Tours and Vacations for Women - Shopping in Poland

Shopping in Poland

Some of the most popular souvenirs to buy in Poland are amber, silver, crystal, vodka, pottery (especially the popular Boleslawiec pottery), and handmade crafts, especially those made of wood. Shopping in large Polish cities is like shopping in most other cities in Europe. There are the high quality, high price boutiques and specialty shops in the center of town or the old town, along with souvenirs shops, art galleries, cafes and delicatessens. Larger cities have shopping malls in the suburbs which feature all the major European and American brands, as well as some local specialty stores. The state owned Cepelia stores sell a large variety of the local handicrafts. By European standards, the Polish shopping hours are quite generous.The stores typically stay open between 10 AM and 7 PM Monday through Friday, and 9 AM to 2 PM on Saturday. On Sunday most stores are closed with the exception of pharmacies, convenience stores, suburban shopping malls, and some souvenir shops in the center of the city. Polish markets are worth experiencing. Both flower markets and farmers' markets. The sellers rarely haggle, although there is no offense if you try. Polish contemporary painting, original prints and sculpture are renowned internationally and sold by commercial art galleries. Polish posters are among the world's finest. Also extremely popular is hand-made, one of a kind artistic glass.