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…
Tag: backpacking
Public Transportation in Krakow: Using Trams, Busses, and Route Planner Jakdojade
So you’re coming to Krakow and you have no idea how you’re going to get around. While the Old Town and Jewish District are fairly walkable, there are a lot of valuable things to do just outside the city center that you may need a bus or tram for. Or hey, maybe you don’t want…
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…
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…
Polish Holidays: Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday between 10am and 1:30pm you can head to the Main Square to see a competition of “palms- beautiful handmade poles filled with color and vibrance; as well as, traditional song and dance all day long. If you have your own palm, don’t forget to take it to church to have it blessed…
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…
Polish Traditions: Easter Basket and Eggs
If you’re lucky enough to be in Poland for Easter, we suggest joining in some of the traditions, whether you are Catholic or not. Two very unique traditions are the dying of Easter eggs and the blessing of Easter baskets. Go to a local farmer’s market to find all the supplies you will need to…
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….
Best Eats: Gospada Koko
Out of all the restaurants that we can recommend in Krakow, Koko is by far the one we actually visit the most. Anytime someone comes to visit, we take them here. Anytime we have to be in the Main Square for an event, we stop by for a beer and some pierogi. It is full…
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…
Day Trippin: Zakopane
Be sure to also read our article about Zakopane’s Famous Lake Morskie Oko! No matter what time of year it is, Zakopane is always a fun day trip from the city. A mountain town, approximately 2 hours from Krakow (be careful on weekends and rush hour because there is only one way to and from…
Cafes by Day, Bars by Night: Alchemia
Alchemia is a great example of the versatility of Krakow’s cafes. Open practically 24 hours, you can stop by in the morning for breakfast, the afternoon for a quick pick-me-up, or hang out all night in the candle-lit dining room drinking beer. The food here is really good. @emilysguidetokrakow The best places for food and/or…
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…