Today, March 14th 2023, marked the 80th anniversary of the second day of liquidation of the Jewish People who had been forced into the Krakow Ghetto in the previous years, with over 15,000 people being murdered in a short period of time. While Plac Bohaterow Getta has stood as a memorial for all the Jewish…
Category: Things to Do
Love Locks on Bernatka Bridge
Father Bernatek’s Bridge: Kładka Ojca Bernatka Locks of Love have always been present in Krakow- hanging on Kładka Bernatka’s railings ever since the footbridge (that means pedestrian only!) was unveiled in 2010- but with a new acrobatic art display they aren’t they only thing hanging! Every European city has that bridge adorned with locks of…
Going to a Soccer Game In Krakow: Everything You Need to Know About Krakow’s Football Scene
There are two football teams in Krakow, Wisła and Cracovia. They are more than rivals. If you want to go to a game- you may be able to purchase tickets online- but registration on each website is required and an id number is necessary. When i made my account just now, I used my pesel…
Fika in Krakow: Swedish Treats
Kanelbulle, Semla, Coffee, oh my! Have you heard of Fika? To say it is simply a coffee break would be to insult every Swede that has negotiated 4 fikas into their workday (seriously look it up, they demand these things). To say it is just grabbing coffee with friends would be to downplay the importance…
Wyspia By Kinga Nowak: A Temporary Exhibit
Visiting Wyspia on the Wawel Castle Courtyards Questions? Email us at emilysguidetokrakow@gmail.com or DM us at @emilys.guide.to.krakow on Instagram or TikTok If you’re walking through the outer courtyard of Wawel Castle, you may notice a bright spot among the cold, mostly gray, winter skyline. Kinga Nowak‘s newest piece “Wyspia” adds an immense amount of whimsy…
140 Things to do in Krakow Poland
140 Things to do in Krakow Krakow, or as the British like to call it Cracow, is an amazing city, and there is so much to do here. I’ve taken a lot of time to compile a list of almost everything you can do! Coming soon is a printable checklist for your next trip. But for now,…
12 Things to Put on Your Krakow Christmas Market List this Year
The Christmas market in the Rynek Główny is set up for the whole of the Christmas season in Krakow and it’s a wonderful place to pick up Christmas gifts, souvenirs and to try some amazing Polish food and drinks! The video above shows you a selection of things to be had at the annual holiday market! Open…
Krakow at Christmas: 73rd Annual Szopki Competition
Every year on the first Thursday of December, the Historical Museum of Krakow holds the annual Szopka Competition! This year was its 73rd year. Children, adults, everyone brings their handcrafted szopka to the statue at the heart of the Main Square. Krakowians and visitors gather together, starting around 9am, to watch the szopki be brought in….
12 Days of Christmas in Krakow
Follow us the next twelve days as we take you all over the city of Krakow to show you what Christmas in Krakow is really like! Each day we will post a new video and pictures as a countdown to Christmas. Below is a sneak-peek at what we have in store… And remember everyday on…
All Saints’ and Souls’ Day in Poland: Halloween in Krakow
Every year on November 1st and 2nd, Polish people celebrate All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. This is everything you need to know to participate in All Saints’ Day on your trip to Krakow, Poland.
Beer in Krakow: Craft, Local, National… the best Places to drink them all
A recent email asked us about local breweries, places to drink craft beers, and vodka distilleries. While there are no vodka distilleries in the city of Krakow, if you are traveling through the whole country of Poland, there are plenty you can stop at. We highly recommend a visit to the area of Zubrowka’s Distillery….
Eat a Meal in a Local’s Home
My biggest fear when I travel is that I am going to end up at a restaurant where a local person would never go. I always search before a trip to find a place that is recommended by a local blogger or talk to my friends that may have spent some time actually living in…
Zakopane: Ski Jumping and World’s Largest Ice Maze
Update for the 2017 season in Zakopane: Looks like the ice maze in Zakopane and castle have both been re-built for this year as well! Check out the labyrinth’s Facebook Page for more information on this year’s festivities! Today we headed out to the mountains for the annual Ski Jumping World Cup in Zakopane. Not…
The Best of Krakow: Our Favorite Local Spots
There are a lot of local spots in Krakow that we haven’t written about despite the fact we go to them at least once a week. A lot of it has to do with the fact that we are having such a good time with our friends that we forget to even take pictures! And…
The Royal Snack Route: A snack-crawl through Krakow!
