There are cities that are beautiful at any time of the year, one of them, of course, is Prague. In November (the photos are attached to the article) the weather is still good here, and there are already few tourists, and there is an opportunity to fully enjoy all the charms of this unique ancient city. We’ll tell you about what the weather is remarkable at this time of year in Prague, what you can do here and what to see.
Geographical position
The Czech Republic is located in the very center of Europe, although geographically it belongs to the countries of Eastern Europe. In the north-west of the state is the capital - the city of Prague. It lies on two banks of the Vltava River and has a very uneven terrain. Legend says that the city lies on 7 hills, like Rome. But in reality there are only five hills, but this is enough to create a difficult rough terrain in the settlement, which can greatly complicate walks.
Vltava within the city is navigable, it has 7 islands, on which various structures and green areas are located. The river does not freeze, and Prague in November is quite suitable for river walks.
More than half of the city is occupied by green spaces, here you can even see vineyards. Prague is located at the intersection of many transport lines, and therefore you can get to many cities in Europe, for example, to Dresden in just 2 hours, and to Vienna - 5. This convenient location makes Prague a favorite place for Europeans to spend their weekends.
Climate
The city is located in the center of the mainland, and this determines its temperate continental climate with cool, short winters and long warm summers. The average annual temperature is 8.5 degrees Celsius. The warmest months are June, July, August, when the thermometer stays stable at a mark above 20 degrees during the day. And the coldest is January, when the average thermometer shows minus 4 degrees.
Spring arrives in the city in March, and winter begins in December. About 500 mm of precipitation falls annually in the city, the rainiest months are traditionally May-August, and the driest months are January and February. The weather in Prague in November and March corresponds to a typical off-season. Snow in Prague happens from late January to early February, but the snow cover does not last long, a maximum of several hours.
Weather in November
Typical weather in Prague in early November is similar to the beginning of October in central Russia. During the day, the thermometer on average shows +12 degrees, at night it drops to 3-5 degrees of heat. Rains happen, but most often short-term. But the clouds and clouds cover the sky almost all the time, which, however, goes very well to Prague. The gloomy sky underlines the mystery of the Gothic cathedrals and gives an additional atmosphere of mysticism to the narrow city streets.
Prague at the end of November begins to prepare for winter, the thermometer drops to an average of 7-8 degrees of heat, light frosts occur at night. But the weather is quite comfortable for walking, you just need to remember to take warm clothes. Do not flatter yourself with the numbers on the thermometer and be frivolous about the form of clothing. Lightweight down jacket, hat and gloves, as well as comfortable waterproof boots - these are the best clothes for “conquering” Prague.
History of the city
The first settlers on the site of modern Prague appeared 4 thousand years ago. But the Slavic city in this place appeared only in the 6th century, then there was a settlement (on the site of the current district of Veleslavin). The steep hills near the Vltava were a great place in terms of defense, and the Czech rulers began to settle here.
In the 9th century, they began to build a fortress, first a wooden one, which later became the famous Prague Castle. In the 10th century, the city became the capital of the state of Moravia. The King’s residence is located in Prague Castle, the first Christian church is being built, the second fortress of the city is being built in the middle of the 10th century, on the other bank of the Vltava - Vysehrad. In those days, Prague was a serious competitor to Paris in the struggle for the title of European capital. Since the 10th century, the bishop’s residence has been located here and the famous St. Vitus Cathedral begins to be built. However, after the 16th century, the European significance of the city falls sharply, and it gradually turns into a province.
In the 19th century, Prague grew rapidly due to the fact that the city fortifications around the Old and New Places were demolished. New residential areas appear: Zizkov, Vinohrady, Smikhov and others. The reign of the Habsburgs became the “golden age” for Prague, many beautiful buildings are being built here, arts are flourishing, social and cultural life is in full swing. Also, the city becomes the industrial center of the empire, and this allows it to grow and grow rich.
After the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Czech Republic led by Prague gains independence. But after the Second World War, she transferred to the social. a camp that residents themselves still perceive as a Soviet occupation. After the Czech Republic gained independence, in 1993, Prague began to develop as a city of historical heritage and a tourist center. As early as the middle of the 20th century, the authorities began to put in order the buildings of the historical center, today in many areas this process is completed. Prague in November is a little exempted from tourists, and its real appearance becomes visible - a cozy city with a great past.
Features of rest in November
Recently, tours to Prague in November have become more popular, due to the fact that in the low season, accommodation prices in some hotels are reduced, queues for museums are significantly reduced and the number of tourists on the streets is reduced. It is in November that it is not so cold as in winter, and you can walk a lot. Daylight hours, of course, are shorter than in summer, but still allows you to spend quite a lot of time on the street. It was at this time that you can see the beauty of Prague's buildings, for example, in Vinohrady, not blocked by tree crowns.
