Prague Destination Guide

  Places to See in Prague

  Events & Nightlife in Prague

  Eating out in Prague

  Shopping in Prague

  5 Perfect Days in Prague
 
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Shopping
Guide to Shopping in Prague

Prague is in a big hurry to become Westernised and, as a result, many of the main stores and shops will seem very familiar to visitors from Europe or North America. The most interesting shopping is to be had at the markets and other informal settings.

If you have come here to shop, note that public holidays may affect the opening and closing times of shops and markets.

Where to Shop

As in all capital cities Prague has a wide selection of food, clothes and souvenirs available on its shopping streets but it also has the congestion to go with it. It seems that the whole city has the same idea whenever you take to the stores and the area around Wenceslas Square is always absolutely packed with eager shoppers, both local and tourist. The best areas for exploring are around Mustek, Na Prikope and in the Old Quarter of the city.

Markets

The open-air Havel's market between Wencelas Square and the Old Town Square is open from 08h00 to 18h30 daily. Visitors to the market can purchase a number of goods including ceramics, textiles, leather goods and a wide variety of ornaments. Souvenir hunters could also try the shops situated on the eastern end of the Charles Bridge on Karlova Street.

Department Stores

The major department stores are situated in the centre of town: DS Kotva, Namesti Republicky 15 (close to Namesti Republicky metro station on line B) Tesco, Narodni Trrida 29 (close to Narodni Trida metro station on line B) Bila Labut, Na Porici 15.

What to Buy

Shops are a mixture of Western style stores and small craft, antique or gift stores. The latter are firmly geared towards the tourist trade so be wary of poor quality souvenirs.

Disappointingly, a lot of the stores in Prague are now Western chains and the labels on clothes are no different to those in London, Paris or Milan. Gone are the days when passers-by offered tourists fistfuls of cash for Levi's, nowadays you can buy your own in any of the stores of Prague's city centre.

One exception is the glassware that is sold at various small shops around the capital. The craft of glassblowing is a well-established tradition in the Czech Republic. Handmade blown glass makes an ideal souvenir and is uniformly of good quality. Many outlets throughout Prague display the intricate and decorative glassware that has become the hallmark of the city's artisans.

One can view examples of this craftsmanship as well as a glassblowing demonstration at Regena at Karlova 44.
Opening Hours

Shopping hours vary but shops are generally open from 09h00-18h00/20h00 Mon-Sat. Some stores close for lunch between 12h00-14h00 and close early on Saturdays although the practise is becoming less frequent.

Tax Refund

A sales tax of 15.9% is levied on most goods and services in Czech Republic. When leaving the Czech Republic, tourists can apply for a tax refund on goods bought up to 30 days prior to departure. The minimum purchase to qualify for a refund is CZK2000.

To reclaim tax you will need to fill out a VAT refund request form when you make a purchase, which states the amount of refund due. Forms can be obtained from most retailers and Customs Offices. These documents are then stamped by customs officials as you leave the country and mailed back to the store. Refunds can be claimed in person at major airports and at major border crossings.

 

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