Havelska Street and Market, Prague
As the sole remaining marketplace in the Old Town, Havelská has a rich history dating back to 1232, serving as a vestige of the once expansive medieval market that once sprawled across the area now occupied by Ovocný Trh ("Fruit Market"). Originally bustling with furriers, drapers, and various craftsmen's shops, the market stretched all the way to Rytířská Street, parallel to the current Havelská Street.
Stretching about 250 meters, Havelská Street emerged in the 13th century alongside Saint Gall's (Havel's) Quarter, a significant sector of the Old Town. While most of the arcaded houses that once lined the quarter's northern flank have undergone reconstruction, some, particularly those located between Melantrichova Street and Uhelný trh, still retain their original architectural character.
Today, Havelské Market occupies a prime position on the pedestrian route connecting Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square, just a brief stroll from either destination. Operating daily, it is rightfully acclaimed as one of Prague's most picturesque spots. The market offers a diverse array of fresh produce, while weekends see the addition of various tourist-oriented goods. Visitors will also find a selection of flowers, arts and crafts, leather items, wooden toys, ceramics, and other authentic mementos. While the surrounding shops may offer typical souvenirs, the market stalls offer a treasure trove of unique gifts, ranging from fresh honey to delectable sweets.
Stretching about 250 meters, Havelská Street emerged in the 13th century alongside Saint Gall's (Havel's) Quarter, a significant sector of the Old Town. While most of the arcaded houses that once lined the quarter's northern flank have undergone reconstruction, some, particularly those located between Melantrichova Street and Uhelný trh, still retain their original architectural character.
Today, Havelské Market occupies a prime position on the pedestrian route connecting Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square, just a brief stroll from either destination. Operating daily, it is rightfully acclaimed as one of Prague's most picturesque spots. The market offers a diverse array of fresh produce, while weekends see the addition of various tourist-oriented goods. Visitors will also find a selection of flowers, arts and crafts, leather items, wooden toys, ceramics, and other authentic mementos. While the surrounding shops may offer typical souvenirs, the market stalls offer a treasure trove of unique gifts, ranging from fresh honey to delectable sweets.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Havelska Street and Market on Map
Sight Name: Havelska Street and Market
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Prague, Czech Republic
Create Your Own Walk in Prague
Creating your own self-guided walk in Prague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
New Town Walking Tour
The youngest (founded in 1348) and the largest (three times the size of the Old Town), the New Town (or Nove Mesto) of Prague is one of the five originally independent townships that today form the historic center of the Czech capital. This vibrant district offers a mix of historical charm and modern amenities and is traditionally dense with tourists.
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Prague Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is home to a wealth of attractions, including more than ten major museums, numerous theatres, galleries, and plethora of historic sights.
The Czech name Praha derives from an old Slavic word práh, which means "ford" or "rapid", referring to the city's origin at a crossing point of the Vltava river. The legendary... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The Czech name Praha derives from an old Slavic word práh, which means "ford" or "rapid", referring to the city's origin at a crossing point of the Vltava river. The legendary... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
The Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov, is a part of the Old Town (Staré Město) of Prague.
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Old Town Souvenir Shopping
Strolling through the Old Town of Prague, souvenir shopping becomes a delightful adventure. Indeed, it would be a pity to leave Prague without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original and unique to the city.
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
The Staré Město (Old Town) of Prague is a former medieval settlement that is now a lively cobblestoned hub with landmark attractions.
The area was once separated from the outside world by a semi-circular moat and a wall, hugged by the Vltava river. The moat is now covered up by streets, which form the official boundary of the Old Town. One of them, called Na Příkopě (literally “On the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The area was once separated from the outside world by a semi-circular moat and a wall, hugged by the Vltava river. The moat is now covered up by streets, which form the official boundary of the Old Town. One of them, called Na Příkopě (literally “On the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Lesser Town Walking Tour
Mala Strana (or "Lesser Town") is a district in Prague situated on the left bank of the Vltava River. Renowned for its architectural beauty, this is one of the capital's most historically significant neighborhoods. Back in the Middle Ages, it was predominantly populated by ethnic Germans and, in later years, despite the prevalence of Baroque in its architecture, largely retained its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Prague Shopping: 15 Distinctively Czech Products to Bring Home
Previously known mainly for its beer and ice-hockey (both for a very good reason), today's Czech Republic - and, primarily, its capital city Prague - is seen among the top European tourist destinations emerged following the breakup of the Soviet Bloc. A shooting ground for some Hollywood...
Czech Sweets and Pastries
Once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Czechs have duly absorbed the dessert-making know-how of their Austrian neighbors to complement their own confectionery heritage deeply rooted in the Eastern European, Slavic tradition. The end result of such cultural blend is the abundance of pastries,...