Prague to welcome 90,000 visitors for New Year's Eve

Prague saw a significant increase in tourism across 2023, and New Year's Eve is set to continue the trend. As the year draws to a close, the Czech Republic anticipates a surge in visitors over the holiday, with estimates suggesting tens to hundreds of thousands of visitors will explore the country during year-end celebrations.

The Czech capital alone is expected to host around 90,000 tourists on New Year's Eve, marking an increase from the previous year. The advent season itself saw 650,000 visitors come to Prague.

"We estimate that 90,000 visitors will come [to Prague] on New Year's Eve, mainly from Germany, other neighboring countries, Italy, Spain, Great Britain, and also from the United States," Prague City Tourism spokesperson Klára Janderová tells Czech News Agency, adding that the Czech capital is also a popular New Year's destination for Asian tourists.

The estimated influx of visitors aligns with the occupancy rates of Prague hotels and other accommodation facilities, where approximately 85 percent of capacities are expected to be occupied.

Václav Starek, president of the Czech Hotel and Restaurant Association, notes that many hotels are already fully booked, emphasizing the importance of the hotel class over location. This trend is mirrored throughout the Czech Republic, with Starek mentioning that other facilities across the country, including mountain resorts, are almost fully occupied for the New Year's holiday.

While the prospect of an influx of visitors brings excitement, the city of Prague is gearing up for New Year's Eve with traffic measures aimed at ensuring safety and smooth celebrations.

Beginning on December 31 at 12:00 p.m., restrictions will be enforced in the city center, particularly in areas like Wenceslas Square, the Charles Bridge vicinity, and Old Town Square. Parking will be prohibited on Wenceslas Square, and cars won't be allowed to enter from adjacent streets starting from 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.

The restrictions extend to Old Town Square, with entry bans on specific streets from 8:00 p.m. on December 31 to 3:00 a.m. on Monday morning. Additionally, due to the concentration of celebrations around midnight on the Charles Bridge, the Smetana embankment will be closed to traffic from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

To facilitate the festivities, Prague public transport authority DPP will extend metro services until approximately 2:30 a.m. on New Year's Eve, with strengthened tram and bus lines from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Emergency services, including medical vehicles and rescuers, will be strategically stationed, ensuring public order and safety. Special attention will be given to enforcing the ban on fireworks, with violators subject to fines. Reminder: setting off fireworks is banned throughout historic areas of the Czech capital, as well as near waterways and hospitals.

As Prague transforms into a vibrant hub of celebrations this New Year's Eve, both tourists and locals can look forward to a memorable transition into 2024.