What to Buy in Prague? Best Souvenirs, Treats, and More!

Prague is a gorgeous city known for its architecture, museums, and historical landmarks. The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, should be on every traveler’s must-visit list.

In other articles, there is information on everything you may need for a trip to Prague, from the top things to do to the best museums and best foods to try. This time, I’ll look at some of the best souvenirs you can buy in Prague, from mouthwatering delicacies to traditional curios.

If you need help figuring out where to stay on your trip to Prague, look at the best areas for travelers in Prague. Now it’s time to dive into the most fantastic things you can buy in the Czech capital!

What to Buy in Prague?

Every city has unique souvenirs and traditional objects, and Prague is no exception. Aside from the usual magnets, shopper bags, and t-shirts, there are many singular things to buy in Prague.

From decorative objects to toys, foods, drinks, and cosmetics, here are some great options you can buy as souvenirs in Prague.

Best Unique Souvenirs

Let’s start with unique souvenirs you can buy in Prague.

Bohemian Glass

The region of Bohemia, of which Prague is the capital, is famous for its stunning glassware. Bohemian glass, or Bohemian crystal, is one of the most popular things to buy in Prague.

Bohemian glassware became renowned in the late 17th century. The Baroque-style, engraved glassware has been prized ever since for its intricate and colorful designs.

You may need to be extra careful when packing your bags to fly back home, but these souvenirs will undoubtedly make an impression on your guests back home. Go all out with a set of beautifully decorated, colorful glasses, or keep it simple with a small flower vase or an entrancing liquor bottle.

6 Piece Bohemian Crystal Glass Set — ‍*Image Courtesy of Bohemian by Krasa*

Marionettes and Wooden Toys

Czech puppeteers became famous all over Europe in the 18th century. Three centuries later, marionettes are still one of the most sought-after souvenirs in Prague.

Walking through the center of Prague, you’ll come across many shops selling all kinds of wooden toys. From marionettes to wooden cars and other handmade toys, the choice is endless for every budget.

Pohádka is one of Prague’s most famous toy stores, but you’ll find many others across the historic center.

‍Czech Marionettes for Sale — *Image Courtesy of TOL Education*

Kovap Mechanical Toys

If wooden toys have been around for centuries, these metal toys date back to the mid-1900s. Kovap has been producing sheet metal toys since 1946.

From small cars to tractors, trucks, and various construction vehicles, Kovap makes a range of small toys with an incredible eye for detail. Kovap mechanical toys are a cool thing to buy in Prague for children or as souvenirs for collectors.

‍Czech Metal Mechanical Toy — *Image Courtesy of Modernista*

Garnet Jewels

Garnet is the Czech Republic’s national gem, and Czech garnet is considered among the finest varieties in the world.

The gemstone is also known as Bohemian garnet or Prague garnet, and the capital city is the best place to buy it. You’ll find many shops around Prague selling all kinds of jewelry made with garnet, from intricate necklaces to straightforward pendants, rings, and earrings.

According to the Czech legend, the gemstone has mystical powers. Garnet can transform sadness into joy! It’s worth a try, isn’t it?

‍Czech Garnet — *Image Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental*

Kafka Souvenirs

The Bohemian novelist Franz Kafka was born in Prague, so it’s only natural to find all kinds of souvenirs related to him. Whether it’s copies of the Metamorphosis, bags, or posters, Kafka souvenirs are plentiful in Prague.

Head to the Kafka Museum to check out the collection of letters and photographs of the writer before buying your souvenirs. You’ll also find Kafka items in pretty much every souvenir shop in Prague.‍

Franz Kafka’s Works — *Image Courtesy of Kafka Museum*

Mucha Art Nouveau Posters

Alphonse Mucha was a famous Czech Art Nouveau illustrator and graphic artist. During his time in Paris, he produced many theatrical posters, the most notable being those of French stage actress Sarah Bernhardt.

Mucha’s vintage prints are among the most popular souvenirs to buy in Prague. You can find various-sized prints in gift shops all over Prague. If you want to check out a collection of Mucha’s art, head to the Mucha Museum.

‍Alphonse Mucha in front of his first poster — *Image Courtesy of SmithSonianmag*

Delicious Foods and Drinks to Get in Prague

Aside from souvenirs, you can also buy lots of delicious treats in Prague. If you're looking to try them before buying them, join a guided food tour while you're in Prague. Your tummy will thank you!

