Prague, Czech Republic Hotels and City Guide

Prague - Shopping

Shopping in Prague: Shopping Areas
Shopping in Prague: Markets
Shopping in Prague: Shopping Hours
Tax Refunds

Shopping in Prague: Shopping Areas

The best shopping areas are around Wenceslas Square, Na Příkopě Street between Old Town and New Town, and tree-lined Parižska Street from Old Town Square towards the river which is filled with expensive designer boutiques. Lesser Town is where you will find small boutiques, art shops and souvenir stores. Avant-garde Czech fashion designer shops are dotted throughout the city.

The stalls along Charles Bridge are filled with souvenirs, but are more expensive here than in other parts of the city.

Take home a piece of renowned Bohemian crystal or glassware, a dark red garnet or an item of amber. Ceramics, lace, antiques, antiquarian books and prints, marionette puppets and wooden toys are all good buys. For something different, visit Manto Gallery in Vsehrdova 15, Old Town, for unique glassware and ironwork of Prague’s famous artist Antonin Manto-Mrnka.

Shopping in Prague: Markets

Markets are popular selling handcrafts, foodstuffs and antiques. The Klementinum Antique Market in Karlova is open every Sunday from 09.00-15.00. Antique lovers will enjoy hunting down treasures in this delightful courtyard. A traditional flea market takes place in the square in front of the gothic St Ludmila church at Namesti Miru from 09.00.00-16.00 on the last Saturday of the month from March to October. A large Christmas tree decorates the square in winter, the site of the Christmas Market filled with handmade items. Mulled wine and delicious pastries are offered to warm the cockles. The most famous and atmospheric Christmas Market is in the Old Town Square.

Shopping in Prague: Shopping Hours

Shop hours vary between different types of stores. Central shops, hypermarkets and malls stay open later than others. Opening hours are round about 09.00-19.00 on weekdays, 09.00-13.00 or later on Saturdays and some open for a shorter time on Sundays. Many stores in the city and tourist areas are open over weekends, particularly during summer. Most shops are closed on Christmas Eve and Easter Monday.

Tax Refunds

VAT of 19% is charged on most purchases and services and is included in the price. EU residents are not eligible for VAT refunds. Visitors from outside the European Union can save up to 16% at TAX FREE shops on any items purchased in one store on the same day costing more than 2000Kč.

Make sure you receive a Global Refund voucher, certified by the retailer, which must be stamped by a Customs official at the Duty Free Tax Desk in the departure hall at Ruzyně Airport before passing through Passport Control on departure. Once through Passport Control, Cash Refund Offices will refund your VAT or will credit the card you used to make the purchase or will post a bank cheque to your stated address. Goods must be exported from the Czech Republic within 30 days of purchase in order to receive a tax refund.

Hotels in Prague, Czech Republic