The best things to do in Kraków

What is it? Krakow’s former Jewish district, now an energetic maze of the city’s best cafes, restaurants, bars, galleries and historical sites.   

Why go? You could probably spend an entire Krakow trip in Kazimierz and not get bored. It’s teeming with all kinds of intimate spots to lose yourself in, from dive bars to quirky galleries to upmarket restaurants, set in all manner of fascinating and beautiful buildings. STARKA, for example, is a fabulous women-owned restaurant that serves traditional Polish cuisine with vibrant twists, and over 20 varieties of vodka. It’s also easy (and important) to take in the area’s historical context as a centre for Jewish life in Krakow.

Address: Starka is located at Józefa 14, 31-056, Kraków.

Hours: Monday to Thursday from 1pm to 10pm, Friday from 1pm to 11pm, Saturday from noon to 11pm, and Sunday from noon to 10pm

Price: Starters from 35-139zł, mains from 39-109zł, and desserts from 35-38zł

What is it? A museum focused on Krakow during the Second World War, housed in part of the former factory used by Oskar Schindler, known for saving the lives of over 1,000 Jewish people during the war by employing them at the factory.

Why go? Whatever your reasons for visiting Krakow, it’s essential to understand what happened to the city and the people there during wartime years. Oskar Schindler’s Factory gives an informed and accessible introduction to the indescribable hardships faced by Jewish people. Stories are told through photos, film, documents and a range of multimedia exhibitions.

Address: Lipowa 4, 30-702, Kraków

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 8pm, and Monday from 10am to 3pm

Price: 60zł for general admission 

What is it? A brilliantly moody bar in the heart of Krakow’s former Jewish district.

Why go? It’s one of the hippest, most atmospheric watering holes in the city, and very well loved by locals. Its low-lit rooms are filled with old furniture, scruffy books, paintings and candles – Stranger Than Paradise filmmaker, Jim Jarmusch, would feel at home writing scripts here. At night, Alchemia turns into a lively spot, sometimes with live bands or DJs, other times, thanks to the courtesy of Krakow’s cool kids getting their party on.

Address: Estery 5, 31-056, Kraków

Hours: Sunday to Wednesday from 9am to 2am, Thursday from 9am to 3am, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 4am

Price: Small plates go from 25-46 zł, mains from 22-50 zł, and desserts from 17-27 zł

What is it? The Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow, with a great acronym.

Why go? The city’s hub of avant-garde and alternative art is a quite a spectacle, beginning with the eye-catching building itself, which was part of Oskar Schindler’s former factory. As well as showcasing a few well-known global names, the museum focuses on work from a huge range of Polish artists, including thought-provoking exhibitions examining challenging themes prevalent in post-war Polish society.

Address: Lipowa 4, 30-702, Kraków

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 7pm, closed Monday

Price: 30zł for general admission

What is it? A basement jazz club with plenty of attitude.

Why go? Krakow has a healthy jazz scene bubbling away under the surface and this marvellous little cellar is probably the finest place to experience it. Inside, U Muniaka is all exposed brickwork and bunched-together tables, making for an atmospheric setting to soak up the wide-ranging modern jazz from mostly local artists. Fair warning: the venue has a bit of a rep for ‘abrupt’ service, but hey – you came here for the notes and the vibes, not to make friends, right?

Address: Floriańska 3, 31-019, Kraków

Hours: Open daily from 7pm to 2am

Price: Live shows range from 20-50zł per person, not including drinks

What is it? They may have a slightly awkward name (it's a play on veggie kebab), but Vegab is a great vegan alternative to the carnivorous kebab. 

Why go? Popular with locals, these delicious wraps are worthy of curing any hangover. Packed with vegan 'meat' and vegetables, these healthy kebabs are just as filling as they are affordable. Plump for the 'Beirut', which contains hummus, tahini and ogorki kiszone (pickled cucumbers). Or if you're feeling sweet, the ‘Hamster’ comes with coconut and peanut butter and tastes heaps better than it sounds.

Address: Starowiślna 8, 31-038, Kraków

Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 9pm, and Friday to Saturday from 11am to 10pm

Price: 20-40zł for kebabs, 9-14zł for sides

What is it? Yes, it’s a salt mine and yes, it’s way more exciting than that sounds.

Why go? Classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site, this vast subterranean wonder is located 15 miles outside of Krakow, but is well worth a visit. Wander through winding tunnels and gawp at the surreal, salty world before you, carved out by countless generations of miners. There’s a salt lake, the incredible Chapel of St. Kinga and various sculptures carved by contemporary artists. Salt will never be more interesting than right here.

Address: Daniłowicza 10, 32-020, Wieliczka

Hours: Open daily from 9am to 5pm 

Price: 143zł for general admission

What is it? A pocket-sized café serving up all kinds of artisan hummus goodness.

Why go? There’s a lot of hummus in Krakow and this place does some of the best. Make sure you try Amamamusi’s more unusual flavours, such as hemp, pumpkin, capers and various sweet varieties, including caramelised apple and smoked plum. The varied bread, pickles and salad to accompany are all top-notch as well. If you thought you were bored of hummus, head here and be reborn.

What is it? A ramshackle marketplace with regular flea markets, great bars and – crucially – food stalls.

Why go? Eaten too many pierogi? Try Poland’s unofficial snack food, zapiekanka – a cross between an open sandwich and generously topped pizza bread. Plac Nowy’s many tiny food shacks serve arguably the best in the country (don’t expect high-end haute cuisine here – this is straight-up, glorious fast food). There are also Saturday and Sunday flea markets, plus great bars in the surrounding square. This is where locals come to snack, shop and drink.

What is it? An old-school workers’ canteen given a modern revamp, but still serving up hearty, traditional Polish food.

Why go? To try authentic, cheap Polish grub, cooked properly and served in a no-frills setting. There are several Milkbars around Krakow, but Tomasza is one of the more accessible examples. This is a fine place to gorge on pierogi, those dangerously moreish boiled dumplings filled with anything from cheese to meat to vegetables.