Prague has a timeless charm that captivates every visitor, myself included. I love wandering through its photogenic medieval streets, admiring the stunning old and new architecture, and absorbing its rich cultural history. There is always something new to explore and appreciate. While the city’s iconic landmarks remain a year-round treasure, each season brings its own special charm and impressions. In my guide, I’ll focus on the unique experiences and sights that Prague offers in March, helping you discover the best of the beginning of the spring season.
First Signs of Spring in Prague: Things to Do in March
Snow is practically a thing of the past in March – though you might still see a light dusting or, more commonly, a mix of rain and snow. Spring officially begins on March 21st and nature begins to awaken from its winter slumber. Temperatures are rising, so there’s a good chance you won’t need heavy winter coats, even in the cool mornings. The days last a full 12 hours, providing plenty of daylight and warm from sun for exploring the city.
Here’s a guide to places I recommend visiting in March, especially beyond the usual landmarks and popular attractions:
1. Have a Good Time at a Traditional Czech Masopust (Mardi gras)
Masopust is the Czech version of Carnival – the time leading up to Lent between Christmas and Easter – when people traditionally indulged in feasting, especially on meat, drank beer an alcohol, and celebrated with dances, pig slaughters (Zabíjačky), and weddings. It is truly a festival of food and fun.
Today, Masopust is typically celebrated in February (2026) or very early March (2025) (as it’s a movable feast tied to Easter). The festivities include lively markets, parades, and pig-slaughter feasts. Just like in the past, people enjoy plenty of meat and pork specialties, and drink beer and alcohol.
If you’re in Prague, make sure to experience Masopust celebration with a parade and taste traditional Czech food and drinks. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of old Czech Christian customs and traditions. Masopust festivals also feature a lively program for both children and adults, filled with traditional dances and music, shows of historical clothing, and demonstrations of old customs and crafts. It’s a wonderful opportunity to step back in time and experience Czech culture in a vibrant, hands-on way.
2. See the Traditional Pig Slaughter Event Zabíjačka or Zabíjačkové hody
One of the key traditions of Masopust used to be the “zabíjačka” – the slaughtering of a pig, which was common throughout the Czech Republic, especially during the colder months and before Christmas. Today, it has become more of a social event, with fewer people actually raising and butchering pigs at home, mostly in rural villages.
For visitors, you can still get a taste of this tradition by attending zabíjačka feasts (Zabíjačkové hody) held in town squares or at local restaurants, where you’ll find delicious pork specialties like sausages, jitrnice (liver sausages), jelita (blood sausages), and other freshly prepared meats. It’s a great way to experience a beloved aspect of Czech culture while enjoying some of the country’s finest culinary traditions.
3. Have Fun at St. Matthew’s Funfair – Outdoor Amusement Park with Carousels and Rollercoasters
I absolutely love Matějská! It’s the largest outdoor fair in Central Europe, packed with carousels, Ferris wheels, roller coasters, swing rides, bumper cars, pony rides, shooting galleries, cotton candy, sweets, and endless fun and thrills. It kicks off on February 24th, St. Matthew’s Day, and runs throughout March until mid-April. You’ll find it at the Výstaviště fairgrounds, just behind the Industrial Palace.
It’s especially busy on weekends, so expect some crowds. Ride prices usually range from 50 CZK (around 2 EUR) for children’s rides to 100 CZK (about 4 EUR) for most attractions, and up to 200 CZK (8 EUR) for the bigger, more intense rides.
4. Easter Markets
Throughout most of March, you can find Easter markets set up in Prague’s squares, celebrating the most important Christian holiday – Easter. The start of Easter and its markets doesn’t have a fixed date on the calendar, as it follows the lunar cycle, but they typically run for the majority of March.
The largest Easter market is held in Old Town Square, where you’ll discover numerous stalls offering refreshments, traditional food, drinks, and displays of crafts and artistic creations. Of course, the market wouldn’t be complete without Easter symbols like pomlázka (a traditional Czech whip made from willow branches), painted eggs, wooden toys, and colorful decorations.
Be sure to sample some of the festive Easter treats – mazanec (a sweet bread), vánočka (a braided bread), and beránek (a lamb-shaped cake), along with roasted ham, sausages, and a variety of cheeses. You can also find mazanec, vánočka, and beránek in local bakeries if you prefer to bring them home.
During Easter, many restaurants offer special holiday menus featuring lamb, stuffed chicken, meatloaf, or roast goose. Don’t miss the chance to taste how Czechs celebrate Easter with these delicious dishes.
5. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Green Beer
Around St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), all the Irish pubs in Prague are packed, and they serve up plenty of green beer (Zelené pivo). At first, it’s a fun celebration of beer and Irish culture, but as the green pints keep flowing, the atmosphere can start to get a little wild, and it might be better to enjoy the festivities earlier in the evening.
Take the opportunity to savor a glass of green beer or a pint of Guinness, enjoy traditional Irish music, and try some hearty Irish dishes. It’s a lively experience that brings a taste of Ireland to Prague for a night.
6. Early Spring Flowers Exhibitions
As spring arrives and flowers begin to bloom, Prague’s botanical gardens open their outdoor areas, offering a chance to wander through lovely gardens just coming to life after the winter. The first blossoms create a stunning display as nature wakes up. For those seeking beautiful plant photos, the Botanical Garden in Troja is a must-visit.
It’s an ideal location to capture the vibrant colors and natural charm of early spring, perfect for filling your Instagram feed with fresh, seasonal beauty.