Four Winter Hidden Gems in Prague

A digital illustration of a hot mulled wine in an ornate cup, with

As a food and travel writer, my journeys have taken me to many corners of the globe. Yet, there's something about the enchanting city of Prague that keeps drawing me back, especially during the winter season. The city's cobblestone streets dusted with snow, the warm glow of the street lamps reflecting off the icy Vltava River, and the aroma of mulled wine wafting through the air make it a winter wonderland. Today, I want to share with you four hidden gems in Prague that are particularly magical in winter. These are places off the beaten path, where you can escape the crowds and experience the city's authentic charm.

An empty snow-covered street flanked by elegant historic buildings, with sunlight casting soft

Prague Meridian

The first hidden gem on our list is the Prague Meridian. This is not just a line on the ground, but a piece of history that tells a fascinating tale of timekeeping in the city.

The Prague Meridian, located in Old Town Square, is a line marked by brass inlay that runs from the Old Town Hall to the Church of Our Lady before Týn. It's easy to overlook, but this line was once the city's official noon marker. When the shadow of the Old Town Hall's tower crossed this line, church bells across the city would ring out, signaling midday.

"The Prague Meridian is a testament to the city's rich history and its relationship with time."

Close-up perspective of a tram track running through cobblestone streets, with historic

Vyšehrad

Next up is Vyšehrad, a historic fort located on a hill over the Vltava River. This fort is often overshadowed by the famous Prague Castle, but it offers a quieter, more serene experience.

Vyšehrad is steeped in legends and history, and it's a great place to explore on a snowy day. The fort's grounds are home to the Basilica of St Peter and St Paul, a stunning neo-Gothic church, and the Vyšehrad Cemetery, where many notable Czech figures are buried. The fort's high vantage point also offers breathtaking views of the snow-covered city.

"Vyšehrad is a place of tranquility and history, offering a respite from the bustling city below."

An elaborate castle surrounded by a snowy landscape and a river, under a soft,

Klementinum

Our third hidden gem is the Klementinum, a historic complex of buildings that houses the National Library of the Czech Republic. While the library's Baroque Hall often gets the most attention, there's another part of the Klementinum that's particularly magical in winter: the Astronomical Tower.

Climbing the Astronomical Tower is a bit of a workout, but the reward is worth it. From the top, you can see a panoramic view of Prague's rooftops blanketed in snow. It's a sight that's sure to take your breath away.

"The view from the Klementinum's Astronomical Tower is a winter wonderland come to life."

The Smallest House in Prague

Lastly, we have the smallest house in Prague, a charming little gem tucked away in the city's Lesser Town. This tiny house, squeezed between two larger buildings, measures just 2.25 meters wide.

Despite its size, the house has a rich history. It was once the home of a man who refused to sell his plot of land to a wealthy developer. Today, it stands as a symbol of resistance and a testament to the city's quirky charm.

"The smallest house in Prague is a reminder that sometimes, the smallest things can have the biggest stories."

These are just four of the many hidden gems that Prague has to offer. Each of these places has a unique charm that shines especially bright in winter. So, if you find yourself in Prague during the colder months, don't miss the chance to explore these lesser-known treasures. You might just find that they make your visit even more magical.