This article is out of date. Most are pleasantly surprised by the food here in Poland, and even more surprised by the prices. We have a whole list of must-eats here, but if you want to make a whole day of it, we have created The Royal Snack Route, highlighting the best Polish street-eats, which just…
Krakow Cat Cafe: Kocia Kawiarnia Kociarnia
What’s better than a cafe full of cats!? Krakow’s only Cat Cafe has opened its doors, actually they’ve been open for quite some time, and it seems all the kinks we read about on TripAdvisor and the like have been worked out. Enter the cafe from ul. Krowoderska 48, if you already know what you want…
The Typical Tourist Checklist: Things to do in Krakow
Things to do in Krakow: This is a list of sites that are on most tourists’ lists! Browse around and click on the links to learn more about each one. Or for our complete list of everything you can do in Krakow visit our Ultimate List of 120+ Things to Do in Krakow! …
Off the Beaten Path: Unique Experiences
Unique Experiences in Krakow If you have had your fill of European cities, and are looking for something that sets Krakow apart from the rest, then look no further than this list. From exciting flea markets to amazing picnicing spots this list has it all, and consider them mostly local spots. For our Ultimate List…
The Vistula River
The bank of the Vistula River is perfect for picnicing, while the river itself provides a space for boats to dock, and a beer to be had upon the water. Bike paths also run along the banks in several directions, enjoyable no matter which way you go, but with a great ending point if you…
Food Truck Square
I just read today that Krakow was named in Travel and Leisure’s yearly CNN sponsored list for the best cities in the world to go to. How exciting! So what is something new here in Krakow that people are enjoying? You may not know that Kazimierz is actually a really “new” part of town. Yes,…
Have a car? Head to the beach! Sosina Lake.
So while there are several lakes within Krakow to visit, my favorites including The Bagry, Zakrzowek, and Zalew Nowohucki (plus of course the more touristic and crowded Kryspinoff), if you have a car and can drive out to Sosina, it may be worth it… Still in Malopolska (Lesser Poland), Sosina is reachable by car in…
The Best Sausages in Poland: Hala Targowa’s Communist Van
Other than being told by friends and family that the sausages on Hala Tragowa at night were the best in Krakow, I only ever saw anything about them on Krakow’s Free Walking Tour Hidden Gems list. And since we have grilled sausage at least twice a week at home in the summer, I never made the…
Zakrzowek: Enter if you Dare (but really its fine)
Is it really illegal? So for a few years now I have heard things about Zakrzowek, about it being dangerous, about it being illegal. I went this winter and it provided beautiful walking trails and view of the distant city, you can easily spot the Main Square attractions from atop the cliffs. But I had no…
Lake Morskie Oko: A Day Trip to Zakopane
Morskie Oko is a beautiful lake in Zakopane, a short day-trip from Krakow, Poland, any time of the year!
Zalew Bagry: The Lakes of Krakow
Relax Lakeside in Krakow The Bagry (Zalew Bagry) is somewhere I had always wanted to go. My students always talked about it, but it was hard to imagine. Really? You can wakeboard in Krakow?! And also windsurf, or swim, or kayak, or take a mini-yacht? I thought they had to be playing a trick on me….
Ciuciu: The World’s Smallest Candy Manufacturer
I first discovered Ciuciu when I visited the Christmas Market in Krakow in 2013, and now that I live here, I stop in at least once a month for a little bag of delicious candies. My favorite, the fruit-flavored hard candies, which show their flavors by the fruit designs in the middle of the candy,…
What to Eat, Where to Eat It, and Where and What to Drink With It
What to Eat in Poland This is our must eat list for Krakow, and covers the basics of Polish cuisine. Most items are easy and cheap to buy at a grocery store and cook at home, but will taste much better from a recommended restaurant. And only buy Zapiekanki from the Plac Nowy in Kazimierz….
