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Prague Easter Markets » 5th April - 27th April 2025
The Prague Easter Markets are open daily at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. The warm ambience of spring awaits visitors. Browse the stalls for hand-crafted goods, sample local food and drinks, and discover delightful Czech Easter traditions - Easter photos |
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| | In addition, small and local Easter markets are held in other parts of the city:
Small Easter Markets in the city centre:
• Mariánské Square (Mariánské náměstí) in the Old Town.
5th-27th April 2025. Opening hours are daily 11:00-19:00
• Na Kampě Square (Na Kampě) by Charles Bridge in the Lesser Town.
5th-27th April 2025. Opening hours are daily 10:00-20:00.
• Havel's Market (Havelské tržiště) in between the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.
The only permanent market in the city centre adopts an Easter feel.
Most of April. Opening hours are daily 06:00-18:30.
Local Easter Markets near the city centre (aimed at Czech people, although everyone is welcome):
• Peace Square (Náměstí Míru) - 15 minutes walk from Wenceslas Square.
5th-21st April 2025. Opening hours are daily 10:00-19:00.
*Note: The dates of the main Easter Markets are fixed. The small markets may start a few days earlier - the exact dates will be finalised and posted here in mid-March 2025. | | | |
What are the Prague Easter Markets?
Easter markets (Velikonoční trhy) celebrate the arrival of spring in Czechia, and the Prague markets are the most impressive in the country. They brighten up the city, bringing locals and visitors together in an uplifting, historic setting. | |
Prague Easter Markets at night | |
The Prague Easter Markets consist of wooden huts decorated with the vibrant colours of spring, and stocked with local handicrafts and traditional Easter treats.
Among the wares on offer on the stalls are handmade ceramics, jewellery, glassware, embroidered lace, wooden toys, Easter decorations, candles, handcrafted blankets and tablecloths, hats and gloves, and puppets and dolls dressed in traditional costume.
The most common item, though, is Easter eggs. Made from the shells of hen eggs or wood, they are hand-painted in a variety of colours and festive designs. |
| | Surrounding the market huts in the squares are birch trees in blossom, with an abundance of colourful ribbons or flowers tied to their branches. | | Easter eggs and ribbons | |
While visitors should find some nice souvenirs to take home with them, to enhance their own Easter decorations or to use as gifts, the markets are about more than shopping.
All manner of hearty Czech cuisine and local drinks are available to sample, much of it prepared and cooked in front of you.
Food on offer includes: large hams roasted on spits (šunka); terribly unhealthy but wonderfully tasty barbecued sausages (klobása); flatbread topped with garlic, cheese and ketchup (langoš); chips (hranolky); smoked meat dumplings (knedlíky plněné uzeným masem); sweet dumplings (sladké knedlíky); pancakes and crêpes (palačinky); various local cheeses; and roasted chestnuts. |
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Trdelník baking | |
A variety of cakes and sweets are also offered on the stalls, such as spicy gingerbread (perníčky) and chimney cake (trdelník), a hot sweet pastry.
Trdelník is made from rolled dough that is wrapped around a stick, baked on an open fire, then topped with a sugar and walnut mix. It is delicious on its own, but you can also order it with chocolate spread inside, and/or filled with ice-cream.
A word of warning to parents: once a child has tasted trdelník, there is no going back - its comforting, sweet addictive nature means you will be pestered endlessly for another hit! |
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Easter Market's drinks hut | |
For drinks, you can sample famous Czech beers like Pilsner Urquell, Budvar and Staropramen (brewed in Prague). There is also cider and even a Champagne and sparkling wine stall.
Alternatively, opt for a hot drink: mulled wine (svařák or svařené víno); hot mead or honey wine (medovina); hot apple (jablíčko); punch (punč); hot chocolate (horká čokoláda); or grog - hot water, rum, lemon and sugar.
Outdoor shopping is so much nicer with a cup of mulled wine or a cold beer in hand! |
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Eco Markets | |
Chopping firewood | |
There is an emphasis on sourcing local produce and materials to lower the carbon footprint of the markets, and to support regional businesses.
Products sold on the stalls have mostly been made or grown in Czechia or the surrounding Central European countries.
Trees are felled in Czechia to make the wooden ornaments.
Glass, metals and textiles used to craft handmade wares are produced in nearby towns and villages.
Food and drink ingredients are sourced in Czechia: Czech meat is used in the sausages and hamburgers; the hams are from Czech pigs; the beer is exclusively Czech (of course!); and the red wine in the svařák is made from Moravian grapes. |
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Drinks are served in recycled cups made of rPET or in returnable cups - look out for the "Cup Collectors" strapped to the side of rubbish bins or return them to the "Cup Return Hut".
