Shopping in Warsaw

As Poland's capital, Warsaw has attracted all the big international names in shopping, keen to take part in the country's economic resurgence. As a business hub, Warsaw is also an oasis for travellers looking for smart clothes at reasonable prices. Still, the city continues to retain its old world charm, and there are plenty of smaller stores tucked on the back streets with treasures waiting to be discovered. Warsaw has a long way to go before it’s regarded as a shopping mecca, but nevertheless the city now touts an array of shops that make further investigation not just recommended, but required. 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. In Poland it is even possible to go shopping on Sunday. The best places to shop are the shopping malls that have been built in last 10 years, they usually contain a hypermarket, so you will be able to do all the shopping in one location. Most often the malls are equipped with cinemas and even fitness centres. Warsaw really is a great place to go shopping. Shopping hours are usually from 11 am to 7 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday, but shopping malls are open until 8 or even 10 pm. There are no fixed dates for sell-outs and sales in Poland, so that the stores have to decide when to do their final sales. The summer sale begins at the end of June and the winter sale starts at the beginning of January. The sales last for around 6 weeks.

 

Arkadia

Arkadia is situated at Rondo Radoslawa (Babka) it is the biggest shopping centre in Eastern Europe and by far the largest mall in Warsaw. So you should definitely find what you are looking for. Around 200 shops can be found here. The biggest advantage comparing it to other malls in Warsaw, besides the size, is the variety of culinary offers. 30 restaurants and food outlets are located within the 287.000 sq m complex, with most of them situated near the main entrance and in or at the food court.  Besides typical fast food (Burger King, McDonalds and KFC), there is also a brewery (Bierhalle) serving an excellent weizen beer. The sushi place (Hana Sushi) is one of the best in town. Moreover the location is equipped with a multiplex cinema (Cinema City), a medical centre (Enel) and a fitness centre (Holmes Place).

 

Złote Tarasy

Złote Tarasy mean trade, entertainment, services and offices, right in the heart of Warsaw. This modern multifunctional complex stands between Złota Street, Emilia Plater Street, the Central Railway Station, and Jana Pawła II Ave. It is easily accessible by any public transport method or by rail. The Golden Terraces name (Złote Tarasy) refers to Złota (Golden) Street and the architecture of the building. The cascading terraces cover two plazas – an internal plaza with fountains and an external one, surrounded by restaurants. Alleys and passages with stores and a main avenue for pedestrians leading from the railways station to Złota Street create a very urban atmosphere for the interior of Złote Tarasy. Sandstones, granites, a lot of greenery and water elements create an internal environment that is close to nature. All of this is contained under a folding glass roof, with over a hectare in surface area.

 

Nowy Świat

Nowy Świat is very popular with tourists and locals for recreation and shopping and has many good restaurants, bars and shops for you to enjoy. A terrific place to sit down and watch the world go by. It is one of the most popular streets in Warsaw for shopping, eating out and enjoying a few drinks is Ulica Nowy Świat, Polish for "New World Street". It is about 1 mile long and runs from Triple Cross Square northwards and intersects another two popular streets, Jerusalem Avenue and Holy Cross Street.

 

Klif

The nationwide Klif chain have long been present in Warsaw, though if you think you’ve seen it all before then think again. These chaps have rebranded and re-launched with October 2008 refit resulting in the addition of new floors, an updated design and a thorough facelift. But as with all shopping centres the proof comes in the pudding, i.e the tenants. Now on show are top tags from Max Mara to Penny Black, as well outlets for casual favourites  like Paul & Shark. For the juniors watch for Casper and Mothercare.

 

Blue City

Blue City is a modern Mall with about 200 shops, including 20 food outlets. Medical treatments are part of the offer as is gigantic gaming and entertainment area which is split according to the age (for children, youngsters and a nightclub for adults). In the centre of the building there is a fountain which lets the water jump up to 26 metres. Next to the fountain you will see some benches where it is nice to watch and relax. From time to time Blue City arranges special events, e.g. an inside market with local specialties from Poland.

 

Fort Wola

Fort Wola seems the only mall in Warsaw that is not almost fully rented. It is only recommended to go there if you live nearby, Wola Park has a lot more to offer is not far away. Currently one finds about 50 stores in the shopping centre including a Real supermarket.

 

Galeria Bemowo

Galeria Bemowo is a slightly smaller shopping centre with around 80 stores in the northwest part of Warsaw. However, you will able to do a large part of the shopping especially because of the huge Carrefour hypermarket.  Parking is available in a big multi-storey car park. Next door (on the left side) there is a multiplex cinema (Cinema City) and a leisure centre (Hokus Pokus) with billiards, bowling and arcade games.

 

Galeria Mokotow

Galeria Mokotow is an especially nice shopping centre in the south of Warsaw, in a part of town called Mokotow. It was opened back in 2000 and is still one the most popular. With its more than 200 stores spread around the60.000 square metres there is plenty to see, eat (30 food outlets) and shop. Furthermore the complex includes a big cinema, a fitness studio, a bowling alley with gaming arcade and a place where children can play.

 

Promenada

Promenada is the most Western European like shopping centre in Warsaw. It hosts more than200 stores. While most other malls remind one rather of typical American malls this one would be like you’d expect in Paris or in another European city. Promenada was first shopping mall to open in Warsaw. It opened its doors in 1996 and was extended in 1999 it was extended (it now includes a 13 screen cinema). No other mall offers more designer fashion outlets than Promenada. The supermarket (Alma) is  rather a gigantic delicatessen store than supermarket, you will find lots of products here that are not available anywhere else in Warsaw.

 

Reduta (Centrum Handlowe)

Reduta looks rather small at first sight; however, you will find lots of opportunities to shop in its more than 120 stores. This shopping centre has been expanded from time to time and can be found opposite of Blue City. As special service for customers: in the whole complex there is free wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) access.

 

 

Targowek (Centrum Handlowe)

Targowek offers about140 stores that cover all needs. It is a very bright and friendly formed shopping centre. In spite of the big number in shops everything is quickly accessible as everything is located at the ground floor level. As in most malls you can find a cinema here. If you want to try Polish specialties try something from Karoca (in the food court).

 

Wilenska (Centrum Handlowe)

Wilenska is a rather hectic shopping centre as it is connected directly to the railway station Wilenska. However, all essential things can be bought in around 100 shops. A major plus is the good accessibility by tram and bus particularly if you are staying on the eastern side of the Vistula river.

 

Rozycki Bazaar

After liquidation of marketplace near National Stadium, this famous bazaar is returning to grace. This place is totally filled with specific atmosphere of Vistula right bank. Peddlers praise their articles, dodgers try to make the best deals, there is crowd and noise, but you can find here things that you won’t find anywhere else. This is one of the best places if you want to buy souvenir which will always commemorate you capital of Poland.