Things To Do
Rynek Główny
Start your Kraków visit at Rynek Główny – the lively main square that’s perfect for wandering and soaking up the atmosphere. One of the highlights is St. Mary’s Basilica, a 14th-century Gothic church with a beautifully colorful interior, featuring masterpieces by some of Poland’s most renowned artists. Every hour, you’ll hear the hejnał mariacki – a trumpet call played from the church tower in four directions. It famously cuts off mid-melody, a tribute to the guard who, according to legend, was shot while warning the city of a Tatar invasion. In the center of the square stands the Sukiennice – a beautiful Renaissance cloth hall that still has market stalls inside, where you can shop for local crafts and souvenirs.
Wawel Royal Castle
From the Main Square, take Grodzka Street – the historic Royal Route – to Wawel Castle. The Castle located on a hill overlooking the Vistula River, is one of Poland’s most iconic landmarks. This historic royal residence, dating back to the 14th century, has been the seat of Polish kings for centuries. The castle’s impressive architecture blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque styles, reflecting its long history. Explore its beautiful courtyards and the stunning Wawel Cathedral, where many Polish monarchs are buried.
Kazimierz
From Wawel Castle, take a stroll along the Vistula River to reach Kazimierz - Kraków’s historic Jewish district, full of charm, culture, and character. Once a separate town, it’s now one of the city’s most vibrant areas, known for its cozy cafés, street art, synagogues, and lively nightlife. It’s a great place to wander, soak up the atmosphere – and below in the Bar section, you’ll find some of our favorite spots to eat and drink in the area.
Kładka Bernatka Footbridge to Podgórze district
From Plac Wolnica in Kazimierz, take Mostowa Street to reach the Footbridge - Kładka Ojca Bernatka. This modern pedestrian bridge connects Kazimierz with the Podgórze district and is known for its artistic sculptures and love locks attached by couples.
Podgórze
Just across the bridge, you’ll find several great cafés and restaurants along Brodzińskiego Street – some of our favorites include Vamos (fantastic meditterean), Bonjour Cava (french style cafe), Primo (Italian), Euskadi (Basque), and Vietnam (self-explanatory :)). A short walk from there brings you to Rynek Podgórski, a charming square with the beautiful Gothic Church of St. Joseph rising at its center. If you’re up for a longer walk, head up behind the church to Bednarski Park and climb Krakus Mound – it’s a peaceful spot with one of the best panoramic views of the city.
Polish Food Restaurants
If you want to try some delicious Polish food, don’t miss classics like pierogi (especially ruskie), kotlet schabowy (our version of a schnitzel), bigos (a hearty stew based on sauerkraut and meat), placki ziemniaczane po zbójnicku (potato pancakes with goulash), and gołąbki (cabbage rolls). And when it comes to soups, Poland’s got some of the best – be sure to try żurek (soured rye flour), grzybowa (mushroom), rosół (chicken broth), ogórkowa (sour cucumber), barszcz (beetroot), and many more. Here are a few places we recommend for a traditional meal:
Restauracja Sukiennice
Located right in the heart of Rynek Główny, this charming restaurant offers traditional Polish dishes in a historic setting, perfect for a meal after exploring the square.
Morskie Oko
A popular spot for hearty Polish comfort food, Morskie Oko serves classic dishes in a cozy, rustic atmosphere, with a focus on mountain-style cuisine often accompanied by live traditional music from the Tatra Mountains.
Restauracja 'W Starej Kuchni'
A cozy place with great Polish comfort food, perfect for a laid-back meal with a homey feel.
Bars
Kraków is famous for its bar scene, and honestly, everyone agrees that the best bars are in the Kazimierz district. Here are our favorites:
Alchemia
Alchemia is one of Kraków's most iconic bars, located on Plac Nowy in the heart of Kazimierz. Known for its candlelit, vintage interiors and hidden rooms :) By day, it’s a cozy café; by night, it transforms into a lively spot with live music and a bohemian vibe.
Mleczarnia
Mleczarnia is a cozy, atmospheric bar in Kraków’s Kazimierz district, known for its candlelit interior, vintage furniture, and antique portraits. It also has a beautiful beer garden tucked away in the courtyard where scenes from Schindler’s List were filmed. By day, it’s a quiet café with great cakes and coffee; by night, it turns into a lively bar.
Pełnia Social Club
In contrast to the vintage charm of Alchemia and Mleczarnia, Pełnia is a more modern spot – great cocktails, tasty food, and a live DJ setting the vibe at night.
BREAKFASTS
Here are nice breakfest spots:
Charlotte
Charlotte is a cozy French-style bistro known for its freshly baked bread and croissants. They serve very affordable, high-quality breakfasts like sandwiches, eggs, breakfast sets and more.
Camelot LuLu
Camelot Lulu is a charming bistro tucked in the picturesque Zaułek Niewiernego Tomasza. Perfect for breakfast or lunch, it serves fresh bagels, omelets and seasonal dishes. Don’t confuse it with the nearby Café Camelot—also super lovely, but better suited for coffee and cake.