Is a souvenir just a fridge magnet? No — chosen thoughtfully it can recall the atmosphere of a place, the taste of a street obwarzanek or the story of a neighbourhood you visited. In Krakow it’s worth picking items with local context: handmade crafts, regional products or small pieces of functional art.
This text will help you choose authentic items, avoid tourist traps and plan a short visit to the Podgórze Museum — a great spot to better understand the history of this part of the city and to buy a meaningful souvenir.
The Podgórze Museum is an intimate branch of the Krakow Museum located in the heart of Podgórze. The permanent exhibition tells the story of the district in an accessible way: from legends and early settlement to the transformations of the 19th and 20th centuries. It’s a good place to get context before further exploring Podgórze.
Practical info: the museum is located at ul. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 1. The branch is usually open several days a week — check opening hours before you come; the permanent exhibition is sometimes available free on selected days. The last admission is usually half an hour before closing.
In the museum shop you can find publications about Podgórze, small souvenirs related to the exhibition and children’s books — worth a visit if you’re looking for something authentic and specifically connected to this part of Krakow.
Obwarzanek krakowski — a symbol that needs no introduction. You can buy a fresh obwarzanek on almost every corner; as a souvenir it’s best enjoyed shortly after purchase or kept as a sweet-salty travel memory. If you plan to take it further, ask the seller for fresh packaging.
Miniature Krakow nativity scenes (szopki) — a local craft tradition. Small, handmade nativity scenes make excellent gifts; remember that hand-crafted pieces are more expensive than mass-produced stall versions.
Handmade jewellery and amber or natural-material pieces — Krakow has artist studios and small boutiques with original jewellery. A good choice for those seeking something lasting and unique.
Posters and prints by local artists — light, easy to pack and a nice way to convey the city’s mood. Look for them in small galleries and studios in Kazimierz and around the Old Town.
Regional products — mountain cheeses (oscypek), honey, liqueurs and spices are sold at markets and market halls. Pay attention to food transport conditions and consider vacuum-packing if you’re travelling long-distance.
Ceramics and functional objects — not always labeled 'Krakow' but often sold here; hand-painted ceramics are an elegant, practical pick.
Lajkonik figurines and other folkloric miniatures — souvenirs with strong local ties; they can be pricey, so compare handmade craft offers with mass production.
Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — a classic place for small souvenirs, posters and crafts. It’s worth looking around and negotiating prices for larger purchases, but be aware that some products are mass-produced.
Kazimierz — a district full of small galleries, studios and boutiques with original handmade items. If you want to buy something unique and support local creators, head there.
Markets and market halls — Stary Kleparz and other marketplaces are good for food and regional products (obwarzanki, cheeses, honey). When buying food, check how it’s packaged for travel.
Museum shops — shops run by Krakow’s museum branches are places to find themed publications, reproductions and souvenirs tied to exhibitions. A safe way to buy something authentic.
Craft boutiques and studios — if you’re looking for original jewellery, ceramics or prints, visit small studios in Kazimierz and on streets leading from the Main Square toward Wawel.
Small souvenirs (magnets, pins) usually cost a dozen or so złoty; mugs or T-shirts start from several dozen złoty. Handmade items and jewellery typically begin at around a hundred or more złoty, and original miniatures or small nativity scenes can be pricier.
Compare prices in a few places and remember that a higher price can be justified — if something is handmade and signed by the creator, it’s worth paying more. If a product looks mass-produced, look for cheaper alternatives away from main tourist routes.
Haggling — you can try gentle bargaining at markets and stalls, especially when buying several items. In boutiques and galleries prices are usually fixed.
Buying the 'cheapest dragon' on the Main Market — often mass-produced and low quality. If you want a souvenir with character, choose handmade craft or a nice poster.
Not checking size or weight — ceramics and glass can be heavy and may require extra luggage or protective packing. Think about paper wrap or bubble wrap on the spot.
Buying food without proper packaging — cheeses and cured meats should be vacuum-packed if you’re flying or traveling long distances.
Shopping only in obvious tourist spots — prices there are often highest and choices less original. Venture into Kazimierz side streets or visit markets.
If you’re shopping on the Old Town or after visiting Podgórze, a short break with a good coffee and snack will recharge you. Well-regarded spots include Cafe Camelot (near the Market) — intimate, atmospheric interiors; Mleczarnia in Kazimierz — known for a cosy vibe; Starka Restaurant in Kazimierz — reliable Polish cuisine in a pleasant setting.
Near Wawel and Grodzka you’ll find restaurants serving traditional dishes, and around markets there are local stalls with snacks and regional products. Choose places with good reviews — that’s usually a guarantee of quality.
Can I send souvenirs by mail from Krakow? Yes — most boutiques and studios can help with domestic and international shipping; ask about cost and delivery time before buying.
Is an obwarzanek suitable for long travel? Fresh obwarzanek is best eaten within 1–2 days. As an edible souvenir, choose well-packaged or vacuum-packed products for longer journeys.
How to recognise authentic handmade craft? Look for the maker’s signature, 'handmade' labels and short notes on materials and methods. Buying directly from a studio gives you more confidence it’s an original piece.
Not everything 'Krakow' has to feature a dragon — a local art poster or small print showing the Vistula or a valued Podgórze building can be a great keepsake.
Many museums publish themed books and exhibition catalogues — a souvenir that also expands your knowledge and looks great on a shelf.
If you want something unusual, look for limited series in local galleries — small signed prints or artist-signed porcelain can be special finds.
Souvenir shopping can be easily combined with a themed walk. Start at the Podgórze Museum, then take a short walk toward the Vistula and continue through Wawel to the Old Town or across the bridge to Kazimierz — a route full of boutiques and artist studios.
If you want to discover the best workshops, small galleries and places where you can buy authentic souvenirs without overpaying, you can use the help of a guide. If you’d like, I recommend the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — you can find her contact on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
If you enjoyed this guide — share it with friends or on social media. Happy shopping and enjoy your stay in Krakow!
