Easter is a popular time to visit Prague. Spring is in the air, the Easter markets are going, and cheerful Easter decorations brighten up the city even when the weather is not quite warm and sunny yet. Prague is busy with tourists around Easter time, so plan your trip well in advance.
If you spend Easter in Prague, you probably won’t see the traditions that are still practiced in smaller Czech towns and villages, but you will be able to enjoy the largest Easter markets in the Czech Republic.
If you are thinking of coming to Prague for Easter, keep in mind that the weather at this time of year can be very unpredictable. It may still be quite wintry, or you may enjoy pleasant, sunny days. To get an idea of what to expect, please visit our Czech Spring Weather page. Then check the current weather forecast right before your trip.
Prague Easter Opening Times
Easter holidays in the Czech Republic fall on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Most museums, galleries, tourist attractions and restaurants in the center of Prague keep their normal opening hours. Stores outside of the center are usually closed. Banks and post offices are closed. Public transport runs on its Sunday schedule.
Prague Easter markets have their own opening hours.
Prague Easter Markets 2020
March 28 – April 19, 2020
Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) & Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí)
10 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily; food stands open daily until midnight
March 28 – April 13, 2020
Náměstí Míru (Peace Square)
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily
The annual Prague Easter markets (velikonoční trhy) are popular with both locals and foreign visitors who stream to Prague during the Easter holidays. The markets usually run for about three weeks, starting two weeks before Easter Sunday and stretching for one more week after Easter. They are open every day of the week.
The largest Prague Easter markets are those on the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Both town squares are full of stands decorated with colorful ribbons, birch tree twigs, flowers and beautifully painted Easter eggs. Birch trees that symbolize Easter and the spring adorn both town squares.
Besides enjoying the festive atmosphere, visitors of Prague Easter markets can buy traditional Easter items and decorations, crafts and gifts, and enjoy watching skilled Czech craftsmen and craftswomen make traditional Easter pomlázkas and paint Easter eggs that are then sold in the stands.
Refreshments
Food stands offer refreshments including old Czech specialties and traditional Easter foods that cannot be found at other times of the year.
Entertainment
From about 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily, visitors can also enjoy watching children’s choirs, dance groups, folk bands and other performances on Old Town Square.
Other Markets
In addition to the large Easter markets on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, smaller markets are often held in other locations around Prague.