Outside the City Limits and Day Trips from Krakow
Want to head out of town for the day? Check out these awesome locations, mostly reachable by bus or train, some easier to get to by car, they will show you another side of Poland, much different from Krakow. (Although I consider Aushcwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mines to be day trips, I have included…
Festivals, Traditions, and Holidays
The best way to find out what is going on in Krakow during your stay is to check in with the Krakow Festival Bureau or grab a copy of the Karnet magazine. (For those of you with an Instagram or Facebook, I suggest following the accounts for both those offices, among others, to get a feel…
Wawel Castle Grounds, Cathedral, and Vistula River
Wawel Castle single-handedly draws the most visitors, and for good reason. It’s castle grounds and views from the gardens are amazing, not to mention the tower climb with close-up views of the entire Old Town panoramic. Wawel Castle Grounds: Zamek królewski na Wawelu Walk around the castle grounds for free, or buy a ticket to…
The Synagogues of Kazimierz
Throughout the Jewish district of Kazimierz you will find seven synagogue, each one having its own charm, with some giving Classical Music or Film concerts, and others displaying exhibits of interesting history. Two synagogues still offer active services to the community, Tempel at 24 Miodowa street and Remuh at 40 Szeroka street. A full break-down of information…
Church of St. Francis
Even if you are going through Europe and have had your fill of European churches, because I know I have, St. Francis is a breath of fresh air. Its vibrantly colored walls cannot be done justice by my camera, and so I invite you to go see it for yourself. And if you are a…
Day Trippin: Wieliczka Salt Mines (Kopolnia Soli)
While many think that the salt mines are located in Krakow, they are actually located a town over in Wieliczka. It is easy to get to them, just take the 304 bus from near Galeria Krakowska, or hop on a train from Dworzec Glowny. More detailed information can be found here. Your tour will start…
Kazimierz: The Old and New Jewish Cemeteries
In the Jewish District of Krakow, Kazimierz, you can find many synagogues and Jewish cemeteries. The cemeteries are striking examples of the desturction the Nazis caused in these areas, and how the destruction had been repaired since. During the Holocaust, gravestones were broken and destroyed, taken to be used as stones for pathways or just…
The Polish Countryside
Note: We do not live here anymore, nor do Airbnb. Our home is located in Zielonki, a suburb of Krakow. Our house physicaly lies in Krakow, but the mailing address is in Zielonki, so we have the best of both worlds. We can be in the Old Town by car in 12 minutes, but get to…
Main Attraction: Grodzka Street and the Royal Way
Off of the Main Market Square you will find Ulica Grodzka (Grodzka Street), which if you follow it, will lead you to Wawel Castle. The entire Royal Way can be followed from the Kleparz district, down Florianska Street, into the Main Market Square, and the last leg completed by walking down Grodzka Street, which opens up…
Polish Traditions: The Legend of the Lajkonik
You can see the Lajkonik all over the city, it is on the fabric used to cover some bus and tram seats, its on many brochures, used in logos, it is a true symbol of Krakow. The Lajkonik is a man on a hobby-horse, dressed in fanciful clothing, that is said to bring good luck,…
Day Trippin: Czestochowa, the Czarna Madonna, and Jasna Gora Monostary
To anyone interested in Catholic history, or is a Catholic themself, heading to Czestochowa to the Jasna Gora Monostary from Krakow might be a good idea. The original Czarna Madonna is held here, and the monostary is also an end-point for thousands of people on pilgramages, my mother-in-law included. The actual piece of art is held behind…
Say Hello to the Hejnal
Every hour on the hour, keep your ears open for the Hejnal playing his trumpet from the top of St. Mary’s Church Tower. Legend has it that during a Mongol Invasion in the 1200’s, the Hejnal began playing his trumpet to warn the city, and was shot in the heart. Today if you listen closely,…
Shots and Food and Beer: Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa
Featured on our Royal Snack Route and Best Local Places! Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa has locations all over the city, in the Jewish district on the Plac Nowy, off Florianska Street, and on Szewska Street (both close to the Main Market Square). What will probably first catch your eye are the prices, all drinks are 4zl…
The Small Square: Mały Rynek
