As one of the largest cities in the historic Silesia region and the fourth largest in all of Poland, Wroclaw is truly a sight to behold! Wroclaw is perhaps best known for its beautifully preserved structures, such as the famed multi-colored buildings at the main Market Square, as well as the numerous churches and cathedrals scattered across the city. Interestingly, the rich heritage of the city is complemented by a vibrant and youthful energy. Wroclaw is also a university city, home to over 130,000 students and the renowned University of Wroclaw! Visiting Wroclaw, soon? Whether you’re looking for something to give your loved ones or hoping to find some some practical, yet beautiful mementos to help you remember your trip by, be sure to check out our picks for what to buy in Wroclaw, Poland.
1. Amber jewellery
Ring from the DNA Collection. At Amberif, Gdansk 223/03/19. In collaboration with Delphine Perrache Baltic Amber, Sterling Silver. Photo Stijn Wils
Posted by Alain Roggeman on Monday, 18 March 2019
Amber is a big part of Polish tradition, so much that it is sometimes referred to as “Baltic gold”. Their practice of making amber jewelry is said to date back all the way to the Middle Ages when Gdańsk was formed and went on to become one of the most prolific producers of amber handicraft! Nowadays, there are plenty of local artisans who produce modern and stylish accessories with amber. These would make an excellent keepsake for a loved one, or even a stylish addition to your jewelry collection! You should definitely check out the stores along the Rynek we Wroclawiu for top-quality jewelry and one-of-a-kind designs!
2. Pottery items
Another bustling industry in Wroclaw is their pottery. In particular, Polish pottery comes in a unique style called “Bolesławiec”, which is characterized by its hand-painted designs, vibrant colors, and intricate patterns. Many of the pieces in this style are made specifically for the kitchen. In fact, some modern Boleslawiec pottery items are made to be microwave and oven safe! Totally practical and lovely to look at, it is little wonder why these ceramics are some of the most popular souvenir items in Wroclaw. The best place to find these in Wroclaw would be at the Boleslawiec Ceramic Plant, where you might even catch a glimpse of how these ceramics are being made.
3. Gnome figurines
Upon arriving at Wroclaw, one will immediately notice the charming and cheeky gnomes that can be found all around the city! Although these little guys can be amusing to look at, they’re actually symbols of a very important part of the city’s history. These gnomes pay homage to the Orange Alternative, an anti-Soviet resistance movement started in Wrocław that helped topple Poland’s oppressive communist regime in the 1980s. The movement used gnomes as a symbol for the “absurdity” of the regime, using humor as a means of subversion. Nowadays, cute little gnome figures are a popular souvenir item and a great way to remember the city by!
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4. Postcards
As one of the largest cities, not just in the historical region of Silesia, but also in all of Poland, there is so much beauty to be seen in Wroclaw! Of course, such a picture-perfect city would look wonderful on a postcard. Postcards remain quite popular among those visiting Wroclaw. Your loved ones are sure to appreciate a glimpse of the beauty of this city, especially if they can’t be there with you during your visit. They’d also make great mementos, perfectly capturing the most breathtaking parts of the city. You can find a wide variety of these in Wroclaw’s many souvenir stores, particularly at the Tourist Info Center, located right at the center of the market square.
Wroclaw Tour Guide
Eugene Daszewski
I believe that Kraków is one of the best places to visit and to live. Maybe it's because of Wawel Chakra, which is considered to be one of the place of enourmous power?! Or maybe thanks to its unique mixture of the Old Town, Jewish history and the communist legacy?! Or perhaps the famous polish pierogies and kielbasa?! I believe that everyone will find something for himself. During 8 years of experience as the guide I took care of more than 3000 people from more than 80 countries. It helped me to understand needs of my clients and to develop interpersonal skills. I base my tour on humor, associations and connections in order to make it fun and unforgettable. Book a tour with me and let's discover beauty and secrets of Kraków.
Tours by Eugene
5. French Polish cosmetics
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Why not add something new to your skin and hair care routines? Although French cosmetics have long been a staple in the beauty and wellness industry, Polish cosmetics are also quickly rising in popularity! In fact, there are plenty of top-quality French-Polish cosmetics that are available in the market today. Some of the best up and coming cosmetic brands include Dr. Irena Eris’ line of skincare products, which are available online. For hair care, you can also check out Delia Cosmetics, which is best known for their hair dyes, shampoos, and other hair care products.
6. Polish posters
Posters have a long history and a proud tradition in Poland, dating all the way back to the 1890s. Over the centuries, Polish artists have developed a distinctive visual style, characterized by their use of bold shapes, vibrant colors, and elements of humor or fantasy. This makes these posters the perfect gift for the art or history buff in your life, as well as a stylish addition to your home decor. Although these collectible posters are not-so-easy to find, they are surprisingly reasonably priced! You can see many designs at the Polish Poster Gallery, located along Świętego Mikołaja in Wroclaw. There are plenty of options available online, as well!
7. Polish cutlery
Functional and elegant, Polish cutlery would be a stylish and very practical gift for a loved one or as an addition to your kitchen. One of the most renowned brands of Polish cutlery is Gerlach, which has been producing top-quality cutlery for over 250 years. Cutlery from Poland is not only famously top-of-the-line, but also very innovative. Among the newer brands of Polish cutlery worth checking out would be Biotrem, which offers a line of sustainable and edible cutlery made from wheat bran - perfect for your eco-conscious loved ones!
8. Wawel dragon (smok wawelski)
The Wawel dragon (sometimes called the Dragon of Wawel Hill) is a mythical figure in Polish folklore. The dragon is said to have lived in a cave at the foot of Wawel Hill. According to folklore, the dragon was defeated by a legendary prince named Krakus, from whom the city of Krakow gets its name. To commemorate the story of the Wawel dragon’s defeat, an incredible statue was made by Polish artist Bronisław Chromy in the 1970s - and it actually breathes fire! The Wawel dragon continues to be a prominent image in Polish art and culture. Of course, there are plenty of memorabilia of the Wawel dragon that you can buy including shirts, figures, and adorable stuffed toys!
9. Salt lamps
Salt lamps are another popular item in Wroclaw. Similar to their Himalayan counterparts, Polish salt lamps are known for their distinctive deep orange color and warm glow. These salt lamps are said to have certain therapeutic properties and health benefits, such as helping to reduce levels of stress and improve the quality of air. Whether or not this is true, the lamps do help to add some warmth and style to any room. And with proper use and care, these lamps are durable enough to last almost a lifetime!
10. Sheepskin tablecloths
Some have said that sheepskin clothes and items are among the best souvenirs to bring home from Poland because they perfectly capture the warm and welcoming spirit of the country! In particular, if you want something cozy, yet practical and stylish, some sheepskin tablecloths would be a great choice. They would be a lovely addition to your home, perhaps as a centerpiece in your lounge area or a lovely accent in your bedroom. There are plenty of places where you could find top-quality sheepskin tablecloths in Wroclaw, whether online or in specialty stores around the city.
Fascinating finds in Wroclaw
Boasting a wonderful mix of history and heritage, youth and contemporary style, it is not at all surprising that there are plenty of interesting things that you can find around Wroclaw. We hope this selection has helped you discover finds that are just as fascinating as this breathtaking city!
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