From Krakow to Warsaw, Wroclaw and the Tri-City: Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia, here are the best indoor and outdoor food markets in these major Polish cities, where both locals and tourists love to visit and shop for specialty and regional products, fresh quality produce, fish, meat and more.
Mirowskie Halls were built between 1899-1901. Formerly the baroque pavilions were barracks of the Crown’s Mounted Guards. Mirowskie Halls, except for the walls, were almost entirely destroyed during Warsaw Uprising (bullet holes are still visible on the northern wall of one hall) and then rebuild after World War II. The west hall, called Hala Mirowska, since 1997 has been owned by the company called “Spolem”. The east hall, called Hala Gwardi, for many years served as a sports center. Nowadays, it’s “a heaven on earth” filled with fresh foods. People from Warsaw say that it’s worth coming here even from the farthest parts of the city. It’s not just about the fruit and vegetables, but great atmosphere and surroundings. The beautiful architecture makes this market a perfect place to shop and admire. Here you can find all kinds of vendors – elderly ladies with fresh eggs and homemade jams, exotic stands with purple potatoes and kids selling wild blueberries they picked with their grandmothers in the morning.
Hala Koszyki – Warsaw, Poland
HALA KOSZYKI – WARSAW
Address: ul. Koszykowa 63 Warsaw Opening hours Restaurants* and stores: Monday – Saturday – 9:00am. – 9:00pm Sunday: 9:00am – 8:00pm Some restaurants close at 1:00a.m, restaurant Cma by Mateusz Gessler opened 24/7
Over a 100 years after it’s erection, Hala Koszyki came back to life in Warsaw on October 21, 2016. The “Koszyki” market hall, commonly called “People’s Bazaar” was built in 1906 – 1908 on Koszykowa Street in Warsaw. Hala Koszyki is the first and the only place of its kind in whole Poland. It currently hosts eighteen fabulous restaurant concepts, eleven fantastic groceries and service premises. Some of the best Warsaw restaurateurs and chefs work hard, everyday day, to prepare unique dishes in both Polish and international cuisines. Read more about Hala Koszyki’s history and all the wonderful attractions on their website and definitely make it a stop on your next visit to Warsaw!
Stary Kleparz – Krakow, Poland
Stary Kleparz Market – Krakow, Poland
STARY KLEPARZ – KRAKOW
Address: Rynek Kleparski Kraków Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 7:00am – 7:00pm Saturday 7:00am – 3:00pm
Do you know how to recognize real Cracovian? That’s the person that will always haggle over the price during shopping. That’s just the way things are here and there is no better place for that than Stary Kleparz and Hala Targowa. People have been shopping at Stary Kleparz since the 17th-century. Located in the center of the city, the place is always full of busy people – shouting sellers, gossiping ladies and shoppers exchanging recipes. Sellers are nice, there are many choices of fresh products and the smell is seductive, guiding you through the entire market – from colorful stands with seasonal vegetables to the line for fresh milk and cottage cheese ( Polish cottage cheese is fabulous!). There is also a fish-stall with the best fresh fish in all of Cracow. It’s one of those places where shopping is a real pleasure. The best time for shopping is always in the morning before noon, later you might have problems with finding what you want. Many Cracow’s famous chefs shop here, too.
The Parsley Market operates around a core philosophy summarized by three main principles:
Locally: All participating farms and producers are located within a 150-kilometer radius of Kraków.
Naturally: Products either carry an organic certificate or are produced by growers and processors who commit to traditional, sustainable methods without using artificial fertilizers, chemical protection products, artificial feed additives, or antibiotics.
Directly: The market eliminates middlemen by requiring farmers, breeders, or processors to sell their goods themselves or through family members, ensuring a direct connection with the local community.
There is also something for fresh-food lovers in Wroclaw. Hala Targowa was build in 1908 and from that year on became a very popular place to buy fresh meat, fish, vegetables, sweets and flowers. There are also small shops with cosmetics, clothes, leather goods and jewerly on the upper floor. One can easily spend an entire morning browsing, tasting and experiencing this unique place. Make sure you bring your camera for an opportunity to take great pictures of fresh produce and people.
Available Products: Local, regional, traditional, and rare healthy foods—including certified meats, fresh and smoked fish, organic fruits and vegetables, cheeses, cold cuts, country butter, heavy cream, milk, breads, oils, olives, spices, groats, dried fruit, snacks, and sweets.
