Local tips
Looking for the best places to eat, drink and explore in Krakow? These are places our local guides genuinely recommend — from traditional Polish food and local markets to museums, hidden gems, outdoor spots and day trips from Krakow.
Food & local flavours
Eat in Krakow
Traditional Polish food, street food, breakfast, coffee and our favourite places for international and plant-based cuisine.
Polish dishes you have to try
Pierogi
Pierogi are the Polish version of dumplings. The classic pierogi ruskie are filled with potatoes, white cheese and fried onion, while other popular versions include cabbage and mushrooms or meat. A true Polish classic you should definitely try.
Żurek
A traditional Polish sour rye soup with a rich, slightly tangy flavour, usually served with white sausage and a boiled egg. Hearty, comforting and full of character — one of Poland’s most distinctive dishes.
Bigos
A traditional Polish stew made with sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, meat and sausage, slowly cooked for a deep, rich flavour. Best enjoyed with a slice of fresh bread — especially on a cold day.
Barszcz czerwony
A traditional Polish beetroot soup with a deep red colour and a pleasantly sweet and sour flavour. It is often served with small dumplings called uszka. You can also enjoy it with krokiety, crispy Polish-style savoury crepes — a classic combination worth trying.
Gołąbki
A traditional Polish comfort food made from cabbage leaves wrapped around a filling of meat and rice. They are usually served with tomato sauce.
Placki ziemniaczane
Crispy Polish potato pancakes, golden on the outside and soft inside. They can be served with sour cream, goulash or a rich mushroom sauce.
Rosół
A traditional Polish chicken broth, usually served with thin noodles, carrots and fresh parsley. Light but full of flavour, it is a classic Sunday lunch dish in many Polish homes.
Oscypek
A traditional smoked cheese from the Polish mountains, especially the Podhale region near the Tatra Mountains. It has a distinctive salty and smoky flavour. It is one of the most characteristic regional products of southern Poland.
Kiełbasa
Polish sausage comes in many varieties, from mild and fresh to smoked and strongly seasoned. It is an important part of traditional Polish cuisine and can be served in many different ways. A simple and classic taste of Poland.
Zapiekanka
One of Poland’s most popular street foods — a long, open baguette traditionally topped with mushrooms and melted cheese. Simple, filling and especially popular in Kraków. Plac Nowy in Kazimierz is the city’s most famous spot for zapiekanki.
Krakow specialties you shouldn’t miss
Obwarzanek krakowski
Krakow’s traditional ring-shaped bread, sprinkled with salt, sesame or poppy seeds and sold from street carts around the city. A true Kraków classic with centuries of tradition.
Maczanka po krakowsku
A traditional Kraków speciality made with slow-cooked pork served in a bread roll with plenty of rich sauce. Often described as Kraków’s answer to a burger, it is hearty, juicy and full of flavour.
Best Polish restaurants
Starka
A cosy restaurant in Kazimierz serving traditional Polish cuisine with a modern twist.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabKuchnia u Doroty
Homestyle Polish cooking, generous portions and inexpensive lunch specials.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabCzarna Kaczka
A good choice for traditional Polish cuisine in the Old Town.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabMorskie Oko
Polish and highland cuisine in a traditional interior close to the Main Market Square.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabSmakołyki
A relaxed place close to the Old Town serving familiar Polish dishes and comfort food.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBest milk bars & simple Polish food
Jadłodajnia U Stasi
Simple homemade Polish food and a warm local atmosphere, just steps from the Main Market Square.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBar Pod Kopytkiem
Polish food, generous portions at a good price and a quirky interior full of character.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBar Mleczny Zdrowie
A genuinely local milk bar far from the tourist centre, hidden inside a residential high-rise.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBar Mleczny Centralny
A classic place to combine traditional Polish food with a visit to Nowa Huta.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBar Mleczny Flisak
Simple, inexpensive Polish food with an old-school atmosphere.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBest street food
Kiełbaski z Niebieskiej Nyski
Grilled sausages served from Krakow’s famous blue van near Hala Targowa. Open only in the evening and at night.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabAndrus Maczanka Po Krakowsku
A street food version of maczanka po krakowsku, served in several different variations.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabZapiekanki at Plac Nowy
Choose one of the windows in the round building in the middle of Plac Nowy and try Poland’s answer to pizza.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabObwarzanki from street carts
One of the simplest ways to try a genuine Krakow speciality while walking around the city.
