Polish cities offer shopping opportunities travelers would expect including vintage. Join us for a tour of the best spots.
Warsaw
The most famous and popular flea market in Warsaw is Bazar na Kole. Every Saturday and Sunday crowds of buyers flock to the market to quest for unique items and exceptional deals. There is plenty to choose from as the market boasts a hodgepodge of top-notch period furniture, antiques and other objects. If tired of crawling through, one can try local, home-style meals at one of the food stands. Bazar na Kole has become a tourist attraction, luring foreign visitors. They find it exciting and reasonably priced. But following the golden rule of flea markets: “Haggle at all times”, never give up. You may be able to get to half of the initial price. Always make sure you are paying for real treasure.
The Zoo Market is a real gold mine for bargain hunters. Old stamps, watches, clocks, furniture, pottery, glass, silver, paintings, prewar bathroom fixtures, vinyl records are just a few among thousands items you can find at the market. But it is where you venture for home décor, clothe, accessories and other souvenirs from 50s, 60s and 70s.
Krakow
Grzegorzki Flea Market or Flea Market by Hala Targowa is one of the biggest in the city. This regular food market, serving residents’ needs during weekdays, becomes a full-blown flea market on Sundays. Anything from prewar antiques to vintage clothing and home décor is sold at the affordable price. It is just a short walk from the Main Market Square and Jewish District, easily accessible while touring the city.
Plac Nowy in the heart of Kazimierz District is a must for bargain hunters. On weekdays it serves as another food market where locals sell fresh produce, but Saturdays bring together sellers from the whole region. The assortment of antiques, clothing, vinyl, pottery, china and whatever you can imagine, is on display. The district is perfect for lunching, dining and outgoing evenings. There are budget bars to white cloth restaurant, pubs, bars, cafes, everything within easy reach. The must try is zapiekanka which you can get at the rotunda in Plac Nowy.
Gdansk
St. Dominic’s Fair is the largest and the oldest fair in Poland. Its tradition dates back to 13th century, when such events gathered merchants, artist and performers from the area and from distant countries. The Fair used to be a forum for trading, exchanging information, culture and entertainment. Nowadays its role has changed but the event aspires to keep its unique atmosphere. Over one thousand traders, artists and collectors take part in the Fair every year. They display their collections and items along streets of Gdansk Old Town. During that period the historical center turns into a market with stalls full of antiques, works of art, regional products, silvers, chandeliers, samovars, coins you can find everywhere! In art section are handmade toys, pottery, and amber, silver, glass, shell, felt or leather jewelry. The fair always begins at the end of July.
Wroclaw
If you are looking for the flea market adventure try Swiebodzki train station. It is an open-air bazaar sprawling along old train tracks. Colored tents and blankets create unbelievable maze without an end. You can buy anything that crosses your mind at half-price or less. Visit the market while you can, since the days of this phenomenon may be over soon. The Polish State Railways planning to resume train service to the station in the future
Poznan
Stara Rzeźnia, a former meat factory, was converted into a public space for stores and events. Weekly flea market (Pchli Targ) and monthly antique market (Gielda Antykow) take place there. They attract vendors and collectors from all over the country, making them the biggest in Poland. It is a real gold mine for flea market enthusiasts and bargain hunters. The venue hosts approximately 80 stalls overflowing with Art Déco antiques, design from the 50s, 60s and 70s, vintage clothes and accessories, antique books, vinyl records, watches, clocks, furniture, pottery, toys, silverware, glassware, sculpture, wonderful trinkets, and a lot of knick-knacks. It is better to arrive on site at around 8 am, when sellers unpack the merchandise. It is real bargains time.
