Prague’s Old Town Centre, Staré Město is arguably the most outstanding historic city center in Europe. Declared a UNESCO site in 1992, the center used to be walled-in, separated from the outside by a moat and bridge, and dates back to the 9th century. The addition of Baroque and Renaissance architecture over the years has added to the historic importance, and booking Prague holiday apartments in Staré Město is by far your best bet if you wish for a truly authentic Czech experience.

Staré Město also offers innumerable chances for specialty shopping. While many internationally renowned brands are found here, it’s the locally made gems which are the town’s most coveted items. Bring home some gorgeous wares from one (or two) of the following shops, and make your Czech vacation an unforgettable one.

Dum Porcelanu Praha, Jugoslávská 16
Showcasing some of the Czech Republic’s best porcelain, china and crystal wares, this glorious shop is not for the clumsy-at-hand! Designer products are spread out over two enormous floors and include known brands such as Royal Dux Bohemia, Cesky Porcelan and Haas & Czjzek.

Delmas, Lucerna Palace
This leather-lover’s paradise comes courtesy of local craftsmen and women. Specializing in handmade-bags from designers of the Pavel Hajn Studio, the shop is renowned for selling the trendiest and most uniquely designed bags, purses, gloves and man-bags. Trust us…if they’re from Prague, man-bags are totally cool!

Galerie Vlasta, Starometske namesti 5
Opened in honor of Prague’s most famous jeweler designer, Vlasta Wasserbauerova, this tres-chic gallery showcases the famed artists’ latest collection. Ms Vlasta has amassed an impressive international reputation for her unique metal-weaving designs, and her works are not only shown in various museums, but have also been awarded numerous international prizes.

Klara Nademlunska, Dlouha 3
It’s quite evident that Prague clothing designer Klara Nademlynska spent the first few years of her career learning from the best Parisienne ateliers. Since launching her own brand in 1997 however, she has managed to infuse some Prague sparkle into her designs, and her latest outstanding collection can be found in this ultra-modern boutique.

Alfa Galleries, Narodni 43
This beautiful gallery used to only deal in high-quality porcelain items, but has recently broadened its market by offering an eclectic mix of locally made handicrafts. Indeed, their impressive collection of one-of-a-king paintings and sculptures are absolutely stunning.

Swarovski Bohemia, Celetná 7
Quite possibly the most well-known of all Czech crystal brands, Swarovski is renowned for sparkly jewels, home wares, and everything from crystal key-rings to animal miniatures. If you’ve ever drooled over a pair of glistening Swarovski drop-earrings, this may well be the perfect place to buy them!

Galerie Peithner-Lichtenfels, Michalská 12
If original paintings and drawings from local artists is what you’re after, than this is the place for you. Not as orderly as some other galleries perhaps, but the friendly owner does have an eye for talent and showcases some truly awesome pictures. Moreover, he tends to prefer little-known local artists, so you know you’ll be taking home a truly unique piece. Granted you may have to dig just a little, but it will be well worth your efforts!

Prague Open-air markets, everywhere!
One of the most wonderful activities, whilst on a Prague vacation, would have to be perusing the grand myriad of stalls in the city’s many open-air markets. Not only will you find purely Czech bits-and bobs (like hand-made folkloric puppets, antique crystal and porcelain bowls, hand-painted eggs and vintage clothing), you can also savor some of the country’s best fresh produce.

ince 2006 Holiday Velvet provides Prague apartments to travellers around the world.