Are shops open in Prague on Christmas Eve?

Shops in Prague are generally open on Christmas Eve (December 24) but only until around noon or 2:00 PM. By law, larger stores (>200 m 2 m 2 ) must close by midday, with many, such as Penny Market, staying closed entirely. Smaller shops, pharmacies, and stores at transit hubs may remain open longer.

Is everything closed on Christmas Eve in Prague?

Christmas Markets are open. Christmas Eve is the most festive day of the season in Prague. It is the only day when a significant number of businesses close or operate with limited hours. Only selected monuments and tourist attractions are open, and of those that are, all close early, between 2pm and 3pm.

Do Czech people celebrate Christmas on the 24th?

TRADITIONAL CZECH CHRISTMAS This is how a traditional Czech Christmas (České Vánoce) is celebrated. Czech traditional Christmas begins on December 24, which is called Štědrý den (Generous Day). It is now and not before that the Christmas tree is decorated, and a large dinner is prepared.

What not to do in Prague as a tourist?

As a tourist in Prague, avoid eating at Old Town Square restaurants, buying Russian Matryoshka dolls, exchanging money on the street for bad rates, getting scammed by "cannabis" cookies, and making a toast without eye contact. Also, don't forget your passport, stick only to central areas, ignore local customs like standing on the right on escalators, and be prepared for walking and crowds.
 

What days are Prague Christmas markets open?

The Prague Christmas Markets are open daily from 29 November 2025 to 6 January 2026, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The main Christmas markets are held at Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) and Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) in Prague's city centre.

WATCH BEFORE YOU VISIT PRAGUE CHRISTMAS MARKETS 2023 - Everything you need to know!

What to wear to Prague Christmas markets?

Dark, earthy tones like brown of deep green complement Prague's ambience. The Outfit: A pair of well-fitting trousers are great, but the most important part of your outfit is the classic knit sweater. Opting for a cosy knit in a classic Nordic pattern like a fair isle jumper is practical and stylish.

Is 100 Czech koruna a good tip?

In both Prague and the Czech Republic, it's standard practice to leave a tip, ideally 5% to 10% of the total bill, in restaurants and cafés. Locals usually round up the amount to the nearest 10 or 100 crowns. At the bottom of the receipt you'll see “service is not included”.

Where not to eat in Prague?

Don't Eat at Tourist-Trap Restaurants

Avoid eateries directly on the Old Town Square or along the main tourist streets unless you are okay paying premium prices. Instead, venture a few streets away to find authentic Czech cuisine at more reasonable prices.

Is it better to use cash or card in Prague?

If you have a debit card, use this, as the associated transaction fees are typically lower than those for credit cards. If a credit card is your only option, it is still preferable over other methods of exchange. 2. Use the ATM of a Czech or European bank, and if possible, use an ATM at an actual bank.

Where to have Christmas Eve dinner in Prague?

Celebrate Christmas Eve in one of Prague's most iconic settings — the magnificent Restaurace Obecní dům, located on Republic Square inside the world-famous Municipal House. Often hailed as the most beautiful Art Nouveau restaurant in the Czech Republic, this historic venue combines fine dining with timeless elegance.

What do Czech people eat on Christmas Eve?

Well, to make it clearer… the typical Czech Christmas meal on Christmas Eve is carp soup and fried carp served with potato salad. However, some Czechs buy these carps alive before Christmas and keep them in a bathtub at home.

How do Czech people say "merry Christmas"?

Holiday Greetings and Wishes in Czech. Veselé Vánoce! Merry Christmas!

Do places close on Christmas Eve?

Christmas is this week, and whether you are looking to do some last-minute shopping or grab a quick bite to eat, consumers will have plenty of options on Christmas Eve. Most grocery stores, restaurants, and national retailers will be open on Wednesday, Dec. 24, albeit mostly under adjusted hours.

What kind of beer should I drink in Prague?

The most popular Czech beers are Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen and Budweiser Budvar, but hundreds of other lagers and speciality beers are produced by independent breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs all over Czechia. In Prague, Czech beer is served almost everywhere, from small cafés and pubs to the opera houses.

What's the best way to get around Prague?

The main modes of public transport in the city centre are the Prague Metro and trams. Buses and trains transport passengers into the city from the outskirts of Prague, as well as from towns and cities across Czechia and Europe.

Is it rude not to tip in Prague?

General Tipping Culture in Prague. Tipping in Prague is a customary practice but not as rigidly defined as in some other countries. While tipping is appreciated in many situations, it's not always expected, and the amount largely depends on the quality of service and personal preference.

What is the must-eat food in Prague?

Must-try food in Prague: 12 yummy dishes to remember

• Trdelník. Enjoy a freshly made trdelník in the old town. ...
• Goulash. Learn how to cook a traditional Czech goulash. ...
• Grilované klobása. A must-eat snack in Prague: grilled sausages. ...
• Palačinky. ...
• Chlebíčky. ...
• Slivovitz. ...
• Svíčková with knedlicky. ...
• Czech beer with pickled cheese.

How much is 1 pound in Prague?

£ 1 GBP = Kč 28.0306 CZK

Last updated Monday, 19 January 2026 15:32. Rates shown are interbank rates. eurochange rates will differ.

Is 10% tip insulting?

Yes, in the U.S., a 10% tip is often considered low and potentially insulting for standard sit-down restaurant service, where 15-20% is the norm, but it can be acceptable for mediocre service or in regions where tipping culture differs (like parts of Europe). The perception depends heavily on location, service quality, and the type of establishment, with fine dining expecting more and takeaway sometimes expecting less, but a 10% tip generally signals dissatisfaction with service in America. 

How much does a Big Mac cost in Czech?

According to the most recently updated version of the index, a Big Mac costs CZK 109 in Czechia and USD 5.69 (CZK 136) in the U.S. When comparing this with the current exchange rate, this means that Czechia's currency is around 20 percent undervalued against the dollar.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for outfits?

The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.

What's worth buying in Prague?

Here are the 10 best things to buy in Prague to remember your trip and share a piece of the city with friends and family.

• Bohemian Glass (Czech Crystal) ...
• Czech Marionettes (Puppets) ...
• Czech Garnet Jewellery. ...
• Prague Chocolate and Sweets. ...
• Czech Tea and Teapots. ...
• Czech Wooden Toys. ...
• Czech Pottery and Ceramics. ...
• Czech Leather Goods.

What is the 5 outfit rule?

The "5 Outfit Rule" is a mindful shopping guideline: before buying a new clothing item, you must be able to instantly envision at least five different outfits you can create with it using clothes you already own, ensuring versatility, preventing impulse buys, reducing clutter, and building a more functional, long-lasting wardrobe. It's about maximizing wear and value from each purchase by focusing on mix-and-match potential for various occasions and seasons, rather than buying trendy items you'll only wear once.