Chimney Cakes

If there’s one thing you’ll see—and smell—all over Prague, it’s chimney cakes. In Czech, they are called trdelník. The spit cakes are made with rolled dough wrapped around a cylinder and baked rotisserie-style.

The original chimney cakes are hollow cylinders coated with sugar or ground walnuts. An even more delightful version is the chimney cone, filled with ice cream and topped with all kinds of sweet sauces and candy.

Although chimney cakes aren’t originally from Prague, they almost symbolize the city. Chimney cakes originated in former Czechoslovakia, more precisely in the Moravia region, now part of the Czech Republic. ‍

Chimney Cake Topped with Coffee Mousse — *Image Courtesy of Whisk*

Czech Spa Wafers

Czech spa wafers have a long history, but their first mention dates to 1788 in Karlovy Vary, a spa town east of the Czech Republic. At the time, these sweet treats were served as a dessert to spa guests.

In the 18th century, these thin, round wafers were simply sprinkled with sugar. Nowadays, they come with various fillings. The most famous brand of spa wafers is Kolonáda. You can buy these in most supermarkets in Prague.‍

Czech Wafers Served in a White Plate — *Image Courtesy of Taste Atlas*

Czech Beer

Czechs are the world’s largest beer consumers, and the drink is so widespread across the country that it’s not rare for it to be cheaper than water. Needless to say, beer is one of the things you should buy in Prague.

Pilsner Urquell is the most famous Czech beer, followed by Gambrinus, also brewed at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery. You can buy beer anywhere in Prague, whether at a restaurant or in the supermarket.‍

6 Czech Beers in bottles — *Image Courtesy of Unknown Brewing*

Becherovka

Becherovka is a herbal digestive invented by Josef Vitus Becher in Karlovy Vary in 1807. For years, the liquor was known as Karlsbader Becherbitter and spread throughout Europe during World War I.

The digestif became known as Becherovka after World War II and is one of the country’s most exported products. You can drink it chilled on its own or with tonic water. The latter is known as “beton,” from the combination of Becherovka and tonic.

Becherovka has a high alcohol percentage (38% ABV) with hints of ginger and cinnamon. The recipe remains a secret, so take the chance to try it when you can!

Bottle of ‍Becherovka, Czech liqueur, with two shot glasses — *Image Courtesy of Kafkadesk*

Buy These Cosmetics Prague!

Finally, Prague is famous for its unique, organic cosmetics. Here are some of the most popular cosmetics to buy in Prague.

Beer Cosmetics

Beer is so ubiquitous in Prague that they even make cosmetics with it. Beer yeast and hops have moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and purifying effects on the skin.

If you want to try the effects of beer yeast on the skin, head to one of the many beer spas in Prague where you can enjoy a soak in a beer bath! You’ll likely be able to buy cosmetics there too. However, you’ll find many brands of beer cosmetics all over the city.

Beer cosmetics range from soap bars and shower gels to shampoo and moisturizers. Buy them for yourself or as unique gifts for your friends and family.‍

A Couple Enjoying Beer Spa — *Image Courtesy of Beer Spa*

Botanicus Organic Cosmetics

Although beer cosmetics are all the rage in Prague, you can find many other organic cosmetics at a fraction of the price of other countries.

Botanicus is a store in Prague’s historical center selling organic, handmade cosmetics. The place looks like an old-style apothecary, and it smells delicious.

Cosmetics are made in small batches with plants and herbs from the Botanicus gardens. The most popular products are those with Czech lavender, but you’ll find many more.

‍Botanicus Cosmetic Store — *Image Courtesy of Botanicus Canada*

Where to Go Shopping in Prague

OK, so now you know what to buy in Prague, you might be wondering where to buy all this cool stuff. Well, there’s no shortage of souvenir stores all over Prague’s historical center. From Bohemian glass to Becherovka, you’ll find it here.

Na Prikope is Prague’s most popular shopping street, where you’ll find a mix of international chains and local stores. Parizska Street is the place to go for high-end brands, while Havel’s Market (Havelské tržiště) is the city’s historic market dating back to 1232.

If you prefer shopping malls, Palladium is the most popular one in the city center, with over 175 stores, cafés, and restaurants. It's a big enough attraction, you can even visit it on a walking tour of the city!

Westfield Chodov is another large, modern shopping mall outside the city center. This is a great choice if you want to escape the crowds.