Hugo Chodí Bos Prague
The most iconic toys before '89
Katarína from Prague
Some parts of Prague are untouched by globalization. You need a sharp eye if you're walking on Milady Horákovej street in art district Letná (Prague 7). Among the varied mixture of shops, stop at the toy shop with the catchy name Hugo Chodí Bos (Hugo walks barefoot). The local brand offers toys as they were designed before 1989.
The toys are authentic copies of originals and have a very strong Czechoslovak visual identity. The color combination, the unique shape and the choice of material capture the aesthetic of the past exactly. Most of these popular toys were in every household. Generations of adults are usually really excited to see them again. I like to visit the shop for two reasons. The first is that it is hard to believe that these wonderful new editions still exist. You will feel as if you came out of a time machine. The next one is logical: when I travel abroad, I prefer buying original gifts.
They are made by the most talented designers are timeless and could serve as interesting objects to own. Not only as toys: I would recommend the inflatable toys by renowned toy designer Libuše Niklová (1934-1981), one of Czechoslovakia’s most important toy designers during the 1960s and '70s. She was revolutionary and technologically innovative. The shop Hugo Chodí Bos sells her iconic inflatable animals: giraffe (see photo), buffalo, elephant, pony and caterpillar. No wonder the particular work was recently presented in an exhibition at MoMA in New York or at the London Design Festival.
Prague Spotter Katarína
About this spot
Our Prague City Guide
Find your way with 207 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Prague
Strahov Stadium
Former venue for mass gymnastics
"Strahov Stadium" in Prague used to be one of the biggest stadiums in the world and would host the Spartakiad. Today it's a protected UNESCO site...
by
Katarína
Mácová
Tram No 17
Improvised Hello Prague tour
"Tram No 17" crisscrosses Prague and is an ideal alternative way to see all its interesting points - and enjoy the 20-km ride along the Vltava river...
by
Katarína
Mácová
Bílkova Vila
The mystic sculptor's residence
"Bílkova Vila" in Prague is artist and sculptor František Bílek's house, built in 1911. You can tell it belonged to someone who thought out of the box!
by
Katarína
Mácová
Rohanský Ostrov
The last wild nook... almost
"Rohanský Ostrov" in Prague is a hidden nook that's escaping the nearby development! Come here if you're longing for a pinch of adventure...
by
Katarína
Mácová
Libeňský Most
Widely discussed object
Modernist, cubist "Libeňský Most" in Prague has never been reconstructed... I like the contrast it creates with the surrounding nature.
by
Katarína
Mácová
Pokojíček
Things you didn't know you needed
"Pokojíček" in Prague is one of the most interesting shops where you can find things made by Czech artists, incl. repurposed stuff and cool gifts!
by
Janina
Michlova
Bíla Skála
For collectors of views
"Bíla Skála" in Prague is a forest park with amazing views - it calls to you for a different kind of adventure...
by
Katarína
Mácová
Drákulov
Unrepeatable Yugoslav brutalism
"Drákulov" in Prague is an impressive building on top of a hill. Its bizarre, brutalist architecture (from 1974) makes people want to come closer...
by
Katarína
Mácová
Vodácká Street
Walkers, bikers & canoeists
"Vodácká Street" is a relaxing place on the Vltava in Prague. The slow river flow, the greenery and the view of the swans (and canoeists!) is so calming...
by
Katarína
Mácová
Trojský Most
Influencers' favourite spot
"Trojský Most" in Prague is one of the city's 18 bridges and it's really photogenic. I still remember the first time I crossed it... mesmerizing!
by
Katarína
Mácová
Stairs Pod Vlachovkou
To see all important roofs
Let me take you to these stairs in Prague which begin at the street "Pod Vlachovkou". The view from the top is unimaginable - and nice old villas around!
by
Katarína
Mácová
Heading to Prague?
207 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Prague?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 207 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Prague
Our team loves Prague
Get to know our other Spotters from Prague
As featured on:
