Karolina Sedlackova
Prague at Easter is quieter than Christmas but colorful in its own way. The two weeks before Easter Sunday transform the Old Town Square with a small Easter market, hand-painted eggs (kraslice), willow whips (pomlázka), and the smell of babovka cake from every bakery. This is the traveler’s guide to Prague at Easter — dates, traditions, what’s open, and what to do.
Prague Easter at a glance
- Easter market dates: Old Town Square runs roughly the 2 weeks before Easter Sunday through Easter Monday.
- Public holidays: Good Friday, Easter Monday. Most shops closed those two days; restaurants open.
- Weather: Highs 12-18°C, cool nights, occasional rain. See our Prague weather guide.
- Crowds: Moderate — busier than off-season, quieter than summer.
Czech Easter traditions
Kraslice — hand-painted eggs
Elaborately decorated eggs — usually chicken or duck — painted with wax-resist patterns in bold red, black, gold. Traditional gifts from girls to boys on Easter Monday. Beautiful souvenir; buy at the Easter market or at Manufaktura shops.
Pomlázka — the willow whip
Bundles of braided willow branches decorated with ribbons. On Easter Monday morning, boys and men gently “whip” women and girls (a symbolic gesture — not actual whipping) to keep them young and healthy through the year. In exchange they receive kraslice, sweets, and (for adult men) a shot of Slivovice. Sounds strange; genuinely charming in practice.
Beránek — Easter lamb cake
A lamb-shaped sponge cake dusted with sugar. Symbol of Easter; sold at every bakery in the two weeks before Easter.
Mazanec — Easter sweet bread
Round enriched bread with raisins and almonds. Similar to hot cross buns; served with butter for Easter Sunday brunch.
What to do in Prague at Easter
- Old Town Square Easter market — smaller than the Christmas version; kraslice, wooden crafts, pomlázka, hot food, mulled wine still available. Free.
- Havelské tržiště — daily open-air market amps up for Easter.
- Church services — Good Friday and Easter services in every major Prague church. St. Vitus Cathedral hosts high-baroque music.
- Concerts — Rudolfinum and Municipal House feature Easter-themed classical concerts.
- Manufaktura shops — Czech craft chain with authentic kraslice and Easter goods.
What’s open at Easter
- Good Friday (state holiday since 2016): Most shops closed. Restaurants and cafés open. Museums open. Public transport normal.
- Easter Sunday: Similar to a regular Sunday — most shops closed, restaurants open.
- Easter Monday (state holiday): Most shops closed. Restaurants and cafés open. Public transport reduced Sunday-schedule service.
Where to buy Easter souvenirs
- Old Town Square Easter market — traditional kraslice, wooden pomlázka.
- Manufaktura (multiple locations) — good-quality Czech craft goods; kraslice from ~150 CZK.
- Náplavka farmers market (Saturdays) — small hand-painted eggs from local artisans.
Easter travel gear
- Merrell Moab 3 shoes — cobblestones + spring rain.
- Osprey Daylite Plus daypack — for market hauls.
- Rick Steves Prague guidebook — has Easter walking suggestions.
FAQ
Is Prague good at Easter?
Yes — quieter than Christmas but atmospheric, with a proper Easter market and Czech traditions worth experiencing.
What is pomlázka?
A braided willow whip used in a Czech Easter Monday tradition. Girls and women receive gentle symbolic taps from boys in exchange for painted eggs.
Are shops open Easter Monday in Prague?
Most shops closed; restaurants, cafés, and tourist attractions open.
