Shopping in Czech Republic
-
A
Passion Chocolat
This French-owned chocolate shop and bakery was an absolute sensation when it opened in 2007. Run by a husband and wife team – he makes the pastries – the secret is the use of high-quality Valrhona chocolate. They also do an assortment of cakes and pastries, including a highly recommended raspberry cream tart, croissants and a few quiches and sandwiches. Eat in or take away.
reviewed
-
B
Antikvita
This antique shop is a collector’s delight, crammed with cases and cabinets overflowing with vintage toys, model trains, dolls, coins, medals, jewellery, clocks, watches, militaria, postcards, porcelain figures, glassware and much more. If you have something to sell, Antikvita holds buying sessions on Wednesday and Thursday.
reviewed
-
C
Kanzelsberger
Housed in the tall, glass-fronted Lindt building at the foot of Wenceslas Square, Kanzelsberger has five floors of bookshelves, with a café on the 1st floor overlooking the square. You’ll probably want the top floor, where there’s a selection of books in English, German and French, plus hiking and city maps covering the whole of the Czech Republic.
reviewed
-
D
Kubista
Appropriately located in the Museum of Czech Cubism in Prague’s finest cubist building, this shop specialises in limited-edition reproductions of distinctive cubist furniture and ceramics, and designs by masters of the form such as Josef Gočár and Pavel Janák. It also has a few original pieces for serious collectors with serious cash to spend.
reviewed
-
E
Promod
French and other Continental readers, look away now; you'll be used to the delights this trendy young Gallic chain brings. However American, Asian, Australian, British and Latin American travellers find this Czech branch a boon. Its range of affordable, covetable, up-to-the-minute fashion and jewellery might also be disposable, but it's a nice change from H&M.
reviewed
-
F
Moser Glasswork Shop
The Moser company opened its first shop in Karlovy Vary in 1857 and by 1893 had established a glassworks in the town. Less than a decade later Moser became the official supplier to the Imperial Court of Franz Josef I, who obviously put in a good word with his friend, King Edward VII, as Moser also became the official supplier of glass to British royalty in 1907.
reviewed
-
G
Palác Knih Neo Luxor
Palác Knih Neo Luxor is Prague’s biggest bookshop – head for the basement to find a wide selection of fiction and nonfiction in English, German, French and Russian, including Czech authors in translation. You’ll also find internet access, a cafe and a good selection of international newspapers and magazines.
reviewed
-
H
Capriccio
Pick up the score for Mozart’s Don Giovanni or Dvořák’s New World Symphony at this eclectic sheet-music shop, and hum away to yourself at the in-store café (or try it out on the in-store piano). Or you might enjoy some country music favourites – how about learning ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ in Czech?
reviewed
-
I
Anagram
An excellent English-language bookshop, Anagram offers a vast range of fiction and nonfiction, with an especially good selection on European history, philosophy, religion, art and travel, as well as Czech works in translation and children’s books. Seek out the remainders section for some bargain new books as well as second-hand offerings on various topics.
reviewed
-
J
Bazar
There’s a vast selection of secondhand CDs, LPs and videos to browse through here, representing a wide range of genres. Czech and Western pop jostle with jazz, blues, heavy metal, country and world music, though with most LPs costing around 300Kč to 450Kč this place is not exactly what you’d call a bargain basement.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Belda Jewellery
Belda & Co is a long-established Czech firm dating from 1922. Nationalised in 1948, it was revived by the founder’s son and grandson, and continues to create gold and silver jewellery of a very high standard. Its range includes its own angular, contemporary designs, as well as reproductions based on art nouveau designs by Alfons Mucha.
reviewed
-
L
Slovanský Dům
Even if you're totally uninterested in its fashion stores (from streetwise Miss Sixty to upmarket Cerruti via preppy Tommy Hilfiger), Prague's leading mall is worth knowing for its restaurants, including Kogo, and its multiplex cinema. The complex was up for sale at the time of writing, but it's unlikely consumers will notice any difference.
