If you are moving to or visiting the Czech Republic, understanding how grocery shopping works can save you time and money. From large supermarkets and hypermarkets to farmers’ markets, small convenience shops, and specialty stores, the country offers a variety of ways to buy food and everyday items. This guide will help you navigate the main types of grocery shopping in Czech Republic (in Prague and across the CZ), with practical tips on what to expect in each.
Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
These are the most common places for daily shopping. You can find fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and international products. Popular chains include:
- Albert
- Lidl
- Kaufland
- Tesco
- Billa
- Globus
Hypermarkets near shopping malls are good for large weekly shopping. Most Czechs buy groceries in supermarkets. Some people stay loyal to one chain, while others visit several stores to catch the best prices.
Farmers’ Markets for Everyday Shopping
Markets in Prague sell fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, local cheese, honey, and homemade pastries. Prices are usually higher than in supermarkets, and the “farmer” label is not always guaranteed.
For regular shopping, Prague has smaller farmers’ markets in residential areas. These are more convenient for buying fresh vegetables, fruits, and local produce.
Prague Farmers’ Market Schedule:
| Day | Market Locations |
| Monday | Holešovice Market Hall 22 (Prague 7), Farmers’ Market Holešovice, Sluneční náměstí (Prague 13, near Hůrka metro) |
| Tuesday | Farmers’ Market at Kubánské náměstí (Prague 10) |
| Wednesday | Farmers’ Market at Arkády Pankrác (Prague 4) |
| Thursday | Arkády Pankrác continues, plus Farmers’ Market at Tylovo náměstí (Prague 2) |
| Friday | Farmers’ Market on the Anděl pedestrian zone (Prague 5) |
| Saturday | Kulaťák Market (Dejvice, Prague 6) and Náplavka Market (Rašínovo nábřeží, Prague 2) |
Most markets run from 8:00 to 17:00 (sometimes listed as 9:00–17:00). The exact schedule can change slightly depending on the season.
Náplavka Market
One popular market in the center of Prague is Náplavka. It’s located along the Vltava embankment (“náplavka” in Czech). Visiting Náplavka is more for fun, and locals often treat it as an attraction. Here you can find street food from different regions of the Czech Republic or from abroad. Local wines, and products from small breweries are very common here.
Grocery Shopping in Czech Small Convenience Stores: Sometimes it is a Good Idea
Small corner shops are everywhere, often run by Vietnamese or Chinese families. They are open late and sometimes even on holidays, which makes them useful for emergencies.
Prices are higher and the selection is smaller, but they are open almost always. Locals call this type of shop “Večerka”, which means “Evening Shop” in Czech — a reference to late-night shopping.
Specialized Shops (Řeznictví, Bakeries, Cukrárny)
You can also find private specialty shops in malls or on the streets:
- Řeznictví (butcher shops): fresh meat, sausages, ham, ready-to-eat meat products.
- Pekárny (bakeries): chains like Kabát, Paul, or small local bakeries with bread, rolls, and pastries.
- Cukrárny (sweet shops): cakes, desserts, and coffee. Popular ones include “Ovocný Světozor” and “Gajek-Gajekova Cukrárna.”
These shops focus on quality and home-style products rather than cheap mass-market goods.
Online Grocery Shopping in Czech
Online shopping is growing fast. Rohlik.cz and Kosik.cz deliver groceries to your home. Delivery possible often within a few hours. They are popular in Prague, Brno, and other large cities. These shops offer several times more items than a regular supermarket.
Advantages:
- Save time by avoiding travel and queues.
- Choose a delivery time slot that suits you.
- Extra-fast delivery (within 60 minutes) is possible for an additional fee.
If you don’t have time to visit stores, online shopping is a great option.
Some words in the Czech language for easier shopping you can find here.
Thematic, Specialty and International Shops
Prague has many specialty stores: Italian delis, Russian shops, Asian supermarkets, and more. These are perfect if you want authentic ingredients for cooking international dishes.
If you’re looking for special products such as BIO, gluten-free, lactose-free, or vegan items, most supermarkets will have at least a small selection. However, if you want more variety, try grocery shopping in Czech in specialized stores. They are more common in larger cities.
Grocery Shopping in Czech: How to Pay
Payment depends on where you shop:
- Supermarkets, hypermarkets, and specialty shops: Almost all accept credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro) and also mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay).
- Farmers’ markets: Mostly cash only (Czech crowns). Some stands may accept cards, but it’s not guaranteed. Always carry some cash if you plan to visit markets.
- Small convenience stores (Večerka, Žabka): Cards are usually accepted, but for very small amounts cash may be preferred.
💡 Tip: If you pay in cash, use Czech crowns. Some large supermarkets accept euros, but only banknotes, with change given in CZK and at a worse exchange rate.
Alcohol and Cigarettes
- Alcohol and tobacco are sold in all supermarkets, convenience stores, and many small shops.
- Age restriction: The legal age to buy alcohol and cigarettes is 18 years. Cashiers may ask for an ID.
- Alcohol sales time: In most places, alcohol can be purchased during regular opening hours. Some cities (for example Brno) have restrictions on night alcohol sales in small shops after a certain hour, but supermarkets usually don’t have these limits.
- Specialty shops: For quality wine or spirits, many people prefer wine shops (vinotéka) or beer shops (pivotéka), which offer a wider selection than supermarkets.
