What to buy in Prague: souvenirs worth taking home, and what to skip

Walk any street near the Old Town Square and the windows are full of nesting dolls, fur hats and T-shirts. None of it is Czech. The good souvenirs sit a little further from the squares, and they share something: a craft, a tradition and a real reason to come from here.

Bohemian glass and crystal

Glassmaking in Bohemia goes back many centuries, and the name "Bohemian crystal" is used worldwide. Look for glass that is cut, engraved or blown with visible skill, with a maker's name or mark on the base. A single glass or a small vase is easier to carry than a service. Cheap pressed glass is not the same thing, and a heavy lead-crystal piece is heavier than it looks in your hand luggage. Ask the shop to pack it, and check the airline's weight limit.

Jablonec nad Nisou, in northern Bohemia, is also known for glass beads and costume jewellery, and for glass Christmas decorations. If you are in Prague in December, a handful of glass ornaments is a lighter present than a vase.

Bohemian garnet jewellery

The Bohemian garnet is a deep red stone that has long been set in Czech jewellery. Real garnet jewellery comes with a description of the stone and the metal. Prices vary widely, so we do not quote any here. Buy from an established jeweller, ask what the stone is and how it is set, and be wary of a "garnet" that looks suspiciously cheap.

Marionettes and wooden toys

Puppetry runs deep in Czech culture, and Czech and Slovak puppetry has been on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage since 2016. Marionettes in Prague range from simple hand-painted figures to carefully made characters. A small wooden toy or puppet makes a lasting present for a child. The same applies to simple wooden toys in plain colours. To see the tradition at work, visit one of Prague's marionette theatres, where the craft matters as much as the story.

Krteček, the little mole

Krtek (the Little Mole) is a cartoon character created by the animator Zdeněk Miler in 1956 and known well beyond Czechia. A plush mole or a book is a sweet gift for a child, and the character is genuinely Czech. Buy it from a licensed shop rather than a stall with unofficial copies.

Karlovy Vary wafers and Becherovka

Lázeňské oplatky (spa wafers) are thin, round wafers with a sweet filling, traditionally associated with the spa town of Karlovy Vary. They are sold in boxes and travel well. Becherovka is a herbal liqueur from Karlovy Vary, first made in 1807, usually served cold and sometimes mixed with tonic. It is bitter-sweet and not to everyone's taste, so try a small measure first. For more edible gifts, the guide to Czech supermarket must-buys lists what is worth packing, and medovina, Czech mead is another good bottle.

Books, music and paper

Czech illustrated children's books, prints and posters make good gifts, and a visit to an independent bookshop is rewarding even if you cannot read the text. A recording of Smetana's Má vlast or Dvořák's music is an easy souvenir if you have enjoyed a concert. The pieces on Smetana's Má vlast and Dvořák and the New World Symphony explain why.

At the markets

Seasonal markets are a good place for small hand-made items. At Easter, painted eggs (kraslice) are a Czech craft, and the Easter markets guide shows what to look for. At Christmas, wooden and glass decorations are everywhere, and the Christmas markets guide tells you how to shop them.

What to leave on the shelf

Bottles of brightly coloured absinthe, sold in shops across the centre, are mostly a tourist product with little connection to the historic drink. The guide to absinthe in Prague explains the myths and what to expect before you pay for a bottle with a flaming-spoon kit. Skip the novelty beer glasses printed with city names too, unless you want them as a joke gift.

How to shop

Walk a street or two away from the Old Town Square before you buy. Ask where each item was made, and ask for a receipt. If there's no price on show, ask before you pick it up. Shops take cards; small stalls may prefer cash. Don't change money at street booths to pay for souvenirs, and see tourist traps and scams for why.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best souvenirs from Prague?

Bohemian glass, garnet jewellery, wooden toys and marionettes, Karlovy Vary wafers and a plush Krtek are the ones with a real Czech story.

Is Bohemian crystal worth buying?

Yes, if you choose cut or engraved glass from a reputable shop and check it is packed safely for your flight.

Are matryoshka dolls Czech?

No. They are Russian and are sold to tourists. Look for Czech-made items instead.

Can I take Becherovka home on a plane?

In checked luggage, subject to your destination's customs allowances. Check the rules before you travel.

Buy one thing you will use every day, like a glass, and one thing to eat on the plane.