Sometimes, in addition to the usual souvenirs, you want to bring something truly unique from the trip, with an imprint of time and authenticity of the city you have visited. For example, an old book by a local writer published in the last century (or even in the century before last), a film camera (the same as father had), Czechoslovak records or just sentimental trifles. To do this, you need to dive into the city a little deeper and find special nooks and crannies to find exactly that notable thing. We will help you a little, and share our secret locations with you.
Market near Fedorov monument
13 Pidvalna St.; area around the monument of Ivan Fedorov
approximately from 9 am to 7 pm, it depends on the weather, as the market is in the open air, in the rain and cold it usually doesn’t work
It is a spontaneous antiquarian book market, where local sellers offer a wide selection of books. Here you can find used Soviet editions of foreign and Ukrainian classics, old encyclopedias and textbooks, Polish detectives, popular in the last century and sometimes real rarities — pre-war Polish or Austrian books. In addition, finding the right book can become a real adventure, especially if you like to have a curious conversation or bargain with the seller. Between books, you can also find old records, coins, Soviet badges and jewellery. By the way, the market is located in a symbolic place — around the monument to the first printer Ivan Fedorov.
A rare book
21 Fedorova St.
Mon-Fri 10 am to 6 pm
Sat-Sun 10 am to 3 pm
sometimes at the request of the owner the bookstore can work longer
The essence of the bookshop fully parallels its name. You can turn here in search of truly rare and antique books. There are old editions in English, German, Czech, Polish and others. It can be books published in the early twentieth century, or even earlier. The owner of the bookstore is a true bibliophile, his greatest interest is old prints (books published between the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries). So if you are looking for a special old book — feel free to start a conversation, you have the opportunity to get professional advice.
Bookstore on Brativ Rohatyntsiv Street
30 Brativ Rohatyntsiv St.
10 am to 9 pm
If you are not so interested in antique editions, but just want to walk between the shelves with old books and find something you like — come here. Along with the new editions, there is a large second-hand book department. Although these are not pre-war rare editions — mostly Soviet, published in the second half of the twentieth century, among them, you can find something interesting and special. For example, there are multi-volume collections of classics — so if you suddenly looked for 20 volumes of Balzac — here you may be lucky with such a find, prepare suitcases.
Bookstore on Pekarska street
2 Pekarska St.
10 am to 9 pm
The bookstore is not too close to the busy main streets, so there is always peace and comfort here. If you come here, you will find yourself in a real book labyrinth. On the shelves next to each other are new and old publications, and there is an almost secret second floor. You can go up there to find many publications from the last century. There are a variety of books among second-hand ones - fiction, books on history and philosophy, dictionaries, reference books, and encyclopedias. Besides Soviet publications, there are Polish and English books. Next to a self-taught French book, there may be an old collection of Shakespeare's works in English - so be prepared for the most unexpected finds.
Vernissage Market
Vicheva Sq.
approximately 9 am to 6 pm
It is the spontaneous street market, which sells all sorts of things that can only be interesting to tourists — paintings, embroideries, jewellery, home decor, etc. Among all this stuff there are counters with old things and antiques. And here you can really find anything. There are old suitcases, Soviet medals, utensils, tobacco pipes, jewellery, and other sentimental elements of past eras. Prices are not very high, and you can bargain with sellers. We especially recommend visiting this place for photographers — here you can find old film cameras in good condition and even get instructions for their use. You can buy and develop the film, even in black and white, in the salon "Photo Vernissage" (3 Bankivska St.).
Antiques Shop
26 Brativ Rohatyntsiv St.
10 am to 6 pm
If you don't like the street markets — this is your choice. There are many beautiful antiques in very good condition. Mostly it's the home decor — figurines, vases, tea and coffee sets, and paintings. The feature is a large selection of antique jewellery from different times — Soviet, Austrian, and Polish. This is a nice place to choose a memorable gift for a loved one or to bring a piece of a different time to your home.
Read more: Bookshops in Lviv
Garage Vintage
31 Yablonskoi St.
Mon-Fri 10 am to 7 pm
weekends - days off
It is a very atmospheric salon of antique furniture. Yes, an armchair or a commode is certainly not a souvenir that you can put in your pocket, but what if you want to update your home interior? The assortment consists mainly of furniture and interior items of different periods brought from European countries. So if you have always wanted to decorate a house in the style of mid-century modern or find a unique thing with a history that will complement your home - you will be helped here. In addition, the workers of the salon can find custom-made furniture for you and are also engaged in restoration.
Gothic hall
6 Rynok Sq.
Mon-Sat 10 am to 5 pm
Sun 10 am to 3 pm
Antique shop, which is located right in the historical museum - can you think of a better location? So you can combine the search for souvenirs with a visit to the museum exposition or the Italian courtyard, which is also situated in this building. The assortment of antiques here is very large and will please both an experienced expert in antiquities and a novice antiquarian. There is the furniture of the 19th and 20th centuries, ancient works of art, icons, dishes, rare postcards, jewellery, watches, coins, and much more. Competent consultants will provide you with detailed advice and, if necessary, will assist in obtaining an expert assessment of the purchased item.
