Thing to do
National Theatre
See opera, ballet or drama in the gilded 1880s National Theatre on the Vltava embankment, a symbol of Czech national revival with English surtitles on many…
A Saturday morning farmers' market on the Vltava embankment, with more than 90 stalls selling Czech produce, cheese, bakery, street food, beer and coffee.
Good to know
The Náplavka is the stone embankment of the Vltava below Rašínovo nábřeží, between the Jirásek Bridge and the railway bridge. During the week it is a place for a riverside walk or a drink on one of the moored boats, but on Saturday mornings it turns into Prague's best known farmers' market. The market runs every Saturday from 08:00 to 14:00 for most of the year, from February to December, with winter markets depending on the weather.
More than 90 stalls set up along the river. Most are small Czech producers, so this is the place to taste and buy things you will not find in supermarkets: seasonal fruit and vegetables, mushrooms in autumn, goat, cow and sheep cheeses, smoked meats and sausages from family butchers, honey, eggs, bread and regional cakes and pastries. There are also stalls for beer, wine and cider, fruit juices, coffee and handmade goods such as ceramics and wooden toys. Plenty of vendors cook on the spot, and a fish grill and café add to the breakfast options, so many people simply come to eat.
The atmosphere is relaxed and local, with families, dogs and friends meeting for coffee as well as visitors. Arrive before about 10:00 for the best choice of produce and the shortest queues; by late morning the most popular stalls get busy. Bring cash as well as a card, since a few small stalls may prefer it, and a bag if you plan to buy food. The embankment is level and there are steps and ramps down from the street, though the cobbles can be uneven for pushchairs.
The setting is part of the appeal, with views across the river to Prague Castle and the Petřín hill. After the market you can continue along the embankment to the Dancing House, cross the river to the Smíchov side, or walk up to Vyšehrad, about 15 minutes south along the water. The market suits food lovers, families and anyone who wants a slower Saturday morning.
The nearest tram stops are Palackého náměstí and Výtoň, both on the embankment, and Karlovo náměstí metro station on line B is about ten minutes on foot. Check the market's own website for occasional cancellations, for example when works are taking place on the riverbank.
Every Saturday from 08:00 to 14:00, from February to December. Winter markets depend on the weather.
Fruit and vegetables, cheese, meat and sausages, bread and pastries, honey, beer, wine, coffee and handmade goods, plus cooked food.
On the Vltava embankment below Rašínovo nábřeží in the New Town, south of the Dancing House.
Before about 10:00 for the best choice and smaller crowds.
Take a tram to Palackého náměstí or Výtoň, or walk from Karlovo náměstí metro station on line B.
Yes. Many stalls cook food on the spot and there are coffee stands and a fish grill.
Occasionally, for example during works on the riverbank. The market's website posts notices.
The Dancing House, the riverside walk to Vyšehrad and views of Prague Castle across the river.
Café
A first-floor grand café on Národní třída open since 1902, with Viennese-style coffee, Czech classics, homemade cakes and a historic billiard hall.
Hotel
A five-star hotel on the Vltava beside Charles Bridge, joining four historic buildings, with the AVA Spa and the riverside CottoCrudo Italian restaurant.
Bar
A small cocktail bar inspired by Ernest Hemingway, known for classic cocktails, a large absinthe collection served the traditional way and fine rums.
Restaurant
A long, lively Old Town beer hall from the Ambiente group serving tank beer and well-made Czech pub classics such as fried cheese, schnitzel and sausages.