Things to Do in Prague in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Prague
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Genuinely empty attractions - Prague Castle and Charles Bridge without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds you'll fight through May to September. You can actually stop and photograph the Astronomical Clock without someone's selfie stick in your frame.
- Hotel prices drop 30-40% compared to peak summer rates. That 4,000 CZK per night Old Town hotel in July? Expect around 2,500-2,800 CZK in March. Book by January for another 10-15% off.
- Spring is starting to show itself by late March - magnolias bloom in Petřín Gardens, riverside cafes start reopening their terraces, and locals are genuinely in better moods after the grey February slog.
- Beer garden season begins around mid-March when temperatures hit 12°C (54°F). Riegrovy Sady and Letná Beer Garden open their terraces, and you'll be drinking among Czechs, not tour groups.
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get a sunny 15°C (59°F) day followed by 4°C (39°F) with sleet. I've seen snow in late March three times in the past decade. Pack for all scenarios.
- Early March still feels like winter. Sunset around 6pm means shorter sightseeing days, and that damp cold off the river cuts through light jackets. The city doesn't feel fully awake until late in the month.
- Some seasonal attractions haven't opened yet - boat cruises on the Vltava often don't start until late March or early April, and a few castle gardens might still be closed for maintenance.
Best Activities in March
Prague Castle Complex Walking Tours
March is actually perfect for the castle because you can move through St. Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane without the suffocating crowds. The cooler weather makes the uphill walk from Malá Strana comfortable rather than sweaty. Early morning visits around 9am give you the Old Royal Palace practically to yourself. The castle courtyards photograph beautifully under March's dramatic cloud cover - better light than harsh summer sun.
Old Town and Jewish Quarter Walking Exploration
The narrow streets of Josefov and Old Town are miserable in summer heat and crowds but genuinely pleasant in March. The Spanish Synagogue and Old Jewish Cemetery are contemplative spaces that benefit from fewer visitors. Rain actually adds atmosphere to the medieval streets - just duck into one of the covered passages when showers hit. The 10-15 minute waits at the Astronomical Clock in March beat the 45-minute summer crush.
Traditional Czech Beer Hall Experiences
March is actually ideal for proper beer hall culture. Locals are out more as weather improves, and you'll find authentic crowds at U Fleků, U Medvídků, and Klášterní Pivovar Strahov rather than tourist groups. The half-liter pours of Pilsner Urquell or Kozel taste better when it's cool outside. Late March sees the start of outdoor beer garden season - Riegrovy Sady and Letná open terraces when temperatures consistently hit 10°C (50°F).
Vltava River Bank and Island Walks
The riverside paths from Vyšehrad to Letná Park are empty in March and give you the best castle views without fighting for space. Kampa Island and Střelecký Island are peaceful, and you'll see swans returning for nesting season. The cooler weather makes the 5-6 km (3.1-3.7 mile) riverside walk comfortable. When rain hits, you're never more than 5 minutes from a covered tram stop or cafe.
Museum and Gallery Days
March weather makes indoor cultural days smart planning. The National Museum reopened in 2018 after renovations and is still relatively uncrowded. DOX Centre for Contemporary Art and the Kafka Museum work perfectly on rainy afternoons. The Lobkowicz Palace at Prague Castle has the best private collection and stays warm when it's 5°C (41°F) outside. Museum crowds in March are 60-70% lower than summer.
Day Trips to Český Krumlov or Kutná Hora
March is actually brilliant for day trips because tour buses haven't started running full schedules yet. Český Krumlov's medieval center is walkable without summer's overwhelming crowds, and Kutná Hora's Sedlec Ossuary photographs better in March's soft light. The 2-3 hour drives are comfortable in cool weather. Late March brings early spring to the countryside - fields start greening up around Kutná Hora.
March Events & Festivals
Matějská Pouť Spring Fair
Prague's largest spring fair runs at Výstaviště fairgrounds from late February through April. It's basically a massive carnival with rides, food stalls selling trdelník and klobása, and beer tents. Locals bring families on weekends. The atmosphere is genuinely Czech rather than tourist-focused - you'll hear more Czech than English. Worth an evening visit if you're around, especially with kids.