The Sukiennice is one of the city's premier attractions. It is, in essence, a Renaissance shopping mall. It was rebuilt in 1550, which indicates how long the structure has been a part of the town. Inside is full of stalls selling anything and everything. Items range from souvenirs to fabric, hand embroidered items, carved wooden objects, amber jewelery and more. There are several cafes dotted around and the whole building has a wonderful atmosphere. Be sure to spend a few moments admiring the impressive architecture and the design of the roof.
This old shop has retained the traditional feel that the rest of Krakow used to have before globalization and hordes of tourists hit the city. The 18th-century walls are covered with dark wood cases filled with antique jewelry, silver flatware and watches. The modern collection is mostly silver, with semi-precious and precious stones in rather conservative settings. If you're up on your Polish you could even order custom pieces from the workshop in back.
The name translates as 'The Curiosity Shop', which is very fitting. It looks like something out of a movie (and has in fact been used on Polish television). Items on offer change regularly but might include paintings, old books, seashells, semi-precious stones, heavy brass decorative and practical items and much more. Ask about the local tradition related to the elephant skull. The shop is easy to find: there is a rhinoceros' head over the door and a window full of unusual items on display.
The posh market complex Pasaż Rynek 13 was built by merging two old townhouses. Inspired by the similar shopping centers in some of the major cities in the world, this complex has retained elegant renaissance motifs in the structure. A range of shops selling high profile brands have occupied this charming space along with a fantastic range of wine shops. Blending history and modernity, Pasaż Rynek 13 is a favorite haunt of tourists.
One of the oldest chocolate brands in Poland, Wedel, has been in business for over 150 years. This also makes it one of the oldest Polish brands, period. If you seek a place to fulfill the needs of your sweet tooth, there likely isn't a better place to be found.
This antique shop in old town specializes in art-deco furniture. Art-lovers will find an abundant choice of wooden pieces from different time periods aligned in the charming space. Also available here is a range of porcelain articles, lamps, paintings, manuscripts, sculptures and jewelry. Creating the ambiance of a museum, this place is really a fascinating experience for art connoisseurs. Visit Salon Antyków Pasja to feel the classical appeal of antiques.
Most English readers love to spend hours at this book shop run by a warm American couple. A cozy cafe within the shop is a favorite haunt of the voracious readers of English Literature. Its most unlikely that you will not find a book that you've been searching for. The Massolit book shop is your last stop. Time will just fly away before you realize that you've been lost in reading and browsing through books. Not only does the shop but also the cafeteria is as popular where you can read while you munch on the delicious cakes offered here or sip some coffee.
Most Westerners have never heard of Andrzej Mleczko, to their own detriment. Mleczko is the Polish Gary Larson (of 'Far Side' fame) but some say he's even funnier - he's definitely harsher and far more gross than Larson ever was. Here, you'll find everything covered with Mleczko's cartoons : mugs, plates, T-shirts etc. as well as books of his work. The walls are lined floor to ceiling with postcards featuring his cartoons making the shop something of an impromptu gallery. Although they are all in Polish, its worth visiting - even if you don't speak the language.
A shopping district chances to purchase the things to your heart's content, there are also numerous hotels and restaurants running along Plac na Groblach.