on your hotel reservations, you might be entitled to a complimentary drink or meal to shake off the winter cold.
10 fun things to do in Prague in January
There are amazing places to be, sights to see, meals to taste, and drinks to sample in Prague. Visiting Prague in January means that you’ll enjoy the winter special delicacies and hot drinks. As usual, what you do when you travel is really what makes traveling so much fun. Here are 3 things to do in Prague in January:
Experience an immersive Show at The Black Light Theater
If you’re looking for what to do in Prague in January, then here’s a great option for you. Visit the Black Light Theater and have your mind blown away. Enjoy amazing 4D shows that blend beautiful colors and non-verbal action. The mix of UV lights and fluorescent colors will have you daydreaming as the silent stories progress.
Highlights
- Enjoy an amazing night at the Czech Black Light Theater
- Experience an interactive 4D show of UV lights, colors, and non-verbal action
Includes
- 582 CZK (€ 23) ticket
- 65-minutes of colorfully immersive non-verbal performance
Enjoy a live Ballet Performance
Indulge in an extraordinary experience of Swan Lake at the newly renovated Hybernia Theatre, nestled in the heart of Prague. Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of Tchaikovsky while delighting in the mesmerizing performance of renowned ballet dancers and soloists from the esteemed Prague National Theatre, as they bring to life the popular scenes from this world-famous ballet.
Highlights
- Prices start at €46 per head.
- Cancellation is free
- Witness a captivating performance featuring the best scenes from the works of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
- Immerse yourself in a classic fairytale filled with enchanting princesses, magical spells, and more.
- Transport yourself back to childhood as you witness the timeless stories brought to life by world-renowned ballet dancers.
- Observe a show in the Hybernia Theatre, which reopened in Prague after a renovation.
What is Included
- Entry ticket
Try out Prague’s Black Light Mini Golf Game
One of the newest fun spots in Prague is a 19-hole golf course that’s a few minutes walk from Old Town Square. Rather than getting bored by daylight golfing, Prague allows you to take golfing up a notch – playing in the dark. Don’t panic, the golf course is colorfully lit by UV lights. Now you can play golf for as long as you want while being thrilled by the sparkle of colors. There are even illuminated street arts of Czech legends adorning the golf room. This is literally one of the best things to do in Prague in January.
Highlights
- Enjoy a superb game of mini golf in the dark
- Try out the UV colored face paints
- Drinks and light snacks are available
Includes
- 241 CZK (€ 9.50) ticket
- Unlimited mini golf playing time
- Free WiFi
- Golfing equipment rental
Take a virtual reality time travel tour back into the 16th century
Prague is a great city to visit in January, considering the numerous fun experiences the city has to offer at the beginning of the year. Quite notable among these experiences is a virtual reality time travel tour back to the year 1593. Back then, Prague was under the reign of the Habsburg Emperor Rudolf II, who was a Holy Roman Emperor, as well as King of Hungary and Croatia, and Bohemia. Making use of contemporary technology, most especially virtual reality, you will be able to experience what Renaissance Prague felt like 430 years ago and the important societal figures that existed then.
Highlights
- Enjoy a 25-minute virtual reality time travel experience back into 1593
- Virtual hyperreality arcade experience in up to 7 different rooms filled with VR.
- Take a glimpse into what Prague felt like in the renaissance age under Emperor Rudolf II
- Spend up to 10 minutes playing virtual reality arcade games before taking a tour 400 years into the past
Includes
- A 562 CZK virtual ticket
- A 10% discount coupon to the Hamleys Toy Store in the center of Prague
- Instant ticket delivery
- Minimum height of 3 feet, 7 inches to participate in the virtual reality experience.
Take a Vltava river boat tour to the Prague zoo for an unforgettable sightseeing experience
What activity could be more fun and bonding for you and your loved ones in January than taking a tour of the Vltava river combined with a sightseeing tour of the famous Prague zoo? A 90-minute tour of the Vltava river will get your adrenaline pumping for the prestigious Prague zoo, currently ranked 5th best in the world. The river tour allows visitors to catch a glimpse of various architectural monuments, landmarks, bridges, and parks for which Prague is popular.
At the zoo, you can enjoy the 12 pavilions open to visitors, as well as up to 16 kilometers of paths and trails. You would also come across different animals that make the zoo their home including many endangered and vulnerable species that enjoy special protection.
Highlights
- 90-minute Vltava river sightseeing tour
- Catch a glimpse of popular Prague landmarks while on the tour
- Take in the zoo at your own pace and learn about its history
- Enjoy over 150 exhibits at the zoo
- Come across a variety of animals including the endangered and vulnerable
Includes
- The walk of fame
- An excellent value for the money
- CZK 250 zoo entry ticket
- Map of the zoo and personal guide
Visit the popular Papilona Butterfly house in Prague
Another fun activity you could do in Prague in January is to visit the Papilona Butterfly house. It’s a specially constructed and publicly accessible building designed to house hundreds of live butterflies sourced from various corners of the world. This facility is home to a large variety of butterflies from various rainforests across the world from Asia to South America, Africa, and beyond. This specially designed ecosystem exists in the center of Prague and is readily accessible to visitors. Here, there are no barriers between the butterflies and humans, exotic butterflies come close to people in order to interact with them
Highlights
- Hundreds of live butterflies sourced from various corners of the world
- Discover some of the rarest species of butterfly in the world
- Interact with butterflies on a personal level
Includes
- CZK 170 ticket
- Photos of exotic butterflies
- Seasonal exhibitions based on the time of visit
Take a complete bike tour of Prague
Looking for a memorable fun activity to do in Prague in January? Then, a complete bike tour of Prague should be on your list. Biking through Prague is an activity that allows you to catch a view of Prague and discover its many architectural wonders, monuments, and parks.
