Spring in Prague is a magical time, full of color, blossoming trees, positive energy, and new beginnings. If you’re planning a trip to Prague in April, you’ve made an excellent choice. The weather is pleasantly warm, nature is bursting with vibrant colors, and the city is waking up after winter. You’ll fall in love with strolling through the sunny, medieval and modern streets and houses, exploring incredible landmarks you won’t find anywhere else in the world, and savoring the flavorful delights of Czech cuisine. I’d love to share with you some of my personal tips on what to see and do in Prague in April. I won’t go over the typical must-see spots – those are well-known – but instead, I’ll highlight special experiences that are particularly remarkable in April or even more enchanting during this month than at any other time of the year.
First Signs of Spring in Prague: Things to Do in April
April is a beautifully warm spring month in Prague, with plenty of sunshine and the occasional shower or rain. While you might still encounter a few morning frosts, daytime temperatures typically range between 12 – 18°C (54 – 64°F), making it perfect for walking around the city.
Here’s a guide to places I recommend visiting in April, especially beyond the usual landmarks and popular attractions:
1. Have Fun at Matějská (St. Matthew’s Funfair) – Outdoor Amusement Park with Carousels and Rollercoasters
Matějská pouť is indeed a major event in Prague, recognized as the largest outdoor fair in Central Europe. It takes place at the Prague Exhibition Grounds (Výstaviště) in Stromovka Park, behind the Industrial Palace (Průmyslový palác). The fair features a wide variety of attractions: dozens of carousels, roller coasters, a large Ferris wheel, and skill games where visitors can win prizes. Additionally, there are numerous food stalls offering traditional Czech street food like grilled sausages, hot dogs, langos (fried dough), and a variety of sweets, including cotton candy.
One of the fair’s main draws is its five biggest adrenaline rides, which test the courage of even the bravest visitors. The fair usually runs until mid-April, so if you’re planning to visit Prague around that time, be sure to check it out before it closes for the season. 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.
2. Easter Markets
In April, Prague’s Easter markets are a highlight of the city, celebrating the most important Christian holiday – Easter. These markets, typically held for most of the month, follow the lunar cycle and can be found in key locations like Old Town Square. Here, you’ll find a many stalls offering traditional crafts, food, drinks, and Easter symbols such as pomlázka (a whip made from willow branches), painted eggs, and colorful decorations.
When visiting, be sure to taste festive Czech Easter treats like mazanec (sweet bread), vánočka (braided bread), and beránek (a lamb-shaped cake). These delicacies are often served alongside savory options like roasted ham, sausages, and cheeses. Many local bakeries also sell these Easter sweets, allowing you to bring them home. During this period, Prague’s restaurants offer special menus featuring lamb, roast goose, and other traditional Czech dishes, giving you a taste of the holiday spirit.
3. Celebrate Easter in Prague
Easter is the most important Christian holiday. Although most Czechs are largely non-religious, we still have a historical connection to Christianity. However, for many young people in Prague today, Christian faith, prayers, and church services don’t hold much personal significance. Despite this, we love celebrating Easter. In Prague, the main festivities you’ll notice take place on Easter Monday, from morning until noon. You’ll see boys and men dressed up, walking through the streets with a braided whip called a “pomlázka” and a wicker basket, going from house to house on a traditional “Easter visit.”
The custom, known as “šmigrust” or simply “pomlázka,” involves men playfully whipping women on the legs or backside with the pomlázka, sprinkling them with water, and singing short rhymes, carols, and songs. The symbolic whipping is believed to ensure that women stay beautiful, youthful, healthy, and fertile for the year ahead. In return, women thank the men with painted or dyed eggs, colorful ribbons to decorate the pomlázka, and sometimes a shot of alcohol, a kiss, or a bit of food.
In addition to these customs, Good Friday (Velký pátek) is marked by church services, processions, and Masses commemorating the crucifixion of Christ. One such service is held at St. Vitus Cathedral.
On Holy Saturday (Bílá sobota), the nighttime Easter Vigil takes place, which is a deeply symbolic service where people light candles in honor of Christ.
Easter Sunday (Boží hod Velikonoční), known as the Feast of the Resurrection, celebrates Jesus’ resurrection in churches and cathedrals throughout the city. If you’re in Prague, be sure to visit a church on Sunday, as it’s the biggest celebration of all, with special Masses and people singing hymns of praise.
The highlight of Easter Monday (Velikonoční pondělí) is the pomlázka, which I’ve already described.
