Traditions
The Meaning Behind the Czech Easter Tradition - Pomlázka
In the days leading up to Easter Monday, you’ll notice woven willow whips for sale at local markets—especially around Old Town Square. These are handmade from fresh, flexible branches, often decorated with brightly coloured ribbons added by girls.
On Easter Monday morning, boys (and men) visit homes of female friends and family, gently tapping them with the pomlázka while reciting a playful rhyme. While it might seem unusual at first, locals understand it as a symbolic gesture—wishing vitality, fertility, and renewal for the year ahead.
From a local perspective, it’s less about the act itself and more about community: shared laughter, homemade treats, and the reawakening of social life after winter.
Cultural picks
Opera & Ballet at the National Theatre
Opened in 1881 and rebuilt after a fire shortly after, the theatre became a powerful symbol of Czech national identity. Locals still see it not just as a performance venue, but as a statement of cultural pride.
Spring brings a particularly strong programme, and it’s worth booking ahead—even balcony seats offer a surprisingly intimate experience.
Recommended performances:
- Nabucco (April 2)
- Tosca (April 4)
- L’Histoire de Manon ballet (April 5)
A tip from locals: arrive early and take a short walk along the river beforehand—the view of the illuminated theatre reflected in the Vltava is part of the experience.
Art in the city
Explore exhibitions at Kunsthalle Praha
Set just below Prague Castle, Kunsthalle Praha is one of the city’s most exciting contemporary art spaces—and a place locals increasingly return to, not just visit once. The building itself tells a story. Originally a 1930s electrical substation, it has been thoughtfully transformed into a cultural hub that bridges Prague’s industrial past with its modern creative scene. Unlike the city’s grand historic museums, Kunsthalle feels intentionally open, calm, and current—a space designed for reflection rather than crowds.
Current Exhibitions (Spring 2026)
Sikau / Pubalova: All Things Digesting
This immersive exhibition explores transformation—both physical and emotional. Through sculptural installations and soft, organic forms, the artists create an almost dreamlike environment that invites you to move slowly through the space. There’s a strong connection to natural cycles—decay, renewal, and digestion—not just in a biological sense, but as a metaphor for how we process experiences. It’s the kind of exhibition locals tend to linger in, rather than rush through.
Mark Dion: Cabinet of Electrical Curiosities
Blending science, history, and art, Mark Dion’s work reimagines the classic “cabinet of curiosities” through a contemporary lens. Expect meticulously arranged objects—tools, instruments, specimens—that feel somewhere between a laboratory and a museum archive. The exhibition subtly questions how we collect, categorise, and assign meaning to knowledge. It’s visually striking, but also quietly thought-provoking.
Relaxation time
Wellness Above the Rooftops
At The Emblem Prague Hotel, wellness becomes part of the experience:
- Private rooftop jacuzzi sessions overlooking the city
- Premium treatments by CODAGE Paris & Pure Altitude
- 20% discount on spa treatments for hotel guests
A new signature experience coming this spring - The Emblematic Ritual.
Hidden gem
A Hidden Spot for Al Fresco Drinks
After your visit to the Kunsthalle, instead of heading uphill with the crowds, take a quieter route down towards Kampa and stop at Werichova vila Café.
Tucked beside the Čertovka canal, this café feels almost like a well-kept secret. Set within a historic villa once home to Czech actor and writer Jan Werich, it attracts a more local crowd—artists, students, and those simply looking to slow down. In spring, the terrace opens onto the water, with soft light filtering through the trees and the gentle sound of the canal in the background. It’s the kind of place where you order a glass of wine or a coffee and lose track of time. From a local perspective, this is Prague at its most understated—quiet, slightly nostalgic, and far removed from the busier Old Town energy, yet only a short walk from Kunsthalle.
For foodies
Prague Restaurant Week - a culinary festival that actually lasts a month!
From March 17 to April 22, Restaurant Week Prague offers a window into the city’s evolving food scene.
While Prague is often associated with traditional dishes like svíčková or goulash, a new generation of chefs is redefining Czech cuisine—focusing on seasonal ingredients, lighter techniques, and creative presentation. Locals use Restaurant Week as an excuse to revisit favourite spots or finally try somewhere new. Expect thoughtfully curated menus, excellent value, and a more relaxed atmosphere than peak tourist seasons.
