Supermarkets in Czech Republic are the most popular places to shop. The country has several international chains, such as Albert, Billa, Lidl, Globus, and Kaufland. There is also a well-known Czech chain, Penny, which focuses on local products. Each one has its own advantages, which I will explain in this article.
Albert for Medium Price
Albert is one of the largest chains. It has small city shops and big hypermarkets.
- Price level: medium
- Products: mix of local and international items, fresh bakery (many products are baked in the shop), fruits, vegetables, ready-to-eat meals
- Unique features: loyalty program (in app), discount promotions, some imported goods
Of all the supermarkets in the Czech Republic, this one is a well-balanced choice for everyday shopping
Lidl Offer Low to Medium Prices
Lidl is popular for its low prices and good quality.
- Price level: low to medium
- Products: private-label brands, bakery, fruits, vegetables, meat, seasonal items
- Unique features: weekly “theme weeks” with international products, app with additional discounts.
Lidl has fewer Czech specialties and more universal products. Locals like this shop because new discounts and items appear three times per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday–Sunday). If you enjoy trying something new every week, Lidl is the best choice among all supermarkets in the Czech Republic.
Tesco for Familiar or International Products
Tesco has small stores (Tesco Express) and large hypermarkets.
- Price level: medium
- Products: groceries, clothing, electronics, household goods, international products
- Unique features: online shopping and delivery, app with additional discounts
From all supermarkets in Czech Republic Tesco feels very international, good for expats who want familiar products. Tesco hypermarkets also have a big section for clothing (mass market) and household goods (without electronics). Another option is “click and collect”: online ordering with pick-up at special points, without delivery.
Billa for Premium Feel and an Organic Items
Billa is an Austrian chain with focus on quality.
- Price level: medium to high
- Products: fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, bakery, organic items
- Unique features: premium feel, Austrian/German style, good wine, strong fresh produce
Of all the supermarkets in the Czech Republic, this one is great for finding specialties, delicious items, and high-quality ingredients.
Supermarkets in Czech Republic for Family Shopping: Kaufland
Kaufland stores are very large, good for big weekly or monthly shopping.
- Price level: medium
- Products: groceries, clothing, electronics, toys, seasonal goods
- Unique features: huge choice, large parking, long opening hours
Czechs like to shop at Kaufland because of the wide selection. A regular Kaufland in Prague offers about 18,000 items.
Penny Market – Supermarkets in Czech Republic with Locals Items
Penny is a relatively young and smaller chain with good prices.
- Price level: low
- Products: groceries, fruits, vegetables, private-label brands
- Unique features: focus on local Czech producers, also sells imported goods
Small stores, basic but friendly. If you want to find local products, go to Penny.
Globus – Huge Stores and a Big Choice
Globus is less common in city centers, found near highways and shopping zones.
- Price level: medium
- Products: groceries, household goods, electronics, clothing, bakery, meat
- Unique features: famous for quality meat and bakery. Stores are huge, like shopping destinations
Globus supermarkets combine groceries, clothing, and household goods, with a big section for electronics. One of the advantages is high-quality meat and self-made meat products. Globus also offers its own bakery, pastry shop, cafeteria, and restaurant with meals prepared from store products.
Žabka – Quick Shopping Nearby
Žabka is a small convenience chain, mostly in city centers and residential areas.
- Price level: medium to high
- Products: basic groceries, snacks, drinks, fresh bakery, ready-to-eat food
- Unique features: long opening hours, often until late evening, located in easily accessible places
Žabka is useful for quick shopping or when supermarkets are closed, but prices are higher and choice is smaller.
List of products names in the Czech language you will find here.
Quick Comparison of Czech Supermarkets
| Supermarket | Price Level | Best For | Focus / Specialty | Online Shopping |
| Albert | Medium | Everyday shopping | Balanced mix of local & international products | No |
| Lidl | Low–Medium | Cheap, quick shopping | Universal assortment, weekly “theme weeks” | No |
| Tesco | Medium | International variety | Groceries + clothing & household goods | Yes |
| Billa | Medium–High | Quality fresh products | Austrian/German style, premium feel, good wine | Yes |
| Kaufland | Medium | Big family shopping | Huge assortment, bulk buying | No |
| Penny | Low | Budget shopping | Local producers focus, plus imported goods | No |
| Globus | Medium | Quality bakery & meat | Large stores, “shopping destination” feel | No |
How to Pay in Supermarkets in Czech Republic
Paying in Czech supermarkets is simple and convenient. Almost every store accepts both cash (Czech crowns / CZK) and bank cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro). Contactless payment by card or mobile phone (Apple Pay, Google Pay) is very common and widely used.
Some important details to know:
- Cash: Always in Czech crowns (CZK) for full compatibility. ATMs are usually near supermarkets if you need to withdraw.
- Euros: Some chains (for example Lidl and Kaufland, and sometimes other large stores) accept euro banknotes, but with a few caveats: they usually accept banknotes only (not coins), any change will be given in CZK, and the exchange rate used by the shop is often less favorable than bank/card rates. It’s useful for tourists in a pinch, but not the best option for large purchases.
- Cards: Accepted in nearly all supermarkets, including Penny and Lidl (which were more cash-oriented in the past).
- Mobile pay: Works in most supermarkets and is widely used by locals.
- Self-checkout: Many larger stores (Albert, Tesco, Kaufland, Lidl) have self-checkout machines where you can scan and pay yourself.
- Bags: Plastic or paper bags are not free. Bring your own shopping bag, or buy one at the checkout.
