The house where Jan Matejko was born and lived stands at Floriańska Street 41 and for over a hundred years has preserved mementos from the artist and his family. Inside you’ll find reconstructed interiors, family photographs, sketches and everyday objects — a great place if you’re looking for a souvenir directly connected to the life and work of the master.
A visit to the House of Matejko is also a shopping inspiration: museum shops and publishers offer reproductions, exhibition catalogues, postcards and small gifts with motifs from historical paintings — ideal for art lovers who want to bring home a piece of 19th-century Polish iconography.
Practical note and tip: the House of Matejko lies on the walking route from the Market Square to Wawel, so it’s worth combining both sites in one day. If you’re after books, catalogues or reproductions — check the museum shop’s offer before buying a cheaper mass-produced souvenir at a street stall.
The Royal Castle on Wawel is not only about touring the rooms and the cathedral — it’s also a source of interesting publications, catalogues and small historically-themed souvenirs. The castle shop offers popular-science books, postcards, bookmarks and small gadgets with motifs of the castle and the cathedral.
If you want a souvenir with real informational value — choose a publication about the castle’s history, a photo album with professional shots or reprints of old documents. Such souvenirs convey the character of the place better than mass-produced figurines or tacky magnets.
Remember: sometimes it’s better to spend a bit more on a well-made item (for example an attractive album or a high-quality reproduction) than on a cheap, heavily mass-produced souvenir that will fall apart quickly.
Kraków nativity scene (miniature) - not just a Christmas decoration: Kraków’s nativity-making tradition has a long history and is listed as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Small, handmade nativity scenes are heartfelt souvenirs, especially when they come from a local maker.
Reproductions and postcards with Jan Matejko’s paintings - if you visited the House of Matejko or the National Museum, such a small item will be a pleasant reminder of your visit.
Amber and amber jewelry - popular and beautiful, but buy from trusted shops and ask for a certificate of authenticity; it’s worth comparing prices.
Handmade crafts from the Cloth Hall and local galleries - wooden boxes, embroidery, ceramics; choose well-made items rather than mass-produced trinkets.
Regional food products and sweets - local cookies, caramels and confectionery can be a nice culinary souvenir, but check expiration dates and customs rules before traveling home.
Obwarzanek krakowski (as a fresh product) - a symbolic purchase to eat on the spot; if you want to transport it, pay attention to storage and freshness.
Books about Kraków and photo albums - an excellent choice if you want a lasting and valuable memento.
The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and stalls on the Main Market Square - the classic place for handicrafts and souvenirs; better for small gifts than for buying valuable artworks. Walk around a few stalls and compare quality.
Museum shops (House of Jan Matejko, National Museum, Wawel Castle shop) - ideal sources of high-quality publications, reprints and souvenirs tied to specific exhibitions.
Galleries and craft shops in Kazimierz and around the Old Town - here it’s easier to find unique, handmade items.
Amber shops and jewellers - buy only in reputable places and ask for documentation confirming authenticity, especially for pricier purchases.
Buying the first cheap figurine or magnet at the first stall you see - compare several offers and check workmanship.
Not getting documentation when buying amber - demand a certificate and a receipt; check the composition of the jewelry.
Buying food without checking packaging and expiration dates - especially cheeses, cold meats and other regional products.
Not using tax-free when eligible (non-EU tourists) - if you live outside the EU and plan bigger purchases, ask for a TAX FREE form and check the procedure at the airport or border.
VAT refund (TAX FREE) is available to travelers who are residents outside the European Union — usually you need to buy a minimum amount from one seller and request a TAX FREE document; the procedure is completed with a customs stamp when exporting the goods from the EU.
If you buy food (cheeses, cold cuts) as a souvenir — check the rules of the country you’re returning to; some products may require declaration or be prohibited.
Payments - most places in the city centre accept cards, but at stalls and small market stands it’s wise to have some cash on hand.
Packing and luggage - fragile items (nativity scenes, ceramics, glass) should be well-protected and placed in checked luggage or sent by parcel if you’re flying.
The Kraków nativity scene is not just a Christmas ornament — it’s a living tradition with competitions and a dedicated community of creators; the tradition is listed as intangible UNESCO heritage.
The House of Jan Matejko is one of Poland’s oldest biographical museums and stores thousands of mementos from the artist — it’s an excellent place to find valuable reproductions and themed publications.
Many souvenir shops operate online and may sell the same items cheaper — if it matters to you that a souvenir genuinely comes from Kraków, ask about the maker and place of production.
If after a walk by Wawel and shopping at the Cloth Hall you want to rest over a good coffee — Cafe Camelot on Świętego Tomasza street is recommended for its atmosphere, home-baked treats and pleasant interior.
For a hearty, traditional meal near Wawel consider Pod Wawelem — known for generous portions and Polish dishes, a good choice for tasting local classics.
When choosing food places, rely on local reviews and rankings — this helps you avoid average 'tourist' restaurants and find places with good quality food.
Can I buy a reproduction of a Matejko painting at the House of Matejko? - Yes, museum shops often offer postcards, posters and catalogues; larger reproductions are best ordered through official publishers.
Where can I buy genuine amber? - In reputable jewellery shops and galleries; ask for proof of authenticity.
Is it worth buying an obwarzanek as a souvenir? - Better to eat it right away — a fresh obwarzanek is the best memory of Kraków’s taste.
Can I use TAX FREE? - If you live outside the EU, yes — ask for a TAX FREE document when buying and remember to validate it at the border.
Kraków is a city where souvenirs can tell stories: from Jan Matejko’s monumental works to small handmade nativity scenes and local delicacies. It’s worth investing in authentic, well-made items tied to the place you’re visiting.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it on social media or send it to friends — let them know what’s worth seeing and taking home from Kraków.
If you’d like to see Kraków from the perspective of a local guide, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and the offer are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website.
