Prague's Easter Markets Are Back - But Prices Are Hard to Swallow

The Easter markets have returned to Prague, filling the city’s main squares with food stalls, live music, and clusters of tourists snapping photos under blooming trees.

While the markets remain a seasonal tradition for locals, many are finding them harder to enjoy — not because of the crowds, but because of the prices. What used to be an affordable afternoon out now feels more like a splurge, with even simple snacks reaching restaurant-level costs.

At Old Town Square, the offerings are familiar: roasted ham, trdelník, and langoš. But the price tags have shifted.

A small portion of Prague ham costs 129 CZK per 100 grams, and vendors rarely serve less than 300 grams. A basic langoš goes for 180 CZK. A trdelník costs 100 CZK plain, with versions filled with ice cream or Nutella selling for up to 160 CZK.

More international fare is also on offer this year, including grilled octopus at 289 CZK per 100 grams and yuzu lemonade at 120 CZK a glass.

Stalls along Wenceslas Square and Republic Square offer similarly steep prices, with burgers priced at 250 CZK, hot dogs at 200 CZK, and fries at 150 CZK. Green beer, a seasonal specialty, is poured for 89 CZK per 400 ml.

For many Czechs, especially those who remember more modest Easter markets, the experience has become harder to justify. A few snacks and drinks can quickly run into several hundred crowns, especially for families with children.

Even at smaller, less tourist-heavy spots like Náměstí Míru, the costs remain high. A fried cheese sandwich sells for 219 CZK. Potato pancakes and other traditional snacks are priced between 100 and 150 CZK. A langoš with pulled meat and toppings costs 180 CZK — prices that have surprised even regular marketgoers.

The market organizers defend the pricing, pointing to increased costs for ingredients, staff, and logistics. Vendors pay high fees for their spots and must contend with rising inflation and energy costs.

Still, the perception remains that these markets are now geared more toward tourists than locals.

Most of Prague’s Easter markets will continue through April 27, with the exception of Náměstí Míru, which closes on April 21.

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