Kraków Travel Guide: Where to Eat, Stay & Play - Full-Time Travel

Kraków Travel Guide: Where to Eat, Stay & Play

Krakow Travel Guide: Where to Eat, Stay & Play

As the former royal capital of Poland, Kraków’s streets are laden with extravagant architecture, from the opulent St Mary's Basilica (home to the world's largest late-Gothic altarpiece) to Wawel Castle, which expanded and transformed with each owner and occupier. During its storied history, Kraków has experienced cycles of demolition and revival, but in the last decade firmly established itself as one of the most happening cities in Europe. 

From its fairytale aesthetic and world-class sweet treats to strong Jewish heritage and speakeasy vodka bars, here’s why you should consider Kraków for your next European escapade.

Explore a Subterranean Salt Mine

It may seem like an odd attraction, but the Wieliczka Salt Mine, some 14km southeast of Kraków, is one of Poland’s top sights. Sections of this labyrinth – which comprises 300km of underground tunnels and chambers, descending to depths of 327m – are open to organized tours culminating in the Chapel of St Kinga. This giant, ornamental hall is carved entirely from salt – including the altarpieces and chandeliers, if you can believe it. 

Stay at Opulent & Historic Hotels 

A highlight of visiting one of Poland’s oldest and best-preserved cities is getting to stay in its elegant, refurbished buildings. Situated in an 1870s townhouse opposite St. Martin's Church, the Balthazar Design Hotel emulates an eclectic London abode – rooms come with paisley-printed headboards and velvet armchairs, and the lobby is enveloped in a giant painted mural with bold splashes of color.  

Photo courtesy of Balthazar Design Hotel

Hotel Stary, which occupies a former-15th Century Merchants House, boasts a Prix Villégiature award for “the most beautiful hotel interior design in Europe.” Through all 48 rooms are gorgeous, the deluxe suites, with their lofty ceilings, trompe l'oeil walls, and extravagant marble, are something special.  

Equally as grand is The Bonerowski Palace, an example of mixed-era architecture that blends Gothic style with elements of Renaissance and Baroque. The decor feels traditional: think patterned wallpaper, matchy-matchy fabrics, and the odd chaise lounge.  

Get (Re)acquainted With Vodka 

Whatever your feelings about vodka, it’s time to embrace the national drink of Poland (to be fair, it tastes much better in Kraków). Sip flights of the spirit at tiny, popular watering hole Wódka Cafe Bar, or visit Ambasada Śledzia, a spot that specializes in vodka shots and pickled herring plates (a Polish specialty). 

If you prefer your vodka disguised with sweet and sour mixers, spend cocktail hour at HEVRE, a former synagogue with pleasantly crumbly original frescos, or Sababa, a multi-room speakeasy bar with modern chandeliers and a lively dance floor. 

Devour Polish Comfort Food 

The Polish know how to do satiating comfort food classics, and the best places to find them are milk bars – the once-ubiquitous cafeterias, subsidized by the government during the communist era. There are fewer of them around these days, but they’re still an excellent place to dine on plump perogies, cabbage rolls, and pickle soup. Milkbar Tomasza, with its black and white-tiled floor, and Bar Mleczny Targow, with its red-checkered tablecloths, offer the old-timey, cozy feel you want from a milk bar, with the traditional dishes to boot.  

Milkbar Tomasza | Photo by Gurbas Singh

But if you thought Polish cuisine peaked with the pierogi, you’d be mistaken (though admittedly they are delicious). For a more elevated dining experience head to Michelin-recommended Restauracja Wentzl, an institution since 1792 with lofty wooden ceilings and views of Rynek Główny square, or Art Restaurant, which offers a modern take on Polish cooking accompanied by an impressively large wine list, from its Wawel castle-adjacent location.  


As you wander the streets of Kraków, it’s hard to resist the plethora of Polish treats. Indulge your sweet-cravings with oozy rose jam donuts, towering cream slices, slabs of sirnik (Polish cheesecake), and luxurious mounds of smooth ice cream (Good Lood is the absolute best). 

Photo courtesy of Good Lood

Hike the Rim of Zakrzówek Quarry

Photo courtesy of @ulicki.pl

When an old limestone quarry just outside the city flooded with water, it became an unassuming tourist attraction and dive site (the basin is dotted with all kinds of oddities for discovery, including a plane with two fake skeletons in the cockpit). Though Zakrzówek’s emerald lake looks inviting, swimming is currently prohibited while safety measures are installed. However, the white rock and reflective water make this a pleasant and picturesque spot for hiking, rock climbing, and exploring the surrounding forest – a lovely afternoon escape. 

Immerse in Poland’s Jewish Heritage

We know, of course, that the Jewish Poles suffered greatly during the Holocaust (Auschwitz is only 40 miles from Kraków and Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory, which houses the exhibit Kraków under Nazi Occupation 1939-1945, is an important museum for those who want to further their historical understanding of the atrocities), but the community is thriving here now: membership applications for Krakow’s Jewish Community Center have doubled in recent years.

