KrakowInformer.com

Krakow Shopping Malls

“Let's go to the gallery” - you might hear that from your average acquaintance from Krakow (or, more or less, the rest of Poland). If you agree (thinking that the Polish are all-about-art or simply snobbish), you might be surprised that, in nine cases out of ten, you will be taken to one of the numerous Krakow shopping malls. Yes, by some ill twist of linguistic fate, the Polish word Galeria (resemblance to the English gallery is obvious) means both an art-gallery and shopping center – and the giant building next to the Main Train Station, known as Galeria Krakowska, is not Krakow's answer to the Louvre, but rather a plain mall.

Linguistics aside, the question Where to shop in Krakow might still be an important issue. The answer is: depends on what you're looking for. If you want souvenirs, amber goods, or some other things to remember Krakow by, the best choice is simply the Main Square, or, more specifically, the Sukiennice – a place with a trading tradition of over 500 years. But you might also want to simply 'go shopping' – and then the big malls, of which Krakow has several, are the perfect choice. So, here they are:

Galeria Krakowska

The newest and biggest of Krakow shopping malls, situated right next to the Main Train Station (Dworzec Główny). Some think of it as an ugly cube, others like the way its colorful facade added a touch of the modern to the square in front of the station. But when it comes to malls, what really matters is inside: its three spacious floors offer a total of 270 shops and 22 cafes and restaurants. Whether you're looking for everyday groceries, health food, clothes of whatever brand and price, shoes, multimedia, sportswear, housewares or gifts, you will find it here. However, the place is quite big and can be very time-consuming.

Address: 5 Pawia Street

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9a.m. to 10 p.m., Sundays 10a.m. to 9p.m. Closed on the most important State and Church holidays, including Easter, Christmas, May 1^st and May 3^rd, and November 1^st and November 11^th

Galeria Kazimierz

Situated in the Kazimierz District on the bank of the Vistula, next to Kotlarski Bridge (Most Kotlarski), its within walking distance from the city center (or, preferably, Kazimierz itself). Although not as big as Galeria Krakowska, it covers all shopping needs with its 160 shops. Additionally if you want to treat yourself to something more sophisticated than regular groceries, there are the Alma Delicatessen. If you're bored with shopping, there is also a multiplex cinema.

Address: 34 Podgorska Street

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10a.m. to 10 p.m., Sundays 10a.m. to 8p.m. Closed on the most important State and Church holidays, including Easter, Christmas, May 1^st and May 3^rd, and November 1^st and November 11^th

Krakow Plaza

This one's a bit further away from the center, but its certain features might still make you go there. Apart from regular shopping in one of the 150 shops, you can visit the Fantasy Park: a place of entertainment for all members of the family, with bowling alleys, pool tables and arcade machines. There's also a cinema and the IMAX for those who like their movies in full 3D.

Address: 44 Aleja Pokoju Street

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays 10a.m. to 8p.m. Closed on the most important State and Church holidays, including Easter, Christmas, May 1^st and May 3^rd, and November 1^st and November 11^th

M1

On the same street as Krakow Plaza, just a few blocks away – so if you don't find something in one, just look in the other. From the total of 140 shops most are clothes shops, and there's also a DIY megastore.

Address: 67 Aleja Pokoju Street

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays 10a.m. to 8p.m. Closed on most Public Holidays, including Easter, Christmas, May 1^st and May 3^rd, and November 1^st and November 11^th

Galeria Krokus

Although the mall in itself with its 60 shops isn't breathtaking in comparison to the others, it might be convenient to go there because of the immediate surroundings. Those include a multiplex cinema, Cracow's Aqua Park, a DIY market, plus a McDonald's restaurant and a gas station.

Address: 37 Bora-Komorowskiego Street

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays 9a.m. to 7p.m. Closed on the most important State and Church holidays, including Easter, Christmas, May 1^st and May 3^rd, and November 1^st and November 11^th

Centrum Handlowe Zakopianka

The thing about some of the Krakow shopping malls is that they seem to grow in pairs. So if you decide to go to this one, your long journey will be rewarded with the Solvay Park, right across the street. Apart from the several stores, there's a multiplex cinema nearby.

Address: 62 Zakopianska Street

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9a.m. to 9.30 p.m., Sundays 9a.m. to 7.30p.m. Closed on the most important State and Church holidays, including Easter, Christmas, May 1^st and May 3^rd, and November 1^st and November 11^th

 Solvay Park

Across the street from the Zakopianka Shopping mall. 50 stores on 3 floors, and all the assets of this neighborhood (i.e. The Zakopianka multiplex).

Address: 105 Zakopianska Street

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays 10a.m. to 8p.m. Closed on the most important State and Church holidays, including Easter, Christmas, May 1^st and May 3^rd, and November 1^st and November 11^th