Going on vacation or travel, we strive to see as many new places and famous attractions as possible. And the question always arises of what to bring as a gift to your loved ones and relatives. It would seem that here is complicated? However, not all so simple. Each country or city has its own branded items, which are a kind of symbols of this place. In our article we want to talk about what souvenirs from Prague you can bring.
Prague souvenirs
Prague is an incredibly colorful city that still carefully preserves the medieval atmosphere. It has many historical monuments, museums and theaters. However, many tourists set themselves the task of not only seeing the beauties of the city, but also purchasing high-quality and inexpensive goods - branded clothing, Czech shoes, Bohemian glass and famous beer. In our article, we want to expand the horizons of readers and introduce a large number of Prague souvenirs worthy of the attention of city guests. And talk about where to buy souvenirs in Prague.
Prague wine
If you are going to the Czech Republic, you probably already thought about what to bring from Prague as a souvenir. It is worth paying attention to the fact that in the city you can buy not only goods, but also world famous “Czech goodies” - sweets, cakes and beer.
If we are talking about an adult man to whom you want to choose a gift, then, of course, you should pay attention to local alcohol. Czech wines are unfamiliar to us, as they are produced only for the domestic market. But, once you have tried these drinks, you will appreciate their palatability. Czech wines are absolutely not inferior in quality to Italian. But at the same time they cost a little cheaper. The best wines are brought from South Moravia - Tramin, Palava, Muscat Moravian. You can buy alcohol in the wineries of the city. Connoisseurs also recommend buying a bottle of champagne - this drink is significantly different from the one we are used to.
You can also bring the famous Becherovka from Prague. A strong drink resembles something between a balsam and liquor. In fact, this is tincture on spices and herbs. A drink is made in Karlovy Vary, and its original recipe is still kept in the strictest confidence. She is known only to a few people. Karlovy Vary even has a Becherovka drink museum.
Drink the drink chilled. Becherovka is a good aperitif. A bottle of drink can be purchased for 140 crowns.
Famous beer
What to bring from Prague? An incredible amount of souvenirs is being sold in the city. But the most famous, probably, is the famous Prague beer. A unique local product began to be produced in this region thousands of years ago. And from the tenth century, the drink began to be brewed in monasteries. In the post, beer really helped the monks, they even called it “liquid bread”.
In the monasteries, old recipes were kept and new ones were invented. It was the monks who had the idea of ​​putting hop cones in beer. In the Middle Ages, monasteries were even given special permits for the sale and production of beer. The most famous and popular breweries in Prague are located in the Břenová and Strahov Monasteries.
Brewing beer is a true tradition that has been maintained in every home. The drink was simply necessary, because epidemics raged in the Middle Ages. And the water was dangerous to health. Its locals replaced beer. Thanks to the fermentation processes, beer was disinfected, therefore it served as a good substitute for water. In the Middle Ages, the first breweries appeared in the country.
Modern Czech beer has already become a real world brand. The most famous brands are Pilsner, Kozel, Staropramen, Gambrinus. Tasty and original beer is brewed in breweries: factory, private and monastic. Drinks are available at local restaurants. However, such a beer is not suitable as a souvenir from Prague, since it is stored only a few days. As a present you can buy drinks at local supermarkets. It is most convenient to take canned beer. The average price is 20-35 kroons.
Beer cosmetics
Czechs not only love beer, they also make all kinds of cosmetics on its basis and take baths with a drink. On the streets of the old town you can see many spas in which you can go through a variety of procedures based on the use of beer. Beer cosmetics is another option for what to bring from Prague. Beer souvenirs are very popular. You can buy cosmetics in the same street spas.
A very famous cosmetic brand of the country is “Manufactory”. Brand stores of this brand can be seen in the historic center. You can buy beer cosmetics based on hops in them: creams for the body, face, hands, hair balms, gels, shampoos and more. In addition, on the streets of the city you can find beer shops that sell not only the drink itself, but also cosmetics based on it, so to speak, handmade.