Once Upon a Time in Kazimierz | photo by Victor Malyushev

With its slew of cool cafes, art galleries, and synagogues to peruse, the Kazimierz Jewish Quarter should be on your itinerary. Don’t miss the restaurant Dawno Temu Na Kazimierzu (Once Upon a Time in Kazimierz), which has a facade that masquerades as a row of early 20th-century trade shops, and an interior decorated with relics of the neighborhood’s past. 

In the latest episode of our podcast, author Meg Stafford joins her daughter on a high school project to Nepal and Bhutan researching happiness. It was a mother-daughter trip that pushed Meg outside of her comfort zone. She found herself avoiding avalanches while climbing to Annapurna basecamp and dodging paint at the Holi Festival in Kathmandu. It also gave her the opportunity to examine what it means for a parent to love and to let go. 🎧 Link in bio to listen! ...

24 0

Istanbul`s beauty lies in its historic architecture, the Bosphorus Strait`s scenic charm, vibrant neighborhoods, bustling markets, rich cuisine, Sufi traditions, captivating sunsets, street art, and its unique blend of cultures as a crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Reel: @samisrt
...

159 0

Sweeping mountain views of the Dolomites, beautiful wildflowers, and the most delicious dinner included with your stay at @hotel_dolomitenhof_u_altepost.

Reel: @tc.travels
...

257 3

In the latest episode of our podcast, Christine Winebrenner Irick, entrepreneur (@lotussojourns) and podcaster (@souloftravelpodcast) shares the story of her first big trip to Asia. In the midst of a period of rebirth, as her career and marriage were crumbling, Christine took inspiration from Alex Garland`s book, The Beach, and set off for Thailand with one good friend and no solid plans. What unfolded was a perspective-shifting experience that would, in Christine`s own words, "reveal who she would become." 🎧 Link in bio to listen!

#tttcm #traveltok #thetripthatchangedme #podcast #travelpodcast #thailand #travelthailand
...

41 0

Is it too early to think about Fall? Daydreaming of autumn in Patagonia.

Reel: @ramirotorrents
...

693 5

A lovely town on the French Riviera, Menton is known for its beauty, mild weather, colorful buildings, and lemon production. Enjoy beaches, history, and a laid-back vibe.

Reel: @sofikulin
...

101 0

Full-Time Travel`s sister brand, @kingdomgolf, invites you to a join special guests from the world of golf and entertainment, including Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sörenstam, for a luxury island experience. Play the incredible courses at Wexford and Palmetto Hall Golf and Country Club. ⛳️ Link in bio to reserve your spot at the 2023 Kingdom Cup on Thursday, September 21st thru Sunday, September 24th. ...

49 4

One night in the desert inspires a corporate worker to follow her dream of becoming a travel journalist.

In the latest episode of our podcast, The Trip That Changed Me, travel journalist, podcaster, and entrepreneur Yulia Denisyuk (@insearchofperfect) shares the story of a career-altering trip to Morocco. It`s an ode to the power of looking for signs when you need confirmation you`re on the right track. If you`re harboring a dream but it never quite feels like the right time to make the leap, this episode is for you. 🎧 Link in bio to listen!

#fulltimetravel #travelreel #ftt #thetripthatchangedme #podcast #travelpodcast
...

23 1

Submerged beneath the ocean waves or inside a kaleidoscopic aquarium, these rare underwater restaurants serve meals alongside a cast of aquatic creatures. Book a table and enjoy a whole new spin on dinner and a show. ...

121 1

Bike through the world`s largest salt flats in Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia.

Reel: @islayjoy
...

1113 8

Known for its stunning sand dunes that create a landscape resembling white sheets (lençóis in Portuguese), Lençóis Maranhenses is a unique national park located in the state of Maranhão, Brazil.

The park`s most iconic feature is the series of turquoise lagoons formed by rainwater that collects between the dunes. These lagoons are a stark contrast to the surrounding white sands and provide a refreshing oasis for visitors.

Reel: @melly_ba
...

1971 208

A travel entrepreneur rows 3,000 miles in 36 days, completely unsupported.

In the latest episode of our podcast, The Trip That Changed Me, travel entrepreneur, Jimmy Carroll (@jimmyalexandercarroll), shares his experiences of participating in the world’s toughest rowing race: the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge.

For 36 days, Jimmy and his three teammates rowed in alternating two-hour stints for 24 hours a day, through storms, sleep deprivation, and an unexpected attack from a 12-foot blue marlin. It was an experience that pushed them to the limit of their resilience but one that was also full of profound beauty and awe.

🎧 Link in bio to listen!

#thetripthatchangedme #fulltimetravel #ftt #travelpodcast #podcast #jimmycarroll
...

114 7