When visiting a new city, it’s important to know the operating hours of local shops and establishments. In Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, shop closing times can vary depending on the day of the week and the type of store. Let’s take a closer look at what time shops shut in Prague.
General Shop Closing Times
Most shops in Prague follow regular operating hours from Monday to Saturday. They typically open around 9:00 am and close around 6:00 pm. These hours are similar to those found in many other European cities.
Late-Night Shopping
If you find yourself in need of some last-minute shopping or prefer to browse when it’s less crowded, you’ll be pleased to know that some shops in Prague stay open later during weekdays. These extended hours are especially common for larger shopping centers or malls.
On Thursdays, many stores extend their closing time until around 8:00 pm. This allows locals and tourists alike to have more time for their shopping needs after work or sightseeing during the day.
Sunday Shopping
In Prague, Sunday is traditionally a day of rest and leisure for both locals and shopkeepers. As a result, the majority of shops are closed on Sundays.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. Some smaller convenience stores and specialty shops may choose to open on Sundays but with reduced operating hours. These stores often close earlier than usual, typically around 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm.
Exceptions for Tourist Areas
In popular tourist areas such as Old Town Square or Wenceslas Square, you may find shops that stay open later into the evening even on weekdays. Tourist-oriented businesses understand that travelers have different schedules and may want to shop or explore the city during the evening hours.
These shops often cater specifically to tourists and offer a range of souvenirs, local crafts, and other unique items. So if you’re in need of some retail therapy after dinner or an evening stroll, these areas are worth checking out!
Public Holidays
It’s also important to be aware of public holidays when planning your shopping activities in Prague. On public holidays, most shops will be closed for the day.
Public holidays in the Czech Republic include New Year’s Day (January 1st), Easter Monday (movable date), Labor Day (May 1st), Liberation Day (May 8th), Czech Statehood Day (September 28th), Independence Day (October 28th), Christmas Eve (December 24th after midday), Christmas Day (December 25th), and St. Stephen’s Day (December 26th).
Exceptions for Tourist Areas on Public Holidays
Similar to extended evening hours, some shops in tourist areas may choose to open on public holidays as well. This is particularly common during peak tourist seasons or major events.
If you’re planning a visit during a public holiday and want to do some shopping, it’s recommended to check in advance which stores will be open in the tourist areas you plan to visit.
In Conclusion
In Prague, most shops close around 6:00 pm from Monday to Saturday. Thursday evenings often have extended hours until around 8:00 pm. Sundays are generally considered days of rest with many shops closed for the day.
However, tourist areas may have different closing times and exceptions for late-night shopping and public holidays. It’s always wise to check ahead if you have specific shopping plans to ensure you make the most of your time in this beautiful city!