Krakow: Where to find souvenirs?

Krakow is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland and is full of interesting culture and stunning attractions. If you’ve visited the city on a trip, or you’re lucky enough to be living here permanently, you’ll probably want to stay in touch with your memories of Krakow, or bring a piece of it back home with you. Whether it’s to decorate your house, bring a part of Krakow with you on your weekend trips, or even a gift for a loved one, souvenirs are a great way to remember a favourite holiday or show off the interesting city you’ve visited.

There are many places in Krakow where you can find incredible and unique souvenirs, so we’re going to have a look at some of the options available. Here you have a list of 9 of the best places to buy souvenirs in Krakow:

• Cloth Hall (Gowniarz): The Cloth Hall (also known as Gowniarz) is a shopping mall in the centre of Krakow that has been open since the 15th century and offers antiques, folk art and local handicrafts.
• Krakowska Manufaktura Czekolady (Krakow Chocolate Factory): The Chocolate Factory is one of the most famous places for buying souvenirs in Krakow. It is located inside an old railway building and offers chocolate souvenirs that are uniquely decorated and will make for an amazing gift for anyone who loves sweets.
• Art & Design shop: This shop offers handmade items from local artists, from bags to mugs, magnets and jewelry. You can find beautiful souvenirs in Art & Design Shop, they are original and each piece is one-of-a-kind.
• Polish Wood Galeria: Are you looking for authentic wooden souvenirs? Polish Wood Galeria offers traditional Polish decorations, baubles and picture frames made of wood made by local craftsmen.
• Etz Chaim Jewish bookshop: This shop has been open since 1935, and it offers fantastic souvenirs that remind us of the Jewish tradition in Krakow. From books to plates and cups with traditional designs, you will find something that echoes Krakow’s history here.
• Pod Keja Candles: If you’re looking for beautiful candles with original designs, Pod Keja Candles are a great option. They are handmade in small batches and offer amazing colorful designs that you won’t find anywhere else.
• Category 5 Glasses: Category 5 Glasses offer hand-decorated shot glasses with intricate designs inspired by Krakow’s atmosphere. You can find bottles, glasses and sculptures in their shop, all unique and incredibly beautiful.
• W Sea Kraków: This brand is inspired by Polish songs, Catholic traditions and folklore, creating jewellery and other souvenirs with traditional designs that represent Krakow quite well.
• Kefirek: This store is home of traditional hand-painted pottery from the Gizycko region, which is located not too far from Krakow. You can buy crockery, decorations or even some pieces to add to your collection.

Once you’ve visited all these stores, why not take home also some more traditional souvenirs? Poland is widely known for having very interesting food specialties, such as delicatessen products and liqueur. Chocolate recipes originated here and you can find amazing handcrafted chocolates in all stores. You can also buy vodka made with local herbs or flavoured with fruits to bring a touch of Polish traditions home. We suggest you look at the tourist shops around Old Town, as they usually offer an extensive variety of souvenirs ranging from T-shirts to magnets and other bits and bobs (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g274772-Activities-c62-Krakow_Lesser_Poland_Province_Southern_Poland.html).

All in all, no matter what type of souvenir you are looking for, Krakow is the perfect place for it. There are many different places where you can find traditional items or even pieces of art. Why not visit these stores and explore their selection for yourself – you’ll soon have all the pieces of Krakow packed in your bag!

Krakow: Uncovering Hidden Treasures for Souvenir Hunters

Krakow is a city steeped in history and culture, and while the city may be renowned for its souvenir markets, you can find numerous hidden gems throughout the city. Here’s an insider’s guide to exploring the city’s unique aspects and unearthing the best souvenirs for you to take home.

Local Attractions: Away from the Crowds

Aside from the usual tourist sites like the Wawel Castle or Old Town, Krakow boasts several lesser-known gems. Stroll through the Kazimierz District, once the hub of Jewish culture in the city, and discover the Baroque St. Joseph’s Church. The Kamienice offers an abundance of small galleries and antique shops, perfect for finding unique souvenirs. Stay on the cultural trail and visit the Hipolit House Museum on the Main Square for an incredible insight into the lives of Krakow’s affluent class in the 19th century.

Dining Spots: Discovering Local Cuisine

Krakow’s food culture is an exciting blend of traditional Eastern European cuisine fused with modern twists. Pierogi, Polish dumplings, are a must-try dish. Head over to the Milk Bar Targowy for an affordable and delicious meal. To taste Krakow’s top-quality smoked meats, visit the Stary Kleparz market, where the meats have been smoked using traditional techniques for over 100 years. Lastly, a visit to the Wesoła Café will be an opportunity to savor the famous Krakow cheesecake.

Cultural Experiences: Diving into the City’s Rich Heritage

Krakow is known for its art, music, literature, and festivals. To experience the city’s art scene, we recommend the Manggha Museum, which focuses on Japanese art, pottery, and textiles. To catch a glimpse of the magic of Polish theatre, a performance of Shakespeare’s works at the famous Juliusz Slowacki Theatre is a must. Krakow is also famous for hosting the annual Pierogi Festival in August, a street food festival that features live music, art, and entertainment, for a truly authentic experience.

Local History: Lively Anecdotes from Krakow

Krakow is a city of history and legends. One of the most interesting and amusing tales is the story of the Wawel Dragon. Legend has it that the dragon lived in a cave beneath the Wawel Castle and terrorized the city’s residents until a cunning shoemaker fed it a sheepskin filled with sulfur, causing the dragon to drink water until its stomach burst.

Another fascinating story is that of the Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364 and one of the oldest universities in the world. Famous alumni of the Jagiellonian University include Pope John Paul II and Nobel Prize-winning physicist Albert Michelson.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Hidden Gems

For a unique and exceptional experience, pay a visit to the Nowa Huta district; it’s like stepping back in time to communist Poland. The district’s central square features the imposing Ark of the Lord Church, designed to serve as an anti-communist symbol. It’s equally possible to step back in time to the medieval era by heading to the historical salt mine in the nearby town of Wieliczka. The mine, considered one of the world’s most extraordinary mines, showcases unique, centuries-old artwork that patrons have carefully carved into the salt deposits over the years.

Krakow is rich with history and culture. The city offers much more than the regular tourist destinations, with numerous hidden attractions. This insider’s guide provides a glimpse into some of the city’s top experiences, an adventure that will let you discover the charm of Krakow like a local.