The Cloth Hall is not only the most recognisable part of Kraków’s Main Market Square — it’s a row of stalls with a tradition going back to the Middle Ages, and at the same time a place where you can buy souvenirs that combine history with contemporary handmade craft. A walk under the arcades gives a unique feeling: on one side the tourist buzz, on the other the proximity of the National Museum’s upstairs gallery and the entrance to the Market Square Underground. Visiting here is an opportunity to take home something pretty and local, and with a bit of attention — something authentic.
In the Cloth Hall you will find both mass-produced tourist trinkets and stalls with handmade jewellery, amber products, ceramics or local prints. A good approach is to treat the place like a survey of options — walk once along the hall and compare a few stalls before you decide to buy.
It’s worth visiting the Cloth Hall at different times of day: mornings are usually calmer and it’s easier to talk with sellers; afternoons feel more festive; and in the evening you can sense the Market’s magical atmosphere under the streetlights.
Amber - a unique symbol of northern and central Europe, sold in many forms: pendants, earrings, bracelets. For delicate pieces ask for extra packing for your luggage. If authenticity matters to you, ask for certificates or a short confirmation of origin.
Kraków coral beads - the stylised red beads are an icon of local folk costume. In Cloth Hall stalls you’ll find both simple wooden strings and more ornate, handcrafted versions. They make a pretty keepsake with a strong local accent.
Miniature Kraków nativity scenes - the tradition of nativity scenes is deeply linked to Kraków. In the Cloth Hall and nearby shops you’ll find small, handmade versions — often richly decorated and excellent as presents or Christmas keepsakes.
Handmade jewellery and prints - many local makers sell their work in the Cloth Hall: simple city-themed posters, original postcards, necklaces or brooches. This is a great choice if you want something original and want to support creators.
Ceramics and textiles - embroidered tablecloths, placemats, ceramic mugs or plates with regional motifs. Good-quality ceramics can become a useful keepsake for years.
Items with dragon and Wawel motifs - dragon figurines, decorations featuring the castle or small replicas of the Wawel bell are popular, especially with families and children. It’s worth choosing a well-made piece rather than the first one you spot.
Posters and reproductions by local artists - instead of a mass-produced magnet, choose a poster, print or small reproduction bought directly from a local artist. It’s a souvenir with greater aesthetic and emotional value.
Compare price and quality. Don’t buy at the first stall you see — even a few metres away the same item may differ in quality or price.
Pay in zloty and decline on-the-spot currency conversion at the card terminal. That is often more expensive. Most stalls accept cards, but having small cash makes quick transactions easier.
Take a receipt. A receipt is the simplest guarantee that you can make a complaint or exchange the item if needed.
Ask about authenticity — especially for amber and jewellery. If you want to be sure about the material, ask for a short confirmation or to see a document.
Packing for luggage — for delicate items ask the seller for extra protection for your luggage. Carry posters in a tube and wrap small ceramics in paper.
Tax Free — if you live outside the EU and make larger purchases, ask about the possibility of claiming Tax Free and the minimum purchase threshold.
Approximate amounts help plan spending: small souvenirs and magnets 10–30 PLN, mugs and t-shirts 30–120 PLN, usable ceramics 60–200 PLN, posters 50–150 PLN, handmade jewellery 120–400 PLN, miniature nativity scenes from around 100 PLN. Genuine amber items or high-end crafts can cost more — prices often start at several hundred zloty.
Remember these ranges are only indicative. Price depends on workmanship, materials and the seller’s reputation. It’s always worth comparing a few offers.
If you want to buy a full folk costume or faithful reproductions, costs can be much higher — a complete women’s costume can range from several hundred to several thousand zloty, depending on materials and workmanship.
Start under the Cloth Hall arcades and walk slowly along the main hall, comparing stalls with jewellery and amber. Then head towards the stalls with ceramics and textiles to see if anything catches your eye.
If you’re looking for prints or posters, check stalls near the Grodzka Street exit, then walk down Grodzka Street towards Wawel — along the way you can pop into small galleries and boutiques. Finally, turn towards Kazimierz or walk past the Town Hall Tower to find shops with Judaica and smaller antiques.
If you have more time, go upstairs, visit the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art and explore the Market Square Underground — seeing these places broadens the historical context of your purchases and helps you understand which souvenirs have a genuine local story.
Kazimierz — here you’ll find numerous boutiques with original items, artists’ posters and galleries with handmade work. It’s a good place if you’re looking for less touristy gifts.
Stary Kleparz and seasonal markets — local markets offer fresh handicrafts, regional products and often lower prices than central tourist points.
Museum shops — if you want a souvenir tied to a specific museum, visit the shop of the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art or other museum shops. They often sell catalogues, reproductions and high-quality items.
Galleries and boutiques with local art — if you want to support contemporary artists, visit small galleries on streets leading from the Market towards Kazimierz and beyond.
Buying the first shiny gadget in a hurry — it’s better to walk around and compare offers.
Not asking about origin — especially for amber and jewellery. Ask how and where the material comes from.
Agreeing to dynamic currency conversion — always choose payment in PLN; terminals offering dynamic conversion can cost you more.
Not securing fragile items for travel — ask for extra packing and carry fragile things in your hand luggage if possible.
The Cloth Hall used to be a centre for trade in luxury goods — in the Middle Ages fabrics and spices from distant parts of Europe were bought here. Today the hall serves a different function, but it remains a place of exchange for goods and stories.
Not everything that looks “regional” is truly local — matryoshka dolls and some souvenirs arrived from other parts of Europe, but many stalls also offer genuinely local products, so it’s worth knowing the difference.
Part of the National Museum’s collection — the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art — is housed in the Cloth Hall. This is a good option for those who want to combine shopping with culture.
Is entry to the Cloth Hall paid? Entry to the main trading hall is free. Exhibitions upstairs are paid — tickets are purchased at museum ticket offices or online.
Can you haggle? The Cloth Hall is usually not as negotiable as open markets, but for larger purchases or if you buy several items, a polite request for a discount often works. Do it courteously and with a smile.
Do sellers accept cards? Most stalls accept cards, but to be safe have some small cash.
Is it worth buying souvenirs during the Christmas season? The Christmas market around the Market Square offers a rich selection of nativity scenes and crafts — choices are large, but prices can be higher. If you prefer calm, come outside peak hours.
Near the Market you’ll find both historic restaurants and highly rated cafés. For a historic atmosphere consider classic places around the Main Square, and if you want a light meal or coffee — choose well-reviewed cafés.
After shopping it’s nice to relax with an obwarzanek (traditional ring-shaped bread) sold at stalls around the Market, or have a coffee in a nearby café — a good moment to admire the Cloth Hall decorations from the outside and plan the rest of your route.
If you want specific recommendations, choose places with high ratings and positive tourist reviews — that usually guarantees good quality and service.
Buying souvenirs in the Cloth Hall can be an enjoyable part of your Kraków visit if you approach it with a plan and open eyes. Look for items with a story, compare offers and don’t be afraid to ask — that’s the best way to come home with a memento you’ll truly enjoy.
If you would like someone to show you the best spots on the Market and help you select valuable souvenirs without wasting time, consider booking a private guide service with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on her official website.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — useful tips are always welcome. Happy shopping and enjoy your visit to Kraków!
