Due to its strategic location and size (Poland is larger than the UK or Italy), the country has unfortunately been the centre of attention for European empires throughout history, who have fought to increase their sphere of influence at Poland’s expense. Today, Poland is a nation with a rich cultural heritage and history, traces of which can be found at some of its most famous flea markets.
Flea markets throughout Poland offer hardcore collectors, world travellers and treasure hunters weary of department stores selling mass-produced products a wealth of cheap deals.
In Krakow, the best antiques, second-hand items and unique souvenirs can be found in Kazimierz, the city’s former Jewish quarter. The Saturday flea market is held in Plac Nowy, while the Sunday market takes place in the Hala Targowa (Market Hall) on ul. Grzegórzecka. If your Polish is a little rusty, it is advisable to come prepared with a pad of paper and a pen to haggle for the best price, or to go with a local!
Plac Targowy Unitard Flea Market
Locally known as the ‘Plac Targowy Unitarg’ or ‘Halą Targową’ (Market Hall in English), the Grzegórzki Square Fair is famous as the biggest and best flea market in Krakow. Located northeast of the Jewish Quarter and a ten-minute walk from the Main Square, it is known to all city residents, from the youngest to the oldest, and attracts crowds of people every weekend, including students, enthusiasts, seasoned antique dealers and tourists.
During the week it is a food market, but every Sunday from 6 a.m. the Plac Targowy Unitarg / Halą Targową becomes a sprawling flea market full of old-world antiques, war memorabilia, Russian watches and cameras, pirated DVDs, vinyl records, paintings, antique furniture, computer parts, wooden wagon wheels, old books, religious souvenirs and icons, vintage clothing and stolen bikes, as well as pretty much anything else you can dream of, all at pretty affordable prices.
The people of Krakow say that if you can’t find something in a shop, you’ll probably find it at the Hala. This explains why a trip to this flea market is always an exciting adventure, and why it is so popular with visitors every Sunday.
It is strongly advised that you show up early (remember, ‘the early bird catches the worm’) as Sunday is undoubtedly the best, but also the busiest, day of the week. Also, most merchants arrive shortly after dawn and start packing up between 3 pm and sunset. You’ll have to race against time! But that’s a small price to pay for bringing back an authentic piece of Polish history.
Where: ul. Grzegórzecka 1 31-532 Kraków Poland
When: Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (food market and junk) and Saturday – Sunday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (flea market on Sunday)
Website: unitarg.krakow.pl
Plac Nowy Flea Market
Established in 1808, the Plac Nowy flea market has been operating ever since. Every day from 7 a.m. until the early afternoon, more than 300 merchants gather around the central rotunda — a former slaughterhouse — to sell fresh produce, wild animals, rabbits and pigeons (on Tuesdays and Fridays), old clothes (on Saturdays), as well as sweets and miscellaneous items.
However, it is on Saturdays that things get interesting in terms of antiques, as hundreds of vintage green market stalls are set up in the market area to showcase an assortment of antiques, Soviet-era memorabilia, worn-out weapons and army uniforms, old household appliances, vintage jewellery and clothing, vintage cameras, books and even some rare porcelain figures and ceramics.
After strolling around the flea market, be sure to take a break at one of the many Bohemian cafés and food outlets surrounding Plac Nowy. Here, you can sample the traditional zapiekanka, a baguette topped with various ingredients.
Most places on Plac Nowy are really cheap, and even the more expensive restaurants will serve a two-course meal with drinks for two people for around 80 Zloties (about $20 USD). Last but not least, Plac Nowy is one of the best drinking destinations in town in the evenings, particularly for the most adventurous or nightcrawlers. It is lined with atmospheric bars where travellers can enjoy a glass of local Okocim or Zywiec beer or a shot of Polish vodka.
Where: Plac Nowy, Krakow’s Jewish Quarter
When: Monday – Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (flea market on Saturday morning)
Web: placnowy.pl
Photo copyright (featured image): Lisa Skorpion – Wawel castle from St. Mary’s church tower