Local souvenirs and handicraft and fashion fairs
A magnet bearing the Palace of Culture and Science is a good souvenir if you collect fridge magnets—but maybe it’s also worth taking a look at more original mementos? Local creators, independent brands, and weekend handicraft and fashion fairs are things not to be missed when discovering the capital.
A souvenir from Warsaw does not have to be a plastic Mermaid figure or a magnet with a photo of the Stadium—and many Warsaw stores prove it. Even in the city biggest tourist spot—the Old Town—you will find places with original ideas. You can buy beautiful posters by Polish artists, creative socks adorned with Warsaw sights, or cosmetics made from Polish herbs. There is also no shortage of trinkets featuring Warsaw’s most famous woman—Maria Skłodowska-Curie.
If you are looking for tasty souvenirs to share with family or friends, it is worth visiting the shop of Warsaw’s chocolate maker—E.Wedel. One of the stores (ul. Zamoyskiego 38) is located inside the factory building, so you can get chocolate figurines or pralines ‘at source’.
If you’re looking for truly exceptional souvenirs, it is worth keeping an eye on weekend fairs held in Warsaw shopping centres or popular food halls. Artists, designers and craftsmen from all over Poland come to the fairs, so it’s a great opportunity to buy something truly original.
A few suggestions:
- Love Poland Design (ul. Freta 29/31)
- Panda Concept Store (ul. Chmielna 27/31)
- Plakaty z Polski / Posters from Poland (ul. Piwna 20/30)
- Ładne Co poster store (ul. Marszałkowska 18)
- E.Wedel chocolate shops (ul. Szpitalna 8, ul. Jana Zamoyskiego 38)
- Weekend fairs:
– Targi Jestem Vintage, Designer Market i Targi Wzory – Elektrownia Powiśle (ul. Dobra 42)
– Shop Local and Targowisko Sztuki – Koneser Praga Centre (Plac Konesera 8)
– Sploty – Fabryka Norblina (ul. Żelazna 51/53)
– Grand Bazar – Dom Towarowy Bracia Jabłkowscy (ul. Bracka 25)
(information about events can be found on their locations’ websites)