Experiences: Sample dishes created by culinary bloggers, enjoy coffee, and find options suited for meat-eaters, vegetarians, vegans, and foodies alike.
Amenities: A summer garden is available during the warmer months to relax and eat your purchased goods on-site.
The Tricity in the Pomerania region of Poland refers to the cities of Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia, all located on the Baltic Sea coast and only a few miles away from each other. Although Gdansk and Sopot have scores of wonderful attractions, Gdynia also has many charms and corners worth discovering and one of those is the famous Hala Targowa Gdynia – fresh food indoor/outdoor market.
For a local shopping experience visit these food markets on your next trip to Poland. Stops at the above mentioned markets and additional once are included on Poland Culinary Vacations itineraries. Smacznego! – Enjoy!
Poland Culinary Vacations:
Malgorzata (Sarna) Rose, is a native of Poland. Poland Culinary Vacations grew out of her love and passion for travel and everything Polish, including fine Polish cuisine, eventually blossoming into a first-class culinary travel company. While growing up in Poland, she experienced the great joy of cooking with family and friends. Using her grandmothers' recipes and fresh ingredients from their gardens, they prepared food for weddings, parties, and traditional holidays. Now, through Poland Culinary Vacations, she wants to share that experience with you, and show you the best of everyday Polish living: the special people and their hospitality, and the heritage and traditions unique to each region. Only a native can help you discover and fully experience the authentic Poland!
Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.
How should you make the most of your small group tour? This year marks 20 years of European Experiences! Over the past two decades, we’ve hosted more than 250 groups and welcomed over 1,400 different travelers, many who have joined us on several trips over the years. Along the way, we’ve learned a lot about traveling together, creating meaningful connections, and designing memorable experiences for small groups.
To celebrate this milestone, we’re revisiting and updating a blog post originally written in 2012. Whether you’re considering your first small-group tour or are already an experienced traveler, these tips will help you get the most out of your next adventure. All the photos are from our 10 recent trips in September and October 2026.
Why Choose a Small-Group Tour?
For many people, a small-group tour is an ideal way to explore another country. Experienced trip organizers create thoughtful itineraries, select comfortable accommodations and memorable places to eat, and take care of the countless details that make a trip run smoothly.
You can discover special places and experiences you might never find on your own, without worrying about driving in unfamiliar territory, navigating language barriers, or managing every travel arrangement yourself. Before your departure, you receive helpful information and guidance. Once the trip begins, your leaders provide support, local knowledge, and assistance along the way.
There’s another important benefit: you share the experience with a small group of people who have similar interests and a desire to explore the world.
But a successful group tour depends on more than the itinerary or the trip leader. Your attitude, preparation, and willingness to participate also play an important role.
After 20 years of leading European Experiences trips, we’ve learned what helps travelers have an especially rewarding time. Here are our recommendations.
1. Choose the Right Trip for You
Choosing the right tour is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Beyond the destination, dates, and price, consider whether the trip’s overall style and pace fit your interests and expectations.
Think about the daily activities, physical demands, accommodations, dining experiences, and amount of free time. Do you enjoy an active itinerary, or would you prefer a more relaxed pace? Are you comfortable walking several miles a day? Do you prefer a structured schedule or do you want more time to explore independently?
Read the tour information carefully, and don’t hesitate to contact the organizer with questions. Check reviews! A phone call or email can help clarify details that might not be obvious from the itinerary. You can also ask whether references from previous travelers are available.
You want to gather enough information to determine whether the trip matches your interests, needs, and vision of an ideal vacation.
Physical requirements deserve particular attention. Be realistic about your abilities, especially if you have health concerns, mobility limitations, or other needs that could affect your participation. Discuss your needs with the tour operator before booking so you can understand what accommodations may be possible and whether the tour is would be right for you. And if your abilities change after you’ve booked a tour, realistically evaluate whether the trip is still do-able or if you should postpone or cancel the trip.
A little research at the beginning can make all the difference in your enjoyment later.
2. Prepare Well Before You Leave
Your pre-trip preparation will help you feel confident and ready to enjoy your tour. Most tour operators provide information about meeting arrangements, transportation, weather, clothing, packing, accommodations, meals, and other practical details. Read it carefully!
We learned this lesson firsthand on an early Luberon Experience week in Provence. Our pre-trip information recommends casual clothing, a jacket or sweater for cooler weather, and comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes that have already been broken in. On one trip, three travelers arrived with dressy summer clothes and sandals because they hadn’t read the information. They ended up purchasing more practical clothing and shoes—an unnecessary expense that could easily have been avoided.
