Planning to visit Prague in September?

As summer comes to an end, the city gets a little quieter. In fact, September is possibly the best time to visit Prague. The weather is still relatively warm and sunny, and you can visit the city’s attractions without having to push your way through crowds.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at visiting Prague in September, including what to wear, where to stay, and the best things to do. So, let’s dive right in!

Prague weather in September

If you’re planning a trip to Prague in September, you’re in for a treat!

The weather in Prague during this time of year is absolutely delightful. The days are still warm and sunny, with an average temperature of around 20°C (68°F).

The evenings can get a bit cooler, so it’s a good idea to pack some layers. You might also experience some light rain showers, but they usually don’t last long and won’t put a damper on your trip.

Why September is the best time to visit Prague

One of the best things about visiting Prague in September is that the crowds have thinned out from the peak summer season.

This means you’ll have more space to explore the city’s charming streets and historic landmarks.

Plus, with the pleasant weather, you can enjoy outdoor activities like strolling through the parks and gardens, or taking a boat ride along the Vltava River.

September is the month when the city’s cultural calendar starts to pick up again after the summer break.

There are plenty of events and festivals happening around this time, including the Dvorak Prague Festival, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Where to stay in Prague in September

One of the best things about visiting Prague in September is that accommodation tends to be a little cheaper. This means you can stay in the heart of the city without breaking the bank.

The beautiful neighbourhood of Mala Strana is the ideal base for exploring Prague. It’s located just below the castle and next to Charles Bridge. Plus, it’s brimming with pubs and restaurants.

We stayed at the Three Golden Crown Apartments, right next to the Church of St. Nicholas. The accommodation is housed within a historic building with vaulted ceilings.

The apartments are super clean and cosy, and they come with a kitchenette.

Additionally, there are several pubs and restaurants on the same street, including the popular U Glaubicu, which serves some of the cheapest beer in Prague.

Best things to do in Prague in September

There are plenty of amazing things to do in Prague in September, whether the sun’s out or it’s chucking it down.

Here are my top recommendations – all tried and tested!

Climb Petrin Hill

Petrin Hill is a large green area in the heart of Prague. It offers stunning views of the city, and the hills itself is dotted with curious attractions.

Climbing Petrin Hill is a great way to get off the tourist path without leaving the city. You can follow one of the paths that zigzag up the hill. Alternatively, you can ride the funicular!

Once you’re at the top, you can visit the Petrin Lookout Tower, which offers even more amazing views of the city. There’s also a mirror maze and the beautiful Cathedral of St. Lawrence.

On your way down, you can pop into the Strahov Monastery, where you can marvel at the baroque libraries and enjoy a beer at the Strahov Monastic Brewery.

Wander the streets of Mala Strana

Mala Strana is one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods in Prague. Its streets are lined with stunning Baroque architecture, and there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops.

The neighborhood is also home to several beautiful attractions, including the Church of St. Nicholas and the Vojan Gardens.

You can spend at least an hour exploring the cobbled lanes of Mala Strana. Make sure to also check out the pretty houses on Janska and the colourful Lennon Wall.

Explore Vysehrad

Vysehrad is a historic fortress on a hill overlooking the Vltava River, and it’s a great place to explore if you want to escape the crowds in Prague.

The fortress dates back to the 10th century, and it’s home to several interesting sights, including the Gothic Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul and the Rotunda of St. Martin.

The views from Vysehrad are also stunning, with panoramic vistas of the city and the river.

Hang out in Wenceslas Square

Wenceslas Square is one of the busiest and most iconic spots in Prague. It’s also the site of several historic events, including the mass demonstrations that led to the Velvet Revolution.

The square is home to several interesting buildings, including the National Museum. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops in the area.

While you’re there, make sure to pop into the Lucerna Mall to see one of the weirdest attractions in Prague: the statue of St. Wenceslas on an upside down horse hanging from the ceiling.

Enjoy a drink on Letna

Want to have a lazy day in the sun? Head to Letna Park!

This beautiful green space in the heart of Prague is a great spot to relax. There are plenty of beer gardens around the park where you can grab a cold drink.

On a warm September day, you can just lie on the grass and enjoy some local beer. Plus, you get to enjoy some of the best views of Prague!

Take a tour of the Clementinum

The Clementinum is a large Baroque building which houses one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.

Funded in the 1700s by Jesuits, the Clementinum Library harbours thousands of theological and philosophical texts from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The complex is also home to several other interesting sights, including the Astronomical Tower and the Mirror Chapel.

You’ll need to book a tour with a guide to see the library and go up the tower for the views.

Spend a day at Prague Castle

Prague Castle is possibly the most iconic landmark in the city. The castle complex is enormous, housing a wealth of fascinating buildings, including St. Vitus Cathedral and St. George’s Basilica.

