Prague: Winter Wonderland vs. Hot Summer Crowds

Prague is two different cities depending on when you visit. In summer, the beer gardens are lively and the days are long, but the Charles Bridge is packed shoulder-to-shoulder, and the cobblestones trap the heat. In winter, temperatures hover around freezing, but the snow-capped gothic spires look like a fairy tale, and the Christmas markets smell of hot mulled wine. Personally, I prefer the winter chill—it matches Prague's gothic soul much better, and there are far fewer tour groups blocking your view.