Bednarski Park is one of those places in Krakow that surprises you with calm just behind the bustling center. A walk along the winding paths, in the shade of rocky walls and old trees, is a great way to "clear your head" before longer wandering through souvenir shops. For a group of friends this combination — a morning stroll in Podgórze, coffee and then quick rounds around the Cloth Hall, Grodzka Street or Kazimierz — gives the perfect pace: nature, history and shopping fun all in one day. When planning New Year's Eve, think about small, easy-to-pack gifts that will look good on the party table or can be shared among friends.
Wojciech Bednarski Park was created thanks to the efforts of Wojciech Bednarski in the late 19th century and opened in 1896. It lies in Podgórze in a picturesque hollow formed on the site of a former limestone quarry, which is why the park's landscape is varied with rock formations, terraces and unusual viewpoints. After revitalization the park gained renewed paths, a playground and a viewing point, and visitors can see over a hundred species of trees across the more diverse parts of the terrain.
The most convenient entrances are from Parkowa Street and Krzemionki Street and from the side of Niepodległości Square. If you plan a walk with friends before shopping — choose the morning hours when it's quietest, or late afternoon to combine the walk with a sunset over Podgórze. The park is great for families with children, for anyone wanting to take nice photos, and for those looking for less obvious views of Krakow.
A few practical tips: wear comfortable shoes because some paths may be uneven; if you intend to picnic, check current rules about places to rest; during the season you may come across local outdoor events, so it’s worth checking the city calendar.
The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is still a classic starting point: under the arcades you’ll find a wide choice of magnets, amber jewelry, wooden boxes and figurines. It’s a convenient place when you want to buy several small items at once.
Grodzka Street and adjacent lanes lead from the Market Square to Wawel and combine a wide selection of shop souvenirs with intimate boutiques and craft workshops. This is a good route when you want to combine shopping with a short sightseeing stop.
Kazimierz is recommended when you’re looking for items with soul: Judaica, posters, vintage finds and unique graphics. Around Plac Nowy you’ll often find markets with old objects and vinyl records — ideal for lovers of second-hand treasures.
The Vistula boulevards and the area near the Dragon’s Den are a must if you’re looking for souvenirs for children — plush toys, wooden dragons and colorful toys are easy to find and delight the little ones.
Small souvenirs that are easy to divide or place on the New Year’s table are a good choice: miniature nativity scenes as decorations, hand-printed posters ready for framing, ceramic mugs or small plates with regional patterns.
If you plan a New Year’s tasting as part of the evening — buy local edible products: chocolates from Krakow-based artisan makers, honeys and jams from small producers, and for adults a bottle of regional mead or a small bottle of liqueur from a local distillery. Just make sure alcohol is properly packed in checked luggage if someone is flying home.
For design lovers, posters or prints by Polish illustrators are a great option — lightweight, easy to carry in a tube and ready to frame. Practical and pretty are small ceramic pieces stamped by the maker.
If you want something small to share, buy a set of local spices, teas or commemorative coins that can be given as a keepsake from the whole group.
For a quick general idea: magnets and small trinkets usually cost from a few to several dozen Polish złoty; mugs and T-shirts range from about 30–120 PLN; functional ceramics start at around 60 PLN and can reach several hundred; posters are usually 50–150 PLN; genuine amber jewelry and handcrafted items by local makers cost more.
How not to overpay: compare offers in a few places before buying, ask for a receipt and a description of the product when buying amber jewelry, avoid dynamic currency conversion at terminals and pay in PLN if possible. Prices in the Cloth Hall can be higher than in side streets, so it’s worth doing a short "tour" and comparing.
Buying without checking quality — especially amber: ask for brief information about the stone’s origin and a receipt; dubious "amber" pieces are sometimes made of plastic.
Buying fragile souvenirs without travel protection — ask the seller for extra wrapping, bubble wrap or a box. Posters should go in a tube and ceramics packed between clothes.
Taking too heavy gifts if you plan to travel by plane — consider postal shipping from a local shop or choose lighter presents.
Shopping in a hurry at the very entrance to the main attractions — these are often the most expensive stalls. Walk the area a bit; you may find better quality in side shops and galleries.
If you plan to shop around the Market Square, stop for coffee at well-known spots: the classic Noworolski Café under the Cloth Hall arcades is a place with history and a comfortable spot to rest. Around Kazimierz there are charming cafes and bars where you can regain strength before hunting for souvenirs further.
If you want to eat before the evening New Year’s party, consider restaurants known for good value and positive reviews — but booking a table for New Year’s Eve is usually necessary. Expect larger crowds and check reviews and availability in advance.
Are the Cloth Hall stalls open every day? - The stalls at the Cloth Hall usually operate daily during reasonable daytime hours, but it’s worth checking current opening times before your trip, especially during holidays.
Can I bring an obwarzanek home? - It’s best to eat an obwarzanek fresh, but you can take other edible souvenirs home: chocolates, jams or honeys. For dairy products and cheeses check the customs rules of the country you are returning to.
How can I check if amber is real? - Ask the seller about the origin of the stone and get a receipt; when in doubt buy from reputable shops with certificates or from galleries with confirmed craftsmanship.
Where are the entrances to Bednarski Park? - The most popular entrances are Parkowa Street, Krzemionki Street and the approach from Niepodległości Square; the park has several paths and viewpoints — wear comfortable shoes.
The Krakow nativity scene (szopka) is not just a Christmas decoration — it’s a local tradition with great cultural value, and the miniatures sold as souvenirs come from a long craft tradition.
Bednarski Park was created on the site of a former quarry, so its shape and rock formations give it an unusually landscape-like character, different from typical city parks.
On Mariacki Square and nearby you can sometimes find a stall where a commemorative coin or token is pressed — a quick and inexpensive keepsake that’s easy to share among friends.
Small, lightweight gifts: posters, magnets, mugs, mini nativity scenes or a set of sweets.
Packing: tubes for posters, bubble wrap for fragile items, bags with clothes as cushioning.
Documents and payments: always get a receipt, pay in PLN, check Tax Free options if you’re returning outside the EU.
Reservations: if you plan a New Year’s dinner in a restaurant, book in advance — places fill up quickly.
If you liked this guide, share it with your friends — it will help them better plan a walk through Bednarski Park and successful souvenir shopping before a shared New Year’s Eve.
If you want to explore Krakow with a local guide, I encourage you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and details are visible on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I’ll gladly help plan a route tailored to your needs — from a walk in Bednarski Park to the best places to buy souvenirs for your celebration. Wishing you successful shopping and a joyful New Year’s Eve with friends!
