The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is the heart of the Main Market Square and one of Kraków’s most recognizable places — this trading spot has been active since the Middle Ages, and today the stalls contain a mix of handcrafted goods, mass-produced souvenirs and amber jewelry. It’s natural that tourists want to take a memento home, but in the noise and crowds it’s easy to make an impulsive decision, overpay, or buy an item that isn’t what it seems. It’s worth approaching purchases with a bit of healthy scepticism and a few practical rules so you leave the Market with a pleasant souvenir instead of disappointment.
The Cloth Hall is also a place where prices and the offer are shaped by many factors: the prestige of the location, rental costs and buyers’ expectations. In recent years rental policies and renovations have influenced which stalls operate inside the hall, and high fees can translate into higher product prices. So “pretty” doesn’t always mean “worth it” — sometimes it’s better to take a step away and look for a trusted seller off the main passage.
If you want to buy something truly valuable (especially more expensive amber jewelry), ask for a certificate, the origin of the product and request a receipt. For larger purchases, ask about Tax Free options (if you don’t live in the EU) and compare prices.
1) Cheap magnets, mugs and T-shirts overpriced for the location — small souvenirs here are often significantly more expensive than in local shops outside the square. If you want to save money, compare prices in a few places or buy from a Polish online shop after you return home.
2) “Amber” without a certificate or of doubtful quality — amber is one of the most commonly faked products. At the Cloth Hall you can find both real, carefully set pieces and imitations made from plastics or dyed resins. If someone offers a large “perfect” piece of amber at a low price, be on guard.
3) Mass-produced ‘handicrafts’ pretending to be local — folkloric motifs are trendy, but many items are made on an assembly line and imported. Look for a 'made in Poland' mark and ask about the maker or workshop.
4) Heavy ceramics and glass that are difficult to transport — souvenirs shouldn’t cause luggage problems. Large ceramic angels, glassware or heavy sculptures are easy to damage or expensive to ship.
5) Electronics, watches and small “luxuries” — offers in these stalls rarely compete with specialist stores; the risk of counterfeits or no guarantee is high.
6) Packaged “local delicacies” of uncertain origin — if you buy food as a gift, check the expiration date, ingredients and packaging; often it’s safer to choose known brands with Polish labels.
7) “Special deals” at dusk or under pressure from the seller — keep a cool head; the best purchases are those you can compare and think over.
Amber attracts the eye and stirs emotions, but it’s also a tourist’s weak spot. A few practical tips: buy where a certificate of authenticity or a laboratory report is provided; reputable galleries and amber shops increasingly use spectrometry and issue documents confirming the material’s origin. Museums and dedicated galleries may have devices to check authenticity.
Avoid ‘home tests’ such as a hot needle or strong chemicals — these tests can damage pieces and are risky. If the seller claims the stone is
it’s worth checking whether the jewelry has a metal mark (for example 925 for silver) and asking for a receipt and warranty. Instead of improvised tests, choose a shop that gives written confirmation of authenticity or a return option.
1) Shops and galleries specializing in amber and handicrafts — Kraków has long-established galleries that offer certified pieces and professional advice. If you care about genuine amber or handmade jewelry, go to a trusted shop rather than grabbing the first item from a stall.
2) Museum shops and branches of the National Museum — the museum shop in the Cloth Hall and other official museum outlets offer reproductions, publications and sometimes small, high-quality souvenirs; these are a good choice when you want certainty that your purchase is related to the city’s culture and history.
3) Boutiques and workshops off the Market — on the streets adjacent to the square, on the Little Market (Mały Rynek) and in Kazimierz you’ll find craftsmen’s studios and shops with certified jewelry, ceramics and textiles. Prices are often better and there’s a larger choice of original items.
4) The Amber Museum and specialized galleries — if you’re interested in amber, choose places that offer testing and certificates. That reduces the risk of mistakes.
- Compare prices in at least two places before you buy. It doesn’t take long and helps you understand the range of offers.
- Always take a receipt. It’s the basis for any complaint or return. A receipt is also proof for Tax Free claims.
