Prague

Prague: Shop 'til you drop

Prague Insider

Sorry folks, Prague isn't a shopper's paradise. However, if you're willing to walk the cobblestones it is possible to feed your shopaholic tendencies.

Antikvariáty

The word doesn't translate well, but basically they are used book shops that sell anything old and made of paper: books, prints, photos, drawings, stamps, etc. Lucky ones may find second-hand books in English. Wherever you are, pop into one if you have a couple of spare minutes. You never know what you might find — old Communist prints, photos taken in a surgeon's operating theatre (complete with body on the table) and excellent colourful children's books.

One of the better ones is Antikvariát Dlážděná v Růžové. Upon first entering, check the bargain boxes under the sales desk. You'll see tonnes of prints hanging on the walls and more stuffed away in drawers. There are even books — and a shelf with English ones. If you find yourself in Prague 7 on a rainy day, hit Antikvariát. Definitely in violation of a fire code, this disastrous mess is an excellent way to kill a couple hours. Boxes and magazines are piled everywhere, most still in boxes. Lots of English stuff if you have the patience to dig, including stamps, maps, drawings as well as a table with porcelain and other such weird stuff.

Marionettes

It's not difficult to find these strung-up puppets; they have a history in the Czech Republic and are offered in every tourist shop. These cheapo things are made for fun, but for a more artistic marionette, check Truhlář Marionety. This is a family-run biz — Pavel does the books, wife Karolina draws and paints the faces and Pavel's brother Daniel does the carving. More than 40 other designers also contribute puppets to their stock — all hand-carved with homemade outfits. The expressive faces and mastery of craftsmanship will amaze you.

Museum quality

Museum gift shops are often crap, but there are a couple in Prague that true shoppers should definitely have a browse around, even if the museum is uninteresting to you. The best in town is located in the Museum of Decorative Arts. Here you'll find fabulous Cubist jewelry, Art Nouveau calendars and notebooks and tons of art, fashion, design and architecture books, lots in English. And speaking of Cubism, hit the Museum of Czech Cubism gift shop for a look at some wonderful vases, furniture and other creative pieces.

Souvenirs

So you want to take something truly Czech home? Visit Manufaktura and Botanicus for a variety of Czech-made goods. Manufaktura's motto is "inspired by nature", and they offer a variety of wooden items, cornstalk dolls and lots of linens. Each bit is accompanied by a story of how it is made and its history in the Czech lands so you get a bit of knowledge at no extra charge. Botanicus is where to go for all-natural bath items like soaps, gels and lotions; as well as teas, honey and herb-influenced oils. Best bet here is their beer cosmetic line.

Fashion

Ooh, Czech fashion! No? It's not well-known, but Czech fashion designers are a dedicated bunch and do put out nice quality lines, which are often wearable. The best way to get a feel for the scene is to visit the Czech Fashion Centre. It's not a real place but a virtual marketing initiative by a bunch of designers whose studios are located near Old Town. Ivana Follová is probably the funkiest of the bunch; Klára Nademlýnská is the best for a fantastic dress and Boheme the classiest.

Fashion, Take 2

Not in the mood to haul a new outfit around? Try one of the designer Czech boutiques for a funky pin, unusual pair of earrings or other such accessory to pump up your style. Parazit is all Czech and they believe clothing is about expressing your personality. Check here for great purses and brooches. If your lobes are calling out for some new decoration Hard-de-Core is for you. The display cases immediately to your left upon entering have some of the best designs; including plexi prism earrings and industrial chic metal bracelets. For a little bit of everything hit Pour Pour stocked with pieces by young Czech artists.

Got any more shopping tips? Have your say using the comments form below.

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Shopping Praha Ceska republika Hlavni mesto Praha

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