The ultimate guide to Krakow

Growing up, my friends never said “we’re going to Poland,” until recently… It seems my Instagram is full of stories from people visiting Krakow and other places in Poland, and I’m so here for it.   

As someone who’s been to Poland more times than I can count (let’s ignore the fact I was born in Zakopane but grew up in Ireland), I love everything the country has to offer. Growing up, my family and I would visit my grandparents occasionally, which meant I spent my time between Zakopane and Bydgoszcz, but every visit started in Krakow. My family now lives in Poland, and I visit them at least once a year, spending my time mainly in Zakopane. My best friend Mila and I have a tradition of meeting in Krakow for 24 hours before my flight back to the UK, and I love exploring new places in the city each time we hang out.  

Enough about me, I’m sure you want to know all about Krakow, the star of this article, and I think I have the credentials to bring you the ultimate guide for whenever when you visit… 

Check out my Google Maps saved things to do and places to eat list – it’s got all my recs listed below, so you can find them easily. 

Getting around Krakow 

From the airport  

The central train station in Krakow is connected to the Galeria Krakowska Shopping Mall in the heart of the city. If you’re travelling by train, you’ll arrive at this station.  

From the airport, you can get to central Krakow via train, bus or taxi. Personally, I recommend taking the train – you’ll find a ticket machine at the station (they have the option to buy in English), or you can just board the train and buy a ticket from the ticket inspector (unlike in the UK, you won’t get in trouble!) 

I prefer to avoid social interactions, which is why I personally don’t use ticket desks where you can buy tickets from humans, but if you don’t mind that you can use it as an excuse to practice your Polish.  

What train to get? Train 33200 (SKA1) – the train journey takes just under 20 minutes.  

What ticket to get? Single ticket to Krakow Głowny (around £4 / 20 zł)  

Useful words to know when buying a ticket in Polish:  

Poproszę – May I please have (Poh-proh-sheh – roll your R)  

Jeden / Dwa / Trzy – One / Two / Three (Yeh-den / Dvah / Tsheh)  

Bilet(y) – Ticket(s) (Bee-let / Bee-leh-tih)  

Na – to (Nah)  

Krakow Głowny – Central Krakow (Krak-hoof Goov-nih)  

Lotnisko – Airport (Lot-knees-koh)  

If you prefer to take the bus, head outside where you’ll find the bus stop to the right. You can buy a ticket from the machine at the stop or on the bus itself. The journey takes just over 30 minutes to get to central Krakow.  

What bus should I take?

209 or 300 (during the day) or 902 (during the night), depending on what time you land.  

What ticket to get?

This depends on how much you plan to travel by bus, but if you’re just looking to get to central Krakow, the ‘jednoprzejazdowy/czasowy 60-minutowy’ (one-time travel / 60-minute timed) ticket would be best.  

Always get the ‘normal’ ticket (around £1 / 6 zł), not the ‘ulgowy’ as these are discount tickets usually for children/seniors. You can get fined if you’re caught with the wrong ticket.  

For anyone with mobility issues or who prefers to travel by car, taxis are parked outside the terminal, but they’re more expensive (£10+ / 50 + zł) and travel time depends on the amount of traffic on the day. 

In the city  

The city centre of Krakow is very walkable. My usual starting point is at the central train station, and I head into the shopping centre (Galeria Handlowa), up the stairs ahead, and out the front door. Here you’ll see tram and bus stops, but whether you decide to use these really depends on where you’re heading. If you’ve never taken a tram, this can be a fun experience, but if you don’t mind walking, the Old Town (Stare Miasto) is around 10-15 minutes away. 

Things to do in Krakow 

Let’s get to the fun part. No matter your interests, you’ll be sure to find something fun to do in Krakow, and at least a few of the places below are hidden gems. Last time I visited, my best friend suggested we check out WOMAI, which is adjacent to the shopping centre, and I’m so glad we did. 

Womai Museum  

Location: Pawia 34   

Ticket price: £10-12 (50-55 zł, depending on the exhibition)  

When I met with Mila in December 2024, before flying back home, we were thinking of skipping this spot. However, let me tell you, present-day Marlena would be very unhappy about that decision. This was such a unique experience, and I wish more people knew about it. I think it’s safe to say this is one of those hidden gems that not many tourists know about.  

