K&J's Guide to Kraków

  • Getting from Kraków Airport to the city:

    • Take the train, which runs every 30 minutes, takes about 20 minutes to get to the Main Station (Kraków Głowny), and costs 9 złoty ($2.40)

    • Take an Uber or Bolt, which takes about half an hour and costs around $25

    • Take a cab from the cab stand, which takes about half an hour and costs around $30 (this is probably the easiest for most of you!)

    • Walking–Central Kraków is very walkable. You can get clear across the Old Town in about 20 minutes.

    • Trams–This is the main form of public transportation. It’s affordable, fun, and relatively easy to navigate with Google Maps. Here’s info about the fares: https://ztp.Kraków.pl/en/kmk-public-transport/kmk-ticket-guide. Note that you need to buy and validate your ticket when you get on. Conductors will make random checks, and riding without a valid ticket will lead to a fine! You can buy tickets using the machine on the tram, and you can pay with a card or Apple Pay.

    • Uber/Bolt/taxis–This is also a cheap and convenient way to get around. Expect to pay significantly less than in North America or most of Europe.

    • Paying by card–you can pay by card almost everywhere! You’ll be given a choice to pay in złoty (PLN) or in your home currency. Paying in złotys will give you a better rate, as the card provider will do the conversion, not the vendor. 

    • Currency info–the currency is the Polish Złoty (PLN). In June 2025, 1 USD buys about 3.7 PLN. 1 EUR buys about 4.25 PLN.

    • Tipping practices–tipping is not mandatory, but we always tip around 15% for decent service. After all, we were both poor waiters once…

  • Kraków is a tourist city, and most people in Poland speak English. So don’t worry too much if your Polish has gotten rusty. A couple of Polish phrases like “dzień dobry!” (hello!) and “dziękuję” (thank you!) will serve you well.

  • Yes, you can drink the tap water. It’s deeee-licious!

    • Safety notes–We’ve heard of pickpockets, but (touch wood) never have encountered them ourselves. Be smart and you’ll be fine. Kraków is extremely safe.

    • Weather & what to pack–Kraków in July is warm (mid-70s °F / mid-20s °C by day, cooler at night). Bring light layers, a jacket for evenings, and an umbrella or rain jacket just in case.

Basics

Recommendations

These are places that we like and can recommend—spots we’ve actually been to and enjoyed. Kraków has so much to offer, and this is by no means a comprehensive list. 

If it’s your first time in town, consider joining a “pay what you want” walking tour to get oriented.

We love Kraków food. It’s a great food town with loads of excellent options—especially if you’re into hearty, delicious Polish cuisine. Honestly, you can’t really go wrong. There are restaurants and cafés everywhere, and most are worth a try.

Two things to keep an eye out for: the obwarzanek, a braided bread that’s the ancestor of the North American bagel (sold from street carts all over town), and a pączek, a jelly-filled doughnut traditionally flavored with rose jam. You can find both in bakeries and stalls throughout the Old Town.

  • Main Square (Rynek Główny) The heart of Kraków’s Old Town and one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, Rynek Główny has been the city’s gathering place for centuries. An excellent place for people watching. Every hour on the hour, a trumpeter plays the famous hejnał bugle call from the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica, so look up!

    Wawel Castle Wawel Castle was the royal seat of the kings and queens of Poland from medieval times until around 1596, when the capital moved to Warsaw. Entry to the castle’s exhibitions, Crown Treasury, and cathedral requires a ticket, but wandering the hilltop and courtyards is free—and we recommend paying for a full tour if you’re into pretty, old stuff.

    Planty Park (Park Planty) Encircling the entire Old Town like a green moat, Planty Park was created in the 19th century where the city walls once stood. We recommend walking the full loop if you have time (takes about an hour)—it’s lined with mature chestnuts, oaks, and plane trees, and it passes major sites like Jagiellonian University (founded in 1364).

    Czartoryski Museum (Muzeum Książąt Czartoryskich) This elegant museum houses Poland’s only painting by Leonardo da Vinci: Lady with an Ermine — a masterpiece that Kasia’s dad worked on restoring! It’s a great spot to explore, especially if the weather isn’t ideal. The collection is small but rich, and the building itself is lovely.

    Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art in Sukiennice (Galeria Sztuki Polskiej XIX wieku w Sukiennicach) Located right on the Main Square in the upper floors of the historic Cloth Hall, this museum is perfect if you want to dive into romantic Polish landscapes, grand battle scenes, and a bit of national soul. It’s compact, atmospheric, and a great cultural stop between coffee and cocktails.

    Park Jordana A little west of the Old Town but still walkable, this spacious park is great for families, runners, and anyone needing a dose of greenery. It’s especially good if you’ve got kids—there are playgrounds and open green spaces.

    Wieliczka Salt Mine (Kopalnia Soli Wieliczka) A bit outside Kraków but totally doable as a half-day trip, this UNESCO-listed underground world has been in continuous operation since the 13th century. The salt mine features vast tunnels, chapels carved entirely from salt, and incredible sculptures—all hundreds of meters below the surface. Book in advance!

    Kazimierz (Historic Jewish Quarter) Once its own city, Kazimierz is now one of Kraków’s most distinctive neighborhoods—a cultural mix of Jewish heritage, bohemian cafés, cool bars, and art studios. It’s a great place to stroll, soak up some history, or spend an evening out.

