The Wawel Dragon Statue (Smok Wawelski) This statue really does breathe fire! The legend of the Krakow Dragon The dragon of Krakow has been famous for hundreds of year- with its legend delighting both locals and visitors alike. Long story short- a fire-breathing dragon in Krakow was eating up all the local livestock, but had…
Category: Things to Do
8 Cheap Must-Eats in Krakow Poland
A list of 8 food experiences you should have in Krakow, Poland 1. Shots and Snacks Bars: Pijalnia Wodki i Piwa Modeled after life in the Communist era, traditional bar snacks of the time period with the cheapest beers and shots you’ll find in the city. Our favorite is Beef Tartare with a Mad Dog…
See the City: Krakow’s Best “Free” Walking Tours
Book a spot on a tour here. Maybe I’m a little biased (sometimes I give tours for this company and invite you to join me!) but Krakow Explorers is by far the best free walking tour company in Krakow. You don’t have to take my word for it– you can check out their reviews on…
Ghetto Hero’s Square in Podgorze
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…
Bernatka Bridge: Love Locks No More
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! Unfortunately, we must inform you that in the coming months…
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…
My First Look at the Krakow Christmas Market
The first time I arrived in Krakow, it was December 22nd 2014. Everything would be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; so I figured it would be a good idea to get some sightseeing in right away. I took the tram from my apartment at Krowodrza Górka to the main square and although it was freezing…
140 Things to do in Krakow Poland
This list is outdated. Please research each point a bit further to make sure it still exists. We are working on a new list now. 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…
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
While we wrote this for the competition in 2017- the National Museum is still holding it’s annual szopki competition each year. The only difference is they now display many of the szopka for over a month before and after Christmas. Check their website each year for the updated program. Every year on the first Thursday…
12 Days of Christmas in Krakow
Unfortunately- many of our videos for this were created in 2017 using Vine (RIP) so that is why they do not play properly…. 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…
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….
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, and some of the items are no longer available at the same locations- so please use this as inspiration for food to look for, but it can no longer provide a step by step tour with food through the Old Town. Most are pleasantly surprised by the food…
Krakow Cat Cafe: Kocia Kawiarnia Kociarnia
In July 2023 the Kraków Cat Cafe has opened a 2nd location! Now visit Kocia Kawiarnia at Karmelicka 10 or Lubicz 1! 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…
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 picnicking, 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. Many people use these bike paths to get…
Food Truck Square
Food Truck Square is located at: Skwer Judah, Świętego Wawrzyńca 16, 33-332 Kraków 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…
Have a car? Head to the beach! Sosina Lake.
This article is intended for people who have moved to Krakow or are spending ALOT of time here. This is more of a day trip- and as I write below would be a smart addition to a morning spent at Ojcow National Park. If you are only here as a tourist, and want to swim,…
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 it’s fine)
Zakrzowek: Former Limestone Quarry Turned Lake This is my absolute favorite place to swim in the summer, but you must understand that as of 2023, this is a more dynamic situation. The city has expanded zakrzowek to include completely regulated areas that feature some really nice pools. The pools use the same water as the…
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
Updated photos of The Bagry Lake from June 2023 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…
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. Three synagogues still offer active services to the community, Tempel at 24 Miodowa street, Remuh at 40 Szeroka street, and Kupa Synagogue at…
St. Francis Basilica: My Favorite Church to Visit
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…
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 destruction 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…
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 Monastery
To anyone interested in Catholic history, or is a Catholic themself, heading to Czestochowa to the Jasna Gora Monastery from Krakow might be a good idea. The original Czarna Madonna is held here, and the monastery is also an end-point for thousands of people on pilgrimages, my mother-in-law included. The actual piece of art is held…
Say Hello to the Hejnał
Every hour on the hour, keep your ears open for the Hejnał 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 Hejnał began playing his trumpet to warn the city, and was shot in the heart. Today if you listen closely,…
Shots and Snacks: Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa
Note: The prices listed here are from almost a decade ago! so expect about double what you see here- the good news though, is that they’ve also expanded their offerings a lot too! Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa has locations all over the city, in the Jewish district on the Plac Nowy, on Florianska Street, and…
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 what was considered a communist utopia in Krakow. The Nowa Huta district was completely empty before Poland fell behind the Iron Curtain and was forced under communist rule after WWII, so it was a clean slate to build upon. Most…
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). This contest, always the weekend…
Tourist Information: Info Krakow
There are tons of tourist information points throughout the city, but InfoKrakow 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…
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: Parks of Krakow
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….
Main Attraction: Florianska Street
Florianska Street or Ulica Florianska leads you from the Barbican to the Main Market Square. This view of St. Mary’s is one you have probably seen a million times if you’ve been researching your trip to Krakow, and this is exactly where people take it. Florianska Street is your hub to find some local art or catch…
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…
The Mounds of Krakow
There are four mounds (kopiec) around the city, each with its own unique story. Some are said to have royalty 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
The best flea markets only happen on certain days, and usually that’s Sunday. But you’ll find lots of vintage stores in Kazimierz, as well as a charity shop, and some stalls selling antique items on Plac Nowy everyday- so if you can’t be here on a Sunday- you could look into visiting those instead. But…
Charlotte: A French Bakery in Krakow
When we first wrote this article almost a decade ago- a good breakfast was sometimes hard to find in Krakow! Now there are plenty of options- but Charlotte remains one of our favorites. An important thing to note though; post-pandemic, Charlotte stopped serving their jams, chocolates, and honey in huge shareable jars. The good news- you…
Farmers Markets in Krakow: Covered Markets and Produce Stands
There are a few European style covered markets in the city; our current favorite is Stary Kleparz, mostly because there is an awesome coffee shop we grab a drink from before we go shopping. Some are closer to the tourist attractions, and some more larger ones are closer to the residential neighborhoods. @emilysguidetokrakow Stary Kleparz is…