Warsaw is not an obvious shopping haven, but it has a blend of familiar malls, quirky old-style bazaars, and plenty of creative local crafts to sate your shopping appetite. Those looking for global heavyweights like Boss, Escada, and Trussardi will find them in the trendy enclave of Plac Trzech Krzyzy and the malls around the city. Along nearby Mokotowska Street, there are interesting small boutiques. In the past, Nowy Swiat and Chmielna streets were the places for luxury goods; today, there are several antiques and design shops here, but cafes and restaurants have taken up most of the floor space.

Most shops in the city are open Monday through Friday 11am to 7pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm. Malls are open Monday through Saturday 10am to 10pm, Sunday 10am to 8pm.

The hippest mall in town is the new Zote Tarasy. It’s also well stocked with restaurants — including a branch of the Hard Rock Café — and cafes. Even if you’re not after retail therapy, pop in to see the perspective of the city from beneath the wavy, glass domes. Arkadia and Galeria Mokotów are two larger malls outside the city center.

For time-traveling to the past, hop across the eastern bank to the legendary 105-year-old Russian Bazaar in Praga. During the Communist days, the rows of wooden stalls were the prime source for foreign goods such as Coca-Cola, jeans, and radios. It is a shadow of its former self but still musters up some life on Saturdays. Don’t confuse this bazaar with the Russian Market (Dziesieciolecia Stadium) — the outdoor market infamous for counterfeit Tommy Hilfiger, pirated DVDs, and pick-pockets — which has been shut down to make room for the new National Stadium.

To take art objects (including jewelry) out of Poland, you’ll need legal paperwork for items that are older than 55 years or produced by an artist who is no longer living.