Shopping

HE Concept Store (p.95), where Polish and International design meet

Shopping in Warsaw

Paris, London or New York it ain’t, but hard-core shoppers can still find plenty to spend their well-earned lolly on. Warsaw is seeing true growth in the array of shops available and the number of bigname labels that are opening storefronts. Whether it’s westernstyle malls, designer boutiques, dusty family stores or antique markets, a day spent shopping can result in both bargains and treasures.

Alembik

If you’ve just come out of the Polish Vodka Museum in Praga Koneser Center (p�49) with a new appreciation for Poland’s national drink, then right around the corner, in the same building, you will find Alembik, a small but impressively stocked shop where you can purchase your very own vodkas� Here you will find Polish brands such as Luksusowa and Wyborowa, but not only, as they also sell premium whiskeys, cognacs, rums, gins and champagnes� For those with deeper pockets, there is also the opportunity to shop in private in their cosy 2nd room, where you can also enjoy tasting some exclusive products� Classy�QK-2/3, Plac Konesera 1, MDworzec Wileński, tel. (+48) 513 28 92 60, www.koneser.eu. Open 12:00-19:00; closed Sun.

Amber & Jewellery

Amber Art Gallery - Silver Line

This gorgeous gallery specialises in luxury handcrafted jewellery of the amber variety, but crystal, silver and gold items can be purchased here too� This is the location of the largest and oldest amber dealer in the city, a family run business going back to 1988, proudly selling amber of Polish origin - certified by the International Amber Association� Even heads of State and royalty have been spotted procuring presents here, from Bill Clinton to Japanese princesses (whose thank you letters you can see inside)! Choose from pieces by Polish artisans and top designers, plus high quality jewellery made with other precious stones� QF-4, Rynek Starego Miasta 9/11/13, MRatusz Arsenał, www.warsawamber.pl. Open 10:00-18:00; Sun 10:0017:00.

Fashion & Accessories

HE Concept Store NEW A high-class location for a high-class boutique� Forget shoddy souvenirs, this is where you’ll find some of the best items Polish and international design has to offer - all of which are completely unique to HE Concept Store� Enter the European Boutiques zone of Raffles Hotel Europejski from Krakowskie Przedmieście into what feels like a museum, and descend the mysterious spiral stairs into what indeed appears to open up into an exhibition space of chic and sleek designer items from artworks, high-quality handmade items, accessories, gadgets, and top of the line fashion� There’s even a wine bar to buy, and even sample signature wines on the spot� All that’s on offer will be a welcome gift to anyone with a keen eye on the latest trends�QG-5, ul. Krakowskie Przedmieście 13, MNowy Świat-Uniwersytet, tel. (+48) 22 255 99 65, www.heconceptstore.pl. Open 11:00-19:00; closed Sun. U6

Victoria’s Secret

This boutique certainly needs no introduction� Even if you know nothing of fashion, you’ve no doubt heard of Victoria’s Secret, the brand that has become synonymous with stylish lingerie and glitzy angelwinged fashion shows� Warsaw, it seems, is delighted to have Poland’s only VS stores, and although previously their only boutiques in the city were on the smaller scale of grand, focusing mainly on accessories & perfumes, the new store in the city centre’s Złote Tarasy shopping mall is much bigger than before (now including Victoria’s Secret PINK), but the opening of Poland’s first VS flagship store in Westfield Arkadia Shopping Mall, with the full selection of clothing, including their lingerie, perfumes and accessories has gone down well with fashion bloggers and Varsovians alike! In Arkadia, you can’t miss it - it’s located right at the front entrance!QC-2, Al. Jana Pawła II 82 (Arkadia), MDworzec Gdański, tel. (+48) 22 445 02 05, www.victoriassecret.pl. Open 09:00-22:00; Sun 09:00-21:00.

Gifts & Souvenirs

E-Manufaktura

It’s sometimes hard to find that perfect gift from Poland to take back home with you� We understand the problem, and it may be the case you get home, only to regret not having bought that sweet little tea cup you had your eye on� Now this is why we whole heartedly recommend E-Manufaktura, which is not only a shop in Warsaw, but also an online shop for you to look through an extensive catalogue in the comfort

Sunday Shopping Ban

Since 2018 government regulations have increasingly restricted Sunday trading in Poland� In 2020 there are only 7 Sundays in the entire year when shops are allowed to be open� There are some exemptions from the ban, namely pharmacies, gas stations, kiosks, bakeries, openair markets, Żabka convenience stores (most of which close at 23:00) and souvenir shops (oh thank god)� Note that the Sunday hours we list for venues are the hours they keep only on those Sundays when trade is allowed� 2021’s remaining shopping Sundays are: Aug 29, Dec 12 & 19.

of your home� From egg cups, plates, bowls, and all other kitchenware you can think of, you’ll find it here! The famous hand-painted ceramics, Bolesławiec, make up the core of what’s on offer� It doesn’t get more Polish than this� A must use service�QF-3, ul. Freta 14, MRatusz Arsenał, tel. (+48) 22 636 06 84, www.e-manufaktura.com. Open 10:00-18:00.