Some of the popular places you will come across on this tour include the Old Town, the Jewish quarter, New Town, Mala Strana, and many more. To fully enjoy your biking tour, it is highly recommended that you hire a knowledgeable local guide who could intrigue you with the facts and history of the city’s most popular monuments.
Highlights
- Learn about the stories, legends, and history of many famous Prague monuments
- Ride through the popular Old Town, Lesser Town, New Town
- Take photographs of many famous monuments and landmarks
Includes
- Ride through the ancient city of Prague in a relaxed setting
- Take the bike tour at your own pace
- Soak up the cool Prague atmosphere while enjoying your bike tour
Experience a mind blowing experience at the Museum of senses in Prague
A visit to the museum of Senses is another highly recommended activity you could do in Prague in January. This museum features lots of mind-blowing exhibitions and various optical illusions that are guaranteed to dazzle you. The optical illusions on display at this museum will surely leave you doubting reality. On entry into the museum, you will be exposed to over 50 exhibits in 17 different rooms and you also get to experience an interactive virtual art experience that awakens all your senses.
You can also explore the world-famous ‘AMES room’ of distorted perceptions and dance to music in the infinity mirror room. This museum experience is one that allows you to take a lot of pictures and live videos you could broadcast to friends and family.
Highlights
- Enjoy a lifelong memorable experience at this museum
- Experience and explore the world-famous ‘AMES room’
- Explore over 50 different exhibits in 17 different rooms at this museum
Includes
- Interactive rooms specially designed to trick the mind
- CZK 300 ticket
- Book the ticket online to avoid the queue at the entrance
Explore the Prague LEGO museum
The Prague LEGO museum features the largest collection of LEGO exhibits in the world. With over 3000 models on display, this experience is perfect for some family bonding time as everyone irrespective of age can enjoy the museum and its exhibits. Over 20 different themed areas make up this museum and they feature astounding LEGO pieces craftily and ingeniously constructed to dazzle visitors.
The museum exhibits are built from over 1 million LEGO pieces and are designed to mimic various experiences such as a visit to the Harry Potter magical universe, or a time travel back into the time knights fought. Overall, a visit to the LEGO museum is an experience you won’t be forgetting for a long time.
Highlights
- Access to over 3000 LEGO models on display
- Visit all 20 different themed areas
- Over 1 million LEGO pieces are designed to mimic various experiences
Includes
- CZK 280 entry ticket
- Document your experience at the LEGO museum with pictures and videos
Other amazing things you could do in Prague in January
Experience Prague’s New Year Fireworks Live
Let’s start with the first memorable activity you can’t afford to miss. New Year in Prague is a winter’s fantasy thanks to the large display of fireworks once the clock strikes midnight. From New Year’s Eve till New Year’s Day, fireworks are constantly on display through the night. But the grandest of all fireworks displays is done at midnight to mark New Year’s Day. The night takes on a colorful hue as numerous shots of fireworks brighten the sky.
To enjoy this amazing scene, it’s best if you jump on a river boat cruise across the Vltava River. Virtually every street, pub and restaurant takes on a celebratory mood once it’s New Year. It’s definitely something you don’t want to miss.
Winter food adventure begins with the Sauerkraut Cabbage Soup
Remember we said, there are special winter delicacies to sample? Some of the best Prague meals are available in January. To start your winter food adventure, feel free to try out the sauerkraut cabbage soup. The soup gives a whole new experience to eating cabbage. If you’re keen on exploring Prague meals in January, there are lots of restaurants to check out. But first, place an order for the sauerkraut cabbage soup, and rate your experience.
Go on an Ice Skating Adventure
Winter is incomplete without an ice skating adventure. The fun part is that you don’t have to know how to ice skate to enjoy this. While it may be unsafe skating without training, there are lots of ice skaters in the Ovocný Trh ice rink near Wenceslas Square who’ll be willing to help you. But then, sometimes it’s best to just sit and watch others ice skate while you take pictures and make new friends. Although there are lots of ice skating rinks in Prague, the Ovocný Trh is rated as one of the best in the world.
Visit Prague’s Ski Resorts
If ice skating is not your kind of adventure, then you can try out skiing in Prague. There are lots of top-rated skiing resorts in Prague, and they’re often excited to give a few skiing lessons. Depending on your appetite for adventure, you can either take a skiing adventure on lower resort grounds, or venture to higher grounds. Skiing is one of the most enjoyable activities in Prague in January – you’ll definitely have amazing stories to tell about the winter’s wind blowing past your face.
Should you visit Prague in January?
Prague is a great place to visit in January. Besides the towering cultural sights to see, there are lots of fun things to do in Prague. Pubs, restaurants, and shops often offer winter special sales in January, and that means you can go on a winter adventure in Prague without breaking the bank. So yes, you should visit Prague in January.
