Marzanna: The Witch of Winter that Children light on Fire and Drown (or maybe used to?). As with all things in popular culture these days- the tradition of Marzanna is marking a new role in many Kindergarten classrooms. Eight years ago, I shadowed a local kindergarten class as they marched down from their elementary school…
Tag: poland
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…
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…
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…
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…
13 Interesting Facts About Easter and Springtime in Krakow, Poland!
Easter is the most important holiday on the Polish calendar, comparable only to Wigilia; usually taking the cake as the most prepped for, and celebrated time. Not only is the day important, but the build up to the Easter Feast is filled with events and activities for months; as well as, the days after. Springtime…
11 Polish Easter Foods To Try This Holiday Season
So you find yourself in Krakow during the Easter season- great! There is nothing better than immersing yourself in a culture during an important time of year. For a full breakdown on what to do when- go to our main post about Easter in Krakow. For interesting facts and things that happen during the Easter…
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….
Polish Traditions: Christmas Time
If you will be in Krakow during or around Christmas time you are in for a real treat. Not only will the Main Market Square be filled with a bustling Christmas Market, complete with Polish Market Food, homemade goodies, and crafts, but the city will also have events for you to enjoy as well! See…
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…
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…
8 Tips for Cheap Eats in Krakow
1. Obwarzanki are your friends Obwarzanek are the Krakowian bagel. You can get them on virtually every street corner. And while local Poles will have a favorite stand, we think they are good just about anywhere. They only cost around 40 US cents and have toppings like poppy seeds, cheese, salt, or sesame seeds. They make…
Fat Thursday (Tlusty Czwartek): 3 Things You Have to Eat
In Poland, instead of celebrating Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras like everyone else in the world, they celebrate Fat Thursday. The holiday is aptly named, as just about everything you are supposed to eat on that day is deep fried, sugary, and delicious! Here are some of our favorite foods to have on Fat Thursday….
Day Trippin: Top 10 Things to do in Zakopane, Poland
We have so many posts about Zakopane right now, we’re thinking about starting an Emily’s Guide dedicated just to the mountain town. But for now we bring you our list of the best things to do in Zakopane. Use this list to build the perfect itinerary. If you’re doing a one-day trip from Krakow you…
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…
A Tour Of Krakow’s Main Square
The main square of Krakow is one of the most visited sights of the city, and for good reason. The Rynek Główny, as it is called in Polish, is one of the largest squares in Europe and contains strikingly beautiful architecture and an abundance of Polish history, However, the monuments and points of interest to…
ChanuKrakow: Celebrating Hanukkah at the JCC Krakow
Christmas Markets aren’t the only thing happening in Krakow this time of year- just a short look at part of the ChanuKrAkow celebrations at the Jewish Community Center in Krakow this year! We were lucky enough to be able to attend just part of the ChanuKrakow celebrations this year in the Kazimierz District. Hundreds gathered…
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…
Welcome to Krakow and About Us
Krakow is one of my favorite cities in the world for many reasons, and is an amazing place for travelers to visit and ex-pats to live. It is still slightly undiscovered if you compare it to other popular tourist destinations, such as Prague or Paris. It’s very cheap for anyone traveling with a stong currency, like…
Follow Us Anywhere!
Want more of Emily’s Guide? Or to join in the fun! Feel free to visit our social sites as well- and follow us for even more local activity from Krakow! Find us on…. Facebook Instagram Tumblr Vine Pinterest Twitter Google+ Don’t forget if you have any questions, comments, or want us to make you a…
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,…
Massolit Cafe: Krakow’s Best English Bookstore
Still like the smell of an old book? Searching for something to read in English? Been traveling through Europe and wishing for a bagel and cream cheese? Then look no further than Massolit Cafe and Books. With the largest selection of English-language books, both used and new, you can find anything to read here, and…
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….
Polish Traditions: The Name Day and Grilled Sausages
I am combining these two topics because last night I experienced them both together! Where we Americans take pride in roasting marshmallows, Poles take pride in roasting sausage over a fire. They eat more grilled sausage than hamburgers, hotdogs, steaks, or especially marshmallows (since those are pretty hard to find here) combined. Playing in an…
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,…
Hamsa: Hummus and Happiness Israeli Restobar
Mezze Platters and Cocktails in Kazimierz Sick of Polish food? Of course not, how could you be. But maybe you want something different, something to reflect all of the Jewish history you have been learning about in Kazimierz or at Auschwitz. Or maybe you just want an awesome place to hang out with friends, grab…
Bania Luka: Shots and Snacks
Just like its main competitor Pijalnia Wodki i Piwa, Bania Luka serves 4zl shots, beers, and other beverages, with 8 zl plates of various food items. The atmosphere is warmer than Pijalnia, but thats because it looks like a normal bar and not one that time-traveled here from communism. Their shots menu is less…
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…
A Printable Guidebook
Hello! So this printable guide is actualy why this blog was born. In January 2015 I opened my home to Airbnb travelers and quickly realized that they needed more information while staying in my home and being in Krakow. I started by creating this guidebook for guests to use during their stay. I’m not going to…
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…
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 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…
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…
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. 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…
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. In the summer, sit outside along the Plac Nowy, and watch the people…
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…
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…
Quick Reference for Tram Stops in Krakow
Before Using this List Visit our Page on Transportation in Krakow. It will help you understand how to use Jak Do Jade and build the routes you need for your trip. The trams in Krakow are constantly under construction- if you reach this page, feel free to email me directly and I will help you…
Airport Transportation
Getting to and from the Airport by Train, Bus, or Taxi Did you know I used to work for In Your Pocket City Guides? Here’s how to get to and from the airport in Krakow! Take the Train From the KRK Airport to the City Center Obviously there will be cabs lined up at the…
Auschwitz and Birkenau
There are so many options when it comes to visiting Auscwitz, here I break down all of the available information.
Helpful Information for Certain Situations
Hello and welcome to our collection of recommendations that we have made for our readers that have reached out and asked for help. We frequently get asked questions about specific situations, especially things that we plan to cover on the blog, but just haven’t gotten to yet. Below you will find the question or situation that…