Sweet gifts
If your family has children or adult sweet tooth, then you should definitely buy the famous Prague sweets. Such souvenirs are cheap in Prague, and their taste will not disappoint you. Not for nothing that local sweets have become known throughout the world. Karlovy Vary wafers are fragrant, crispy and light waffles. They are sold in cafes, supermarkets, bazaars. Waffles were invented and started to be produced in the eighteenth century in Karlovy Vary. Subsequently, they became so popular that they were even delivered to the imperial courts of Germany and Austria. Externally, waffles look like a round plate with a seal. Their shape and size may be different. And between the wafers inside there is a layer of filling - nutty, chocolate, vanilla, with cinnamon or almonds. This is a great option. Moreover, there will not even be a question where to buy souvenirs for sweet tooth in Prague. Waffles are sold almost everywhere. Their cost depends on the size; on average, one package will have to pay 25-40 crowns.
Czech cheese
The list of delicious souvenirs and gifts from Prague should include Czech Hermelin cheese. It is very similar to the French Camembert, as it also belongs to the category of soft cheeses. Its surface on top is covered with dense white mold. Cheese is made from cow's milk. "Hermeline" is translated from Czech as "ermine." Such cheese has long been a royal delicacy, and it got its name in honor of the mantle of kings, which was sewn from ermine. This cheese goes well with white wine or beer.
It is baked, fried, pickled. And in stores you can buy a variety of its types with spices. Such a souvenir in Prague is cheap - from 20 kroons and above.
Czech crystal
One of the best souvenirs from Prague is the famous Czech crystal. Bohemian glass is a national product. In the Czech Republic it has been produced for quite some time - about nine centuries. In the thirteenth century, the first workshops appeared on the territory of the country, and already in the seventeenth century Bohemian glass not only entered the European trading market, but also took a strong position on it, bypassing even Venetian glass. The unique composition of Bohemian glass made it possible to make beautiful engraving on it. So the famous Czech crystal appeared.
In 1724, in the Czech Republic, crystal chandeliers were first made. Joseph Palme invented them. Such products have become incredibly popular in the royal courts of Europe. Palaces, theaters, castles and temples around the world are decorated with beautiful crystal chandeliers from the Czech Republic.
The most famous producer of Bohemian glass is the company Moser. The quality of her goods is so beautiful and high that at one time the products were delivered to the royal courts of Austria, England and the house of the Persian Shah. And nowadays, the company continues to produce amazing products from Bohemian glass.
If you want to bring an exquisite and sophisticated souvenir from Prague, you can purchase a crystal product. Such a gift is always relevant. Where to buy souvenirs from Bohemian glass in Prague? In the city center there are many branded stores with a sign "Bohemia Crystal", which presents a large selection of products. There are also Moser brand galleries, where you can also pick up a souvenir for every taste.
Czech pomegranate
What souvenirs to bring from Prague if we are talking about a beloved woman? Of course, this is a piece of jewelry. Czech grenades are known not only in Europe, but throughout the world. “Bohemian grenades” due to their volcanic origin have a stunningly pure color and play in the sun with flame lights. Turnov grenades, which have a saturated color, are very popular. Nowhere else in the world are there deposits of such stones. Mining of precious stones was begun in the sixth-eighth centuries. The Turnov workshops create stunning jewelry decorated with garnets. Prague even has a pomegranate museum. On the old streets of the city there are many jewelry stores where you can buy products with pomegranates. But it’s better to shop at the Turnov cooperative’s company store to avoid fakes.
Cheerful Krtek
In the Czech Republic, Krtek is incredibly popular - the hero of the cartoon, which is loved by all children and adults. The cartoon character has become a real symbol of the country, such as Mickey Mouse in the USA. Recall that in our childhood this cartoon was very popular. Products with Krtek are funny souvenirs that will be interesting not only for kids, but also for adults. With the image of a cartoon character they sell t-shirts, briefcases, bags, pencils and other products. Such lovely souvenirs from Prague (photo is given in the article) will cheer up any person.
Puppet dolls
Puppets are national toys in the Czech Republic. In the eighteenth century they were made for the incredibly popular at that time puppet shows. But by the beginning of the twentieth century, dolls had already become an object of art. Previously, puppets were made of wood and gypsum. The secrets of production were kept in the strictest confidence and handed down from generation to generation. Walking in the center of Prague, you will certainly see more than one store, the windows of which are full of cute puppets.
Pencils "Kohinor"
Famous pencils of the Kohinor brand have been known to us since childhood. This company is the most popular manufacturer of office supplies of the highest quality. Pencils "Kohinor" perfectly draw and do not break when sharpening. The company began to work in 1790 and after ten years invented its famous graphite pencil.