Prague is very autumn. Graphic trees and endless spiers against a gloomy sky make up a real Gothic landscape that you will not see anywhere else. It is during the low season that there is a chance to find the Charles Bridge empty in the morning, on which, in the summer, tourists seem to spend around the clock. At this time of the year, cultural life boils in the city: theaters, exhibitions, concerts. A lot of events take place here, and there is always something for everyone to enjoy.
The main attractions
Prague in November is attractive for some, as it is low season. Therefore, as mentioned above, the number of tourists is reduced, which allows you to see more objects, because you do not have to stand in lines. There are so many attractions in Prague that it is unlikely to be able to see everything in one trip. What is the best? Of course, Prague Castle with the famous St. Vitus Cathedral. Walking around the city, you must see all its courtyards, go to Zlata street with its miniature medieval houses, examine the cathedral from the inside, see the baroque Plague pillar.
Also on the hill are Loreta, Strakhov Monastery, several palaces, art galleries and museums. From Grad it is worth going down to Mala country with its Cathedral of St. Nicholas, with numerous old houses decorated with original house signs.
Charles Bridge is another iconic landmark in the city, it is worth exploring all 30 sculptures and climbing onto one of the bridge towers. The main square of the Old Place is also full of attractions. This is the Cathedral of Mary near Tyn, and the Town Hall with the famous astronomical clock, and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, and the painted house of Storch, and the palaces, and the house "At the Minute" with a unique sgraffito.
Vysehrad Fortress is another important place in Prague. It is worth visiting the Cathedral of St. Ludmila, wandering around the cemetery with beautiful tombstones and visiting the powerful walls that have survived from the 10th century.
What to see
In addition to the “compulsory program”, in Prague you can find many other interesting places to see. Prague at the beginning of November is great for walking, so you should walk along the Vltava embankment and see the luxurious houses, which are a real "textbook" on architecture. All styles are presented here, but most of the buildings are in the most beautiful style of art nouveau, or secession, as it is called here in the Viennese manner.
It is also worth wandering around the streets of the Old Place, here are houses of 11-17 centuries that keep the history of many generations. You can take a walk along Wenceslas Square, which looks more like a small avenue, go to the monumental building of the National Museum and admire Wenceslas from its steps.
Things to do
Prague is not only famous for its sights, but also known for its cuisine and, of course, beer. Dry and gloomy weather in Prague in November offers short walks with snack breaks. There are so many pubs, taverns and taverns that getting around them is probably impossible in a lifetime. Leaving Prague without tasting beer is a real crime, so you should go to Zizkov or Mala country and have a glass of beer in a small restaurant, bite it with “greased” (fried) cheese and pork knuckle.
And you should definitely take time to visit several pubs and try the main types of beer. For ladies and sweet tooth in Prague, there is also something to try. The number of varieties of cakes and pastries in confectioneries can reach up to 50. Also, the city is known for its inexpensive shopping, and you can also take time in November, when it is not always cozy on the street. November is also the time of the oldest jazz festival in the Czech Republic, and in many clubs and concert halls you can listen to great music.
At the end of November, the Christmas market opens on the main square of the city, where it will be pleasant to plunge into the atmosphere of the holiday, drink hot mulled wine and buy souvenirs and gifts for the New Year.
The main routes
Holidays in Prague in November need to be planned in order to be in time and not to miss the important. There are several main routes: Prague Castle and surroundings, Mala Strana (it is better to move from top to bottom), the Old Place, the New Place and Vysehrad, Vinohrady and Zizkov. Inside each of the areas there are many options for walking, but it already depends on the amount of time and personal preferences.
Reviews of tourists about holidays in November
Prague in November (photos and reviews of tourists about staying here are numerous) is different in that in the city, in contrast to the high season, locals finally begin to prevail. At this time of the year you can see the ordinary life of citizens and feel the true character of Prague. Tourists also note that at this time, you can significantly save on vacation, as prices for accommodation and meals are reduced. Many travelers say that in autumn Prague there is a special charm that you do not notice in the summer months. In autumn, the city fully justifies its title as the mystical capital of Europe.
Practical information
Prague in November becomes available only to holders of a Schengen visa. Despite the fact that the Czech Republic is part of the European Union, it did not begin to introduce the euro into the cash flow and retained its currency - the Czech koruna. You can exchange money at banks and numerous exchangers, a more profitable rate can be found if you go a little off the hiking trails. It is most convenient to travel around Prague by tram, although the metro is also not bad, but it weakly covers the central part of the city. Tickets for transport can be bought at tobacco kiosks and special ticket offices in the subway or at vending machines.