New Year's Eve in Prague — Fireworks, Parties, and Where to Celebrate

Prague on New Year's Eve is a city that knows how to mark midnight. Tens of thousands of people gather along the Vltava River, on Charles Bridge, and in Old Town Square as fireworks light up the castle, the spires, and the river all at once. The combination of medieval architecture and pyrotechnics is something most cities can't match — there's no modern skyline competing for attention, just Gothic towers and Baroque domes silhouetted against colour.

We guide visitors through Prague year-round, and New Year's Eve is when the city feels most electric. The streets fill from about 9 PM onward, champagne corks start popping before midnight, and the atmosphere stays high until well past 2 AM. But there's more to Prague's NYE than the fireworks — if you know where to go.

The Midnight Fireworks

Prague's main fireworks display launches at midnight from several points along the Vltava River, with the largest concentrations near Letná Park and the areas around Čechův Most (Čech Bridge). The display typically lasts 15–20 minutes and is visible from almost anywhere with a river view.

The best viewing spots, in our experience:

Letná Park — the hilltop terrace above Čechův Most gives you an elevated panorama of the fireworks with Prague Castle and Old Town as the backdrop. Arrive by 10:30 PM to secure a good position. The park is free and open, and the atmosphere is relaxed — locals, families, and travelers sharing blankets and champagne.

Charles Bridge — standing on the bridge at midnight is unforgettable, but it's extremely crowded. The bridge fills to capacity, and movement is limited from about 11 PM onward. If you're comfortable in tight crowds, it's a once-in-a-lifetime viewpoint. If not, watch from the Kampa Island side instead.

Vyšehrad — the ancient fortress south of the center offers a quieter alternative. The ramparts face north with views of the river and city below. Fewer tourists come here, and the walk back to the center after midnight is pleasant.

Střelecký Island — a small island in the Vltava accessible by footbridge from the National Theatre area. It sits at river level, putting you directly in the middle of the action. Local families favour this spot.

Private fireworks are also part of the experience. In the days around NYE, residents set off fireworks from rooftops, parks, and bridges across the city. The result is a chaotic, 360-degree light show that extends far beyond the official display.

What to Do Before Midnight

Dinner

Book a restaurant well in advance — NYE dinners fill up by early December. Many restaurants offer fixed-price menus ranging from €40–100 per person (as of 2026).

Local picks: Café Savoy in Malá Strana offers elegant dining with a shorter walk to the river. Lokál on Dlouhá street in Old Town serves honest Czech food at fair prices — their NYE menu is one of the better values in the center. For a splurge, La Degustation (Michelin-starred) does a NYE tasting menu that requires booking weeks ahead.