Cobblestones glint under the gas lamps of Prague, the Vltava carries stories past medieval bridges, and glass chandeliers scatter light in Bohemian salons — the Czech Republic tastes of bitter beer, floral Moravian embroidery, and the mineral steam of Karlovy Vary.
From the sparkle of hand-cut crystal in Nový Bor to the smoky warmth of plum brandy in a Moravian village, each corner of the country offers tactile mementos that smell, sound, and look like home.
Whether you’re shopping in Prague’s Old Town, browsing workshops in Jablonec nad Nisou, or sampling wares at a Karlovy Vary colonnade, here’s what to buy in the Czech Republic to bring a piece of its culture and craft home with you. If you’re hunting Czech souvenirs, these picks span luxury heirlooms and pocket-friendly finds.
1. Bohemian crystal
Why pick this up: Bohemian crystal is the Czech Republic’s brightest export — expertly cut, heavy in the hand, and refracting sunlight into rainbows. It’s a classic gift that instantly evokes salons in Prague and villas on the Vltava.
What to look for: Seek brands or stamps from Nový Bor, Harrachov, or makers like Moser and Preciosa; hand-cut facets, lead-free options, and a maker’s mark in the base are signs of quality.
Price bracket (2025): 800–15,000 Kč (small glasses to statement vases).
Where to find it: Factory shops and showrooms in Nový Bor and Harrachov, Moser’s shop in Karlovy Vary, and curated stores in Prague’s Old Town.
2. Český granát (Bohemian garnet) jewelry
Why pick this up: Deep-red garnets mined and cut in Bohemia have been set into filigree since the 19th century — they carry a romantic, old-Europe glamour that’s unmistakably Czech.
What to look for: Look for the “Český granát” or Jablonec provenance, solid silver settings (925), and pieces with traditional cluster settings; ask for certificates for higher-end stones.
Price bracket (2025): 1,200–10,000 Kč (rings and pendants vary by size and setting).
Where to find it: Jewelry ateliers and galleries in Jablonec nad Nisou, Prague’s Pařížská Street, and specialty shops in Český Krumlov.
3. Pilsner beer and branded glassware
Why pick this up: The Czech Republic invented pilsner — bottling a taste of history with the bitter, malty clarity of Pilsner Urquell is a must for beer lovers. A tall Pilsner glass makes the souvenir feel complete.
What to look for: Classic 0.5–0.75 L bottles from Plzeň (Pilsner Urquell), limited brewery releases, and branded fluted glasses for serving at home.
Price bracket (2025): 25–60 Kč per bottle; branded glasses 120–400 Kč.
Where to find it: Brewery shop in Plzeň, supermarket chains across the country, and brewery souvenir stalls in Prague.
4. Becherovka (herbal liqueur)
Why pick this up: Karlovy Vary’s bittersweet herbal liqueur is a medicinal-tasting spirit with local lore — a warming, aromatic keepsake that’s easy to transport.
What to look for: The original Becherovka 0.5 L bottle (or limited edition gift boxes); check for factory seals and the classic label.
Price bracket (2025): 230–450 Kč (standard bottles; gift sets higher).
Where to find it: Distillery shop in Karlovy Vary, airport duty-free, and wine & spirits shops in Prague.
5. Marionettes and wooden puppets
Why pick this up: Puppetry is woven into Czech culture; a hand-carved marionette is playful, decorative, and tells a story of traditional craftsmanship from Prague and South Bohemia.
What to look for: Articulated joints, hand-painted faces, and solid wood construction; folk characters and Prague-themed figures are popular.
Price bracket (2025): 300–8,000 Kč (small children’s puppets to large, artisan-made marionettes).
Where to find it: Puppet workshops in Prague (Old Town), Strakonice, and craft markets at Český Krumlov.
6. Czech porcelain (Thun, Dubí)
Why pick this up: Delicate, hand-decorated porcelain teacups or figurines are practical heirlooms that reflect Bohemian aesthetic — often painted with floral or classical motifs.
What to look for: Factory stamps (e.g., Thun), hand-painted details, and traditional Czech patterns; consider dishwasher-safe or vintage lines depending on use.
Price bracket (2025): 400–4,000 Kč (cups to full dinnerware pieces).
Where to find it: Porcelain factories in Dubí, factory outlets in Karlovy Vary, and specialty shops in Prague.
7. Karlovy Vary spa wafers (Karlovarské oplatky)
Why pick this up: Thin, crisp wafers sold under the colonnades of Karlovy Vary are part snack, part ritual — they’re a sweet, portable reminder of the spa town’s mineral springs.
What to look for: Traditional flavors like hazelnut, chocolate, and vanilla; gift tins are common and travel well.
Price bracket (2025): 40–150 Kč per pack or tin.
Where to find it: Stalls and confectioneries along the colonnades in Karlovy Vary and souvenir shops in spa towns.
8. Hand-painted kraslice and Moravian embroidery
Why pick this up: Kraslice (decorated Easter eggs) and vibrant Moravian embroidered textiles carry centuries of folk motifs — perfect as wall art, table linens, or delicate ornaments.
What to look for: Beeswax batik kraslice or finely painted eggs; embroidery with bright geometric or floral stitches from South Moravia or Wallachia.
Price bracket (2025): Kraslice 150–800 Kč; embroidered items 300–3,000 Kč depending on size and intricacy.
Where to find it: Folk craft markets in Olomouc and Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, galleries in Brno, and Prague’s markets.
9. Slivovice (plum brandy) and fruit spirits
Why pick this up: Distilled fruit brandies, especially slivovice from plums, are potent, homegrown spirits that reflect Czech orchard tradition — often made by small producers in Moravia.
What to look for: Age statements, proofs around 40–60% ABV, and bottles from recognized distilleries if you want guaranteed quality.
Price bracket (2025): 250–900 Kč per bottle depending on age and producer.
Where to find it: Moravian distilleries, specialty liquor shops in Brno and Prague, and farmer’s markets.
10. Pardubice gingerbread (perník) and regional treats
Why pick this up: Pardubice’s historic gingerbread and other regional sweets are edible souvenirs that pack taste and story — beautifully decorated and often stamped with local motifs.
What to look for: Traditional recipes (honey and spices), decorated gift boxes, and locally made biscuits or chocolates from Prague chocolatiers.
Price bracket (2025): 50–250 Kč per box.
Where to find it: Bakeries in Pardubice, gourmet shops in Prague, and food markets across the country.
Pro tip: pack fragile Czech crystal and porcelain in clothing or use bubble wrap — or ask many factories about direct shipping — and keep receipts if you want a VAT refund at Václav Havel Airport. Happy hunting for Czech souvenirs and safe travels! ✈️
Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!
About the Author
Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!

Leave a comment