Plates, cutlery and straws are made of recycled materials or are biodegradable. | | Easter MUSIC & dance
On a stage at the Old Town Square, musicians, dance troupes and folk groups dressed in traditional costumes perform short routines every day from 4pm (sometimes earlier) to 7pm. | |
Music at the Old Town Square | |
The programme features a variety of performances, with an emphasis on Czech Easter music and festive dance routines.
Most performers are from Czechia, although some hail from elsewhere in Central Europe, and even further afield.
School choirs make several appearances, with children dressed in traditional costumes travelling from all over the country to perform.
Music from the stage is relayed via speakers throughout the market, enhancing the festive feel for all visitors. |
| | Wenceslas Square has a stage too, putting on its own Easter themed performances, but on a smaller scale. Here, performers appear Thursday to Sunday, from 4pm to 6pm.
Easter activities for Children
Children's Easter workshops are held at the Old Town Square every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm, either on the stage or in a wooden children's activities hut.
Helpers teach young children how to make traditional Czech Easter decorations: how to paint Easter eggs and flower pots, cut ribbons, make Easter chicks, and weave Easter baskets and whips. | |
Photo Opportunities | |
Observation Bridge, Old Town | |
The Observation Bridge (free to enter) at the Old Town Square is a terrific place from which to take photos of the Easter Markets. Climb the steps to the platform and take in the view.
For a higher vantage point, climb the Old Town Hall Tower (entrance fee applies). From the top, enjoy magnificent views over the Old Town Square and as far away as Prague Castle.
Street level photography is of course another option. Amongst the market stalls, you can take vivid, close up shots of the colourful wares, and of the food and drink being prepared. |
| | Weather in Prague at Easter
The weather in Prague is highly changeable at Easter. As it is springtime, visitors can expect long spells of warm, sunny weather interspersed with dull days and heavy showers.
Average temperatures are 9°C (48°F) in April, but most days it is far higher. Averages are dragged down by occasional cold spells, particularly in early April, when temperatures can drop to freezing at night.
At the other end of the scale, as April progresses, temperatures can rise to as high as 25°C (77°F). | |
Clothes to Wear
For sightseeing, entertainment and dining, most places in Prague welcome visitors dressed in casual attire. This also applies to classical concerts in churches.
However, visitors should dress for the occasion when attending a performance at one of the opera houses or grand concert halls, or when dining in high-end restaurants.
For general wear, be prepared for wide fluctuations in temperature and weather conditions (see above).
On fine weather days, visitors will find cool shirts, shorts, skirts and dresses most welcome. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hats too. In case of a cold snap or rain, to protect yourself against the elements, bring a warm fleece and a waterproof jacket or umbrella. | |
Wenceslas Square Markets | |
If you get caught out by the weather, there are shops that can help: department stores such as Marks & Spencer, shoe shops like Bata, and specialist outdoor clothing and footwear shops such as Rock Point.
Hats and umbrellas can also be purchased from market stalls and souvenir shops.
Prague is a wonderful city to explore on foot, so wear comfortable walking shoes or boots during the day. |
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MONEY at the markets
Cash: The majority of stall holders at the Easter markets prefer payment in cash. All stalls accept payment in Czech Crowns. A limited number also take Euros.
Cashless Payments: Pay by Mobile (via Google Pay and Apple Pay) and credit cards (including contactless cards) are accepted at a growing number of market stalls, but not all.
Find out more: Czech currency and money exchange in Prague. | |
Where to Stay in Prague
The best place to book a hotel in Prague is in the district of Prague 1, which is the city centre, and is where most of the sightseeing, entertainment and nightlife is located.
Prague 1 is also where the Easter Markets are held. | |
Hotels in Prague 1 | |
Prague 1 is compact and highly pedestrianised, and is itself split into several areas:
The two most popular areas to stay within Prague 1 are the Old Town, which has the Old Town Square at its heart, and the New Town, which has Wenceslas Square at its heart.
The third most popular area to stay within Prague 1 is the Lesser Town. This is a quieter area of Prague located across the river. The Old Town and New Town can be reached easily on foot from the Lesser Town by strolling across Charles Bridge. |
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All areas of Prague 1 are within easy walking distance of each other.
By staying in Prague 1, whenever you fancy dropping in to the Easter Markets, you can leave your hotel and be in the midst of the action in minutes:
Browse the stalls, soak up the atmosphere, grab a drink and a snack, then when you're ready to freshen up it's just a short walk back to base.
Furthermore, the main sights, tourist attractions, museums, theatres, concert halls, restaurants and shops will all be nearby. | |
Sightseeing AT Easter | |
Sightseeing in Prague is a wondrous experience all year round, with magnificent squares and cobbled back streets to explore, and awe-inspiring monuments to visit. Behind it all is a dramatic history waiting to be discovered. | |
See the sights in Prague | |
The colours of spring lend the city an even greater charm than usual, so be sure to allow enough time in your itinerary simply to wander and explore, and to stop off along the way to sample the local hospitality - there are many warm and welcoming pubs, bars and cafés in Prague.