Years passed, the products were modernized, and now customers are pleased with the huge range of goods of this company. Original souvenirs of the famous brand will be a good gift for children and adults.
Czech porcelain
Speaking about what souvenirs can be brought from Prague, it is worth recalling the beautiful Czech porcelain, which is the hallmark of the country. The products are so good that they were able to defend their place among the no less famous dishes from England and Japan. Porcelain production is a very complex and responsible process, based on the choice of ecological raw materials. Ready cookware is painted with natural paints manually. Graceful patterns are the hallmark that sets dishes apart from other brands. A chic porcelain service is a valuable acquisition not only for yourself, but also for loved ones. Such a gift should be purchased in a company store called "Porcelain House". A large assortment of goods will not leave anyone indifferent. A good service will cost about 1000 crowns on average. But the store also has more expensive and beautiful items.
Where to buy souvenirs in Prague?
Earlier, we listed a rather impressive list of products that can be used as gifts for friends and relatives. However, the question remains of where in Prague cheap souvenirs are sold. As for jewelry and food, they should be bought only in specialized places. There are many large shopping centers, small shops and shops in the city where you can find gifts for every taste. Nevertheless, experienced travelers and shopping enthusiasts recommend going to Prague with souvenir markets. Perhaps they are not as presentable as beautiful boutiques, but walking through the markets, you can find interesting and rare things. In addition, the cost of market souvenirs is much lower than in shopping centers.
The oldest and most famous is the Havel market. It is located in the historical part of the city, on the eponymous Havel Street. Here you can buy anything: toys, ceramic products, jewelry.
Another very famous place for souvenirs is the Prague market. There are always many foreigners who want to buy traditional Czech souvenirs. But locals visit the market only to buy flowers and fresh vegetables. It also has a huge selection of all kinds of souvenirs at fairly reasonable prices. Here, many update their wardrobe. Local sellers are willingly inferior, so sometimes you can buy very good things quite inexpensively.
For antiques, you should go to the flea market located on Electra Street (previously it was on Kolbenova St.). Here you can see amazing things from different eras: silverware, old paintings, unique photos, musical instruments and much more.
A large selection of souvenirs is available in huge Prague stores. For example, many tourists choose the Palladium shopping center, which is located on Republic Square, as a place for shopping. It has under one roof more than a hundred stores. Here you can find wonderful gifts and purchase branded clothes. In addition, jewelry, crystal, glass and porcelain are sold here. Next to the “Palladium” is another shopping center, which also sells original souvenirs.
Photos and reviews of interesting souvenirs from Prague
Prague is a real storehouse of all kinds of amazing things and gifts. Here you can buy everything you want, the only question is financial capabilities. Tourists, as a rule, try to get all kinds of inexpensive presents for the whole family: beer, waffles, magnets, mugs. This set of souvenirs costs about a thousand crowns.
If you dream of a vase or sugar bowl made of Bohemian glass, then it will cost about 300-400 crowns. But for a thousand you can buy a very decent service. Tourists recommend not buying souvenirs in the center, where they are much more expensive than on the outskirts. But jewelry with garnets is still better to look in company stores, and not in small shops, so you will be sure of the quality of the product. Tourists also recommend paying attention to Czech shoes; local manufacturers offer very high-quality goods at affordable prices. Also, do not forget about the famous manufacturer of hats “Tonak”, which offers beautiful hats, berets and hats of high quality.
In Prague, a lot of sweets are sold, which are quite suitable for the role of souvenirs. Colored painted cookies in the form of angels, hearts, animals are sold in candy stores, supermarkets and directly in street shops. A bar of real chocolate can also be a good sweet gift. Chocolate products of the company Steiner and Kovarik are considered very tasty. In their company stores, you can taste chocolate before buying and then make your choice.
Another tremendous sweetness is the trdelnik, which is made from yeast dough. It is cooked on an open fire, and finished products are covered with a layer of caramel and sprinkled with nuts. Such a dessert is loved by all children. It is also worth buying a bath - a wicker bun with fruit fillers from apples, raisins, almonds, plums and dried apricots. The product is very tasty, and therefore loved not only by tourists, but also by Prague itself.
Tourists recommend purchasing the famous Mole. Surprisingly, all adults like these toys very much. Apparently, everyone remembers this hero from childhood. Arriving in Prague, you can bring every time new gifts and souvenirs. Their choice here is truly magnificent.