Krakow Kleparz - Green Market

There are a few markets in Krakow, but arguably the best and most well known is Stary Kleparz. Just to the north of the Planty, sandwiched between Dluga Street and Plac Matejki, the market-place dates back to the 12th century, although of course what you see today is considerably more recent.

At Stary Kleparz you can buy just about anything imaginable that you can carry, at prices that get keener as closing time approaches. But at least a third of the space is devoted to fresh fruit and vegetables, and here is where you come when you want to buy what's in season, knowing that it really is fresh and far cheaper than in the supermarkets. 'Try before you buy' is the word here.

In communist times the market was literally a lifeline for many of Krakow's citizens, when all too often the official shops were bereft of even the most basic necessities. Younger Poles may not remember those grey days, but still flock to a place that has a uniquely Polish character.