Prague’s unique vibe and atmosphere beautifully reflects its wide array of shops. While stores focusing on modern Czech design have become a lot easier to find, the old-school gems are still there, often hidden away in narrow alleyways. Here are 10 shops that perfectly represent Prague’s contemporary culture.
1. Lavmi
The prettiest wallpaper is born in the hands of a Czech graphic designer Babeta Ondrová, who, with her life partner Jan Slovák, a theater actor, started their passion project out of their own need when they failed to find classy enough wallpaper for their walls at home. Nowadays, their endeavor has flourished into a popular business, Lavmi, selling design wallpaper worldwide, along with other interior design items. You can often meet the owners right in the store, looking over new prints and advising clients on picking the right lampshade. The big corner store itself looks like an elegant apartment, just waiting for you to walk in. Zlatnická 1130/12, Praha 1 – Nové Město
2. Houslařský ateliér Vávra
Prague being a historical city where art is deeply rooted, there are also a few shops that have withstood the test of time. For a good example of what a trip back in time would feel like, step into the violin workshop of Mr. Vávra, Houslařský ateliér Vávra. Coming from a family of violinmakers, the youngest, now 54 y.o. Tomáš Vávra continues the family legacy in a shop they’ve owned since 1967. The violin master Vávra not only repairs and restores violins and violas but also creates new ones from wood his grandfather obtained in the 1930s. The friendly, woodchip-covered shop owner freely welcomes visitors to stop in and gaze in awe for a little while at all the fiddles on display. Lublaňská 65, Praha 2 – Vinohrady
3. Dům porcelánu
The House of Porcelain – the name of the store says it all. Three floors filled with glass and ceramics, from floor to ceiling, showcase products from only Czech porcelain makers with the addition of a few well-known German brands. The most traditional Czech porcelain, referred to as Blue Onion (or “cibulák” in Czech), featuring blue “onion print” on white porcelain, can be purchased there and makes for a great, albeit a little heavy, souvenir. Jugoslávská 16, Praha 2 – Vinohrady
4. Foto Jan Pazdera
One of the most remarkable camera shops in Prague, Foto Jan Pazdera, sells both new and old models. It’s the second-hand section that draws the largest interest. The 50-year-old shop collects old gems of camera gear from internationally known brands such as the Russian Zenit or the Leica. Camera bodies, lenses, tripods and even astrology equipment make this store one of a kind. What’s more, the knowledgeable staff is happy to engage with fellow photography enthusiasts. Give this store a go if you find yourself near Wenceslas Square. Vodičkova 699/28, Praha 1 – Nové Město
5. Hugo chodí bos
The toyshop with a poetic name “Hugo goes barefoot” was started with the mission of bringing Czech toys back to Czech children. The owner Alena Kantůrková wanted her daughter to play with toys she herself grew up playing with. Since there was no Czech toy store to fill the void, Kantůrková took on the task. Nowadays, she has two shops in Prague, ships toys worldwide and even provides the service of fixing broken toys. All toys sold in the store are made in the Czech Republic. Many pieces have a long history, others have been developed only recently by young Czech designers. With products made according to Fairtrade standards and the smallest possible carbon footprint, the store satisfies the need for sustainability too. Řeznická 12, Praha 1 – Nové Město and Milady Horákové 26, Praha 7 – Letná
6. Deelive Design Store
A rather new design store, right next to the popular SmetanaQ Café & Bistro, Deelive Design Store offers a spacious room filled with items from contemporary Czech designers with jewelry and interior décor taking center stage. Clothes and accessories occupy a room in the back and there’s also a book corner. The space itself is pleasing and full of light. Feel free to stop by and admire the Czech design pieces as if you’re in an art gallery. Smetanovo nábřeží 334/4, Praha 1 – Staré Město
7. Klára Nademlýnská
One of the most famous current Czech fashion designers, Klára Nademlýnská gained her experience in Paris, the capital of fashion. Her store can be found in the heart of the Old Town, just a few steps away from the Old Town Square. The minimalist design of the boutique corresponds with the clean lines of her usually single-colored garments made of high-quality materials. The luxury clothing is aimed at women and comes in limited collections. Dlouhá 924/3, Praha 1 – Staré Město
8. Slusny Yoyo Shop
Czech Republic’s most accomplished yoyo players who won several European championships have put their forces together and opened a shop. They don’t just sell yoyos at Slusny Yoyo Shop but organize workshops and contests too. Anybody can walk into the store and get advice on the best yoyos for beginners or pros. Since you’ll be served by one of the yoyo champions, you can ask to see a trick or two. Opening hours are limited to afternoons only. Budečská 39, 120 00, Praha 2 – Vinohrady
9. Kubista
All things cubism and art deco are sold at Kubista located in the most noteworthy of Prague’s cubist buildings – The House at the Black Madonna. Architecture geeks and laymen alike will love this store filled with jewelry, interior décor, and ceramics. Collectors can bask in pieces of historical value, which understandably come with a hefty price tag. While the store is located on the ground level of the enchanting building, a few floors above you can admire the Museum of Czech Cubism, as well as enjoy a cup of coffee at the cubist-themed Café Orient. Ovocný trh 19, Praha 1 – Staré Město
10. Houpací Kůň
Houpací Kůň, which translates as the Rocking Horse, is a small traditional toyshop in the Lesser Quarter area. Wooden toys, old Czech and European toys, and many items featuring one of the most beloved Czech cartoon characters – the mole, a.k.a. the Krtek. The small store has called this address home for more than 20 years. The tiny space is occupied by a surprisingly large number of different toys, including wind-up toys, music boxes, puppets, and marionettes. Uniquely, children can even play with the toys on display. Loretánské náměstí 3, Praha 1 – Hradčany
