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Shopping in Prague

Prague's firmly established tourist popularity, coupled with a developed consumer economy, means that boutiques, speciality food and drinks stores and western luxury brand outlets are common sights around the city. You'll also find souvenir shops by the hundred, particularly in and around the Old Town, with a good number of quality specialist vendors among the knick-knack stores.

Key areas

You'll find a myriad of shops in the winding lanes surrounding Old Town Square selling ornate crystal and glassware, a Czech speciality and part of the Bohemian tradition. Moser, which has a store at Černá růže, Na Přikopĕ 853/12 is consistently talked about as one of the best outlets. If labels are your thing, Parizska Street is generally seen as the most elegant and exclusive shopping stretch in town. Other good buys here include high-quality garnets (the national gemstone) as those mined here are among the world's finest. There are also numerous antiquarian bookshops, and plenty of interesting independent art galleries dotted throughout the city.

Markets

Prague's spectacular annual Christmas Market, which occupies the Old Town Square for the whole of December, is internationally renowned (there's also one at Easter). During the rest of the year, the best market for handicrafts is the Havelské tržiště (literally "Havel's Market") held daily on Havelská Street, Prague 1. It also sells fresh produce.

Shopping centres

Prague’s main shopping hub is centred on the top end of Wenceslas Square, extending along to Na Přikopĕ. Here you’ll find several shopping gallerias in a half-mile radius; notably the Myslbek Shopping Gallery (tel: +420 224 239 545; https://myslbek.com/en), a modern multi-level covered arcade, which plays host to popular names such as Calvin Klein, Gant and TM Lewin.

Opening hours

Prague's centrally-located shops rely on tourist business, and most are open Monday to Saturday 0800-1900. Many shops open later than this, and at their discretion on Sundays.

Souvenirs

A major retailer of mass-produced keepsakes, Prague's gift shops also sell some appealing handmade crafts. If you're looking for something particular, such as the omnipresent wooden Czech puppets, it's worth trying a few shops to compare prices and quality. Czech garnets – also known as 'bohemian garnets' are sold widely as souvenirs; be wary of counterfeits. Bohemian glass and porcelain items remain the souvenirs for which the city is best known.

Tax information

Only non-EU members can claim a tax refund (up to 21%).

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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The location of this hotel in Prague is spot on, only a short walk from Námìstí Republiky, the Municipal House and the beginning of the Royal Road. Guests have access to a health club, pool, gym and sauna, as well as local tennis courts and a golf course. The rooms blend state-of-the-art facilities with comfortable furnishings and contemporary styling.

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Near to a metro station and a 20-minutes walk to the Old Town Square, this modern hotel offers great value for money with its 214 clean and bright rooms coming in five categories - double, premium king, twin, triple and family, all of which are generously proportioned and come with free Wi-Fi. This is also a comtemporary restaurant and bar.

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As you’d expect, Prague’s luxurious Four Seasons Hotel enjoys an unbeatable location, perched below Prague Castle and only a stone's throw from Charles Bridge. Everything here is as it should be at a Four Seasons. There are 19 suites, including the sumptuous Presidentia, furnishings are elegant and artwork original, and there’s a 24-hour concierge service, state-of-the-art gym and spa. The hotel also goes out of its way to create a child-friendly environment, with complimentary cots and a babysitting service.

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