With Christmas fast-approaching, gift-giving is on everyone’s minds. Check out Altovita’s bite-sized list of the best places to pick up unique and memorable gifts and souvenirs in Central Europe!
Supersense: Home of Analog Delicacies, Vienna
This quirky shop is located in a beautiful Venetian Palazzo and specialises in bespoke analogue products. It is the perfect place to buy something unique and special for that person who has everything; or for a parent or grandparent who likes to reminisce about a romantic past, before the days of Bluetooth speakers and digital cameras. In addition to products like vinyl record players and film cameras, you can also find one-of-a-kind products that have been made by inventors specifically for Supersense. Whether you’re in the market for picking up some gifts or not, a visit to this beautiful place is an experience in itself and well worth your time.
This fabulous boutique store showcases the latest designs of over 50 local fashion designers, making it a great place to find something a bit different for the fashionistas in your life! The vibrant and varied pieces here make great gifts as they’re unlike anything you could find back home and the exotic designer labels are sure to make your friends feel fabulous!
Personalised hand-stitched embroidery in Prague
Follow the narrow cobbled street (Karlova) directly opposite the Charles Bridge on the Old Town side of Prague and on your right-hand side you will come across an unassuming little shop where you can buy beautiful hand-embroidered products. The shop is easily identifiable as the talented owners sit out front with their sewing machine, applying exquisite personalised embroidery to fabric goods, surrounded by an appreciative crowd. You can choose from a wide variety of products including baking aprons, baby bibs, and tea towels, which can then be personalised with names or messages in a colour of your choice. The end result is truly beautiful. These high-quality and hand-made products make beautiful souvenirs or unique presents for any celebration, including birthdays, Christmas, mother’s day, or a new baby! There really is something for everybody.
Falk Miksa Street, Budapest
Take a stroll down ‘Antique Row’ and you won’t leave empty handed. This street is close to the Parliament building so it is easy to incorporate a visit into your sight-seeing plans. The street is lined with several amazing arts/antique shops, as well as numerous impressive galleries which hold auctions. You are sure to find some unique souvenirs and gifts here that will become treasured possessions.