Best breakfast & brunch
Wesoła Cafe
Excellent coffee and a strong breakfast menu.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabPoranki
A popular breakfast spot with modern brunch dishes, coffee and cakes.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabCharlotte
French-inspired breakfasts with bread, croissants and spreads.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabMilkbar Tomasza
A good option for a simple and reasonably priced breakfast in the centre.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabAlchemia od Kuchni
Come for breakfast and enjoy the unmistakable atmosphere of Kazimierz.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBest international restaurants
Nolio
Italian food with excellent pizza, pasta and simple Mediterranean flavours.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabYoumiko Sushi
One of Krakow’s best-known choices for sushi and Japanese food.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabMOLÁM
Modern Thai food with bold flavours and dishes designed for sharing.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabMezzalians
Middle Eastern and Levantine flavours in a relaxed setting.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabZAZIE Bistro
A long-standing Kazimierz favourite for French bistro food.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabMazi
Mediterranean-inspired cooking with plenty of small plates to share.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabRzeźnia – Ribs on Fire, Bożego Ciała
A popular Kazimierz ribhouse specialising in grilled ribs, steaks and burgers. Choose the Bożego Ciała 14 location in Kazimierz.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBest vegetarian & vegan places
Veganic
Creative plant-based cuisine with seasonal dishes, a stylish interior and a relaxed atmosphere just outside Kraków’s Old Town.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabMazaya Falafel
Affordable Middle Eastern food with excellent falafel and plenty of plant-based options.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabNo Bones
Creative vegan comfort food with Polish and international influences, served in a relaxed, alternative setting just off the Main Market Square.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabSmaki Roślinne
A small local vegan spot away from the busiest tourist streets.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabProsta Pasta Fresca
Vegetarian Italian food focused on fresh pasta, with vegan options too.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabVegan AF Ramen
Fully vegan ramen with rich broths and plenty of flavour.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBest bakeries & Polish sweets
Cichowscy
A traditional Krakow confectionery for classic Polish cakes and pastries.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabCukiernia Czarodziej
A good place for traditional desserts and Polish-style cakes.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabCukiernia Pod Arkadami
Old-school Krakow confectionery with a wonderfully traditional feel.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabKRUSZ
A more modern, artisanal approach to baking and sweets.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabPiekarnia Mojego Taty
A local Kazimierz bakery for bread, doughnuts, sweet buns and traditional baked goods.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBest coffee shops
Pierwszy Lokal na Stolarskiej po lewej stronie, idąc od Małego Rynku
A very local coffee spot with excellent coffee and plenty of regular customers. If you are sensitive to cigarette smoke, takeaway may be the better option.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabKarma
Specialty coffee in the heart of Kazimierz, with a lovely garden that makes it a perfect spot to slow down and relax.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabAura
A small coffee spot at Stary Kleparz — perfect before or after exploring the market.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabTociekawa Specialty Coffee
A great choice for specialty beans and different brewing methods.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabSomnium Cafe Bar
A small and cosy specialty coffee spot in Kazimierz.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabMegiddo Cafe & Bakery
Specialty coffee, fresh pastries and breakfast in a calm, modern space in Kazimierz.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBest ice cream
Lody na Starowiślnej
A Krakow classic known for simple, traditional flavours.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabRinella Gelato
Excellent Italian-style gelato close to the centre.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabGood Lood
A popular Krakow ice cream brand with locations around the city.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabGałki
A very good option in Kazimierz, close to the Vistula River.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabEvenings in Krakow
Drink & Nightlife
Craft beer, atmospheric Kazimierz bars, wine and inexpensive places for a casual evening.
