Picturesque Krakow has much to offer travellers of all ages and persuasions. In recent years, cheap flights have made the city a favorite with bachelor parties from the rest of Europe. However, there’s a lot more to this Polish city than nightclubs and parties. Here’s how to spend a short 48 hour break in this fairytale destination.
Day 1
The best way to start any trip to Krakow is with a delicious breakfast. The city is home to a delightful array of cafes and eateries to suit all tastes. For a great way to start the day, why not try Milkbar Tomasza (ul. Sw. Tomasza 24), the restaurant is famed for their delicious breakfast and lunch options at reasonable prices. Perhaps unexpectedly, Irish breakfast complete with blood sausages is among their most popular morning food offerings, but you can also get pierogis and other more Polish options.
Irish breakfast at Milkbar Tomasza
Once you’ve had your fill, get your walking shoes on for the city’s famous ‘Free Walking Tour’. The guided jaunt through Krakow’s departs daily from between the St. Florian´s Gate and Barbican areas in the centre of town at 10am, 2pm, and 4pm. The tour serves as a sort of ‘Dummies Guide to Krakow’ and allows visitors to sample a taste of the culture and history of the city’s charming Old Town. Best of all, the tour is provided free of charge with guides making a living from tips.
Be sure to tip the ‘Free’ Walking Tour’s excellent guides
Next up, you might fancy a spot of lunch at one of the city’s many traditional Polish restaurants. Introligatornia Smaku (Jozefa, 20) is a favorite among tourists and locals alike. This eatery serves up a selection of Krakow favorites at very reasonable prices.
Alternatively, nearby Bagelmama 76 has the best bagels and lox in town. In addition to the classics, they experiment successfully with combos like warm brie and tomato. Soups and salads are also on offer.
Introligatornia Smaku
Oscar Schindler’s former enamel factory is today home to a captivating museum detailing the horrors of the Nazi occupation during the Second World War. The museum documents the story of Schindler’s efforts to help save the lives of hundreds of Jews as depicted in the hit movie Schindler’s List.
Oskar Schindler’s factory
Afterwards, why not head east of the Old Town for an authentic Polish dinner at Restauracja Stylowa (Centrum C3), one of the city’s best known traditional restaurants? This Krakow must-see has been in existence since the 1950s and still serves up some of the best grub in town to this day.
Restauracja Stylowa
Once your appetite is satisfied, it’s time to check out the city’s famous nightlife. Krakow is littered with top quality drinking dens, and many nightspots offering excellent local vodka. Our favorites are Wodka cafe bar (Mikołajska 5) and House of Beer (Świętego Tomasza 35).
Wodka Bar
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, and possibly nursing a hangover, you should enjoy a wander around the city’s historic old town to soak up the hustle and bustle of Krakow. Afterwards, travellers will almost certainly enjoy a walking tour of the city’s Jewish Quarter. The tour leaves the Old Synagogue on Szeroka Street every day at 10am & 1.30pm with an additional tour departing at 5pm between March-October. The ultra-interesting jaunt lasts 2.5 hours and allows viewers to delve into the city’s fascinating Jewish history. There is no set charge for the tour but the guides are paid in tips, so if you enjoyed the tour, don’t forget to give generously.
The Jewish quarter
For lunch, tuck into some local fare at Przystanek Pierogarnia (Bonerowska 14). The prices are reasonable and the food is among the most recommended in the city.
Pierogi from Przystanek Pierogarnia
If you fancy checking out further sights from Krakow’s storied past then make a beeline for the Rynek Underground Museum (Rynek Główny 1). The glitzy museum first opened in 2010 to much fanfare and today, presents visitors with 6000 metres of exhibits outlining the entire history of Krakow.
Historical Museum of the City of Krakow
For your final dinner in Krakow check out Copernicus. It is Polish food at its finest, served in beautiful surroundings. While it certainly not the cheapest dinner in town, it may well be one of the best that Krakow has to offer. It really is the perfect way to round off your Krakow city excursion.
Copernicus