reviewed
-
M
Dům Porcelánu
The 'House of Porcelain' is a kind of factory outlet for the best Czech porcelain makers, including Haas & Czjzek and Thun, both based in western Bohemia. The flatware, china, blue onion pattern porcelain and other items are priced to draw in local buyers – not tourists.
reviewed
-
N
Bohème
This boutique showcases the designs of Hana Stocklassa and her associates, with collections of knitwear, leather and suede clothes for women. Sweaters, turtlenecks, suede skirts, linen blouses, knit dresses and stretch denim suits seem to be the stock in trade, and there’s a range of jewellery to choose from as well.
reviewed
-
O
Big Ben
Big Ben is a small but well-stocked English-language bookshop, with shelves devoted to Czech and European history, books on Prague, travel (including Lonely Planet guides), science fiction, children’s books, poetry and all the latest fiction best sellers. There are also English-language newspapers and magazines at the counter.
reviewed
-
P
Orientální Koberce Palácka
The ‘Oriental Carpet Palace’ is a sumptuous showroom stocked with handmade carpets, rugs and wall hangings from Iran and other Central Asian states. The colourful pieces come in all sizes and prices and in intricate traditional designs, and the knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you make an informed purchase.
reviewed
-
Q
TEG
TEG (Timoure et Group) is the design team created by Alexandra Pavalová and Ivana Šafránková, two of Prague’s most respected fashion designers. This boutique showcases their quarterly collections, which feature a sharp, imaginative look that adds zest and sophistication to everyday, wearable clothes. There's a second branch near Národní třída.
reviewed
-
R
Bontonland
Supposedly the biggest music megastore in the Czech Republic, with pretty much everything including Western chart music, classical, jazz, dance and heavy metal, as well as an extensive collection of Czech pop. It also sells Blu-ray discs and DVDs, iPods and accessories, and has a large PlayStation arena and internet cafe.
reviewed
-
S
Havelská Market
Souvenirs have insinuated themselves among the fruit and veg of this formerly produce-only market. While the shops on either side of the street are selling entirely resistible tat, the market stalls are worth a quick browse for fresh honey or sweets, as well as colourfully painted eggs sold in the run-up to Easter.
reviewed
-
T
Pavla & Olga
Sisters Pavla and Olga Michalková originally worked in the film and TV industry before setting up their own fashion label, creating a unique collection of quirky and cute hats, clothes and accessories. Past customers have included Czech supermodel Tereza Maxová, Britpop band Blur and photographer Helmut Newton.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
U
Pavla & Olga
Sisters Pavla and Olga Michalková originally worked in the film and TV industry before setting up their own fashion label, creating a unique collection of quirky and cute hats, clothes and accessories. Past customers have included Czech supermodel Tereza Maxová, Britpop band Blur and photographer Helmut Newton.
reviewed
-
V
Karel Vávra
Handmade fiddles decorate the interior of this old-fashioned violin workshop where Karel and his assistants beaver away making and repairing these instruments in time-honoured fashion. Even if you are not in search of a custom-made violin, it’s worth a look just for the time-warp atmosphere.
reviewed
-
W
U České Orlice
'At the Bohemian Eagle' - the symbol of the Czech nation - houses a range of elegant traditional Czech jewellery, including lots of elaborate garnet and chunky amber, as well as more restrained pieces in gold and silver. Exquisite hand-painted porcelain and other objets d'art fill out the shop.
reviewed
-
X
Hunt-Kastner Artworks
This small gallery behind the Letná Gardens highlights some of the best up-and-coming Czech artists working in the visual arts, including painting, photography and video. The owners are enthusiastic and happy to talk about local art with walk-ins.
reviewed
-
Y
Mothercare
If you're travelling with a baby or toddler, you'll find pretty much everything you need to meet their non-edible demands in this bright and modern babycare shop on the first floor of the Mýslbek mall - toys, clothes, accessories and all manner of other goods for mother and child.
reviewed