Best pubs & beer bars
Weźże Krafta
One of Kazimierz’s best-known craft beer spots.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabNowy Kraftowy
Another good choice around Plac Nowy for Polish craft beer.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabMulti Qlti Tap Bar
A large selection of beers on tap just a short walk from the Main Market Square.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBest atmospheric bars
Singer
One of Kazimierz’s most characteristic bars, famous for tables made from old Singer sewing machines.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabAlchemia
Dark rooms, old furniture and one of the classic atmospheres of Kazimierz.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabMleczarnia
A cosy, old-fashioned interior and a lovely courtyard.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabEszeweria
Candles, vintage furniture and a hidden garden.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabHEVRE
A striking bar located inside a former Jewish prayer house.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBest wine bars
Dzikie Wino
A wine bar right on the Main Market Square with Polish and international wines.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabNOTO Wine Bar
A small and relaxed wine bar in Kazimierz.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabKrakó Slow Wines
Especially interesting if you want to discover wines from Central and Eastern Europe.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabCiutCiut Wine Bar
A relaxed Kazimierz wine bar and shop with an interesting selection of bottles.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBest budget bars
Zakąski u Ani
A very local, inexpensive drinking spot around Plac Nowy.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBaniaLuka
Cheap, simple and central, with drinks and small Polish snacks.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabPijalnia Wódki i Piwa
A straightforward place for vodka, beer and classic bar snacks.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabKomisariat
Another inexpensive option in Kazimierz.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabCulture & history
See & Discover
Markets, museums, churches, synagogues and less obvious places that reveal different sides of Krakow.
Best markets in Krakow
Stary Kleparz
Stary Kleparz is one of Kraków’s oldest traditional markets and a great place to experience everyday local life. Its stalls offer fresh fruit and vegetables, Polish cheeses, meats, bread and regional products, making it a perfect stop for discovering the flavours of Kraków.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabNowy Kleparz
Nowy Kleparz is a lively, less touristy market where Kraków residents shop for fresh produce, Polish food and everyday essentials, offering an authentic glimpse into local life.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabHala Targowa
Hala Targowa is a lively local market in Kraków, known for fresh produce, everyday shopping and its popular Sunday flea market.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabPlac na Stawach
A very local market away from Krakow’s main tourist routes.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabPlac Nowy
Food, market stalls, antiques and the unmistakable atmosphere of Kazimierz.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBest museums
Czartoryski Museum
Home to one of Poland’s most important art collections, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabSchindler’s Factory
A museum telling the story of Krakow and its inhabitants during the German occupation of World War II.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabMOCAK
Krakow’s Museum of Contemporary Art in the post-industrial district of Zabłocie.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabEagle Pharmacy
A small but important museum connected with the history of the Krakow Ghetto.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabPolish Aviation Museum
A great choice for anyone interested in aircraft, engineering or military history.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabMost important churches to see
St. Mary’s Basilica
One of Krakow’s most recognisable landmarks, famous for its medieval altarpiece by Veit Stoss.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabWawel Cathedral
The coronation and burial place of Polish kings and one of the most important churches in Polish history.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabFranciscan Basilica
Known for its colourful interiors and stained glass designed by Stanisław Wyspiański.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabCorpus Christi Basilica
One of the most impressive churches in Kazimierz.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabChurch of St. Peter and St. Paul
A monumental Baroque church on Grodzka Street.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabSt. Joseph’s Church
A striking Neo-Gothic church overlooking the main square of Podgórze.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabMost important synagogues to see
Old Synagogue
The oldest surviving synagogue in Krakow and today part of the Museum of Krakow.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabRemuh Synagogue
One of Krakow’s most important Jewish religious sites, together with the historic Remuh Cemetery.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabTempel Synagogue
Known for its beautiful interior and distinctive architectural style.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabHigh Synagogue
A unique synagogue whose main prayer hall was located upstairs.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabIzaak Synagogue
One of the largest historic synagogues in Kazimierz.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabHidden gems & overlooked places
Nowa Huta
A completely different side of Krakow, with monumental socialist-era architecture, wide avenues and fascinating 20th-century history.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabFort St. Benedict
A rare 19th-century fortress hidden above Podgórze.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabRakowicki Cemetery
A beautiful historic cemetery filled with sculptures, family tombs and the graves of important Polish figures.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabWanda Mound + Fort Mogiła
A less touristy Krakow mound combined with nearby military architecture and the landscapes of Nowa Huta.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabSkałki Twardowskiego
Rocky paths, greenery and impressive scenery surprisingly close to the city centre.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabFresh air
Outdoors & Active
Parks, swimming spots and easy ways to spend a few hours outside the busiest parts of the city.