Although not exactly related to Krakow itself, this museum hosts guided exhibitions throughout the year. Their whole premise is focusing on light and darkness. When we visited, they had two interactive exhibitions on offer: Into the Light and Into the Darkness. The latter was intriguing, where, with the lights out, you explore the exhibition with the help of a blind guide. We ended up choosing the Into the Light one, and since no one else booked the same time slot, it was just the two of us and our guide. Not like that was a bad thing at all, and if anything, getting a 1-2-1 guided tour was great.  

In an hour and a bit, I learned more about science than I did in all my years at school. The first thing Mila and I had to do was work together to figure out which descriptions correlated with the famous people who had some sort of impact on the scientific field. Our guide shared a little more about each person, explaining how they all played a role in inspiring the museum. What followed was multiple immersive experiences using light. My personal favourites were the dark room, where we got to draw on the walls and our creations showed up in neon green, the shadow exhibition and the music room, where we played different instruments using light (like a harp with lasers where we could pluck each string by blocking the light!) 

The good news is that no Polish knowledge is needed, too, as they offer tours in English.   

Wieliczka Salt Mines  

Location: Daniłowicza 10 (slightly outside Krakow in a town called Wieliczka, accessible by train, bus, or tram in less than an hour)  

Ticket price: around £30 (159 zł)  

I distinctly remember visiting this stunning 7th century-old, UNESCO heritage site as a child, and the memories resurface every time I see the pink salt lamp in my grandmother’s living room during my summer visits. My grandfather was a coal miner, so going underground and exploring salt mines was a surreal experience.  

The mine has guided tours (English-speaking ones are available as well), and you can choose between the Miner’s Route and the Tourist Route. One of my personal favourite parts of the Tourist Route (which lasts 2-3 hours) was exploring St Kinga’s Chapel and getting to dine more than 100m underground. Best believe my 13-year-old, emo, wannabe-goth self was shaking when I recently discovered that you can actually have your wedding in the underground salt mines, and it’s not too expensive either (hint, hint to my boyfriend). Mark my words, I will be back…   

Arcade Museum  

Location: Centralna 41 a (20 minutes away from the Old Town by tram)  

Ticket price: Choose between a 1h (60 zł), 2h (80 zł), and OPEN (90 zł- no time limit) ticket, £12-£19.  

Did someone say let’s go back to the 80s/90s? Well, you’re in luck, since the Arcade Museum in Krakow will take you there. With more than 150 unique arcade machines, you could easily spend a whole day here, learning all about the history of games and having a go at them. As a video game lover (I mainly play Valorant, but I do love the arcade on Brighton Pier – 2P machines, anyone?), this is on my bucket list next time I visit. I can’t wait to feel like a character in Stranger Things.   

Gothic churches  

If you visit Poland and don’t visit at least one church, what are you doing? Just so you know, I’m not religious at all BUT I can appreciate stunning church interiors. Catholic churches have some of the most beautiful designs, featuring pops of colour and gold, and I love wandering into random churches just to have a look around.   

The Bazylika Mariacka (St. Mary’s Basilica), which is home to the Veit Stoss altarpiece, can be found in the Old Town. At precisely 12pm each day, you’ll hear the traditional bugle call, known as Hejnal Mariacki, being played from the top of the Basilica. Nearby, you’ll also find the Katedra Wawelska (Wawel Cathedral), which is next to the Royal Castle, another must-visit place. I remember as a child, my parents would always tell me that the dragon (Smok Wawelski) that sits outside the castle blows fire every once in a while, which made me believe it’s real, and having read Fourth Wing, I wish it were.   

Obwarzanek Museum  

Location: Ignacego Paderewskiego 4 (very close to the central station)  

Ticket price: £9-10 (50 zł)  

Before we officially start talking about Polish food, let me introduce you to the Obwarzanek (the Polish version of a bagel x pretzel), my go-to snack to get at the arrivals’ terminal. Obwarzanek is a staple in Poland, and you’ll find it being sold at different locations as you wander through the streets of Krakow.   

What I didn’t know is that there’s a MUSEUM (?!?) dedicated to this bagel. Best believe, next time I visit, I’ll be heading to the Obwarzanek Museum to learn about the history of this wonderful creation. But really, I’ll be there for one reason and one reason only – to make my own at one of their workshops.   

