Czechia’s autumn holidays: Shopping changes, free museums, and rare open houses

Autumn in Czechia brings with it three public holidays, and annual confusion about whether large stores stay open or need to close on each day. We break down exactly which national holidays force major shops and supermarkets’ closures, and show you the days you can continue to shop as normal.

We’ll also give you tips on free national institutions you can visit and normally inaccessible areas that become open to the public.

Czechia’s next national holiday is just days away. Sunday, Sept. 28, the country celebrates St. Wenceslas Day (also known as Czech Statehood Day). The day honors the memory of Saint Wenceslas (Václav), a Bohemian duke who was martyred and later declared a saint after miracles were attributed to him.

According to a law adopted in 2016, retail outlets larger than 200 square meters must remain closed on this holiday. Smaller convenience stores (such as Potraviny shops), may continue operating, allowing people to purchase basic groceries.

General stores (like Bauhaus or IKEA) also need to shut. Shopping centers are not legally obliged to close, but stores over the size limit will need to be shut.

However, it's worth remembering that closures do not apply to all stores. Pharmacies, gas stations, and shops at airports, railway stations (including Prague’s Hlavní nádraží), and hospitals are exempt. 

Delivery services are not covered by the law and should operate as normal. However, personal-shopper services that rely on sourcing items from supermarkets will be faced with limited suppliers.

Can you still dine out? Yes. Restaurants, cafes, and bars that are usually open on Sundays will also be open on the public holiday.

Exactly one month later, Oct. 28 ushers in Independent Czechoslovak State Day, which celebrates the creation of a new state following the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s breakup. Oct. 28 follows the same laws and rules as Sept. 28. 

In stark contrast, stores remain open on Nov. 17, the third public holiday in three months: Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day. If you’re curious, this date commemorates student demonstrations that triggered the Velvet Revolution and eventually ended communist rule.

The public holidays may bring with them the inconvenience of closed shops, but opened government buildings and palaces give people a chance to do something new.

On Sept. 28, the Ministry of Culture holds a free Open Day at Nostitz Palace, with the country’s Ministry of Finance building and the Straka Academy (the government’s official seat in a Neo-Baroque building) also open to everyone. 

Oct. 28 gives you the chance to see more public institutions for free: the National Museum, National Gallery, Straka Academy, and the Senate of the Czech Parliament are some examples.

On Nov. 17. you can also visit the buildings of the National Museum and National Gallery for free. The Hrzánský Palace also opens it doors. Read more here.