It’s not Dubai, it’s not Hong Kong, it’s not Milan and it’s not London. Warsaw has a long way to go before it’s regarded as a shopping mecca, but the city is seeing true growth in the array of shops available and the number big-name labels that are opening storefronts. Whether it’s western style malls, designer boutiques, dusty family stores or antique markets a day spent shopping can result in both bargains and treasures, and there’s presents to be had for everyone on your list (including yourself). Wife or girlfriend When we think of what the ladies would like, one word comes to mind: amber. Poland is well known as the best place to find handsomely shaped fossilised resin, and you can easily nab a piece that will please at the appropriately named World of Amber or famed Polish jeweller W. Kruk.
Husband or boyfriend One word: vodka. Another word: lard. Take home Poland’s famous nectar and a container of smalec (spreadable lard) and you’ll make any man happy. Krakowski Kredens carries tubs of the greasy stuff, while you’ll find popular Polish vodka brands like Żubrówka and Belvedere at Chopin Luxury and M&P.
Brother Euro 2012 fever has gripped Poland, and Intersport at Zlote Tarasy is the official shop for licensed Euro 2012 apparel. Grab your brother an array of t-shirts and sweatshirts bearing the colourful Euro 2012 insignia and he’ll feel like his sporting best.
Sister If sis is a stylish gal head to Morka+ in Saska Kepa for the fashion-forward pieces created by Polish designer Ewa Morka. For high-end options the new domMody VITKAC is filled with name brands like Gucci and Alexander McQueen, and the Likus Concept Store is one of our fashion favourites.
Child If you’re looking for souvenir-y staples like bright red Polska onesies and dolls dressed in traditional Polish garb, look no further than Cepelia. For something on the educational end of the spectrum we recommend you raid the Science Store at the Copernicus Science Centre; games, experiments and books for all ages await.
Mom Give mom some monk-like zen with soaps and lotions from Produkty Benedyktyńskie, which carries a variety of products created by the brothers at Tyniec Abbey in Krakow. If she skews towards sweets then snag a box Polish truffles at Pijalnie Czekolady Wedel.
Dad If your dad is anything like ours he can lose hours of his life in interesting vintage bookshops. Warsaw is packed with them, and Antykwariat Lamus is one of the best for old postcards, unique prints, old books and yellowing maps from last century.
Latest Comments:
Arkadia
I visited the Arkadia mall !I was a bit tired ! You'll need good shoes !It's true if you do not find what you want you'll never will....American Bookstore
Well....the 1st time I went to this bookstore at Galeria Mokotow....I could find 3 novels from my fave authors....Tax refund
Where and how I can get tax refund if I buy the good in Holland and I will fly from Amsterdam airport ...Arkadia
it's a very good mall...American Bookstore
I stopped at the store on Nowy Swiat on a Saturday in May. My companion asked for a mystery book by an American author and the attendant immediately took her to the shelf where this author's books are housed....American Bookstore
This shop appears to be a good English language bookshop with loads of books and a wide selection of other reading materials however I've always found the staff to be rude or angry and downright discourtious....American Bookstore
Once and actually my first experience in that bookstore was not a good start! The customer service is ...Samira
I wanted to buy some pomegranate juice and couldn't find it anywhere. It's an obsession of mine, pomegranate juice has amazing health benefits and so having some time on my hands I spent a day or so hunting around for it....Marks & Spencer
I found this food section just the other day and noticed they stocked many UK food items that are quite hard to find in Warsaw, and the prices are reasonable....Kuchnie Świata
This shop is amazing, obviously quite expensive, but if you're after food from your home country you could well find it here....Cedros
This shop is very very poor, if you are after produce from the Lebanon or Middle Eastern you will be much better heading south of the centre and to a shop called Samira, Aleja Niepodległości 213, who have a much better range of goods....Złote Tarasy
Great looking shopping centre in a perfect location next to the Central Train Station. The architecture is interesting and the glass roof/ceiling amazing....EMPiK
I love empik. A really good selection of English Books and Magazines, lots of music cds and dvds, a nice atmosphere and casual friendly and helpful staff....Klif
This shopping centre caters for those that like to spend lots of money on designer clothes. There is ...American Bookstore
I recommend Redding's (used and new) bookstore in the underground of BUW (Warsaw University Library)....