What’s New - Prague and Czech Republic - page 85

Shopping
In the past decade or so, Prague's shopping scene has changed bey-
ond recognition. An influx of global brand names and glitzy new
malls has left the city's main shopping streets looking very much
like those of any other European capital. Imported goods often
carry Western European prices, but Czech products remain afford-
able for Czechs and cheap for Westerners.
Specialities
GLASS & CRYSTAL
One of Prague's best buys is Bohemian crystal ( sklo ) - anything from simple glass-
ware to stupendous works of art, sold at some three-dozen upmarket places in the shop-
ping zone. Prices aren't radically different from shop to shop, though they are highest
in the city centre.
HANDICRAFTS
In the tourist areas of Prague, many shops - notably Manufaktura ( CLICK HERE ) -
stock quality craft items made of wood, ceramic, straw, textiles and other materials,
handmade in traditional styles. Things to look for include painted Easter eggs, wooden
utensils, ceramics with traditional designs, linen with traditional stitching, and Bohemi-
an lacework. Notably popular are figures of Krtek (Little Mole), a Czech cartoon char-
acter dating from the 1950s.
Traditional wooden marionettes (and more delicate and lifelike ones made of plaster)
are also available in many shops.
JEWELLERY
Amber ( jantar ) and gemstones mined in the Czech Republic are good value, and pop-
ular as souvenirs or gifts. Amber is better value here than over the border in Germany.
This fossilised tree resin is usually honey-yellow in colour, although it can be white,
orange, red or brown. Czech garnets ( český granát ) - sometimes called 'Czech rubies'
- are usually red but can be many other colours, or even colourless.