Prunes

Can anyone tell me what the great and/or cheap shopping buys are in Prague and where to find them?

Bob

Hi, Prunes!<BR><BR>If you're into crystal, there are crystal shops all over Prague. Wherever you go. Also, porcelain if you are into that. <BR><BR>I am not a big shopper but you can't help but see these shops all over town. Great looking stuff!!<BR><BR>Moser and Rott are big name crystal stores but there are many others as well. Moser has a website if you do a search for it.<BR><BR>Have fun.<BR><BR>Bob

Leslie

Bob --<BR><BR>Shame on you. Mosel and Rott are the most expensive stores in Prague. But what would a man know about prices. Both are considered the "Tiffanys" of Prague. <BR><BR>I'll suggest three shops -- the first crystal shop, which had the best pricing for crystal is directly across the street from the Rott, right near the Astrological Clock. I don't have the name of the shop, but each item is numbered, and you have to take an order sheet, enter the item # and price for the store clerk -- that was a very different technique. I spent about $150 in this shop and came away with 4 huge shopping bags (12 of the items are atomizers). <BR><BR>The second shop is called Regena on Karlova, which had excellent prices for garnets and amber. I only bought jewelry in this shop, at excellent prices.<BR><BR>The third, is a very small crystal shop, specializing only in stemware -- which is directly across the street from the Rudolfinium, next to an antique-type jewelry store. I bought 6 sets of stemware glasses here.<BR><BR>Sorry, but I misplaced the receipts for two of the stores.<BR><BR>Prunes, if you need any other information, please email me. And, Prunes, if Bob Stomber hadn't helped me plan my trip to Prague, I never would have made it there, he has a wealth of valuable information. Bob has become a very good friend too.<BR><BR>Leslie

Christina

I believe the crystal store Leslie is thinking of is Crystalex. I bought there also and they have a good selection, good prices and good quality. They have a couple stores but one is right near Old Town Sq and the items are numbered. They shipped some wine glasses and a vase for me and, although it ook quite a while and was expensive (not for a private shipping service, just in comparison to the cost of the products, it cost about US$35), they packed them superbly and everything arrived in perfect condition. They are recommended in several shopping guides. Other than that, garnet jewelry is of excellent quality and very cheap in Prague--stock up for your wives and girlfriends, or yourself and sisters if you're female, whatever.

Mike

We bought a bunch of marionettes in Prague. They are very unique and you definitely don't see anything like them anywhere else in Europe. They were relatively inexpensive also. If you like garnets and amber, you can find that anywhere, but we didn't feel it was really inexpensive.

Linda

Crystal is a good buy. We were told by an American student there that the best buys were at the department stores. One is near the Symphony/Opera Hall, the other I found was on the other side of the downtown area from the first department store (one about 6-8 blocks to the right of the Charles Bridge and one about 6-8 blocks and down one block to the left of the Charles Bridge). The other items are garnet jewelry. We had good luck at Vila's (store on Wenceslas Square at the opposite end from the statue). Near the statue is a nice little bakery with kolaces, crossiant sandwiches, etc., for a very cheap price. We got some bekerovka (spelling), which is a native liquor for very cheap as well. I found a great soft carry-on bag for all my crystal purchases and some nice Christmas gifts at open air stalls near Wenceslas Square and about one block up from the bridge toward the clock.

Bob

Hi, Prunes --<BR><BR>Bob here again. Kind words from Leslie earlier. If you would like a trip report, you can email me & I'll get it to you.<BR><BR>My wife and I are now proud owners of not one but two porcelain elephants! Right from Prague -- bought on Mostecka Street in Mala Strana!<BR><BR>You will certainly have fun in Prague as you can tell from these postings. It's really a great city to visit and enjoy!<BR><BR>Bob

Karin

I was in Prague, a while ago and the very best place to go for Crystal is direct to the factory. I paid &pound;5 for 6 cut class wine glasses. You will need to travel out of the city, but the savings are more than worth it. It also makes a good day trip as you get to see a side of Prague that is not as commercialised. Also the glass factory workers are quite amazing! A team of 'waitresses' whhel round crates of beer bottles, which the men drink as they work! Worth the trip just to see that.

Helen

May I ask a question to Mike and Bob - and all the others who know! I know Prague is known for marionettes - how available are they? Old, new? Possible to order by mail? I am dreaming of visiting Prague, but do not know how soon that would be - the SA Rand gets weaker by the day.<BR><BR>Thanks for your help.<BR>Helen

Leslie

You can find marionettes all over Prague -- they seem to be in every shop and every store window. The sizes range from small to lifesize, and you can imagine that the prices fluctuate also. I didn't buy one because I don't have children and the only other thing that I would do with it is hang it in a corner, where it would just collect dust. And yes, you can order them online -- just do a search for "Prague marionettes", and you should come up with a list of stores that will ship to you. Just realize that the shipping cost will far exceed the cost of the marionnette.

Barb

Crystal shopping is pretty amazing. I bought a complete set of wine, water, champagne, beer, high ball and martini glasses for around $300. There is a great small place right off St. Charles bridge on the smaller end of the bridge - right side as you come of fthe bridge probably half a block up. Also I have found many great wrought iron pieces in the market in main Wenczeslas (spelling) square where the big clock tower is. I pretty much wandered a lot of the back streets. Great shopping - enjoy. Barb

Mike

Helen,<BR><BR>As mentioned by Leslie, the marionettes are everywhere. We did buy 6 to bring home to our kids and niece and we bought a bigger one for ourselves. The one we bought for ourselves was 1000 CK, so about $30. It was a witch whos mouth can move as well as her arms and legs. <BR><BR>One of the shopkeepers told us that the legend behind the ugly marionettes is that they ward off bad spirits when hung in a home. I guess this is a ancient tradition...or maybe a way to sell another marionette. We did find the marionettes in the outdoor markets were far cheaper and just as unique and the quality was just as good if not better.<BR><BR>Good luck!

Helen

Thanks Mike and Leslie! Come to think of it, I do not know why I love marionettes so much, but I am just fascinated by them - bought the most beautiful Chinese one in a local shop - it is an old man, and his eyes and mouth can open and close!<BR>Thanks again! And Prunes, enjoy your visit to Prague - I envy you!

wherehk

karin -- what crystal factory did you visit? and how did you get there, how long did it take, etc? any details would be great! thanks...