My husband and I are planning a business trip to the Balkans in January or February and on the way home we want to spend a few days exploring a city we've never been to. Prague is high on our list, but will we regret going in the winter? We live in upstate NY, so snow and cold temps are a way of life for us. I'd love to hear the thoughts of all you Fodorites!

For you this will not be a problem unless you happen into an extraordinarily rare and bad moment. Upstate NY is probably twice as tough, so go and enjoy. You need no advice about adequate clothing and footwear and short days and such - you'll have a blast, it looks so pretty when there is snow (no guarantee that there will be, but you'll seee).

Prague is on the central european plain and has a real winter. But certainly no worse than upstate New York - and probably less snow than if you live in, for instance, Rochester. (One of my college freshman suitemates was from Rochester - and she switched back to U of R after her first year - since it was so difficult to get home for the holidays from most other places.)

The city will be beautiful in the snow, all of the sights are open and the music scene (Prague has and incredible one - mostly at bargain prices) will be in full swing. Also great beer (I don;t drink it most places but will there if apropos to the meal).

winter is a good time to go,it may be cold but you don't have the crowds of summer,some of the sights may be closed for winter maintenance but the majority will be open,just bear in mind monday is the day many places have their weekly day off.If there is snow the main tourist areas usually get cleared pretty quickly,but it is nice to go for walk up Petrin Park in the snow some lovely views from there.

Thanks to all of you for your responses. Prague sounds beautiful in winter and we prefer to travel in the off season anyway. Nytraveler, we live about 90 miles south of Rochester, in the Finger Lakes area - also beautiful in the winter!

Ellen

I've been to Prague in the deep of winter when it was below 20F. Touring in cold weather isn't quite the same as living in cold weather. Yes, winters are cold in upstate NY, but it's not every day that you spend lots of hours outside at a stretch in frigid temperatures.

If you are dressed properly - long coat, scarves, hat, gloves, and maybe even long underwear (layers top and bottom) then you can have a great trip to Prague. I enjoyed my winter trip as much as my several spring or summer trips.

When I was there it was so cold it couldn't snow. Clear blue sky. No crowds. No street vendors selling their wares or art on the Charles bridge either, so you miss that. Outdoor cafes in the main squares are closed for the season.

I've always said -- I'd rather be cold in Europe than cold at home.

We loved Prague in early February. A light dusting of snow. The only problem was returning to NY...we had to stay an extra day in Prague because of a snowstorm in NY.
It was beautiful in the winter!!

Done it in late November; damp, overcast, and cold. Lot fewer visitors and would do so again without hesitation...down jacket and gloves plenty sufficient

NanBug, I second that thought!

J62 you make a good point. Here time spent outside in the winter is a few minutes a day, but dressed properly, it can also be a beautiful and calm time to take a walk. It would also be a good excuse to duck into a warm cafe!

I do like the idea of fewer people, and I haven't looked yet, but I suppose hotel rates are lower, too.

From everything I've read about it (and my daughter raved about it after her visit this summer), I think it will just whet our appetites and we'll just have to return in the spring or fall!

Just go! We almost always travel to Europe in the winter. Just bundle up. Wear silk long johns and a hat. Enjoy the quiet museums, uncrowded restaurants, peaceful streets and lower prices.

Right, winter is a great period to come. Usually it's cold but you can enjoy your sightseeing without crowds ...

In my book, there's a lot to be said for no crowds and lower prices!

Ellen, my wife and I added Prague to the end of a January ski trip in Austria. She was miserable in the cold; I thought it was great. We live in California...i am of Norwegian descent and love skiing...my wife is from Vietnam and loves tropical vacations. By now you get the point: with you being from NY the cold shouldn't be a problem.

I read about all those crowds at Prague castle and was glad they weren't there for my winter trip. I loved it. But my wife said she will never, ever go to Europe in the winter again!

I visited Prague in December. It was cold, damp and sometimes snowy. It was also beautiful, exciting and I loved every minute of it! Go!

I just returned from Prague. Visiting the market, sitting outside at the cafes and enjoying the Bridge Band on the Charles Bridge were features I really enjoyed but since you will be Europe in winter go for it. The pictures of Prague in winter are beautiful.

hi ellen,

here's another vote for Prague in the winter. we went between Christmas and New Year and generally had a great time. the only time i remember being uncomfortably cold was walking round the castle, and that was because of the wind.

in fact, something to be aware of is that public buildings like museums are very well heated, so we found that though we needed warm top-coats, [which we left in the largely-free claokrooms] once we were indoors, we didn't need thick jumpers, far from it.

enjoy your trip!

Thank you all for your comments and encouragement! The business reason for the trip to the Balkans is in jeopardy, but we may go to Prague anyway. There's almost a magical quality to it in the snow from the pictures I've seen, the prices are lower and the lack of crowds are very tempting. I'll certainly report if we do decide to go.

Ellen

The castle was cold and windy when we were recently there in Sept. so I think it is just a cold spot. I think the city would be gorgeous in the winter. I do love winter tho.

I'm originally from Michigan, my husband and I Went to prague 2 years ago over christmas, it was beautiful! The christmas markets were great, the concerts in the churches were great, and it was COLD. IT was really really cold, a cold I hadn't felt in a long time. Just be prepared, and the days are shorter, so plan wisely! but you should still go!