The Czech Republic is very famous for its long tradition in glass making, Czech crystal is something absolutely world unique. Also, jewelry, especially Czech garnets, is a very popular gift from the Czech Republic. But there are also other original and less known things you can bring back home as great souvenirs from Prague.
My name is Dana and I am a licenced Prague guide designing original (less touristy) tours of Prague downtown. With my services I strive to support sustainable and responsible tourism in Prague. No mass tourism. Besides guiding, I am also blogging about my hometown. Especially about all the less known things related to Prague tourism. Today about souvenirs and gifts from Prague.
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You can skip this if you are a fridge magnet person
I´ve traveled a lot myself and never been a âfridge magnetâ person. I always wanted to bring back home something authentic or unusual. Something what locals consider to be great. Not what souvenir shop owners think we should buy.
So, the first thing you need to do before your “souvenir hunt” in Prague, is to avoid the touristy places full of “I love Prague” T-shirts and fake absinthe bottles. Done? Welcome back to the real world. This is my personal shopping guide for what is worth buying while in Prague. With the Made in the Czech Republic label!
1. Net bags: did you know they are originally from the Czechoslovakia?
Really! Net bag was invented in Czechoslovakia in 1926. By Mr. VavĹĂn KrÄil, who had a successful business with hair nets (fine nets worn over long hair to hold it in place during sleeping), which he even exported abroad. However, later short hair came into fashion and he basically didn´t have enough customers. So, he got the idea to attach two handles to his hair nets and voilĂĄ, the very first net bag was born.
Now, when single use plastic bags are completely out of fashion, net bags are extremely popular again. Get your first one in Prague. Practical, light, uncreasable and affordable souvenir from Prague.
Price: approximately 250 to 400 CZK for an authentic Czech net bag, which is hand-made and available at Prague Castle. To find it, stroll behind the Cathedral to St. George Square (where youâll spot a Starbucks), and near the entrance, thereâs a little gift shop. You’ll find the bags conveniently located next to the cash machine, and they are offered at excellent prices! Alternatively, you can also order them online at Netty.
2. RybiÄka: Cute Czech pocket knife every Czech has at home
RybiÄka (“little fish”) is a cute pocket knife with a handle shaped like a fish. We all had one when we were kids. Not for defense or fights but for cutting things like branches, mushrooms, fruit, veggies or to spread butter over bread when camping. This is an absolutely cult Czech thing even nowadays. Like Swiss army knifes in Switzerland. The difference between these two knifes is that our RybiÄka only has two functions: to cut and to be cute.
Price: ca 180 CZK (7 euro). Where to buy it? The best location downtown is DIY shop Kutil Florenc, SokolskĂĄ 7, Prague 8. Or a shop close to Charles Bridge called U Mostu Souvenir Shop.
3. Alpa: healing souvenir from a pharmacy
Alpa is a beloved Czech product with a century-old tradition. This natural herbal embrocation is one I personally rely on whenever my legs feel tired after long days of guiding. The formula consists of an alcoholic solution infused with essential oils, volatile oils, aromatic substances, 19 different herbs, and natural menthol. It comes in a vintage glass bottle, and its design and recipe have remained unchanged since my grandparents’ childhood:-)
Alpa serves various purposes, including:
- Massaging sore muscles and rheumatic pain (yes, yes!! Great for massage)
- Providing relief after hiking (sure thing!)
- Disinfecting and serving as a mouthwash (never tried this:-)
- Reducing foot perspiration (hehehe, true!!)
- Alleviating discomfort in joints and muscles (absolutely, after long sightseeing or workout)
You can find it at any drugstore or pharmacy, making it an excellent choice not just as a souvenir from Prague, but also for your personal use after a day of walking and sightseeing.
Price: 70 CZK (3 euros). Where to buy it? In every drug store or pharmacy.
4. Jewelery, clothing, toys, porcelain from local craftsmen
If you are looking for some truly local Czech craftsmen products that are not overpriced like hell, please check this cozy hidden shop close to Charles Bridge (in Lesser Town). The name of the shop is Dogumi. It’s basically just one small room but full of neat handmade items.
Many tourists tend to overlook this quaint spot, as it is situated next to more vibrant and visually appealing shops and restaurants. But this is, guys, a truly hidden gem. You will find there cute toys, small gifts, clothing, vases and glasses made of recycled beer and wine bottles, jewelry, candles, and porcelain made in small series.
