Written by Eliot Advani, (Claremont McKenna College), CET Prague, Fall 2025
As the weather gets colder and snow starts to fall in Prague, I have been discovering new ways to find warmth and enjoy the city.
Book Stores and Poster Shops
I have noticed the Knihkupectví and Antikvariat shops dotting the streets in the Old Town, but had never ventured inside until recently. Both types of shops sell new and used books, antique items, postcards, and posters at great prices.
The owners of these shops are also very knowledgeable about the literary and artistic history of Prague, as my brother learned when purchasing a print by a Czech artist. The shop owner shared that he knew him personally during communism, as they were part of an underground art scene together! I purchased a poster of Vaclav Havel drinking a Pilsner, and another of rock artist Viktor Sodoma.
Christmas Markets
I was skeptical of the Christmas Markets at first, and then I had a mulled wine. The market at Náměstí Míru was the first to open, and it was stunning. The Basilica of St. Ludmila towers over the market, which has an array of sweet treats, hearty Czech dishes, and Christmas trinkets. I had some mulled wine and a sausage, while my CET buddies opted for some steaming guláš. This is the perfect place to bring family and friends when they visit, and I appreciate the Czech attitude of adopting the Christmas spirit in mid-November.
Entering the Cathedral
St. Vitus’ Cathedral, which sits on the hill next to Prague Castle, is one of the first places that most people go when visiting Prague. After living here for four months and after countless climbs up to the cathedral, I finally entered its doors. The stained glass was the most intricate I have ever seen, and I spent an hour admiring the different scenes coloring the windows of the church. That night, I ended up climbing the hill again with friends, and we sat on one of the many benches surrounding the cathedral. Both during the day and after sunset, admiring the cathedral is a fantastic way to spend time in Prague.
Another way to admire the Cathedral on Hradčany Hill is from the Letná park area. My brother took these photos of the cathedral lit up at night! We climbed the stairs up to the Metronome and took in the views of Prague illuminated by Christmas lights!
Be There or Be Square
In the Old Town Square, the big Christmas tree is currently being put up, and the market stalls are filling with holiday goodies. As I walked through the square, I noticed a group of workers admiring the Church of Our Lady from their crane, which was suspended in the air. This image shows the beauty of the Old Town during Christmas, even for people who grew up in Prague. Now, best for last. When it gets cold, go to the Billiard Bar in Řipská, near the Žižkov TV Tower. Have a few Pilsners and sausages, and enjoy!
This concludes my last blog post. Godspeed.