The Czech Republic captivates visitors with its fairytale castles, medieval towns, and rich cultural heritage. From Prague's stunning architecture to the spa towns of Karlovy Vary and the natural beauty of Bohemian Switzerland, this Central European gem offers diverse experiences for every traveler.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Bohemian Crystal
Hand-cut crystal glassware and decorative pieces crafted in the Bohemian tradition. Moser, Riedel, and smaller workshops in the Karlovy Vary region produce world-famous pieces.
Price: $15-200
Where: Moser flagship store, Pařížská Street, or crystal shops in Karlovy Vary
Czech Becherovka Liqueur
Herb-infused bitters from Karlovy Vary made with a secret recipe of 20 herbs and spices. The flat green bottle is iconic and makes an excellent gift.
Price: $12-25
Where: Albert supermarkets, duty-free shops at Prague Airport, Jan Becher Museum shop in Karlovy Vary
Blue Onion Porcelain
Traditional Czech porcelain featuring the distinctive blue cobalt onion pattern, made by Bohemia Porcelain and Royal Dux. Hand-painted pieces are prized collectibles.
Price: $10-80
Where: Havelské tržiště Market, Manufaktura shops throughout Prague
Wooden Marionettes
Hand-carved wooden puppets in the Czech marionette tradition, ranging from simple figures to elaborate articulated characters with real fabric costumes.
Price: $10-150
Where: Puppet shops on Nerudova Street near Prague Castle, Havelák Market
Garnet Jewellery
Dark red Bohemian garnets set in gold or silver are a Czech specialty, with centuries of tradition in the Turnov region. Authentic pieces have a certification stamp.
Price: $30-500
Where: Turnov garnet shops, Granát Turnov boutiques in Prague
Kraslice Decorated Eggs
Intricately decorated Easter eggs using wax-resist batik or etching techniques. Hand-made by folk artisans in traditional floral and geometric patterns.
Price: $5-20
Where: Havelské tržiště Market, Easter and Christmas markets across Prague
Czech Absinthe & Spirits
Hill's Absinth from Czech Republic is one of the world's best-selling absinthes. Slivovitz plum brandy and various Moravian wines also make excellent take-home gifts.
Price: $15-40
Where: Alcohol bars and liquor stores, Wenceslas Square shops, duty-free
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Havelské tržiště (Havel's Market)
Prague's most famous open-air market operating since the 13th century in the heart of Old Town. Vendors sell fresh produce, Czech souvenirs, handmade crafts, and seasonal goods.
Where: Havelská, 110 00 Praha 1, Old Town
Hours: 8AM-6PM daily
Náplavka Farmers Market
Popular weekend market along the Vltava riverbank where local farmers, bakers, and producers sell fresh organic food, Czech cheeses, artisan bread, and seasonal treats. Lively atmosphere with food stalls and occasional live music.
Where: Rašínovo nábřeží, 128 00 Praha 2, along Vltava embankment
Hours: 8AM-2PM Saturday (April-December), 8AM-1PM Sunday
Pražská tržnice (Prague Market Holešovice)
Vast market complex in a former industrial warehouse district offering antiques, vintage clothing, arts and crafts, street food, and weekend flea markets. A favourite among locals for bargain hunting.
Where: Bubenské nábřeží 306, 170 00 Praha 7, Holešovice
Hours: 9AM-6PM daily
Jiřák Farmers Market
Neighbourhood farmers market on Vinohrady's main square offering fresh vegetables, local honey, homemade jams, Czech pastries, and organic meats. Popular with Prague residents rather than tourists.
Where: Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad, Prague 3, Vinohrady
Hours: 8AM-12PM Saturday
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Pařížská Street
Prague's most exclusive shopping street lined with international luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Prada, and Cartier. The Art Nouveau architecture makes it beautiful to walk even without shopping.
Best for: Luxury fashion, designer goods, fine jewellery
Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí)
The main commercial boulevard of Prague stretching 750 metres through New Town, with department stores, fashion chains, pharmacies, and souvenir shops. Also home to several shopping passages (pasáže) leading to smaller boutiques.
Best for: High street fashion, electronics, souvenirs
Nerudova Street
Cobblestoned street leading up to Prague Castle packed with art galleries, antique shops, and specialist boutiques. Look for Bohemian glass, wooden toys, and local art among the tourist shops.
Best for: Antiques, art, Bohemian glass, marionettes
Žižkov & Vinohrady
Residential neighbourhoods popular with locals offering independent boutiques, vintage clothing stores, concept stores, and neighbourhood pharmacies and bakeries without the tourist markup.
Best for: Vintage clothing, independent fashion, local food
Palladium Shopping Centre area (náměstí Republiky)
The area around Republic Square features Palladium mall, the Kotva department store, and numerous smaller shops. Well-connected by metro and a practical hub for everyday shopping.
Best for: Everyday shopping, fashion chains, electronics
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Palladium
The largest and most central shopping centre in Prague, located on Republic Square above a Roman military camp. Houses over 200 shops across five floors including Zara, H&M, Mango, electronics stores, and a large food court with diverse cuisine.
Hours: 9AM-9PM Monday-Saturday, 10AM-8PM Sunday
Westfield Chodov
Major suburban mall in Prague 4 with over 200 stores, a large hypermarket, multiplex cinema, and extensive food and beverage options. Popular with Prague families and easily reached by metro Line C to Chodov station.
Hours: 9AM-9PM daily
OC Nový Smíchov
Shopping centre on the former Smíchov slaughterhouse site with fashion chains, a large Albert Hypermarket, cinema, restaurants, and outdoor terraces. Very well connected by metro Line B to Anděl station.
Hours: 9AM-9PM daily
Galerie Harfa
Modern shopping and leisure complex in Prague 9 near O2 Arena, offering over 130 stores, an ice rink, cinema, bowling, and family entertainment. Easy metro access via Line B to Českomoravská.
Hours: 9AM-9PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is not customary in Czech shops, malls, or markets — fixed prices are standard and haggling may cause offence.
At flea markets like Holešovice or Kolbenova, light negotiation on antiques and second-hand items is acceptable if done politely.
Always check that souvenirs are labelled 'Made in Czech Republic' — many shops sell mass-produced goods from China.
Crystal, garnet, and porcelain shops often offer discounts for larger purchases; ask politely if buying multiple items.
Use credit cards widely accepted throughout Prague — Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere.
Dynamic currency conversion offered at checkout is usually unfavourable — always pay in Czech Koruna (CZK) when given the option.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Antiques over 100 years old require an export licence from the Czech Ministry of Culture before leaving the country. EU customs rules apply for goods taken to EU countries.
Tax Refund: Non-EU visitors can claim VAT refund (DPH) on purchases over 2,000 CZK from registered shops. Look for 'Tax Free Shopping' signs and collect forms at purchase; stamp at customs before departure from Prague Airport.
Duty Free: EU travellers have no limits on goods purchased within the Czech Republic. Non-EU visitors returning home should check their country's duty-free allowances, typically 1 litre spirits, 200 cigarettes.
Shipping: DHL, FedEx, and Czech Post (Česká pošta) all ship internationally. Fragile Bohemian crystal can be professionally packed and shipped by specialist shops — ask for this service when purchasing.