What to Wear in Prague

The single most important thing to pack for Prague is a pair of comfortable, thick-soled shoes. The centre is paved with small, uneven cobblestones, the walk up to the castle is steep, and most visitors cover 10 km or more a day on foot. Thin sandals and heels are punished quickly.

The weather changes fast, especially in spring and autumn, so layers beat a single heavy coat. Locals dress casually but neatly; jeans are fine almost everywhere, including concerts in churches, though people do dress up for the opera and the National Theatre.

Season by season

• Winter (December to February): a warm, windproof coat, hat, gloves and scarf, plus waterproof boots with grip. Pavements and the steps of the castle approach can be icy, and standing still at the Christmas markets gets cold quickly.
• Spring (March to May): a light waterproof jacket, a jumper and trousers. Mornings can be close to freezing in March and April even when afternoons are mild.
• Summer (June to August): breathable clothes, sunglasses, a hat and a refillable water bottle. Pack a light rain jacket for afternoon thunderstorms, which arrive fast.
• Autumn (September to November): layers again, with a warmer jacket from October.

Small things that help

• A cross-body bag that zips, for crowded spots such as Charles Bridge and tram 22.
• Shoulders and knees covered, or a scarf to hand, for synagogues and churches; men are given a kippah at the Old-New Synagogue.
• A European two-pin plug adapter (Type E).
• A compact umbrella for summer downpours, which tend to be short and heavy.

Check the seasonal guide before you finalise your bag, as a dry, warm September and a wet, cold one call for quite different packing.