Warsaw has never been a shopping mecca, but selection and quality have improved greatly in the past few years. Apart from the internationally known stores, there are some wonderful boutiques offering both practical and whimsical goods. Since Poland joined the European Union, prices on certain goods have increased, but others have balanced out, so it's worth doing a price comparison. See if you can find a good deal at the few remaining open-air markets.
From Plac Zamkowy to the Sheraton Hotel, Krakowskie Przedmiescie and Nowy Swiat are lined with boutiques, bookstores, antiques shops, jewelry shops, galleries, souvenir outlets and cafes (except for a short break at Rondo de Gaulle). Side streets, especially those leading to the river, are also full of interesting places to shop.
Polish fashion is becoming more and more interesting, although most designers do not have individual outlets in the city but only sell in shopping mall stores. Check out brands such as Cropp Town, Hexeline, Monnari, Ola Styl, Olimpia, Reserved, Rylko or Vistula Wolczanka. Also available in many malls are leather wares manufactured by Batycki or Wittchen. For jewelry, check out the stores of W. Kruk, Poland's oldest jeweler.
Poland is famous for its crafts. You'll find great values on local pottery, glass, linens, wood carvings, amber jewelry and art. Stores selling these items are concentrated in Old Town on Chmielna and along Krakowskie Przedmiescie. Gift shops carrying modern Polish arts and crafts are scattered along Mokotowska, Wilcza and Hoza.
Shopping Hours: Hours vary depending on the type of store and its location. Malls are typically open Monday-Saturday 10 am-10 pm and Sunday 10 am-8 pm.
