Things to Do in Prague in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Prague
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Cherry and magnolia blossoms peak in Petrin Park and Vojanovy Sady gardens from early to mid-April, creating the most photogenic backdrop of the year without the summer tourist masses
- Hotel prices drop 25-35% compared to summer peak season while the city is fully operational - you're getting May weather at March prices since Easter timing varies
- Daylight extends to 8pm by late April, giving you 13+ hours to explore compared to winter's 9 hours, and outdoor beer gardens reopen citywide around April 15th when temperatures stabilize above 12°C (54°F)
- Prague Spring International Music Festival preparations mean concert halls offer preview performances at 30-40% off summer prices, and the castle gardens reopen April 1st after winter closure
Considerations
- Weather genuinely swings 15°C (27°F) within a single week - you might need a winter coat on April 5th and shorts by April 12th, making packing frustrating and daily planning unpredictable
- Rain comes in quick bursts rather than all-day drizzle, but those 10 rainy days are randomly distributed, so outdoor walking tours get interrupted and cobblestones become slippery enough that comfortable waterproof shoes are non-negotiable
- Easter weekend (April 20-21 in 2026) creates a 4-day pricing spike where accommodation doubles and Old Town Square becomes genuinely crowded, though the rest of April stays quiet
Best Activities in April
Prague Castle Complex Walking Tours
April is actually the sweet spot for the castle before summer crowds arrive. The Royal Gardens reopen April 1st after winter closure, and you'll have the South Gardens nearly to yourself on weekday mornings. The 7-10°C (44-50°F) morning temperatures keep tour groups small until 11am when it warms up. The castle's exposed hilltop position means you want that 13-15°C (55-60°F) afternoon warmth, not July's 30°C (86°F) heat reflecting off stone courtyards.
Vltava River Cruises
River cruises restart their full schedules in April after limited winter service, but haven't hit summer pricing yet. The 13-15°C (55-60°F) afternoon temperatures are perfect for the open upper decks, and you'll actually want to be outside rather than stuck in the heated cabin. Late afternoon cruises around 4-6pm catch the best light on Charles Bridge and the castle without the harsh midday sun. That said, bring a windbreaker since the river corridor is 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler than surrounding streets.
Kutna Hora Day Trips
This UNESCO town is 80 km (50 miles) east and sees a fraction of Prague's visitors in April. The Sedlec Ossuary bone church and St. Barbara's Cathedral are entirely indoors, making this perfect for those inevitable rainy days. The train journey takes 1 hour and costs 100-150 CZK each way, and you're getting the same experience as summer visitors without waiting in ticket lines. April's cooler temperatures actually make the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) of walking between sites more comfortable than summer heat.
Traditional Czech Beer Hall Experiences
April is when locals reclaim the beer gardens after winter, and you're experiencing the genuine seasonal reopening energy rather than tourist-focused summer service. Outdoor gardens at Letna Park and Riegrovy Sady open around April 15th when temperatures stabilize above 12°C (54°F). The 15°C (60°F) afternoon highs are perfect beer garden weather - warm enough to sit outside with a sweater, cool enough that beer stays cold. Indoor beer halls like U Fleku maintain their authentic atmosphere since they're not yet overrun with tour groups.
Cesky Krumlov Day Trips
This southern Bohemian town is 180 km (112 miles) from Prague and absolutely worth the 3-hour journey in April before summer tour buses take over. The Renaissance castle opens for the season April 1st, and you'll walk the town's medieval streets without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds that arrive in May. April weather is identical to Prague, so those 13-15°C (55-60°F) afternoons are perfect for the 4-5 km (2.5-3.1 miles) of walking a proper visit requires. The Vltava River running through town is at spring flow levels, making it more dramatic than summer's lower water.
Old Town and Jewish Quarter Walking Tours
April's mild temperatures make the 5-7 km (3.1-4.3 miles) of walking these tours require actually pleasant rather than summer's sweaty endurance test. The Jewish Quarter's six synagogues are entirely indoors, giving you rain backup options built into the route. Morning tours starting at 10am catch the Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock before cruise ship groups arrive around noon. The 10-13°C (50-55°F) morning temperatures mean you're comfortable walking but not overheating, and the spring light at 7-8pm makes evening photo walks worthwhile.
April Events & Festivals
Easter Markets in Old Town Square
Running approximately April 6-21 in 2026, these markets transform the square with 40-50 wooden stalls selling hand-painted eggs, traditional crafts, and Czech Easter foods like mazanec sweet bread and jidase cookies. It's smaller and more authentic than the Christmas markets, with fewer tourists and more local families. The stage hosts folk music performances on weekends, and you can watch artisans demonstrate egg decorating techniques that date back centuries.
Burning of the Witches (Carodejnice)
April 30th evening celebration where Czechs build bonfires in parks and neighborhoods to symbolically burn winter away. Petrin Park and Ladronka Park host the largest public celebrations with bonfires, grilled klobasa sausages, and beer stands. It's a genuine local tradition rather than a tourist event, and you'll see families with kids roasting marshmallows alongside the more raucous college-age crowds. Arrive around 7pm when fires are lit and expect celebrations until 11pm or midnight.