Bonus pick – Zakrzowek  

Just 20 minutes by tram from central Krakow, you’ll find one of the most picturesque areas around. The park and reserve in this neighbourhood is home to a stunning, glistening blue-green lagoon and a few pools (open during the summer months), making it the perfect destination for hot days.    

Places to eat in Krakow 

Budget – Bar Mleczny (Milk Bar)  

Save some money and savour traditional home-cooked meals at a milk bar. These are low-key my favourite places to eat in Poland, and Bar Mleczny Pod Temidą is a great choice in Krakow. Despite the low prices, the food quality is high. I recommend trying the pierogi (Polish dumplings), surowki (Polish mixed salads), as well as compot (a Polish drink made from boiled fruit).   

Milk bars usually operate different menus every day, and the food is available on a first come, first served basis until the dishes run out. These places were very popular during the communist era and have remained fan favourites among the locals.  

Picturesque – Camelot Café 

As soon as I saw photos of the seats by the window, I knew we had to visit. I absolutely love people-watching, and this café is the perfect spot for just that when grabbing breakfast or lunch. The pink interior was so cute, and the lit candles on the tables made me feel like I was dining out in the 19th century. The walls were also adorned with stunning paintings, making the place feel like a mini art gallery. Since I’m vegetarian, I opted for the tagliatelle, which was amazing. I had no room for dessert, but if I had, I would have definitely ordered the apple cake, which they’re famous for.  

Perfect For Brunch – Las Breakfast & Prosecco   

I mean, the pictures speak for themselves, but the food at this place is 10/10. I literally said “wow” when I saw the food, and I repeated it at least three times throughout my meal.   

When I visited this place with my mum, she ended up getting scrambled eggs with ham on brioche bread with chive pesto. I got pancakes, made from Polish farmer’s cheese with caramel sauce, almond flakes, and powdered sugar. Believe me when I say, this was one of the best dishes I have ever had in my entire life. Stunning interior with brick walls and a neon sign, and even more stunning food – I recommend booking a table when you visit Krakow.   

Fine Dining – The Piano Rouge  

This place has been on my to-visit list for years, but the right time hasn’t come just yet. I’m mesmerised by the interior and the vibes of this place. I just want to throw on a fancy dress, pretend I’m rich for a night while live jazz music plays in the background, sip on my alcohol-free beverage of choice and savour the good food. Anyone else?  

Unique – Pantograf Cafe Kraków  

A café… in a tram? I love discovering incredible hidden gems across cities, and this is similar to a place I visited when I was a child, roaming the streets of Bydgoszcz. Not only do they serve homemade cakes and coffee made from local beans, but they also claim to have the fluffiest scrambled eggs around. And you know what? I believe them, because if they can transform a tram into a café, they can do anything.  

I recommend trying the zapiekanka, a popular street food in Poland. Essentially, it’s a toasted baguette with toppings and sauces. I usually get the sautéed mushroom, onion and cheese one with as much ketchup as possible. Another excellent spot to get zapiekanka is KissTheKuk, and Dubai chocolate can step aside as these guys serve pistachio tiramisu. YUM!   

Witcherverse coded – Tawerna Wilczy Dół  

Did you know that The Witcher was written by Polish author, Andrzej Sapkowski? Even if you did, I bet you didn’t know there’s a Witcher-themed restaurant in Krakow. Tawerna Wilczy Doł (Wolf Pit Tavern) lies in the heart of the Old Town, and the interior and food are straight out of the universe. So, if you’re a fan of the books/show/games, visiting the Wolf Pit Tavern is a creasa (meaning necessity in Elder Speech, the language used by elves in The Witcher). 

For That Sweet Tooth Post Dining – Nakielny   

Don’t judge me when I say that my best friend and I have been to every single Nakielny across the city at least once (sorry to brag). It’s always the first place we visit when we hang out, and because we want to try every pastry they have, we often get a few and share them.   

I remember the first time we went there and got a glossy, purple, elderflower pastry that had some golden flakes on top and sat on a brownie – chef’s kiss. If you want an Insta-worthy pastry that you’ll dream about for years to come, make a stop (or two… or as many times as your stomach allows) at one of the Nakielny bakeries and thank me later.   