It’s also important to understand local customs and expectations. Meal times, food choices, accommodations, and everyday routines may differ considerably from what you’re accustomed to at home. On one Chianti Experience in Tuscany, a traveler wrote us a few weeks before the trip to tell us she needed dinner every evening at 6 p.m. Unfortunately, that schedule wasn’t compatible with restaurant hours and our group’s dining plans. We gave her the option to eat on her own from the village supermarket, but she decided to adjust her normal schedule to join the group for dinners.
Lunch with our Inside Paris Women’s group (October 2026)
The lesson? Learn what to expect before you go, and approach the experience with realistic expectations. A guidebook or a little online research can help you understand the area’s history, culture, and traditions.
Learning a few basic phrases of the language is great preparation for your trip. You don’t have to take language classes, but it’s very helpful to know the basic terms of courtesy (hello, thank you, please, goodbye) and some emergency phrases and questions (How much? Where is the bathroom? Do you speak English?). Even a small effort to speak the local language can help you feel more independent and connect with local people.
Packing is another essential part of preparing for your trip. We strongly encourage travelers to bring less luggage rather than more.
Many experienced travelers can spend a month or longer away from home with about a week’s worth of clothing. For most of our trips, we recommend a medium-sized rolling suitcase—no larger than 24 inches—plus a small backpack. If you enjoy shopping, bring a small, collapsible bag for the treasures you discover along the way.
Choose clothing you can wear more than once, and plan to do laundry or hand-wash items when necessary. Layers are especially useful when temperatures change throughout the day.
Traveling light has several advantages. You’ll be able to manage your own bags more easily, have more room in trains and group vehicles, and avoid overcrowding your hotel room. If your itinerary includes train travel, you’ll be particularly happy to have less luggage to maneuver through stations and onto trains.
Finally, remember that a tour may involve considerably more walking than you do in everyday life. Find out how much walking to expect and begin preparing in advance. Regular walks at home can help you build stamina and arrive ready to enjoy the experience.
3. Take Care of Yourself
Getting sick or injured is never fun, especially when you’ve been looking forward to a European vacation for months. On a group tour, your health also affects your fellow travelers.
Although not every illness or injury can be prevented, there are steps you can take to help yourself stay well.
Before departure, review your vaccination needs and seek appropriate medical advice. Make sure you’re well rested, too. An overnight flight followed by a full day of sightseeing can be exhausting, particularly when you’re adjusting to a new time zone.
Whenever possible, arrive a day or two before the group meets. We always recommend allowing at least one full day to recover from jet lag before beginning our week together. During the tour, make time for rest when you need it. An afternoon nap can be a wonderful way to recharge.
Pay attention to how your body responds to travel, stress, unfamiliar foods, and changes in your routine. If you’re prone to motion sickness, digestive problems, heartburn, or other common travel discomforts, plan ahead and bring any appropriate medications you may need.
You’ll encounter wonderful food and plenty of opportunities to enjoy local specialties, but you don’t have to eat or drink everything offered. Listen to your body, stay hydrated, and make choices that help you feel your best.
You may be walking on city streets, in the countryside, in the mountains, or on uneven surfaces like cobblestones. Always wear the right shoes for each day’s activities and be sure they’re well broken-in before the trip. Watch your step to avoid an unexpected slip or fall. An accident will disrupt more than just your vacation—it will demand special attention from the trip leader and may alter plans for the entire group. Similarly, watch out for other group members and help each other stay safe and healthy.
4. Be Flexible, Open-Minded, and Positive
Traveling internationally is about much more than visiting famous sights. It’s an opportunity to experience a different way of life.
During a week or two abroad, you’ll encounter unfamiliar languages, customs, foods, schedules, and social traditions. You might walk more than usual, eat meals at different times, or discover that everyday conveniences work differently than they do at home.
The travelers who enjoy our tours the most are those who embrace these differences. They’re curious about other cultures, willing to try new foods, and happy to step outside their usual routines. Instead of viewing unfamiliar experiences as inconveniences, they see them as part of the adventure.
It’s natural to miss some of the comforts and routines of home. But expecting everything to be exactly the same can lead to frustration. Breakfast might look different from what you’re used to, your favorite beverage may not be available, and dinner may begin later than you’d prefer.
