Goodbye dark evenings, hello sunshine. Here is how to make the most of the Czech capital as it wakes up from hibernation.
There is a saying among locals: “Prague in winter is for atmosphere; Prague in spring is for living.”
While the snowy cobblestones have their charm, there is a collective sigh of relief when the first buds appear on the trees in April. The city sheds its gray winter coat and suddenly, everything is technicolor. The parks turn lush green, the Vltava river sparkles, and the energy in the streets becomes infectious.
If you are visiting us this season, you are in luck. You are arriving just as the city unlocks a host of activities that are impossible during the freezing months.
Here are the top spring experiences you shouldn’t miss.
1. The Gardens Finally Unlock Their Gates
Did you know that some of the most beautiful spots in Prague are literally illegal to enter in winter? To protect the delicate Baroque landscaping and statues, many of the city’s premier gardens close from November to March.
Come April 1st, the gates swing open.
* The Must-See: The Wallenstein Garden (Valdštejnská zahrada) in Lesser Town. It’s a sensory overload of blooming magnolias, wandering peacocks, and massive fountains that are finally turned back on after the winter freeze. It’s the perfect sunny spot for a quiet escape right in the city center.
2. Cruising the Hills on an Electric Trike
Walking up to the Prague Castle or climbing Petřín Hill is a great workout, but it can eat up half your day (and all your energy). In winter, people often skip the viewpoints to stay warm indoors. In spring, you want to see everything, but you don’t want to spend your whole holiday hiking uphill.
This is where the electric trike comes in.
It’s the ultimate “work smarter, not harder” way to see the city. We specifically recommend the 2-Hour Adventure Trike Tour.
* Why it’s a Spring Essential: These electric trikes are stable, super easy to ride (no balance required!), and open-air. You get the fresh spring breeze without the exhaustion.
* The Route: In just two hours, you zip through the historic streets and conquer the steep hills up to the Castle and monasteries that would take hours to walk. You get the panoramic views without breaking a sweat. It’s pure fun, and covering that much ground is the best way to orient yourself in the city.
3. Naplavka Farmers Market Returns to Glory
While the Saturday market on the riverbank (Naplavka) runs in winter, it’s a hurried affair where people buy their veggies and run home to get warm.
In spring, Naplavka transforms into the city’s social hub. The Saturday market becomes a place to linger. You can grab a coffee, buy some fresh tulips, sit on the river wall with your feet dangling over the water, and watch the swans float by. The “dungeon” bars built into the river wall also open their giant circular windows, creating a unique indoor-outdoor vibe you won’t find anywhere else in Europe.
4. The “Golden Hour” at Riegrovy Sady
Prague is famous for its beer, but the best place to drink it changes with the seasons. In winter, you hide in a cellar. In spring, you climb the hill.
The beer garden at Riegrovy Sady opens fully in spring and offers arguably the best sunset view in the city. You sit on the grass or at a picnic table, watching the sun dip behind the Castle silhouette in the distance. It’s a communal, joyous atmosphere where locals and tourists toast to the warmer weather together.
5. Paddle Boating on the Vltava
This is the definitive sign that spring has sprung. The rental kiosks at Žofín Island (Slovanský ostrov) open their shutters, and the river fills up with small paddle boats.
Renting a boat for an hour gives you a totally different perspective of the Charles Bridge. It’s quiet, peaceful, and allows you to float right up to the pillars of the bridge. Whether you choose a standard boat or one shaped like a giant swan, it’s a spring classic that shouldn’t be missed.
Make the most of the sunshine
Spring in Prague is fleeting and magical. Don’t spend it stuck inside or exhausted from walking up too many hills.
Would you like to book your ride?
We can help you reserve your spot on the Trike Tour to ensure you see the best views of the city in style.
