Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), Krakow (must see)

With its magnificent charm and timeless aura, the Cloth Hall welcomes you into its history of luxury, wealth, grandeur and trade. The most happening shopping complex of the medieval era, the Cloth Hall was the place where merchants and traders would meet to finalize deals and get the best bargains for the goods in the market. At first sight, the Cloth Hall puts time on hold. The opulence and splendor of the building is proof of the glory the city enjoyed in the medieval era.

If you are looking for gifts and souvenirs in Krakow, Cloth Hall is the place to find them. This wonderful building, situated in the middle of the Old Town Square, has been the main focus of trade since the 14th century. After a fire in the 16th century, it was rebuilt in a Renaissance style. There is plenty of amber jewelry, lace and embroideries as well as wooden souvenirs such as Jewish statues, ornately carved boxes, chessboards available here at good prices.

Tip:
Besides the souvenir stalls, don't miss the permanent exhibition of the National Gallery upstairs, displaying artworks of 19th-century Polish painters. Shops are open until 8pm. There are very clean 24/7 public toilets at one end of the building – on the right as you look from Saint Mary's church.