Shopping, Fashion

shopping_prague__1.jpgPrague was never going to be on a par with London or New York for shopping, but even though the centre of Prague is now full of new, shiny shopping malls full of international high street chains. But there are still some local shops worth searching out.

Where to Shop? The majority of shops are situated directly in the centre of Prague in Wenceslas Square, Národní třída, Vinohradská and Pařížská Street in close vicinity to the Old Town Square. Prague also has several big markets where you can buy practically everything and much cheaper.

shopping_prague__2.jpgWhat souvenir to buy? The Czech Republic is traditionally known worldwide for its production of glass and porcelain. These can make very nice gifts at reasonable prices. Other suggestions for what to buy include Czech handicrafts, ceramics, Czech garnets and antiques. Prague has dozens of antiquarian book shops that can yield some excellent finds. Many second-hand shops have interesting supplies of brooches, mirrors, brooches etc.

Visiting Shops

The mixture in Prague of top-end fashion, lower-end kitsch and unique market stalls appeals to virtually everyone. However, if you wish to purchase luxury clothes or electrical goods, you have a better chance of finding them at home for a cheaper price. For antique enthusiasts, Prague offers countless antiquarian book stores where you can find some excellent gems.

Glass-making industry in the Czech Republic

Glass in the Czech Republic enjoys a great reputation and is famous in every continent. It makes perfect jewellery and stunning decorations. Czech glass can be used for anything you can think of, but the substance is always the same.

Prague Airport has the Most Expensive Shops throughout Europe

Shops at Prague Airport Ruzyne have proved to be the most expensive in the comparative test carried out by the German automobile club ADAC, who compared prices in duty-free shops at 11 leading European airports. According to them, you can buy at the lowest prices at London Heathrow.

Czech Garnet

The blood-red garnet is the official Czech national gem, rated among the world's finest. The Czech garnet is a popular urban accessory, and is even considered as the best tourist purchase if you are jewellery-shopping in Prague. Garnets aren't necessarily deep red.

Green Fairy – Czech Absinthe

Absinthe has made a comeback in Prague as the spirit of choice of alternative trendsetters. It is very well known as the 'green fairy' liquor, due to its normal green colour. Absinthe is a powerful concoction (with 70% of alcohol), flavoured with wormwood, and once in the late 19th and early 20th centuries it was consumed in huge quantities across Europe.

Shopping for Clothes in Prague

Shopping for clothes is heavily discussed among female tourists to Prague and for a good reason: although several overseas retail outlets (Next, Mango, Mexx, Zara, H&M, Top Shop and Benetton) have appeared in Prague's ever-present shopping arcades, much of the items sold in mall shops are still expensive, badly made, and lagging behind the rest of the globe in fashion.

Book Shops, Literature

Prague has a rich literary heritage, including such names as, for example, Franz Kafka, the magic realism of Milan Kundera and the theatre of the absurd of its playwright-president, Václav Havel. Monuments related to Kafka can be found in Josefov, to Neruda in Lesser Town, and to Hašek in Zižkov district, while their legacy is preserved in the city's many bookshops and theatres.

Prague’s Famous Sweet Shops

The Legendary Prague Sweet Shop Mysak, Pauker's Delicatessen, Erhartova Café and Confectionery are best please to visit if you are after sweets.

Czech Glass and Czech Crystal

You'll find a lot of glass and crystal shops spread all around the city centre. The most popular place to start looking is around Wenceslas Square, Na Prikope and Celetna and close to the Charles Bridge.

Tax-free shopping in Prague

Non-EU visitors are eligible for tax-free shopping at selected shops and department stores in Prague. Look out for "Tax-Free Shopping" signs and you can save up to 14% Value Added Tax on purchases.

Shopping in Prague

Together with the opening up of the economy after the collapse of the communist regime the supply of all goods in Prague has been fundamentally extended. Recently, big western brands, luxury boutiques, fast-food brands like KFC and McDonalds are appearing all around the city. Most shopping malls and arcades are located in the centre of Prague in Wenceslas Square.