Planning a trip to Prague and wondering what to bring back? You’re in the right place. From world-famous Bohemian crystal to herbal liqueurs, Prague is a treasure chest for souvenir hunters. This guide covers the best Prague souvenirs: authentic, meaningful, and worth every Czech crown.
Why Prague Is a Shopper’s Paradise
Prague is one of Europe’s most visited cities, and for good reason. Its winding cobblestone streets, Gothic towers, and Art Nouveau architecture create a backdrop unlike anywhere else, and its shops are just as impressive. Unlike many tourist destinations where the souvenir scene is flooded with generic magnets and plastic trinkets, Prague has a deep tradition of genuine craftsmanship. Glassmaking, puppetry, jewelry, and herbal spirits have roots here stretching back centuries. Prague rewards curious shoppers with authentic finds at every price point. Here’s what to look for.
1. Bohemian Crystal: A Timeless Classic
No Prague souvenir list is complete without mentioning Bohemian crystal. Czech glassmaking has been internationally celebrated for its quality and craftsmanship since the 13th century, and today, pieces range from wine glasses and vases to decorative ornaments and jewelry.
What makes it special? Czech “crystal” refers to high-quality lead glass that is exceptionally clear, easy to engrave, and more durable than ordinary glass. Pieces are hand-cut and engraved in small factories across the country, meaning each item carries genuine artisan effort.
What to look for: Look for the engraved manufacturer’s mark or an official “Bohemia Crystal” label to ensure authenticity. Reputable brands include Moser Glass, Preciosa, and Bohemia Crystal.
2. Czech Garnet Jewelry: Deep Red and Distinctly Bohemian
Czech garnet, known as Bohemian garnet or “granát,” is one of the country’s most prized national treasures. The deep red Pyrope garnet has been mined in the north of Bohemia since the 13th century and was historically used to adorn royal jewelry, cutlery, and furniture. Today, you’ll find it set into rings, necklaces, earrings, and brooches in both traditional and contemporary designs.
Watch out for fakes. Counterfeit garnet is one of Prague’s most common tourist traps. Always buy from a reputable jeweler and ask for a certificate of authenticity. For certified Czech garnet, look for the Granát Turnov brand: the only official source of Pyrope garnet from the Turnov mine. You can also find genuine pieces at Erpet Crystal on Old Town Square.
Pro tip: Genuine Czech garnets are a deep violet-red color and are almost always set in silver or gold, never cheap alloy.
3. Czech Beer & Beer Glasses: Liquid Gold from the Home of Pilsner
No country on Earth takes beer more seriously than the Czech Republic. Czechs hold the world record for beer consumption per capita, and for good reason – Czech brewing tradition dates back over 700 years, and the results are exceptional. Prague is home to some of the world’s most iconic lagers, and bringing a few bottles (or a branded glass) home is one of the most universally appreciated souvenirs you can find.
Look for classic Czech brands like Pilsner Urquell (the original pilsner, brewed since 1842), Kozel, Bernard, and Budvar – the original Czech Budweiser. Many Prague shops also stock craft beers from smaller local breweries, which make for a more unique find.
Even better, pair a few bottles with an authentic Czech beer mug or stein, the kind used in Prague’s legendary pub culture. Branded glassware from famous pubs like U Fleků (Prague’s oldest brewery, dating to 1499) is a fantastic conversation piece back home.
Where to buy: Supermarkets for bottles; souvenir shops and the brewery gift shops for glassware. U Fleků brewery (Křemencova 11) sells its own branded merchandise on-site.
4. Handmade Marionettes: Czech Culture on a String
Puppetry is not just a craft in the Czech Republic, it’s a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage. Prague has a centuries-old tradition of marionette theatre, and handmade puppets and marionettes remain one of the most distinctive and artistic souvenirs you can find in the city.
From classic jesters and fairy tale characters to figures of Faust, Don Giovanni, and even Franz Kafka, the range is enormous. The best ones are hand-carved from wood, hand-painted, and fully articulated – genuine pieces of folk art.
What to look for: Hand-crafted, not mass-produced. Check that the puppet has individual hand-painted details and real strings. Avoid the plastic-faced imitations sold near major tourist spots.
Where to buy: Marionety Truhlar on Nerudova Street and České hračky u Zlatého lva shops are well-known for quality.
5. Becherovka: The Czech National Drink
Every country has its signature spirit, the Czech Republic has Becherovka. This herbal liqueur was invented in 1807 in the spa town of Karlovy Vary, and its secret recipe (known to only two people at any given time) includes a complex blend of herbs, spices, and a distinctive undertone of ginger. It’s drunk as a shot or mixed with tonic water in the classic “Beton” cocktail.
A bottle of Becherovka with its iconic green label and vintage bottle design is a fantastic souvenir — it’s a taste of Czech tradition that transports you straight back to a Prague pub.
Where to buy: Any supermarket or liquor store in Prague. For a more curated selection of Czech spirits, including Slivovitz (plum brandy) and Czech absinthe, visit a dedicated spirits shop in the Old Town.
6. Spa Wafers: The Sweetest Souvenir
For something lighter (and delicious), pick up a box of Czech spa wafers: thin, crisp wafers filled with hazelnut, vanilla, or chocolate cream. Originally from the spa town of Karlovy Vary, these iconic treats are now found across Prague and make a wonderful edible souvenir to share with people back home.
They’re packaged beautifully in traditional golden foil wrapping and are easy to transport.
Where to buy: Supermarkets, railway kiosks, and most souvenir shops across the city.
7. Art Nouveau Prints and Mucha Posters
Prague’s architectural and artistic heritage is deeply rooted in Art Nouveau, and no artist is more associated with this movement than Alfons Mucha, the Czech painter whose flowing, ornamental style became iconic worldwide. Prints and posters inspired by Mucha’s work (as well as original contemporary art) are widely available and make for striking wall pieces.
Beyond Mucha, local artists produce original prints, illustrations, and paintings inspired by Prague’s skyline, bridges, and architecture, often at very accessible prices from gallery shops and market stalls.
Where to buy: Art galleries in the Old Town, and the Mucha Museum gift shop for official Mucha-licensed prints.
Shopping Tips: How to Buy Smart in Prague
Before you head out with your wallet, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Avoid tourist traps near major landmarks. The closer you are to the Astronomical Clock or Charles Bridge, the higher the markup and the lower the quality. Walk a few streets further and prices drop significantly.
- Check labels. Many items sold as “Czech” are actually mass-produced outside the country. Look for “Made in Czech Republic” labels or ask the seller directly.
Prague is one of those rare cities where souvenir shopping can be genuinely joyful, if you know what to look for. Avoid the plastic snow globes and “I ♥ Prague” mugs, and instead bring home a piece of real Czech craftsmanship.
Every item on this list comes with a story – centuries of glassmaking, the mystery of a 200-year-old herbal recipe, or a gemstone born from a meteorite. That’s what makes a great souvenir: not just something you bought, but something that keeps telling the story of your trip long after you’re home.
Planning your Prague trip? Browse flights, transfers, and city tours at trips-tickets.com and make the most of every moment in the City of a Hundred Spires.