Prague (Praha) Books And Music

Big Ben Bookstore, Malá Štupartská 636/5 (☎224 82 65 59; www.bigbenbookshop.com), This cute little bookshop located just across from St. James Cathedral offers travelers a solid, authentic literary outlet in the middle of tourist-ridden Old Town. Although it doesn't have the most incredible variety of books, for its size, Big Ben has enough literature and travel guides to warrant a look. Stop by in May during the Prague Writers Festival for book signings by visiting authors. From starestka naměstí, take Týnska east, continuing straight through the courtyards as it turns into Týn. The courtyard lets out at Malá Štupartsá, where you should take a left. Open M-F 9am-8pm, Sa 10am-8pm, Su 11am-6pm. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Radost CD-VIDEO, Bělehradská 120 (☎224 25 27 41; www.radost-cdvideo.cz), The Oz of the Czech music scene, this 15-year-old shop offers not just music, but information and vibes like you can't get elsewhere. Maybe that's why many record producers and musicians like hanging out here. C: I.P. Pavlova. Open M-F 10am-8pm, Sa 11am-7pm, Su 1-7pm. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Shakespeare and Sons, U Luzické Semináře 10 (☎257 53 18 94; www.shakes.cz), Shakespeare and Sons offers an impressive collection of new and used books in English, Russian, Spanish, Czech, and German. So, whether you wanna be a Predictable Pauly and read Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being or an Impulsive Ike and read Jackson Pollack's unofficial biography, Splattin' It, you'll find it at a good price here. Note: Splattin' It is not an actual book. A: Malostranská. From the station, go down Klárov toward the river, and turn right on U. Luzické Semináré. Prices vary. Open daily 11am-8pm. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access.
Luxor Palace of Books, Václavské náměstí 41 (☎221 11 13 32; www.neoluxor.cz), This enormous Czech book warehouse also has a sizeable collection of English language volumes from travel guides to literature to children's books. The store also sells paper, pencils, and other stationery and has a cafe in the basement. But don't get lost; this cavernous bookery makes Barnes and Noble look cute. A or C: Muzeum. Open M-F 8am-8pm, Sa 9am-7pm, Su 10am-7pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access.