What the locals are loving in Prague this spring, from farmers' markets to coffeehouses

Prague comes into its own in spring. As biting winds give way to pleasant breezes from the south, the Czech capital throws off its winter coat to reveal riverside parks, pavement cafes and bustling outdoor markets garlanded with all manner of budding and blossoming trees. Come May, the people of Prague are out in full force, with lovers traditionally climbing Petřín Hill on the first day of the month. The following weeks welcome a host of cultural events, from the annual Prague Spring classical concert series (12 May-4 June) to the Museum Nights Festival (15 May-13 June), when galleries, observatories and cultural institutions across the city will open their doors for an array of unique nighttime events. With all that to come, here are some of the best spots to experience the city like a resident Pražan.

Grab a coffee at Kolektor

Among the best of Prague’s new wave of specialist coffeeshops is Kolektor, in the Holešovice district. Baristas use beans from local roasteries to create the perfect brew, best paired with a koláč pastry, filled with quark cheese and seasonal fruit. On weekends, the minimalist space hosts DJ sets and cultural gatherings.

See striking art

Occupying a former factory in Holešovice, contemporary art institution Dox has a huge, zeppelin-like structure perched on its roof. The inside is equally bold, with art exhibits displayed against an industrial backdrop. The centre’s eclectic events programme spans music to TEDx talks.

Explore the riverbank

Every Saturday, dozens of stalls appear along the Rašínovo nábřeží stretch of the Vltava. Náplavka is the city’s most beloved farmers’ market and sells everything from artisan breads and farm cheeses to local and international street food. Further along the embankment are renovated vaults in the riverbank walls — peer into port-hole style windows to find cafes, art galleries and wine bars, many with outdoor seating. (A)void cafe serves homemade lemonade with a view of Prague Castle. Back at street level, grab a counter spot at Centraal. This small, celebrated newcomer is famous for its stacked chicken sandwiches and truffle fries.

Try a locally loved cuisine

Prague’s Vietnamese community — the Czech Republic’s third-largest ethnic minority — has been at the forefront of a culinary revolution. The Ta brothers run five ventures here and, last year, relocated their fine-dining restaurant, Taro, to larger premises inside Palác Dunaj, a constructivist building in the Old Town. Its intimate dining room is built around an open counter, where chefs plate dishes like beef top blade with shiitake. For dessert, green kem xoi (sticky rice ice-cream) is served in a polystyrene box, like those used by biking vendors in the chef’s grandparents’ hometown.

Watch the sunset at Riegrovy sady

This hillside park offers the best skyline views, especially at dusk, while stretches of grass and mature linden trees make it one of the best hangout spots when the sun’s out. Before joining the Praguers lolling on blankets, swing by the up-and-coming Vinohrady neighbourhood for supplies. BeerGeek on Vinohradská has the city’s biggest collection of bottled beers — more than 500 — while nearby espresso bar and bakery Kro sells sourdough sandwiches like beef tartare with kale remoulade.