Having said this, we do advise booking at least one Prague tour. There are fascinating historical tales wrapped up in the monuments, which only an expert guide can reveal. A professional local guide truly can bring the city to life for you.
The sights and attractions are open every day of the Easter season, except on Good Friday and Easter Monday. |
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River Cruises At Easter
The Vltava River flows through the heart of the city and many famous sights line its banks. This makes river cruises an ideal way to experience the unique ambience of Prague.
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Easter River Cruises | |
A boat trip is also the easiest way to see the sights: just sit back and relax with a drink, and take it all in!
Boats are either heated or air-conditioned depending on the weather, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience in all conditions.
The cruises range from sightseeing trips to lunch and dinner cruises with live music aboard a luxurious, ultra-modern boat.
River cruises run every day, including over the Easter weekend: river cruises at Easter.
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From walking tours to bus tours to river cruises, there are so many ways to uncover the wonder of Prague this Easter. | |
Entertainment in Prague
There is entertainment galore on offer throughout the time of the Easter markets in Prague, including traditional Czech nights and Medieval feasts, highly atmospheric classical concerts, and some beautiful opera productions.
Classical Concerts
We particularly recommend attending a classical concert. Performances are staged in grand concert halls, ornate opera houses and theatres, Baroque palaces and ancient churches. All the concerts are simply magical at this time of year. | | | |
The best concerts always sell out, so we advise booking tickets early - April Concerts. | |
Opera
The opera season is also in full swing at Easter, with spectacular productions staged at all three Prague opera houses: Prague State Opera, Estates Theatre and National Theatre. | |
Magic Flute at Estates Theatre | |
Three of Mozart's finest operas appear at the Estates Theatre in April: The Magic Flute, Le Nozze Di Figaro and Don Giovanni.
Other opera performances include Il Barbiere Di Siviglia (Rossini), Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci (Mascagni & Leoncavallo), The Bartered Bride (Smetana), Roméo et Juliette (Gounod), L'Elisir D'Amore (Donizetti) and Carmen (Bizet). |
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The best productions always sell out, so we advise booking tickets early - April Opera. |
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Black Light Theatre
If you are seeking a typically Czech experience, black light theatres in Prague put on shows that are highly visual. They can be enjoyed by all ages and nationalities April Theatre. | |
Czech nights & the Medieval TAVERN
For the best in local hospitality, consider the Traditional Czech Night and the Medieval Tavern. Both are 'all-inclusive' events. | |
other Easter events
Find out what's open in Prague throughout April 2025:
Easter events | |
PUBLIC TRANSPORT | Travel information
Public transport runs a good service every day throughout the time of the Easter markets, including over the Easter weekend. | |
Prague Public Transport | |
Old Town Square Easter markets
Metro station: Staroměstská (line A), Můstek (lines A & B), Namesti Republiky (line B)
Tram stop: Staroměstská (trams 1,2,13,17,18,25).
Wenceslas Square Easter markets
Metro station: Muzeum (lines A & C), Můstek (lines A & B)
Tram stop: Václavské namesti (trams 3,5,6,9,14,24,25).
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View the latest travel information for Prague:
Travel around Prague by public transport
Travel to Prague.
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ORIGINS OF THE Prague EASTER MARKETS
The origins of the Prague Easter markets can be traced back to the Late Middle Ages, when they were deeply tied to religious festivities. And despite the city's eventful history, overall they prospered right up to the Communist era.
Under communism,
in the 20th century, the markets suffered a dramatic demise. Religious aspects of Easter were banned and consumerism was frowned upon, meaning that Easter celebrations were officially limited to the welcoming of spring.
Following the liberalisation of the country in 1989, the Easter markets have enjoyed a renaissance. Today, local Czechs are joined by visitors from around the world, gathering in Prague to browse the colourful market stalls and to soak up the magical atmosphere. | | | |
WHAT'S ON AT EASTER (18th-21st April 2025) IN PRAGUE:
View our guide to spending Easter in Prague. | | | |
More Information
For an introduction to the city: Prague tourism information.
For practical information, including advice on currency exchange: Prague tourist information.
For travel information: Travel around Prague by public transport and Travel to Prague.
For an easy way to visit Prague, the Prague Package includes a hotel, Prague airport transfers, sightseeing and entertainment. |
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EASTER 2025 KEY DATES | |
EASTER MARKETS
Old Town Square & Wenceslas Square
05-27 April 2025
Daily 10:00-22:00 | |
SMALL & LOCAL MARKETS
Mariánské Square
05-27 April 2025
Daily 11:00-19:00
Na Kampě Square
05-27 April 2025
Daily 10:00-20:00
Peace Square
05-21 April 2025
Daily 10:00-19:00 | |
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EASTER 2025
18-21 April 2025 | |
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