Prague Shopping Tips by nicolaitan

Diamit: Czech Crystal and Glassware (2 photos)

Czech crystal and glassware are world - renowned. Every block in the area around the Old Town Square had at least one store with windows and aisles filled with good crystal and colorful glassware both functional and decorative. As in the images, these displays can be striking. Although logic would dictate otherwise, we found the prices to be pretty much similar in and out of the tourist areas. Extensive shopping for the best price really doesn't seem necessary.

Diamit is a chain of 5 stores in the Old Town. We found the branch at Celetna' 9 right off the square itself to be among the largest, with a huge selection. And they were extremely helpful in packing our purchases for suitcase travel - no damages.

Address: Celetna' 9, 110 00 Praha 1

Directions: just off the square

Phone: +420 222324116

Theme: Local Craft

Pinocchio: Czech Puppets and Marionettes ( 3 photos)

Most every country must have puppets and marionettes (puppets 27+ inches) but in very few is the culture of the country more related than the Czech Republic. Introduced perhaps as early as the 16th Century from Italy, puppetry played a prominent role in maintaining Czech language and culture during the various subjugations and revivals over the last few centuries. Particularly at the end of the 18th C and beginning of the 19th, Czech patriotism and tradition were emphasized by travelling puppeteers, most notably the Maizner family. In the 20th Century, itinerants were replaced by fixed theatres, but the themes remained unchanged. The Nazi regime brought puppetry to a basic halt, but after the war professional troupes and theaters were revived.

What to buy: Puppets and marionettes come in all sizes and costs. At Pinocchio, beautiful and very expensive works of art are for sale. Along other streets in the Old Town, more mass-produced and cheaper figures are for sale. Celetna' street has several stores with large collections, pictured here. We bought several for perhaps $30 apiece, thrilling the grandchildren.

What to pay: As much as you want

Address: Old Town

Directions: Pinocchio is in the Ungelt Courtyard, entered thru an archway behind Our Lady of Tyn cathedral.
Celetna' arises directly from the Old Town Square direction to Powder Tower, entrance to the right of Our Lady of Tyn.

Theme: Local Craft