Quick Picks for Your Shopping Trip

Are you in a hurry to find the perfect gift? Karlovy Vary offers many wonderful options for every budget. Some items are world-famous, while others are small and sweet. You can find these items easily in the city center. Here are a few quick recommendations to get you started.

• Best Overall: Traditional Spa Drinking Cups
• Best for Foodies: Freshly baked Spa Wafers
• Best Luxury: Moser Crystal Glassware
• Best Unique Craft: Petrified Stone Roses
• Best for Wellness: Local Thermal Spring Salt

If you need a break between shops, try visiting some specialty coffee shops in Karlovy Vary. They offer great local atmosphere and caffeine. Most shops are located within walking distance of the main springs. This makes it easy to combine sightseeing with your shopping list.

10 Best Spots for Authentic Souvenir Shopping Karlovy Vary

The city is full of specialty stores that sell high-quality goods. You should look for items that are made locally. These products carry the history of the West Bohemia region. Follow this list to find the most authentic treasures.

1. Name: Moser Glass Type: Sight/Shopping Why go: Moser is known as the "Glass of Kings." It is a world-famous luxury brand. Best for: Luxury seekers and collectors. Where: Moser Visitor Centre or the downtown boutique. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Mid-range to very expensive. Getting there: Take a local bus to the factory or walk to the town boutique. Tip: Visit the museum first to see how the glass is blown.
2. Name: Becherovka Herbal Liqueur Type: Experience/Drink Why go: This famous bitter liqueur was invented right here in 1807. It uses a secret mix of herbs. Best for: Adults who enjoy unique spirits. Where: Jan Becher Museum. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Affordable to mid-range. Getting there: Walk to the museum near the main bus station. Tip: Read our Becherovka tasting and museum guide for the best experience.
3. Name: Traditional Spa Wafers Type: Food Why go: These thin, round wafers are a classic local snack. They come in many delicious flavors. Best for: Families and light snacks. Where: Street stalls near the Mill Colonnade. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Very cheap. Getting there: Walk through the main colonnades. Tip: Check our list of the best fresh spa wafers Karlovy Vary to find your favorite.
4. Name: Porcelain Spa Cups Type: Activity/Sight Why go: These cups have a special spout for drinking mineral water. They protect your teeth from the minerals. Best for: A practical and iconic souvenir. Where: Shops near the Vřídlo spring. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: Walk to the Hot Spring Colonnade. Tip: Learn the karlovy vary drinking cure etiquette before using your cup.
5. Name: Thun Porcelain Type: Shopping Why go: Thun is the largest Czech porcelain manufacturer. Their designs are elegant and very traditional. Best for: Home decor and tea sets. Where: Thun store on T.G. Masaryka street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Mid-range. Getting there: Walk to the main shopping street. Tip: Look for the "Bernadotte" pattern for a classic look.
6. Name: Petrified Stone Flowers Type: Unique Craft Why go: Real roses are placed in mineral water until they turn to stone. This is unique to Karlovy Vary. Best for: A one-of-a-kind decorative gift. Where: Vřídelní Colonnade souvenir shops. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: Walk to the city center. Tip: Handle them carefully as they can be fragile.
7. Name: Czech Garnet Jewelry Type: Shopping Why go: Bohemian garnets are famous for their deep red color. They are a national gemstone. Best for: Romantic gifts and jewelry lovers. Where: Granát Turnov official boutiques. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Mid-range to expensive. Getting there: Walk along the river in the spa zone. Tip: Always ask for a certificate of authenticity.
8. Name: Thermal Spa Salt Type: Wellness Why go: This salt is made from the local springs. You can use it for baths at home. Best for: Relaxation and self-care. Where: Local pharmacies and spa shops. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Very affordable. Getting there: Found in most shops in the spa area. Tip: Make sure the packaging is sealed for travel.
9. Name: Loket Pottery Type: Day Trip Why go: Nearby Loket produces beautiful hand-painted ceramics. It is a lovely village to visit. Best for: Rustic home items. Where: Shops in the town of Loket. Time: Half-day trip. Cost: Mid-range. Getting there: Follow our day trip to Loket from Karlovy Vary guide. Tip: Visit the castle while you are there.
10. Name: Mattoni Merchandise Type: Shopping Why go: Mattoni is a famous mineral water brand from this region. They sell cool vintage-style items. Best for: Fans of local history and brands. Where: Mattoni museum or local gift shops. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: Walk or take a short bus ride. Tip: The eagle logo is a symbol of the city.

Where to Find the Best Shopping Districts

Most shopping in Karlovy Vary happens in two main areas. The first is the spa zone near the river. This area has many high-end boutiques and souvenir stalls. You can find crystal, jewelry, and spa cups here. It is a very scenic place to walk and shop.

The second area is the commercial center around T.G. Masaryk Street. This is where locals go to shop. You will find clothing stores, bookstores, and larger porcelain shops. It is less touristy than the colonnades. You can find more local favorites in Karlovy Vary in this district.

For a unique experience, visit the Moser Visitor Centre. It is located slightly outside the city center. You can see the glassmaking process and buy items directly from the factory. This ensures you are getting the best quality and selection. You can check the local public transport for bus routes to the factory.

How to Spot Genuine Czech Crafts

Authentic souvenir shopping Karlovy Vary requires a bit of knowledge. Many shops sell cheap imports that are not made in the Czech Republic. To find real items, look for official brand names like Moser or Thun. These brands have a long history in the region. They usually have their own dedicated stores.

When buying garnets, always look for the "Granát Turnov" hallmark. This proves the stones are real Bohemian garnets. Genuine stones are usually small and have a deep red color. Large, bright red stones are often just glass. Ask the seller for a certificate before you buy.

Check the labels on spa wafers as well. Authentic wafers are made using local spring water. They should have a clear list of ingredients and a local address. Many stalls sell them fresh and warm. These are usually the best ones to try while you walk. For more information on Czech products, visit the Visit Czechia website.

Practical Shopping Tips for Karlovy Vary in 2026

Most shops in Karlovy Vary accept credit cards. However, small stalls might only take cash. It is helpful to have some Czech Koruna (CZK) with you. You can find ATMs throughout the city center. Prices are usually fixed, so there is no need to haggle.

Opening hours are generally from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Some shops in the spa zone stay open later during the summer. On Sundays, some smaller shops might be closed. Plan your shopping early in the day to avoid the biggest crowds. This makes for a much more relaxing experience.

If you buy fragile items like glass or porcelain, ask for extra wrapping. Most shops are used to tourists and will pack things safely for travel. You might also want to carry a sturdy bag with you. This helps protect your new treasures as you walk back to your hotel. Always keep your receipts for customs if you live outside the EU.