Pomaluj.art - Galeria Bolesławiec & Studio Ceramiki

Of all Polish gifts, none are as visually exciting as Bolesławiec pottery� At Pomaluj.art you not only get the chance to buy gifts, but can join workshops to make your own! You can make and paint anything you want in the studio! The staff speak English and teach you the history of Bolesławiec pottery during your session! Showing the Warsaw In Your Pocket guide/map, you will receive an in store 8% discount!QF-8, Al. Jerozolimskie 49, MCentrum, tel. (+48) 690 80 01 84, www.pomaluj.art. Open 12:0020:00; closed Sun.

Shopping Malls

Designer Outlet Warszawa

Probably one of the best-looking outlets we’ve seen in Poland, set inside a collection of buildings evoking the Baroque style of Warsaw’s Old Town� Indeed, this is a premium designer outlet, with the interior specifically made to make you feel like you’re walking through a classy little fashion street� Here you’ll find discounts ranging from 30% to a huge 70% on premium brands like Armani, Boss, Calvin Klein, Guess, Furla, Liu Jo, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger through to lifestyle brands Adidas, Geox, Kazar, Levis, Nike, Salewa, Salomon, Timberland, 4F and many more� Found just 30 mins from Warsaw’s city centre, and 20 mins from Warsaw Chopin Airport, it’s easily reached by car and public transport - from the centre, travel south by car along ul. Puławska in the direction of Piaseczno, and by metro to Metro Wilanowska and then buses 709 or 727 onward to stop Energetyczna 01, using a zone 2 ticket�Qul. Puławska 42E, Piaseczno, MWilanowska, tel. (+48) 22 737 31 15, www.designeroutletwarszawa.pl. Open 10:00-22:00; Sun 10:00-21:00.

Dom Mody KLIF

The nationwide Klif chain have long been present in Warsaw, though if you think you’ve seen it all before then think again� Attracting fashion lovers for over 20 years offering a range of Polish and foreign boutiques; but as with all shopping centres, the proof comes in the pudding, i�e� the tenants� Now on show are top tags from MaxMara, Elisabetta Franchi to PennyBlack, as well as Michael Kors, Karl Lagerfeld, Castellani, Trzaska Luxury & Optics and DM Moda as well as well-known and respected mainstream brands such as H&M, Olsen and S’portofino� The draw, other than the brands, is the convenient and easy to get to location - roll in by tram, bus or car� What’s more, this is the only shopping centre to have a concierge point, all for the benefit of the shopper� For true connoisseurs, this year, Klif prepared a unique FASHION STUDIO, where anyone can use the services of stylists�QB-4, ul. Okopowa 58/72, tel. (+48) 535 41 14 58, www.klif.pl. Open 09:00-21:00; Sun 10:00-20:00. Piotr i Paweł open Mon-Sat 08:30-22:00; Sun 09:00-20:00. PUL

Elektrownia Powiśle

When Elektrownia Powiśle opened, we can only say we were impressed� The exterior doesn’t look all too big, but once inside you realise it’s much bigger than you’d ever expect! So what’s here? Imagine this as a multifunctional centre, including sooped up shops completely new to Poland (nay, in Central and Eastern Europe even!) such as Urban Outfitters, Levi’s, Weekday, COS, Elementy Wear, Marc O’Polo Denim, Hugo, Balagan, Galilu, Chosen By, 3noi and Converse (to name a few), plenty more boutiques, beauty salons, a top floor event space, as well as 14 ‘gastronomic concepts’ in their food market and restaurants, and 4 bars: Kandela, Centrala, Elektryk in the Food Hall and Juices & Bubbles in the Beauty Hall! You can shop until you drop, then pick yourself up with some great food, all the while being delighted with the look and feel of the place too�QH/I-6, ul. Dobra 42, MCentrum Nauki Kopernik, tel. (+48) 22 128 56 00, www.elektrowniapowisle.com. Open 10:00-21:00. TU6KH

Galeria Młociny

Found in the north-western district of Bielany, and easily accessible via metro - being right on the doorstep of the final stop, ‘Metro Młociny Bus, Tram & Metro Station,’ this is Warsaw’s newest shopping mall, and an impressive one at that! With over 200 stores, including Poland’s first Primark, a ‘meet and eat’ dining area in a post-industrial-styled zone (a friendly nod to the area’s importance as a steelworks) containing 50 food and drink venues, a super-modern cinema complex and MK Bowling alley and gym� The topping on the cake is the impressive rooftop terrace where you can enjoy various cultural events such as dances (an homage to the public dances of bygone days in Bielany), shows and concerts� There are also 2000 parking spots here should you choose to drive� Qul. Zgrupowania AK Kampinos 15, MMłociny, www.galeriamlociny.pl. Open 10:00-22:00; Sun 10:00-21:00.

PK

PRIVATE KLUB