The friendly owners are always on-site, ready to welcome visitors. Support their wonderful work! On my last visit, I purchased a fantastic glass jar made from a recycled wine bottle, complete with a cork lid. So I either can use it as a glass for drinking or as a jar.
Note: open only in the afternoon! Address: MĂĹĄeĹskĂĄ 3, Prague 1 (very close to LokĂĄl U bĂlĂŠ kuĹželky where you can stop for a beer).
5. Herbal tea made of the national tree of the Czech Republic
Souvenirs from Prague can be very healthy! Linden tree (Tilia) is a national tree of the Czech Republic. It´s a symbol of love, protection and help. When lindens are blooming, we pick the blossoms, dry them and make healthy herbal tea from them.
Linden tea cures fever, helps with breathing problems or soothes when you have a flu. Linden tea is delicious with honey and a few drops of lemon. Lovely winter drink for cozy evenings at home.
You can buy the dry blossoms in a small herbal shop close to Old Town square at Herbata, address: DlouhĂĄ 612/6, Prague 1. Linden tea in Czech is called âlipovĂ˝ Äajâ. Another option is shop called Sonnentor located close to Wenceslas Square or shop Country Life close to the Old Town Square.
Price: ca 100 CZK (4 euro)
6. Blind date with a book!
What the hell is that, you might say now đ Experience the thrill of a blind date with a book! You won’t know which book youâre purchasing; all you have are clues from a brief description and an image. Itâs a fun thing offered by one very popular second-hand bookstore, Knihobot. At their shop in HoleĹĄovice, you choose a book that is nicely wrapped in paper, decorated with some drawings and briefly described on the top of the wrapped paper. You donât know the title. You donât know what you are buying. Itâs a surprise. Like a blind date đ Fun and affordable. Available in English, and the books are in good condition. I am a regular customer.
Price: 100 CZK
Address: Knihobot second hand book store, Dukelských Hrdinů 359/21, Prague 7
7. Deelive: Czech design from local artists
If you are into fresh young design, I can highly recommend you Deelive design store offering original products of up & coming Czech / Slovak designers (glass, jewelry, 3D prints, clothing, porcelain, accessories, cosmetics, bags and much more). If you want to support the young generation of local designers, pay it a visit. The Deelive design store is conveniently situated just a five-minute walk from Charles Bridge.
Address: Smetanovo nĂĄbĹeŞà 334/4, Prague 1. Here are my top recommendations for purchases: consider the 3D printed vases (very light, durable and original) created by my former university mate, Martin Ĺ˝ampach. Additionally, I highly recommend the jewelry by Janja ProkiÄ and the artisanal, natural cosmetics from JAGAIA.
8. Souvenirs from Prague supermarkets
Totally last minute thing. But why not. Affordable and easy to pack. One of the best souvenirs from Prague are the local retro sweets. For example Piknik (condensed milk packed in a metal “toothpaste” tube). You can buy it in every supermarket (Billa, Albert, Tesco, Ĺ˝abka). It costs around 2 euros / 50 CZK! To learn more about this cult treat, please check my other blog post called Traditional and fun Czech sweets.
9. Knitted socks from Czech grannies
What can be a more original and practical gift from Prague than 100% hand-made warm socks from local grandmoms. Czech grannies love knitting and by buying their socks, you support organization called Elpida. Elpida empowers seniors to become valued members of society.
One of its initiatives, Socks from Grandma, provides meaningful work and a sense of purpose to 200 of Czech knitters while also supporting the Elpida Education and Cultural Centre. This unique space offers seniors the opportunity to learn languages, navigate computers and smartphones, take history and science classes, attend art courses, and much more!
Elpida even run their own cafĂŠ, where grandmothers and grandfathers work as baristas. It’s called StarĂĄ ĹĄkola cafĂŠ, and youâre warmly invited to stop by, have a coffee and buy the socks!!!
Address: Na BÄlidle 34, 150 00 Praha 5-AndÄl or you can also order the socks online and come to pick them up.
But now back to the socks! The socks are made of unused cotton (recycled) and wrapped in paper! On each pair your will also find a name of the grandma who made your socks! Besides the sock they also knit baby sets (socks and caps) and handbags.