Best parks & green spaces
Planty
The green ring surrounding Krakow’s Old Town and a perfect place for a break while sightseeing.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBłonia
A huge open meadow just outside the historical centre.
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A beautiful park in Podgórze created partly inside a former quarry.
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Krakow’s large urban forest, perfect for longer walks.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBotanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University
A peaceful green space filled with plants, flowers and historic greenhouses.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBest places to swim
Zakrzówek
A spectacular former limestone quarry and one of Krakow’s most popular summer swimming areas.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBagry
Bagry Lake is a popular recreational spot in Kraków, with beaches, walking paths and water activities, offering a relaxing escape from the city centre.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabPrzylasek Rusiecki
Further from the centre and popular with locals looking for a quieter summer escape.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabSwimming areas are seasonal. Check current opening times and safety rules before visiting.
Best outdoor activities
Krakus Mound + Liban Quarry
Combine panoramic views from one of Krakow’s oldest mounds with the unusual landscape of the former Liban quarry.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabLas Wolski + Piłsudski Mound
A longer forest walk ending with excellent views over Krakow and the surrounding area.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBike ride to Tyniec Abbey
Follow the Vistula River by bike and finish at the historic Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabFamily ideas
Krakow with Kids
Interactive museums, outdoor attractions and places that work especially well for families.
Best things to do with kids
Ogród Doświadczeń im. Stanisława Lema
An outdoor science park filled with interactive experiments and activities.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabKrakow Arcade Museum
A huge collection of classic arcade machines that you can actually play.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabMuseum of Engineering and Technology
Transport, machines and technology presented in a family-friendly way.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabKrakow Zoo
Located inside Las Wolski, so it can easily be combined with a walk in the forest.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabLiving Museum of Obwarzanek
Learn how Krakow’s famous obwarzanek is made — and make one yourself.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabBeyond Krakow
Day Trips from Krakow
Six easy ways to discover more of southern Poland from Krakow.
Our favourite day trips
Lanckorona
A charming small town known for wooden houses, quiet streets and a relaxed atmosphere.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabWieliczka Salt Mine
Explore underground chambers, corridors, sculptures and chapels carved in salt.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabAuschwitz-Birkenau
An important historical site, memorial and museum preserving the history of the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabOjców National Park + Pieskowa Skała
Nature, limestone landscapes, walking trails and a historic castle — all within easy reach of Krakow.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabPieniny + Dunajec River Gorge
Mountain scenery and the famous rafting route through the Dunajec Gorge.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabEnergylandia – Zator
Poland’s largest amusement park, with family attractions as well as major roller coasters and thrill rides.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabTake Krakow home
Souvenirs & Local Products
Where to look for local food, handmade gifts and Krakow-inspired design.
Best places for souvenirs & local products
Sukiennice + Grodzka Street
The classic place to start looking for Krakow souvenirs. Explore the Cloth Hall and then continue along Grodzka Street.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabAga Gaj
A small local studio and shop by Kraków artist, offering unique handmade jewellery, ceramics and original art. A great place to find a truly local and unusual souvenir from Kraków.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabStary Kleparz
Best for edible souvenirs and local products such as cheese, honey, preserves and other Polish flavours.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabHello Handmade
Handmade gifts and more original souvenirs just a few steps from the Main Market Square.
View on Google Maps — opens in a new tabMade in Krakow – Przemek Czaja
Krakow-inspired design and local products — a nice alternative to mass-produced souvenir shops.
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