Havelsky Market is a great place if your trip to Prague includes shopping. It is a common fact that not only places of interest creates the atmosphere, but its people and culture too. That’s why I recommend you to pay attention to Havelsky Market which is the oldest in the Czech capital.
History
First shopping stalls appeared here in the XIII century. In the XIV century in this street the Cathedral of St. Havel was built, later on the Market got the name Havelsky. In the Medieval period Havelsky market was a place where only fruits were sold. During the time it was extended and different food products appeared on sale.
Today the Market is famous for its souvenir gifts. You can find here everything that a tourist expects to see. Painted glazed ceramics, bohemian glass, wooden ware and toys, designer leather products, products, flowers, you name it.
It’s even a pleasure to dicker over prices for such interesting goods, because people sell their own stuff here.
Therefore, here you will have a unique chance to speak with locals, find out some specific things, get to know local news, gossips or even get new friends from Czechia.
Havelsky Market as it is
You can go to the market to buy food, souvenirs and get pleasant emotions. Local traders will be happy to chat with you or tell about the goods. Besides, the choice of souvenirs is one of the biggest in all Prague!
The market is not big and isn’t distinct in low prices, but the variety of fresh products is also impressive. Fruits and vegetables are always fresh and fully-ripened here. Pay attention to sweet goods: chocolate, cookies, cakes while they are really appetizing.
The most popular sweet things are oplatkas. It is delicate and scrunch Czech wafers with stuffing, made accordingly to the old traditional recipe.
You can pay both in CZK and Euro. More information about currency and exchange points here: Czech currency.
Prices
The interesting fact is that the prices vary depending on day of week. On weekdays it’s a food market and for the weekend mostly souvenir gifts are sold here. You may find some really friendly prices while some may not be very attractive. But the atmosphere of this historical place in the centre of Prague is inviting.
So grab your good mood, money and discover this juicy Havelsky Market!
- Read also What are the prices in Prague?
How to get
Havelsky Market is situated on the small pedestrian street between Wenceslas and Old Town squares, at the corner of Havelská and Melantrichova streets. The closest metro station is “Mustek”. Or you could get there by tram (3, 5, 6, 9, 14, 24, 41) to Václavské náměstí station.
Work hours
Such a market does not have days off, holidays or breaks. Havelsky Market works daily:
- Weekdays: from 6 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
- Saturday: from 7 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
- Sunday: from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hotels
This market is surrounded with numerous hotels of different budget and offer. But all of them will open to you amazing ancient architecture, because all of the buildings in this area are from XV-XVI century. Moreover, Havel’s market is situated right in the middle between Old Town Square and Vaclavak (Wenceslas Square). Check this variants:
