In the 14th century, Havel Market was Prague's main trade artery and a center of traditional craftsmanship. Meat, vegetables, fruit, honey, and other provisions typical of markets were sold here.
Today, Havel has lost its former charm, taking on more of a cultural and historical character. Souvenirs have replaced meat and vegetables, and the multilingual conversations of tourists have replaced folk tales. Of course, you can still buy ordinary provisions, famous Bohemian crystal, and Czech alcoholic liqueurs here; however, Havel today is more of a tourist attraction than a meeting place for the average Prague resident and a provincial vendor.
Nevertheless, Havel is still loved by the locals. Here you can buy handmade trinkets and souvenirs from local craftsmen, spending plenty of time in pleasant, no-obligation bargaining over the goods.
Havel Market is open daily, and on the eve of Christmas it also dresses itself in a fairy-tale festive outfit. Candles and oil lamps placed along the market stalls create a truly unforgettable image of this ancient Prague market.
