The Warsaw Insider has been visiting exciting places in the search for the best places for buying vinyl, CD’s and VHS in Warsaw.
The Warsaw Insider has been visiting exciting places in the search for the best places for buying vinyl, CD’s and VHS in Warsaw.
Tamka 45B, facebook.com/antykwariatnatamce
Specializing in rarities and unknown gems, the shop’s layout has changed to carry even more records than before.
Listening Station: Yes, but bring your own earphones unless you don’t mind imparting your tastes on the other punters.
Ratio old to new: 75/25
English-speaking: Yes
Genres: All bases covered but rock is the most prevalent. From folk to hard rock with some pop and jazz mixed in.
Extras: Besides vinyl they also carry tapes, CDs and as well as books.
Ząbkowska 11, plytygramofonowe.pl
A staple part of any ‘weekend in Praga’ schedule, the store’s trio of owners – Paweł, Krzysztof and Wojciech – are experts in their field and often responsible for the vinyl events that happen around town.
Listening Station: Yes
Ratio old to new: 50/50
English-speaking: Yes
Genres: Jazz, funk, soul and hip hop are the owners passion and it shows in the collection – but they know their clients like to rock it out as well.
Extras: Besides vinyl they also carry tapes and CDs.
Mysia 3, asfaltshop.pl
Previous located on Tamka, find them in super-cool new digs in Mysia 3. Sharing half of the second floor with Leica, Asfalt are known also for producing Polski artists such as O.S.T.R., The Jonesz, Patr00, Ortega Cartel and Taco Hemingway.
Listening Station: No
Ratio old to new: Only new
English-speaking: Depends on who is working on that day
Genres: Electronic, House, Techno, Polish artists, Hip hop, funk, soul and indie rock.
Bonus: Wine! Asfalt’s old location has turned into a wine bar called Winem Powiśle and their shop on Mysia also sells bottles to bring home to sip and listen to your new waxy purchases.
ul. Złota 8, facebook.com/sklepHeyJoe/
Owner Krzysztof Nieporęcki started selling vinyl in Warsaw in the 90s and watching him is like witnessing a vinyl wizard: stand in awe as he pulls records from the shelves to tell their story whilst simultaneously letting you know why what you this is good actually isn’t – before suggesting something even better.
Listening Station: Yes, but if you want to listen by yourself, bring your own headphones
Ratio old to new: 85/15
English-speaking: Yes
Genres: all genres, but mostly rock, jazz, and pop.
Extras: 7 inches, VHS tapes, DVDs, and some books about music.
Warecka 4/6, muzant.pl
This courtyard basement takes you back in time with walls sheathed in old radios and musical ephemera. Reasonable prices and some real gems to be found.
Listening Station: Yes
Ratio old to new: 95/5
English-speaking: basic
Genres: Most of the treasures fall into categories of rock, jazz, new wave, punk, reggae, and classical.
Extras: CD, DVDs and Blue Rays with new merchandise coming in weekly.
Chmielna 21, sideone.pl
This Chmielna hero specializes in aiding DJs beef up their record bags with essential staples and new releases.
Listening Station: Yes
Ratio old to new: Only New
English-speaking: Yes
Genres: Electronic, jazz, and punk.
Extras: Tapes, CDs and vinyl system accessories.
Piękna 3/2, winylmarket.com
Maciek knows his vinyl and most of what you find he is worth investing in. Check out their website to keep up with the new releases.
Listening Station: Yes
Ratio old to new: 30/70
English-speaking: Yes
Genres: Jazz, Polish jazz, funk, soul, disco, hip-hop, psychedelic, progressive rock, hard & heavy, electronic (older and new artists).
Extras: 7-inches, tapes, mix tapes and CDs.
Chmielna 20, vinyltamka.pl
Originally found on Tamka, they’ve changed location but not their name. Looking almost daunting as you peer through the door, the main space is loaded with all things 60s and 70s and isn’t short in 80s rock.
Listening Station: Yes
Ratio old to new: 99/1
English-speaking: Very little
Genres: Mostly rock with some jazz and pop.
