Warsaw Attractions

Venue: Warsaw    When: Daily

Shopping in Warsaw can be an uplifting experience depending, however, on what you are looking for. The key is to look for what the city does best - amber jewellery, leather goods, warm, winter coats and vodka! You can find sophisticated international labels if you look for them, but why not throw yourself into the Warsaw experience and head for where the locals go - the largest flea market in Europe.

Uninspiring wide boulevards lead from central Warsaw to the flea market in the Praga district, just by Poniatowskiego Bridge. This vast market, made up of tiny striped tents for each stall, runs on several levels all the way round the circumference of the Dziesiecioliecia Stadium. For the best bargains, arrive early (the market opens at 6am and cools down as midday approaches). Don't worry about not having breakfast before you arrive as food stalls full of good, cheap, traditional Polish food are at hand.

If possible, visit the market accompanied by a native Polish speaker - not to make yourself understood but to avoid being offered "tourist prices". Nonetheless, in spite of your obvious tourist status, you are bound to find some bargains from the medley of (copied) CDs, leather goods, old gas masks and caps from the former Soviet Union, simple amber jewellery (but beware of plastic lookalike amber), warm coats and shoes. The market is vast, so be prepared to walk a fair way before finding what you are looking for. Keep your valuables safe from prying eyes and furtive hands.

A more conventional shopping experience can be enjoyed in the smart Nowy Swiat, which is lined with shops - expensive to the locals, they may prove rich in promise for visitors. Antique shops, reasonably priced designer jewellery - of course featuring that symbol of Poland, amber - and fashionwear are in profusion. The street leads up into the Old Town, which is both picturesque and good for presents. It's worth considering some of the excellent Polish pastries from a good cake shop if your journey home isn't too long, or jars of roll-mop herrings in pickles or sweet plum, available at any of the local supermarkets.