The more open you are to local customs and to step outside your comfort zone, the more opportunities you’ll have to discover something new and to expand your perspectives.
Flexibility is equally important when plans change. Weather can be unpredictable: it can be unusually hot or cool, or it might rain. On one Christmas tour, we had 25 inches of snow after we arrived in Munich! (That required some real flexibility, but also resulted in a great “Plan B.”) Restaurant service may take longer than expected, hotel plumbing may malfunction, Wi-Fi may be unreliable, and transportation strikes can disrupt even the best-planned itinerary.
These things happen, even with highly-experienced tour companies and carefully designed tours.
Our family’s motto is simple: “It is what it is.” When something happens that we can’t control, we try not to waste time or energy worrying about it. Instead, we adjust our plans, make the best of the situation, and keep a positive attitude. We also come prepared with layers of clothing and an umbrella!
5. Enjoy Your Fellow Travelers—and Connect With Local People
One of the special pleasures of small-group travel is the camaraderie that develops along the way. Most of our travelers truly appreciate the opportunity to share discoveries, meals, laughter, and memorable moments with others.
We’ve seen friendships formed on our trips continue long after everyone returns home. Travelers stay in touch, connect on social media, visit one another, and sometimes arrange future trips together.
Five of the women in this Luberon Experience group met last year in Puglia (Sept/Oct 2026)
Your group may include people of different ages and backgrounds, perhaps from several countries. You may not seem to have much in common, but you’ve all chosen the same destination and style of travel. That shared interest is a wonderful starting point for connection.
The most enjoyable groups tend to be those in which people are curious about one another, respectful of differences, and willing to participate in the shared experience.
Of course, traveling closely with others isn’t for everyone. If you strongly prefer complete independence or find extended group interaction tiring, an independent trip might be a better choice for you. But if you enjoy meeting people and sharing experiences, a small-group tour can be especially rewarding.
Remember that creating a positive group atmosphere isn’t solely the trip leader’s responsibility. You can help make the experience better for everyone.
Take time to get to know your fellow travelers. Ask questions, share stories, and show an interest in the people around you. We’ve found that everyone who joins one of our trips has an interesting story to tell.
Be considerate of the group’s needs, too. Pay attention when meeting times and locations are announced, and arrive on time so others aren’t left waiting. Small gestures matter: take turns in the back seat of the van, offer to take a photo for someone, and be mindful of how your actions affect the group. If you’re with family or friends, be sure to reach out to solo travelers so they feel included.
These simple courtesies help create the friendly, relaxed atmosphere that makes group travel so enjoyable.
And don’t forget the local people you’ll meet along the way.
One of the highlights of our trips is the opportunity to connect with local residents, sometimes in their own homes or businesses. These encounters offer insights into daily life and culture that you won’t find in a guidebook.
Be attentive, ask thoughtful questions, and express your appreciation for their time and hospitality. When you show genuine interest in the people you meet, meaningful connections often follow.
Those personal encounters can become some of the most treasured memories of your trip.
Looking Ahead to Another Exciting Year of Experiences
We’ve just wrapped up our 2026 season, and now we’re looking forward to 2027! (You can see our 2027 schedule here.)
For 20 years, we’ve loved introducing European Experiences travelers to the special places, people, food, and experiences that make Europe such a rewarding destination. We’ve learned that the best trips are about much more than where you go. They’re also about careful preparation, embracing cultural differences, responding to the unexpected, and the connections you make along the way.
How to make the most of your small group tour? Choose a trip that’s right for you. Arrive prepared, take care of yourself, stay flexible, and be open to the people and experiences around you.
Most of all, remember to enjoy the journey… and to take lots of photos so you can savor the memories!
We love sharing our favorite places with others, and we’d love to have you join us on a future European Experiences trip!
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Enjoy other blog posts about European Experiences and our small group tours:
Along with her husband Charley, Kathy Wood founded European Experiences in 2006, offering week-long “slow tours” in some of the most beautiful areas of Europe. European Experiences' trips include The Luberon Experience in Provence, France, named one of the top 50 tours in the world by National Geographic Traveler magazine.
Kathy has personally organized and hosted over 190 Experience groups. She hosts Experience weeks in the Luberon, the Chianti region of Tuscany, Puglia, Alsace, the Dordogne, Normandy, Cornwall, and the Cotswolds, She also hosts our 12-night European Christmas Experience. Charley is now retired but will continue to occasionally be a "special guest" on trips with Kathy
Kathy has been traveling in Europe for 35+ years and loves sharing her special places in Europe with other travelers. The Woods have a second home in their beloved village of Bonnieux in the Luberon. Read more about Kathy here.
Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.
If you have never been on an all-women tour before, this article is for you.
Here are some of the questions solo female travelers ask our team again and again. Read over this list before booking an all-women trip with us to Italy, Spain, Costa Rica, and beyond.
If you still have questions, set up a Discovery Travel Call with our team and let’s chat logistics.
Many of our guests are single, divorced, widows, and even married women whose spouses do not want to leave the country. Sound familiar?
Our women-only, small-group tours are designed for solo female travelers who want to explore the world, make new friends, and share meaningful experiences without having to plan everything themselves.
You’ll have the support of an experienced tour leader and a welcoming group of like-minded women, along with opportunities to enjoy time on your own. Whether you want to wander through a local market, stop for coffee, shop, or simply soak in the scenery, you’ll have a balance of independence and companionship.
At Bold Spirit Travel, you can arrive solo and leave with new friendships, wonderful memories, and the confidence that comes from discovering the world on your own terms. Our guests are a mix of women who have traveled to many countries and new travelers who are embarking on their very first solo international adventure.
What ages and backgrounds are represented?
At Bold Spirit Travel, adventure has no age limit.
Wondering if you’ll be the youngest or oldest woman on a trip? You’re not alone. We hear this question all the time. As long as you’re 18 or older, you’re welcome to join us. (In fact, many mothers and daughters join our trips.)
Worried that you’ll be the only traveler navigating perimenopause during your trip with a pillbox full of vitamins? Think again. We host women who are in all stages of life. And yes, we take lots of restroom breaks because…this is an all-women adventure, and we get it.
Some of our favorite trips bring together women of different generations. These multigenerational groups are inspiring, full of wisdom, and a wonderful reminder that we can learn so much from one another.
Wise women know it’s healthy to have friends of all ages. Why not make a few new ones while hiking in Scotland, riding a ferry along the Amalfi Coast, or spotting monkeys in Costa Rica?
If you’d like to learn more about the age range on a particular tour, feel free to schedule a call with our team.
What is the group dynamic like?
Let’s talk about fitting in. It is scary for most of us to go on a trip with a bunch of people we’ve never met before. The “what ifs” get going and cause anxiety to spike.
What if I am the oldest one on the trip?
What if I am not fit enough to do the walks and activities?
What if everyone comes with a friend or a partner and I’m the only one going solo?
What if I am left out?
Will the other women like me? Will they welcome me? (Will I like them?)
What if we have nothing in common?
The list goes on and on.
The women who join our trips are welcoming, curious about the world around them, and open-minded. Most women come alone.
Our travelers come from a variety of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles, life circumstances, and ages. We believe that exploring our differences is just as fascinating as discovering our similarities. If you’re a woman who wants to step outside your comfort zone, be a little bolder, and meet new friends along the way, you’re in the right place.
Will I have to do everything with the group?
You do not have to participate in all the activities or the meals. This is your vacation. If you want to skip an activity, simply let your tour leader know so she is not waiting for you.
We do not provide replacement activities if you choose to skip a group experience.
How do I choose the right journey?
Be honest with yourself. What is your spirit craving right now?
Is it downtime on the seaside to reset from chronic stress?
Is it an active vacation that allows you to move your body and challenge yourself?
Is it a spiritual trip that allows for reflection and meditation while you work through a big life shift?
Once you feel into what you most need, it’s time to set up a call with us.
Peruse our all-women Journeys page, then schedule a call so we can talk through trip logistics and make sure you’re on the right trip.
Malgorzata (Sarna) Rose, is a native of Poland. Poland Culinary Vacations grew out of her love and passion for travel and everything Polish, including fine Polish cuisine, eventually blossoming into a first-class culinary travel company. While growing up in Poland, she experienced the great joy of cooking with family and friends. Using her grandmothers' recipes and fresh ingredients from their gardens, they prepared food for weddings, parties, and traditional holidays. Now, through Poland Culinary Vacations, she wants to share that experience with you, and show you the best of everyday Polish living: the special people and their hospitality, and the heritage and traditions unique to each region. Only a native can help you discover and fully experience the authentic Poland!
Along with her husband Charley, Kathy Wood founded 