On a nice September day, you can take a stroll through the Castle Gardens and admire the beautiful Ball Game Hall and Queen Anne’s Summer Palace.

You can easily spend a whole day exploring the castle grounds and soaking up its history.

Learn about the city’s Jewish heritage

Prague has a rich Jewish heritage. In fact, it’s home to the oldest active synagogue in Europe.

The Prague Jewish Quarter (known as Josefov) is dotted with interesting sites, including the stunning Spanish Synagogue and one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in the world.

You’ll need to purchase a ticket to visit these sites, but it’s worth the money! You get to learn so much about Judaism and Jewish culture in Central Europe.

Go for a walk along the river

The Vltava River is one of the defining features of Prague, and a walk along its banks is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

There are several walking trails and parks along the river, and there are also plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can stop for a break, including the iconic Cafe Savoy.

In September, the weather is usually mild enough to enjoy a leisurely stroll without feeling too hot or too cold.

Explore the hidden gardens

Prague is dotted with secret gardens, and some of them are hiding in plain sight!

If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, go for a stroll through the Vojan Gardens or the Wallenstein Palace Gardens in Mala Strana.

On a sunny day, you can grab some food and a book, and just have a picnic on the grass.

Enjoy a hearty meal

Prague is known for its hearty and delicious cuisine, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes around the city where you can try the local specialties.

Some must-try dishes in Prague include goulash, roast duck with dumplings, and pork knuckle. In September, the cooler evenings make it the perfect time to indulge in some comfort food.

I highly recommend booking a table at Pork’s in Mala Strana – they offer a selection of delicious pork-based dishes, including knuckles.

For a romantic dinner, Krčma in Prague’s Old Town is a cosy tavern with vaulted ceilings and brick walls. It serves a variety of traditional Czech dishes, including duck and beef in cream sauce.

Go on a ghost tour

Prague is known for its spooky legends and ghost stories, and there are several ghost tours available for those who dare to explore the city’s darker side.

These tours usually take place in the evenings and take you through the streets of the Old Town.

Recommendation: Prague Ghosts and Legends of Old Town is one of the best ghost tours in Prague (with many good ratings. My husband and I had a wonderful time on this tour – the guide was an amazing storyteller and we got to learn a lot of interesting things about Prague.

Warm up with some absinthe

Absinthe is a famous Czech spirit that has a long and colorful history. It is traditionally served with sugar and water, and it’s the perfect way to warm up on a cold September night.

There are several absinthe bars and distilleries around Prague, and many of them offer tastings and tours. Just be warned, absinthe is not for the faint of heart!

Try local produce at the Náplavka Farmers’ Market

The Náplavka Farmers’ Market is a weekly event that takes place along the banks of the Vltava River. It offers an opportunity to try some fresh local produce.

In September, you can expect to find plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as homemade bread, cheese, and pastries. It’s a great way to support local farmers and artisans while enjoying some delicious food.

Hit the mall!

If you’re looking for a break from sightseeing and want to indulge in some retail therapy, Prague has several shopping centers where you can do just that. Some of the best malls include Palladium and Nový Smíchov.

Located on Republic Square, Palladium houses a wide range of shops, cafes, and restaurants (including an amazing sushi place!).

It’s also a great way to spend a rainy day or a lazy afternoon!

What to wear in Prague in September

Not sure what to pack for Prague in September? Here are my suggestions:

• Jeans and t-shirts for those warm days
• A waterproof jacket for the occasional rain shower
• A hoodie/cardigan for the chilly mornings
• A warm coat or jacket for the evenings

Other essentials for Prague

Comfy walking shoes

Prague has a lot of cobbled streets. If you’re planning to explore the city on foot, you’ll need a sturdy pair of walking shoes with thick soles.

Recommendation: I love these boots from Mountain Warehouse. They’re comfy, waterpoof, and versatile – I’ve worn them for hiking trips as well as city walks. Also, I found them really good for Prague’s cobbled streets!

A scarf with a secret pocket

As you might expect, pickpocketing is a problem in a popular city like Prague, and some attractions can still get a little crowded in September.

Recently, I’ve started packing an infinity scarf with a secret pocket for my trips. I use it to store valuables like bank cards and money, so I don’t have to worry about theft in busy places.

The Pack Wolf Company has a lot of nice colours to choose from!

An anti-theft day bag

For peace of mind, you’ll also want to make sure that you carry your things in an anti-theft bag. Prague is quite a safe city, but pickpocketing is a common crime.

This beautiful LaRechor bag comes with a metal hook and a zip, and it’s the perfect size for mobiles phones, purses, and other essentials.

Frequently asked questions

Still not sure about visiting Prague in September? Let’s answer some common questions!

Recommended Prague tours in September

Want to explore Prague with a guide? Here are my top recommendations.