10 Things to Do in Prague in March
In March you can enjoy three main things in Prague: gastronomy, festivities and good weather.
Among the highlights of March is the FebioFest, an international and world-renowned film festival. You can also enjoy the Easter markets, which have a very pleasant atmosphere. Some gardens are already opening their gates and the nightlife starts to take off with the Zizkov night. In addition, and due to the noticeable improvement of the weather, you can take the opportunity to go on excursions to explore the surroundings of Prague.
1. Enjoy the best beer in Prague on Zizkov night
Zizkov Night is a festival held on the last weekend in March. The name refers to the area where the event takes place (Zizkov) and features theatres, cinemas, bars, Prague beer gardens, cafés and other venues for various comedy, music and short film programmes.
The idea of the festival is that for approximately 24 euros, the ticket price, you can have access for 3 nights to any establishment located in the area and enjoy most of the events. You can also buy separate tickets for specific shows.
And if you are a beer lover but your stay does not coincide with the Zizkov Night, you can't miss the beer tour in Prague, where you will taste unlimited beers.
2. Take a boat trip on the river and celebrate the beginning of the good weather
A scenic cruise around Prague is a must when you visit the Czech capital, but it's even more appealing when the freezing winter temperatures give way to milder weather with little chance of rain, as is the case at this time of year.
Prague's Vltava River is lively and there are often open-air festivals where you can sample the best of Czech folk food.
If this is not the case and it doesn't coincide with your stay in the Czech capital, you can always book a lunch cruise or a dinner cruise. Great!
3. Check out the best pubs at the Irish Music Festival
Despite the distance, there's plenty of Irish atmosphere in the city of Prague. What's more, an Irish-style music and dance festival is held in mid-March in various pubs around the city. The music and dance groups come from Ireland and the Czech Republic and include a variety of different styles of Irish music, from traditional to modern.
All of the Irish Music Festival concerts and performances take place in different Irish pubs in Prague, although the most prominent pub for this celebration is Caffrey's, known for its traditional folk performances.
If you're in Prague in March, you can't miss this musical and gastronomic event, and if lounging at the bar is your thing, you can't miss the Prague pub crawl. You'll love it!
4. Relax in the spa town of Karlovy Vary
Just two hours from Prague lies one of the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic. I am talking about Karlovy Vary, a place full of charm that you can easily reach by booking an excursion from Prague, to enjoy a relaxing day visiting a spa with sauna, whirlpool and steam bath.
However, you will not only find this relaxing bath, as there is a lot to see in Karlovy Vary.
The historical centre with the famous colonnades, symbols of the city, the thermal springs and the Vridlo fountain are some of the places not to be missed.
5. Visit Prague's Easter Markets
Easter is an important holiday in the Czech Republic, as it is in many Eastern European cultures. It usually falls in late March or early April; however, you can visit the Prague Easter Markets in the weeks leading up to the celebration and throughout March, where you will find traditionally painted Easter eggs (called kraslice in Czech) and souvenirs to buy.
Two of Prague's most popular Easter markets are located within 5 minutes of each other and both offer
- In the Old Town Square.
- Wenceslas Square.
In addition, during the month of March the whole city will be decorated with Easter paraphernalia. The Charles Bridge will be decorated with birch branches, ribbons and flowers, so I recommend you to visit it.
6. Take a stroll through the fashionable Dyzajn market.
The Dyzajn market is a kind of fair held in mid-March to welcome spring with art and style. At this market several designers take advantage of the popularity of the fair to exhibit their designs and offer some of their collections for sale.
Many of the locals take advantage of this transient market to purchase some limited production garments and look stylish throughout the spring season. Despite the limited production, prices are affordable.
Admission is completely free, and the market is open from 10am to 6pm.
7. Visit the St. Matthew's Fair
The St. Matthew's Fair (Matějská pouť) takes place in Výstaviště and is accessible from 10 AM, until 10 PM. Admission is free; however, each attraction has a different cost.
The St. Matthew's Fair opens at the end of February but runs throughout the month of March! At this fair you can visit over 120 rides, including roller coasters, fun houses, chain carousels and swings of varying heights, depending on how adventurous you are.
8. Young Bohemian Prague Festival
The Young Bohemian Prague Festival takes place at the end of March and lasts about three days.
It's an event for young people aged 8 to 26, with plenty of music, food, singing and dancing. There are different activities every day, so you won't get bored.
The location of the event varies from year to year, but it may be possible to get there by booking a place on the Prague sightseeing bus.
9. Don't forget Heřmaňák Fair
The Heřmaňák Fair is a seasonal fruit and vegetable market that is only open during the month of March, namely on Saturdays from 08:00 to 14:00.
However, it is so beautifully decorated and has so many delicious and varied products that it attracts locals and tourists who take advantage of the atmosphere to take photos before shopping. If you miss vegetarian food, this is the time!
10. Take a stroll through the Vojanovy Sady Gardens
During the month of March, most parks are not yet open to the public, with the exception of the Vojanovy Sady Gardens, one of the largest gardens in Prague, which is hidden behind the streets and walls of Mala Strana, just a three-minute walk from Charles Bridge.
So, during this time of year you will be privileged to see magnolia trees and a sea of daffodils. This is in stark contrast to most parts of Prague, where the aftermath of winter is still in full force.
In Vojanovy Sady peacocks strut and squawk for attention, climbing the magnolia trees to watch the locals from a distance. A wonderful place to escape the crowds and breathe in the smell of spring.
Weather in Prague in March
Although temperatures rise rapidly throughout the month of March, spring in Prague does not officially begin until 21 March, so it is not surprising that it is cold at the beginning of the month. The average high temperature is about 8°C, while the average low temperature is about 1°C.
The cloudiness continues during March, although precipitation decreases considerably. If it is very cold, then snow is possible, although the chances are still very low. On sunny days, I recommend taking a walk around the city in a light jacket or jumper - you'll see how pleasant it feels.
What to pack for a visit to Prague in March
When packing for your trip to Prague in March remember to pack jumpers and long-sleeved shirts, as the weather can change when you least expect it. A heavy jacket or coat is also a good idea, along with gloves and a hat, just in case (especially if you plan to go at the beginning of the month).
Prague's nightlife starts to take off in March, so pack some comfortable clothes for going out. There's something for everyone, from local bars to wild techno clubs, but you can also opt for something quieter and more cultural by booking a night tour of Prague.
Tips for travelling to Prague in March
Daylight saving time starts in the Czech Republic, and most of Europe, on the last Sunday in March, so don't forget to update your watch.
Since it's low season, many of the city's most popular attractions, such as Prague's Old Town and Prague Castle, will have few visitors. I recommend taking advantage of this to see the city's most important buildings and, for example, take a guided tour of Prague Castle
The week before Easter is considered spring break for most students throughout Europe, although not in the Czech Republic. However, Prague is a popular destination for many foreign students, so you may see price increases throughout the month. Book early!