    Stary Kleparz Kraków’s oldest continuously operating market, Stary Kleparz dates back to the 14th century and is a dream for food lovers. You can pick up seasonal produce, Polish specialties, cured meats, cheeses, herbs, and handmade treats—or just wander the stalls and soak up the local flavor. Take a break from shopping for a coffee, a piece of cake, or a glass of wine.

    Lots and lots of Beautiful Churches Kraków is full of stunning churches, many of which are free to enter (though some do charge a small fee for sightseeing). If you visit just one, make it St. Mary’s Basilica (Kościół Mariacki) on the main square, famous for its intricate wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss in the 15th century. Also worth a visit are the Gothic Corpus Christi Church (Boże Ciało) in Kazimierz and the Baroque church of Saints Peter and Paul.

  • Bar Miła (formerly Górnik) This tiny milk bar (Polish: bar mleczny) is probably the most legit cultural experience on this list. It serves up super-cheap, super-tasty, no-frills Polish comfort food—think pierogi, cutlets, soups, and stews—just like your Polish grandma (if you had one) would make. It’s not a place for groups, and you might wait a bit for a table, but it’s perfect for a quick, hearty lunch. Takeaway is also an option. View on Google Maps

    Pijalnia Czekolady Wedel A Polish institution and former employer of both Kasia and her brother, Marcin, once upon a time! This chocolate café on the Main Square serves up legendary hot chocolate (try it with black currants!). All the flavors are rich and decadent. You can sit outside and enjoy the view, too. View on Google Maps

    Good Lood (chain) Great local ice cream chain. Jack never ever passes one by without popping in. View on Google Maps

    Dynia A charming spot for a relaxed lunch, Dynia (which means “pumpkin”) serves up fresh, unfussy food—think soups, salads, sandwiches, and daily specials. The big draw is the leafy back garden. Good prices and nice service.

    Make sure to check out the artwork on the walls by fellow wedding guest Piotr Prażuch! View on Google Maps

    Morskie Oko Big portions of classics like pierogi, bigos, and roasted meats in a rustic, highland-style interior that feels warm and welcoming. If the weather’s good, try to get a table outside—the restaurant sits on one of Kraków’s squares. View on Google Maps

    Restauracja Sukiennice Right on the Main Square, this is a solid pick for classic Polish fare and serious people-watching. Think traditional dishes, generous portions, and liters of beer—all with a front-row seat to Kraków life. If you can, grab a table outside and settle in for a leisurely meal. View on Google Maps

    Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa Another lively spot for traditional Polish food—this one’s located right below Wawel Castle, making it a great stop after sightseeing. View on Google Maps

    Dawno Temu Na Kazimierzu Tucked into the heart of the old Jewish quarter, this restaurant serves Jewish-Polish cuisine in a richly atmospheric setting. The name means “Once Upon a Time in Kazimierz,” and the decor leans into that storybook vibe with antique furnishings and vintage flair. View on Google Maps

    Smakołyki Bright restaurant in a historical building, facing Planty Park through a huge window—perfect for a laid-back brunch or a cozy dinner with a view. The menu features Polish favorites (goulash, pierogi, sour soup), with good options for vegetarians. View on Google Maps

    Kolanko No. 6 Casual and colorful, Kolanko is a Kazimierz favorite with a leafy garden and relaxed vibe. Great for brunch, crepes, and light international fare—plus good veggie and gluten-free options. View on Google Maps

    Charlotte(chain) French-inspired and effortlessly chic, Charlotte is the go-to for fresh pastries, bubbly breakfasts, and people-watching in a pretty interior. You’ll find good coffee, jam-and-bread sets, and even champagne—at surprisingly fair prices. View on Google Maps

    Czarodziej Another old-school Kraków institution–and one that hosted Agata Kopyć/Michał Obarzanowski dates in the 1990s and Katarzyna Obarzanowska/Jack Galloway dates in the 2020s. Great for mediocre coffee and classic Polish cakes in a cozy, down-to-earth setting. A solid afternoon pick-me-up. View on Google Maps

    FILO New Greek bistro in the Old Town with fresh, flavorful dishes and a stylish interior. Great for lunch or dinner. It’s a good idea to reserve a table during busy times. View on Google Maps

    Molám Thai Canteen & Bar If you’re ready for a break from potatoes and pork, Molám offers bold, modern Thai cuisine in a cool, energetic space. Popular spot—make a reservation or be prepared to wait during peak hours. View on Google Maps

  • Bunkier Café This is one of our favorite places to sit and watch the world go by. It’s right on Planty Park, and offers great coffee and drinks. View on Google Maps

    Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa (chain) This divey, rowdy, little chain serves cheap shots and beers, plus surprisingly tasty bar snacks—we usually go for the beef tartare. If you’re in a party mood, it’s a great place to start the night. View on Google Maps

    Dym Kasia and her friends haunted this bar in their student days. The go-to cocktail was, and still is, Kawior—vodka, squeezed lemon juice, and ginger syrup. It’s a laid-back, library-like bar with lots of locals and students. View on Google Maps

    Smil’y Tavern We’ll all meet up here on Friday! It’s a beloved, divey Kraków institution and a fun riverside spot for food and drinks. Kasia’s folks have partied hard there ever since she remembers. View on Google Maps

    Klub Re Nice beer garden with fresh beer on tap and a very lively crowd of locals and students. A great spot to hang out in good weather. A go-to for Kasia and her crew during their high school days! View on Google Maps

    Eszeweria A Kraków classic. Right in the center of the Jewish quarter, and beloved by locals. View on Google Maps

    BARaWINO Lovely wine bar in Kazimierz with a low-key atmosphere and a great selection of bottles by the glass. View on Google Maps