Prague may not be able to offer as wide range of shopping opportunities as Paris, but it’s definitely one of the best places to splurge in East Europe. Amongst the best buys in the city are the country’s world-famous Bohemian crystal and porcelain, although other good bargains include books (particularly German and Czech), jewellery, clocks (here’s where you can buy delightful old cuckoo clocks and Bavarian grandfather clocks!) and glassware. Also look out for wooden marionettes (puppetry has been one of the traditional recreations in the country, and marionettes were often used in morality plays). There are plenty of boutiques, antique shops and art galleries across town, many of them in the Old Town.

If you just want to stroll through the local markets and get a feel of what Prague is all about, head for Havelská Ulice (in the Old Town) or the flea market of Holesovice, both among the best street markets around.