- Pay in PLN and decline automatic currency conversion at the card terminal; dynamic conversion often works against the buyer.
- For larger purchases, ask for proof of origin and any authenticity certificate. An honest seller won’t hesitate to issue a document.
- Avoid "quick" purchases right after you arrive at the Market — give yourself 30–60 minutes to look around. Consider visiting stalls in the morning when sellers are more willing to talk and compare products.
- Packing fragile items: ask for extra protection for luggage. Transport posters and prints in a tube; wrap ceramics in bubble wrap or pack them separately in carry-on.
Mistake 1: Buying the biggest and cheapest “piece of amber” on display — instead check for a certificate and compare offers. Mistake 2: No receipt — a receipt is your right; without it a complaint can be impossible. Mistake 3: Buying a large, heavy souvenir without checking transport options — make sure you can bring it home safely. Mistake 4: Succumbing to seller pressure or “last piece” claims — this is often a sales tactic; take a deep breath and look around. Mistake 5: Paying by card without checking the amount in PLN — the terminal may offer conversion rates unfavourable to the buyer.
How to avoid them: ask questions, demand documents, compare and don’t be afraid to walk away. If an offer seems “too good to be true,” it probably is.
- The Cloth Hall is not just a souvenir market: upstairs is the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art, and trade in cloth and merchant goods has taken place here since the 13th century. It’s a place where history meets everyday commerce.
- Some stalls in the Cloth Hall are subject to strict rental rules: in certain tenders the permitted goods are specified to promote genuine handicrafts and Polish products. This is part of efforts to protect the character of the place and limit mass-produced, tacky souvenirs.
- Institutions and galleries in Kraków test amber authenticity using spectrometry — this is a standard to look for when making serious purchases.
Can you negotiate prices at the Cloth Hall? - Prices in the Market stalls are usually fixed, but for larger purchases or outside peak hours it’s worth asking the seller — sometimes a small discount is possible.
How can I check if amber is real? - It’s best to buy where the seller provides a certificate of authenticity or a lab report. Museums and specialized galleries have testing equipment. Avoid home tests that can destroy the item.
Can I return a souvenir if something is wrong? - If you have a receipt and the product has defects, a complaint is possible. In practice, return policies depend on the seller; keep in mind not every stall offers a full return guarantee.
Is it worth buying a souvenir at the Cloth Hall if it’s more expensive? - Yes, if the item has symbolic value for you, is original or local. If you want the best quality for the price, also look around nearby shops and craftsmen’s workshops.
How to transport fragile souvenirs by plane? - Pack in carry-on, protect with bubble wrap and secure so the item doesn’t move. Ask the shop for additional packaging.
Quick route: walk through the Cloth Hall arcades, glance at a few stalls from one gateway, then head to the Little Market (Mały Rynek) and Floriańska Street — there are workshops and boutiques with authentic handicrafts. For a break we recommend nearby iconic spots: Noworolski Café (for lovers of historic interiors) and the Wierzynek restaurant if you want to feel the atmosphere of a traditional Kraków feast. These places have long traditions and are great for resting and reflecting before more shopping.
First: keep the receipt and the packaging. Second: go back to the seller and politely explain the problem — many disputes can be solved on the spot. If the seller refuses and the product was advertised as certified, you can report the case to consumer protection authorities or use dispute procedures with your payment provider (chargeback) for card payments. It’s also useful to take photos of the item and keep correspondence.
Buy consciously: a souvenir is a story you take home. It’s often better to pay more for an authentic item than to spend little on a pretty but worthless gadget. If you have doubts about authenticity or price — walk away and return when emotions have cooled.
If you want to find the best places for souvenirs without wandering and gain historical context, join a tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz). She offers routes that visit trusted workshops and explain how to distinguish handicraft from fakes. Booking details are available on the service page.
If this article was helpful — share it on social media or send it to friends planning a trip. Good shopping is part of a great trip — I hope your Kraków souvenir will be beautiful and memorable!
