So, you’re on the hunt for Krakow souvenirs? This city’s brimming with em. From smoky sheep’s cheese to shimmering amber jewels, there’s loads to take home with ya.
Krakow souvenirs run the gamut from naff snowglobes (okay, we love them really) picked up in the annual Christmas Market to old-school mountain paraphernalia.
There’s amber for the loved-up couples (this part of Europe is famous for the glowing orange jewels, apparently). There’s vodka for the drink fans. There’s cheese and much, much more.
This guide to the best Krakow souvenirs to take home with you is a prime buying guide for shoppers in the city. It’s got on info on what to take home and where’s best to get it all…
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This is just one part of our complete guide to things to do in and around Krakow
What’s in this guide to Krakow Souvenirs
Polish vodka – obviously
What would a Polish souvenir list be without vodka?
Poland takes pride in its vodka and for good reason. We’d say before you buy, get onto the iconic TasteVodka tour that runs each evening. You’ll learn about the 1,000+ years of distilling tradition in this part of Europe, and get to taste a whole range of voddies to choose which one you like – will it be the tangy cherry vodka or the potent rye vodka?
Where to buy? The Regionalne Alkohole in Kazimierz is a fine place to buy booze. Zubrowka, flavored with bison grass, is a local favorite if you’re stuck. It’s available in loads of shops around town but also comes cheap at the airport duty free for UK passengers.
Boleslawiec pottery
The classic: Pottery. While Spain and Italy might be better known for their ceramic works, Poland doesn’t miss out on the party.
It offers up this hand-painted, charmingly dotted craft stuff that hails from the small town of Boleslawiec in nearby Lower Silesia. Each piece, from mugs to plates, is like a mini work of art, with brightly colors blue and white patterning mixing with dots and lines and all sorts.
It’s the perfect pottery for cosy cups of tea, which keeps the English crowd interested.
Where to buy? Get this one in the Sukiennice cloth hall in the middle of the Krakow Main Square. There are touristy shops that sell it there all year round. Yea, prices are a little inflated but you’re on hols!
Amber
Poland is all about that Baltic amber. You’ll see it everywhere in Krakow, and it’s no surprise – amber has been prized here for centuries, and was even one of the most treasured jewels of the Polish kings and queens.
From chunky necklaces to delicate rings, you can find a huge range.
But be warned, not all amber is created equal! Make sure you’re getting the real deal (tip: the lighter it is, the better). Head to a reputable jeweller for your glowy gem fix.
Oscypek
Yes, you can bring home cheese as a souvenir, and yes, it MIGHT make your suitcase stink. But hey ho, that’s the risk. This one’s tasty enough to make it worth it.
Made from sheep’s milk, oscypek is a traditional snack from the Tatra Mountains, but you’ll find it all over Krakow’s markets.
It’s best grilled up with some cranberry sauce (seriously, YUMMMM) and served – at least we reckon so – in cold, cold weather. To take home as a souvenir, buy yourself a full “log” of the cheese (they are about 20cm long and decorated with lovely patterns) and then wrap that up to keep the smell off your clothes.
Just be sure you’re allowed to take home dairy products!
Where to buy? The whole road to Zakopane from Krakow is studded with small lean-tos where old ladies sell the cheese. Failing that, head to the Krakow Christmas market or the Sukkience.
Chocolate and confectionery
Krakow loves its sweets, and you will too once you bite into some Wawel chocolate.
The city’s most famous confectioner has been at it for over a century, churning out all kinds of treats from classic milk chocolate to nut-filled bars that could make a dentist cringe (in the best possible way).
Look for them in local supermarkets and souvenir shops. They’re cheap, delicious, and perfect for sharing (or not).
Folk art (especially wood carvings)
Krakow’s markets – the Cloth Hall especially – are brimming with handcrafted wooden figures, often religious in nature but not always.
You’ll find wooden carvings of saints, angels, and even the occasional folk dancer. Each piece feels like a tiny slice of Polish tradition.
These are usually carved by local artisans who have passed down the craft through generations. These are also available in the local craft shops of Zakopane and the mountains, where the old hand-crafting tradition originates from.
Salt from Wieliczka Salt Mine
The famous Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO site just outside Krakow, doesn’t just make for an epic day trip, it’s also the source of some seriously cool souvenirs.
Think: salt lamps, salt crystals, and even bath salts.
The salt here is famous for its purity, and the lamps are said to have health benefits (no promises, but hey, they look awesome).
You can find salt-related souvenirs in both the mine’s shop and Krakow’s markets.
Do a planned daytrip from Krakow to Wieliczka. They save a lot of hassle on public transport and are generally the best way to access the most amazing parts of the mines