Many residents of Prague leave the city for Easter, heading to the countryside to spend time with their families. This exodus usually begins on Thursday afternoon, with most people returning by Monday afternoon. You might think this would make the city feel emptier, but that’s not the case. A large number of tourists arrive in Prague specifically to celebrate Easter here, so the city remains bustling, almost as busy as during the peak tourist season.
4. Garden Openings – Wander Around and Watch the Gardens Bloom
At the end of March and the beginning of April, the gardens surrounding Prague Castle open up, having been closed throughout the winter. The main gardens that come to life in April and welcome visitors are the Wallenstein Garden, the Royal Garden of Prague Castle, Deer Moat, and the South Gardens, which include the Paradise Garden, Garden on the Ramparts, and Hartig Garden.
These gardens are among the most famous and beautiful in Prague. Some feature ponds with carp, fountains, statues, owls, peacocks, and stunning plants with magnificent blooms, including magnolias and other ornamental trees, as well as rose bushes. Many of these gardens have centuries of history, dating back to the 16th century, while others were designed by renowned architects like Josip Plečnik. Starting in April, a visit to these gardens is a must, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
5. Colorfull Blooming trees are everywhere
April is the perfect time to catch blooming trees in Prague – especially awesome are cherry blossoms on Petřín Hill and the pink magnolias scattered around the city – such as in Vojan Gardens and Wallenstein Garden. Those trees are simply stunning, and you can capture some truly beautiful photos there. Whether you’re a romantic couple, an influencer, or a family with children, these locations are ideal for capturing memorable photos beneath the gorgeous blooms.
6. Enjoy Fresh Eats at the Farmer’s Market on Náplavka by the Vltava River
The best farmer’s market in Prague is at Náplavka in Výtoň. You won’t find a better market in the city, which is why it’s always packed on Saturday mornings. They are only open on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. But we’re all used to it, and we enjoy the fantastic food and drinks right by the river. It’s like a social event where you can try amazing dishes, chat with friends, sit on the edge of the riverbank with your feet dangling over the water, and take in the view of the industrial arch of the Vyšehrad railway bridge or Prague Castle on the other side. I absolutely love this place and go there all the time – come see it for yourself!
7. Butterfly Exhibition at the Botanical Garden
Do you love watching beautiful, exotic butterflies with stunning patterns and colors on their wings? Starting around mid-April, you can see them in the large, industrial-style Fata Morgana greenhouse in Troja. There are thousands of butterflies, emerging from their chrysalises, and you can walk through the greenhouse as they freely flutter around you. Occasionally, one might even land on you, offering plenty of chances for gorgeous photos. It’s a magical experience and an absolute must-see if you’re in Prague during this time. Keep in mind, it gets crowded on weekends, and the greenhouse is closed on Mondays.
8. Be Part of Comic Con Prague
You’ve probably heard of Comic Con. The one in Czechia might not be as massive, but it’s still fantastic, and I love the vibe it brings. It’s a unique blend of Hollywood flair and Czech culture, with a nod to the legendary Barrandov Studios. You’ll get the chance to meet a variety of Czech and international actors, actresses, and stars. If you’re a fan of movies, TV series, or comics, be sure to mark the beginning of April in your calendar – this is one event you definitely won’t want to miss!
9. Dance and Enjoy Popular Czech Music at Majáles
Originally, Majáles was a student music festival celebrating university life in Prague. However, it has since evolved into a massive Czech and Slovak music festival for everyone. It’s a huge event for fans of mainstream Czech music, held in Letňany at the end of April. The festival showcases performances by many of the top Czech and Slovak music stars, including popular singers and bands. I absolutely love this amazing party – it’s perfect for young people and the young at heart, offering an energetic atmosphere and fantastic music.
10. Burn the Evil Witch at Walpurgis Night Pálení čarodějnic
Walpurgis Night, known locally as “čarodky“, is an old tradition rooted in the belief that people could protect themselves from evil witches by lighting fires and burning effigies of witches. While no Praguer believes in witches anymore, the tradition has evolved into a festive social event with music, food, drinks, and fun activities for children, culminating in the symbolic burning of a witch effigy.
It might seem curious to tourists, but it’s a beloved Czech custom. If you’re in Prague on the afternoon and evening of April 30th, I highly recommend experiencing Walpurgis Night celebrations. There will be several events across the city, including at Kampa, Ladronka, and other parks. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in local culture and enjoy a lively evening in Prague.