Bonus pick – Polish donuts  

Every time my friend and I find ourselves wandering the streets of Krakow late at night, we end up accidentally spending money on some donuts. More specifically, the ones with rose filling… One of my favourite places to get donuts in Krakow is Dobra Pączkarnia, which has several locations across the city. There are also many other great bakeries that offer donuts.  

I recommend you keep your eyes out for bakeries like Bun Bakery that sell Drożdżówki (a type of sweet roll that comes with a range of toppings, including my favourite jam and cream cheese) and Jagodzianki (a kind of pastry with blueberry filling). These will change your life and no, I’m not just saying that because my surname ‘Jagoda’ quite literally translates to blueberry.    

Must-try foods in Krakow 

At a restaurant 

Pierogi – Polish dumplings, which come with a range of fillings. The most popular fillings include ‘ruskie’ (with potatoes, onions and cheese), mushroom and sauerkraut, and meat, usually served with sour cream. You can also get sweet versions with strawberries, blueberries or apples, usually served with sour cream, too.   

Bigos – a flavourful cabbage stew with different types of meat.  

Schabowy – breaded and fried pork cutlets, usually served with mashed potatoes.  

Gołąbki – boiled cabbage leaves, stuffed with meat, rice and vegetables. 

Soups  

Rosól – Polish version of chicken soup, served with noodles.  

Barszcz – beetroot soup served with either ‘uszka’ (a smaller version of pierogi with the ends pinched together), mashed potatoes, or ‘krokiet’ (filled crepes which are rolled, breaded and fried) – these usually come with meat or mushroom and sauerkraut filling.  

Krupnik – soup made with meat, vegetables, potatoes and barley.  

Żurek – sour rye soup with meat and potatoes. Some restaurants will serve it in a bowl made from bread.  

For the brave  

Flaki – Tripe soup  

Smalec – Lard (served on bread alongside pickles) 

Traditional desserts  

Jabłecznik – Polish version of an apple crumble  

Sernik – Polish version of a cheesecake   

From Żabka (local store) 

Pierniki – Polish gingerbread (plain or filled). I recommend looking for the heart-shaped ‘toruński’ ones or the skawa chocolate-covered heart ones with plum filling, or any other filling you fancy.  

Ptasie Mleczko – ‘bird’s milk’ might not sound appetising but trust me, these soft, melt-in-your-mouth marshmallows covered in chocolate are a staple.  

Mieszanka Krakowska – when in Krakow, you need to try the Mieszanka Krakowska, which has different flavoured jellies covered in chocolate. These sweets are made by a local company called Wawel (like the cathedral, castle and dragon!)  

Delicje – The Polish version of a Jaffa cake but make it better.  

Draże  – These are hard to describe, but essentially, they’re small, bite-size balls that come in different flavours, like coconut, vanilla, cocoa and peanut, and are made from sugar or chocolate. 

Bonus pick – hot dog 

If you’re chronically online, you might have seen Żabka on your For You page on TikTok. This is one of the most popular shops in Poland, which is open 24/7 in some places. One thing they’re famous for is their hot dogs, and some shops even have a robot that often fails at making them. The options include meat sausages, vegetarian sausages, and even cheese sausages (literally a stick of cheese). If you don’t try a hot dog from Żabka when in Poland, consider your visit incomplete. 

Useful phrases  

To finish off, why not learn some phrases that will come in handy when you’re out and about in Krakow or elsewhere in Poland? 

Ile to kosztuje? (How much does this cost?)   

Dziękuje! (Thank you)  

Tak / Nie (Yes / No)  

Poproszę (Please may I have)  

Do widzenia (Goodbye – translates to see you later)  

Przepraszam (I’m sorry / excuse me)  

Gdzie jest… (Where is…)  

Kartą czy gotówką? (Paying by cash or card?)  

Czy mówisz po angielsku? (Do you speak English?)  

Czy mogę skorzystać z toalety? (Could I please use the toilet?)  

Nie mówię po polsku (I don’t speak Polish)  

If you ever find yourself in a situation where there’s a language barrier, use DeepL to translate what you’re trying to say. I find it to be more accurate in understanding context, translating and localising than Google Translate.   

Get that trip to Krakow booked and browse our Poland holidays.  

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Author: Marlena Jagoda (she/her)
Last updated: 13/08/2025