Prague's farmers markets reopen for 2022 season

Prague's popular farmers markets typically have a break during the colder winter months, but have begun to reopen over the course of February. By next weekend, most of the farmers markets throughout the city will be fully operational.

The reopening of Prague farmers markets this month coincides with Masopust, the Czech version of carnival celebrations that takes place before the Christian Lent period. Masopust runs through Ash Wednesday, which falls on March 2 this year.

That means if you head out to Prague's farmers markets over the next two weeks, you'll have a chance to buy some Masopust goods such as delicacies from zabíjačka, a traditional Czech pig-slaughtering feast.

The Náplavka farmers market, on the New Town embankment by the Vltava river, is one of the most popular in Prague. It actually reopened earlier this month, but was closed this weekend due to nearby road construction that has transformed the embankment area into a temporary city street.

According to organizers, the Náplavka market is looking for an alternative location for next weekend, February 26. Otherwise, look for the Náplavka market to be back up and running as normal in mid-March. The market takes place on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and contains a wide variety of craft goods and food products from local sources.

The much-loved farmers market at náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad was scheduled to open earlier last week, but was delayed due to recent high winds in Prague. As of this weekend, however, it is fully operational, and runs from Wednesday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Heřmaňák market in Prague 7, located at Řezáčovo náměstí, reopened earlier this month and focuses on being eco-friendly: it encourages shoppers to bring their own bags and cups for drinks, or purchase reusable options. It operates on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., except for the last Saturday of each month.

The farmers market at Kubánské náměstí in Prague 10 also reopened earlier in February, and is currently open on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. From the first day of spring, it will also run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

As of this Friday, the Karlín farmers market by the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Prague 8 has officially resumed operation. Open Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the weekday hours may make it impractical for some, but it's a great choice for lunch if you happen to work in Prague's burgeoning business district.

The farmers market at Vítězné náměstí in Prague 6 will become one of the city's last big markets to reopen when it launches next weekend, February 26. The market has become one of Prague's most expansive in recent years, boasting nearly 100 stalls by the end of 2021. It operates on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

One additional farmers market takes a bit of a longer break than others in Prague. The farmers market at Tylovo náměstí, by I.P. Pavlova, traditionally runs from March through November, and is open daily from Mondays through Fridays; look for it to reopen later next month.