10. Jewelry made of old stage of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Upcycling in the practice. Amazing idea and absolutely authentic and original gift from Prague. A few months ago, the stage of DvoĹĂĄkâs Hall at Rudolfinum, the esteemed home of the world-renowned Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, was renovated.. Can you imagine the pile of wood? Wood with a story, recalling memories of thousands of concerts. Talented Czech artisans crafted a limited edition collection of jewelry and accessories. Every piece is 100% unique and distinct. Made of the old stage.
Price: 800 – 3000 CZK.
Where to buy: within the Rudolfinum building, the gift shop is open daily from 2 PM to 6 PM. In addition to the jewelry available, you can find unique souvenirs crafted from upcycled banners, posters, and paper programs. Options include banana bags, notepads, and tote bags, all made from materials that previously served various purposes in the Rudolfinum. This shop offers a truly original experience worth exploringâno mass-produced trinkets from China here! Please ask the staff what each peace is made of and what is the meaning behind it. They have such original ideas!!
11. Perfumed Prague: artisanal candles crafted in a workshop resembling an old pharmacy.
Nestled in a quaint back alley near Charles Bridge, a charming workshop known as Perfumed Prague specializes in hand-made candles, perfumes and interior perfumes. As you step inside this intimate space, you’ll find yourself surrounded by vintage pharmacy jars and enchanting scents. It feels like a blend of an antique pharmacy, a perfumery, and an alchemist’s workshop. However, there’s no need to worry about chemistry or harmful artificial ingredients – they only work with natural ingrediets and vegan / cruelty-free soy wax.
They now provide an impressive range of perfumes that are unisex, vegan, and cruelty-free. I selected Menton, which comes in a glass bottle and features a lid crafted from rice peels. Menton is a charming town on the French Riviera, where the shop owner completed a perfumery course.
The owner is always present there and writes all the candle labels manually on a historical typewriter. And yes, you can take these candles on the plane. I brought them last year to Italy as a gift and had absolutely no problem with carry on luggage. My tip: before visiting this workshop, please always check the opening hours and updates on Facebook / Instagram, they also organize various private workshops and the shop might be closed.
Where to find Perfumed Prague? They have two locations.
Downtown, close to Charles Bridge: address Karoliny SvÄtlĂŠ 285/20, Prague 1
Prague 7: Milady HorĂĄkovĂŠ 51, Prague 7 HoleĹĄovice
12. Intimite products for women by Whoop-de-doo
Ladies (and gentlemen), this is nothing cheesy, this is a great local design turned into remarkable minimalistic products for women. Created by a renowned Czech product designer Anna MareĹĄovĂĄ. Her graduation project included designing vibrators and venus balls:-) And you know what? Now she expanded her portfolio to include a fantastic menstrual cup (I am a proud owner), tram, and even a Prague funicular up to PetĹĂn hill.
If you’re in search of practical, sustainable, well-thought, and locally crafted âsouvenirâ this is it. And you can even pick up your order in Anna´s studio!!!
Price: from 890 CZK
Website: Whoop-de-doo (Btw, if you visit the website through your phone, the phone will start vibrating. Try it.
13. Last minute gifts: Prague Airport Terminal 2, a special shop with local products
In case you really don´t have time for shopping, there is still a great place where you can get some unique local gifts. Prague Airport, yeah! I just recently discovered this place on my way to Rome. If you are leaving from Terminal 2, there is a shop called Future is local where you can buy Czech cosmetics, jewelery, glass, clothing, toys…all in one place.
Future is local is conveniently located right next to the gates, so there’s no need to worry about liquidsâit’s accessible after you pass through the security check! I highly recommend checking brands Kama (sustainable functional sport wear), Ababu (toys), Smyssly, Klara Rott (cosmetics), Klimchi (glass), Studio MalĂskĂĄ (porcelain), LukĂĄĹĄ JabĹŻrek (glass). It´s neighboring with a bit cheesy souvenir shop, so make sure you come to the right one:-)
Dana, owner and guide for Prague Behind The Scenes | small-group tours and experiences.
If you enjoy my content, you can also support my small business by treating me to a virtual coffee. I truly appreciate your generosity and wish you a wonderful time in my hometown.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or wish to see Prague in a more authentic way with me: dana@praguebehindthescenes.com
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