Prague Christmas Shopping

Written by Jennifer Potter
for IWAP’s ‘The Bridge’ Magazine

I always used to find it depressing when the media started talking about the number of days left for Christmas shopping.

The pressure of finding just the right gift for each family member and friend. I find that “shopping early” is a good adage as I am less likely to panic buy and make the mistake of buying deeply unsuitable presents or spending too much. 

If you are new to the city there are lots of delightful Czech-made products and if you are not, dig deeper; there are lots of new shops or old ones with new and delightful wares. I am sure everyone has their own favorites – here are some of mine.

Antikvariát Ptolomaeus – Široká 15, Prague 1 (tel. 222 329 985). High-end antique prints and maps. A good collection of original V. Morstadt prints.<?xml:namespace prefix = u1 /> <?xml:namespace prefix = o />

AULOS – Michalská 21. A beautiful shop selling books, lithographs, drawings, etc. of exceptional quality. Open Mon.-Fri. 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Bim Bam Bum – Karolíny Světlé 19, Praha 1 (tel. 222 519 559). Clothes and many other gift ideas for children – their line is classics for kids.

Botanicus – Ungelt, Týnský dvůr 3/1049, Prague 1 (tel. 224 895 446) or Michalská 2, Prague 1 (tel. 224 216 362) and now on Vitězná in Malá Strana. Don´t shout obvious – it is sometime easy to overlook that before your nose, and visiting friends still ooh and aah at their products. Handmade soaps, potpourri, candles, essential oils and beautiful natural stationery.

Faux Pas – Újezd 26, Prague 1 (tel. 257 315 261). Unique clothing for women. Fun Asian-inspired outfits, jackets and handbags.

Galerie Peithner-Lichtenfels – Michalská 12 (tel. 224 227 680). An art gallery selling everything from paintings for several million Kč to simple prints and drawings for under 1,000 Kč. Open daily.

Galerie Vlasta – Staroměstské náměstí 5, Prague 1 (tel. 222 318 119).Unique, handcrafted gold and silver jewelry creations. Particularly delicate necklaces and earrings.

Havelska Koruna – Havelská 23/501. A shop selling wooden items including picture frames and other knick-knacks. Open 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily.

Herrero – Karlova 23, Železná 4, Náměstí Republiky 8, Národní třída 26, Prague 1 (tel. 222 321 518).Handmade ironwork (accessories and furniture) all by Czech blacksmiths to traditional and modern designs.

Metamorphosis – Haštalská 3, Prague 1 (tel. 224 817 087). This florist will make beautiful bouquets, table decorations, as well as having a wide selection of plants. Ideal gifts for those who have everything.

Obchod pod Lampou – U Lužického semináře 5/78, Prague 1 (tel. 606 924 392). This delightful handmade puppet shop is just under the Charles Bridge on the Malá Strana side.

Obchod s rucnim papirem – Uhelný trh 9, Prague 1 (tel. 224 232 622). Sells lovely handmade paper and cards – many in gift boxes.

Original – Jungmannova 25, Prague 1 (tel. 296 245 033). Has designer clothes and items for the home – all entirely Original(!) to the store.

Pro Byt Nábytek – Krocínova 5, Prague 1 (tel. 224 218 327). The name of this shop means furniture for flats but they have much more – candles, candlesticks, glass bowls, and some lovely glass photo frames. Open Mon.-Fri. 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Sat. 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Sejto – Dlouhá 24, Prague 1 (tel. 233 274 044). They sell lovely hand-printed textiles made into everything from table cloths to bags, scarves to cushions. Full of gift ideas.

Villeroy & Boch – Pasáž Platýz, Národní třída 37, Prague 1 (tel. 224 235 165). This store carries beautiful table and house wares, as well as quality holiday decorations.

This article was originally published in the Bridge Magazine run by the International Womens Association of Prague. For more information about their organisation, please visit the IWAP website