Prague will welcome the first day of 2026 with reduced admission to several major cultural and leisure venues, offering residents and visitors an alternative to the city’s former New Year’s fireworks.

On Thursday, January 1, nine institutions across the capital will take part in the city-backed initiative known as the New Year’s Gift for residents, making museums, galleries, and popular attractions more accessible on the public holiday.

One of the strongest draws is Prague Zoo, which will open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a flat admission fee of 100 CZK for all visitors. The offer applies throughout the day and does not require proof of permanent residence. The zoo’s participation continues a tradition that has made New Year’s Day one of its busiest winter dates.

A similar price applies at the Museum of Public Transport in Střešovice, where entry will cost 100 CZK during opening hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum, housed in historic tram depots, documents the development of Prague’s public transport network and is a frequent choice for families with children.

Nature lovers can head to the Botanical Garden in Troja, which will offer a 50 percent discount on standard admission when tickets are purchased directly at the box office. The garden will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The reduced price does not apply to the evening light exhibition, which runs separately in the late afternoon and evening.

Art institutions will also take part. The Gallery of the Capital City of Prague will offer a one-plus-one admission deal to all short-term exhibitions between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. This applies to current exhibitions at venues including the House of Photography, the Zvon Gallery, and the gallery library. Visitors purchasing one ticket at the cash desk will receive a second ticket free of charge.

History-focused venues are included as well. The Prague City Museum will open the newly renovated main building at Florenc free of charge from noon to 6 p.m. During the same hours, the Clam-Gallas Palace and the House at the Golden Ring will be accessible with a reduced admission fee of 80 CZK.

At Vyšehrad, visitors can choose between two offers. The exhibition The Rises and Falls of Vyšehrad will operate with a one-plus-one admission deal during opening hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., provided tickets are purchased on site at the information center or the exhibition kiosk. Guided tours of the Gorlice Casemates will be available for a single fee of 100 CZK, with tickets sold both online and on site until individual tour capacities are filled.

Science and astronomy venues under the Planetum organization will apply children’s admission pricing to all visitors. This includes the Prague Planetarium, open from 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Štefánik Observatory, open from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the Ďáblice Observatory, open in two blocks between early afternoon and evening.

Prague City Tourism will lower prices at two of its best-known attractions. Entry to the Petřín Lookout Tower or the nearby Mirror Maze will cost 50 CZK each, while a combined ticket to both sites will be available for 100 CZK. Both attractions will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This year’s program also expands to include the HW Lab, a technology-focused space that will open from noon to 4 p.m. with free admission, marking its first participation in the New Year’s initiative.

In most cases, discounted tickets must be purchased directly at the venue’s cash desk, and online sales are excluded. Organizers have confirmed that visitors will not be required to present proof of permanent residence or a Lítačka transport card. The city expects the offer to appeal especially to families looking for affordable ways to spend the public holiday.

Further details on participating venues and exact conditions are available through official city channels.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more