hISTORY OF pRAGUE FARMER’S MARKETS
The history of modern farmers markets in Prague is relatively new. The first markets started to appear in Prague from around 2009.
From just a few stalls offering fresh vegetables, fruit, cheese and meats, most markets have now a selection of different stalls, including local crafts, and you can find practically everything you need for your weekly shop.
Each market has a slightly different feel, but all put emphasis on Czech producers, local food and traditional crafts. You’ll also find stalls with refreshments – street food and coffee stalls.
What to expect when you visit
the language
As these markets are aimed at local Prague residents and not necessarily at foreign visitors, you’ll find that most labels and price tags are in the Czech language.
Most younger stall holders will understand English, but pointing and hand gestures will also get you far so you don’t need to worry about not being able to buy what you like.
money & currency
It’s a good idea to bring with you plenty of change and Czech money (Czech crowns). Most stall holders won’t have a means of taking card payments, and they will probably not accept other currencies.
If you do forget to take cash will you, most markets are near shopping centres or underground stations, and there are always plenty of ATMs around to withdraw money from.
Packaging
Another tip is to bring your carrier bags with you as most market organisers are trying to minimise the use of plastics and encourage sellers to use paper bags and other more environmentally friendly packaging.
The farmers market on Rezacovo Square (Hermanak) was specifically established as the first farmers market in Prague where you need to bring your own bags, packaging and even a travel mug for your coffee. Don’t worry, if you forget, you can always buy some there.
What time to visit
It’s also worth to get to the market early in the day to get the best selection of fresh fruit, vegetables and bread. Czech people are used to getting up early, with most people’s work starting at 6 or 8 am, so even at the weekend people are out and about early.
So, if you want to beat the crowds, arrive at the beginning of the market time. Just because the official ending time is 2, 6 or 8 pm it doesn’t mean that the cheese man will still have your favourite ‘hermelin’!
Most markets will be open even on public holiday days, but it’s worth checking this in advance, just in case the organisers decide to move the day or skip the week.
I like to visit different markets depending on which day of the week it is (and where I happen to be at the time), but here is a list of my favourite farmer’s markets in Prague.
The best farmers markets in prague
Farmers Market ‘Naplavka’
Palackeho Namesti – Prague 2, the closest underground station is Karlovo Namesti
February – December
Every Saturday
8-2pm
This is one of the biggest farmer’s markets in Prague, currently around 90-100 stalls every Saturday. Apart from the usual fresh vegetables, fruit and organic meats you can also buy bread and cakes from various regions of the Czech Republic.
Farmer’s Market ‘Na Jiraku’
Jiriho z Podebrad (Underground Station or Tram) – Prague 3, Zizkov
February – December
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
8 am – 6 pm
A perfect excuse to visit the neighbouring area of Zizkov as well as the market itself. The market is very close to the Zizkov Transmitting Tower. On a clear day, it’s worth having a coffee in the tower to see the beautiful views of Prague.
There are also plenty of new independent coffee places, where the owners and staff know their coffee and it’s a joy to sit there and watch the world go by.
The market itself is big enough to supply you with all you need for a great weekend brunch. The stallholders have also given up plastic bags, in favour of paper and customers are encouraged to bring their bags and baskets to carry their goodies home.
My favourite stall is a family run bakery which produces healthy bread as well as gluten-free cakes and bread. I also pick up fresh eggs, courgettes and salads from a vegetable stall to make an omelette for lunch.
Farmers Markets ‘Kulatak’
Dejvicka Underground Station, Prague 6, Dejvice
March – December
Saturdays
8 am – 2 pm
The organisers are trying to give a chance to a newly established food businesses and startups. The focus is on seasonal produce, which is also complemented by stallholders from abroad.
Each market also has a children’s corner to entertain your little ones as you shop. You can also sample the local beer, wine from Moravia or other drinks without worrying about consuming alcohol in the public law.
Farmer’s Markets ‘Andel’
Andel Underground Station & Trams – Prague 5
April – November
Fridays
7 am – 7 pm
There are at least 50 stalls with seasonal produce just as you come out from the underground station. The market is surrounded by a modern shopping centre, and there is even a supermarket entrance on one side.
The market is often themed based on the time of the year. For example before Christmas the stalls offer fresh carps, festive bakes and decorations. At Easter, there are a lot of spring plants, colourfully painted eggs and Easter cakes such as Mazanec Sweet Bread.
None of that takes away from the hustle of the market, which just shows that locals and visitor alike love fresh produce and something a little bit different to try.
My favourite is a stall with Moravian cakes and ‘frgali’ (blueberry cakes), which are so delicious, that you can’t stop at just one! You need to get up early if you want to have the best choice of all the amazing bread and cakes on offer.
Farmers Markets ‘Tylak’
Tylovo Namesti
April – December
Monday – Friday (all week)
8 am – 8 pm
There are plenty of stalls, including fruit and vegetables, bread and pastries, meat, cheese and other local specialities. The market adds Saturdays during the high season, which has stalls that are themed depending on the season.
And here is a list of all the other major farmer’s markets in Prague:
Farmers Markets ‘Pankrac’
Pankrac Station – close to OC Arkady Pankrac
March – December
Wednesdays
8 am – 6 pm
Farmers Markets ‘Kuban’
Kubanske Square, Prague 10
March – November
Tuesdays and Thursdays – 9 am – 6 pm
Saturdays 9 am – 2 pm
Farmers Market ‘Hezmanak’
Rezacovo Square
January – December
Saturdays
9 am – 2 pm
Hermanak is one of the smaller farmer’s markets, but from visiting the other ones I found a completely different set of stall holders, which is great. There was a local bakery with beautifully looking cakes, vegetables, fruit stall, fresh eggs and a coffee cart in the middle of the square.
There are also other independent shops in the area, so it’s worth the visit if you are exploring this part of the town. Both Stromovka Park and Prague Trznice (Market Place) are nearby and about 15 minutes walk from the square.
Farmers Markets ‘Hradcanska’
Hradcanska Underground Station
April – December
Monday – Friday
8 am – 6 pm
Farmers Markets ‘Modrany’
Modrany
March – December
Monday – Friday
8 am – 6 pm
Farmers Markets ‘Haje’
Haje Underground Station
April – December
Mondays & Wednesdays
8 am – 8 pm
Farmers Markets ‘Slunecne Namesti’
Slunecne Square
April – December
Mondays
8 am – 6 pm
Farmers Markets ‘Sporilov’
Sporilov
March – December
Saturdays
8 am – 2 pm