Just behind St. Mary’s Church in the Main Market Square, sits a smaller square, the Mały Rynek. Here you will often find small festivals during the high tourist season, and on days without festivals you will be able to experience a much quieter square compared to the Main Market. With unique charm and colors, it is…
Off The Beaten Path: Nowa Huta the Communist District
Interested in communist history or architecture? Take a ride out to the former home of communism in Krakow. The Nowa Huta district was completely empty before communism, so it was a clean slate to build upon. Most people expect a dark and desolate place filled with uniform buildings, all in block shapes, but you will…
Day Trippin: The Painted Village of Zalipie
About an hour and a half away from Krakow is the small village of Zalipie, the most well known of the painted villages in Lesser Poland. Each year, Zalipie holds a competition for the best painted house, meaning the houses and yards are always boasting colorful exteriors (and even interiors). It’s easiest to get to…
Tourist Information: Info Krakow
There are tons of tourist information points throughout the city, but Info Krakow is the only official tourist information center sponsored by the city of Krakow, where you can find free information and helpful Krakowians available to book tours for you or point you in the right direction of your destination. They also offer free books about the…
See the City: Krakow’s Free Walking Tours
Full disclosure, I haven’t actually taken one of these tours yet, but I plan to for research purposes. However, a lot of our Airbnb guests have taken these tours, and for the most part said that they enjoyed it. Why I bring them up is because I find their city map and information they give…
Main Attraction: The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)
In the middle of the Main Market Square you will find The Cloth Hall, or in Polish, Sukiennice. The name comes from the middle ages. The Main Square used to be a huge market, separated by the type of products sold and this was where cloth merchants sold their wares. Today, you will find stalls full of…
Strolling About: The Planty
One of our favorite things to do in Krakow is walk along the Planty, sometimes we even run the entire 4k or bike it with friends. It is technically considered a city park, one of the largest in Krakow, but what makes it unique is that it encircles the entire Old Town, Wawel Castle included. Walls protecting…
Main Attraction: Florianska Street
Florianska Street or Ulica Florianska leads you from the Barbican to the Main Market Square. It is your hub to find some local art or catch a little band play a traditional Polish folk song. Along the Brama Florianska, local artists, and students, hang and sell their work. Along the street are lots of souvenir stores and…
Main Attraction: The Market Square
The Main Market Square or Rynek Główny is the largest medieval square in Europe, and is the heart of the tourist town in Krakow, with both locals and visitors coming together. During any given month, the Main Square is bustling with market stalls and events, with stages often set up for large concerts. (The best way…
Off the Beaten Path: The Mounds of Krakow
There are four mounds (kopiec) around the city, each with its own unique story. Some are said to have Kings buried below them, while others are made of soil carried by citizens from prominent battlegrounds. No matter the legend, they provide breathtaking views of the entire city, each from a different view point, and some…
Flea Markets in Krakow
There are a couple of flea markets in town that are worth stopping by. If you aren’t here on a Sunday, then check the Plac Nowy in Kazimierz, almost any day of the week, for some fun finds (best on Saturday and Sunday). And if you are here on a Sunday, then look no further…
Charlotte: The Best Breakfast in Town
One of the things I hate about Paris, is that to truly enjoy it, to really do Paris right, you have to have a lot of money. One thing you don’t need to experience Krakow is a lot of money. So if you’ve had your fill of pierogis, or are craving a fresh croissant or…
Farmer’s Markets in Krakow
There are a few European style covered markets in the city. Some are closer to the tourist attractions, and our favorite one is located a little further from the Old Town, and closer to the residential neighborhoods. Both Nowy Kleparz and Stary Kleparz are within walking distance of the major tourist attractions, but their prices are higher, and…
Auschwitz and Birkenau
There are so many options when it comes to visiting Auscwitz, here I break down all of the available information.