What makes Krakow such an amazing and appealing city? Many visitors spend much of their time visiting the “must-sees,” like the beautiful architectural buildings, cathedrals, and great museums. There is nothing wrong with that, of course, but you will spend much of your time queuing with fellow tourists.

Our Spotters will tell you it’s the city’s ability to seamlessly blend old and new, its international but somehow still elegant and down-to-earth vibe, and the constant change happening all around you. Here are 12 picks for some of Krakow’s unique gems, in the words of our very own team of locals.

Bold theater

In an area of Krakow with a desolate vibe that doesn’t get a lot of tourist attention, you can find many hidden gems. One of these is Teatr Barakah Art Café, located in a former mikvah building (a type of Jewish bathhouse).

Barakah is a unique theater. It brings together different cultures and means of expression and is not afraid to raise difficult questions. The acts it shows are bold and executed by the city’s best artists. All the plays are in Polish, but if you want to get an authentic feel for the local drama community, there’s no better place to go.

Gardening heaven

Ogród Łobzów in Krakow is a garden center with a fascinating history that stretches back to the 14th century. Once part of a royal summer residence, it’s now a family-run haven for plant lovers, maintained by the Uznański family through generations.

The center is a delight for both beginners and experts, offering a wide array of flowers, vegetables, herbs, and garden decor. A stroll or bike ride along the Młynówka Królewska park will lead you right there. The friendly staff is eager to help with any gardening needs, and a glance over the fence reveals the Uznański family’s own greenhouses. Ogród Łobzów is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to add a touch of green to their life.

A bar with a story to tell

Originally a Jewish prayer house, it later turned into a music club. Nowadays, it is a bar known as HEVRE, one of the must-visit spots in Krakow.

From the moment you enter, HEVRE astonishes with beautiful vintage chandeliers and preserved frescos on the walls, which take you back to the early 20th-century ambience of Krakow. However, the place offers much more than just a breathtaking interior. Throughout the day HEVRE functions as a cafe and bar, but later in the evening, it transforms into an ultimate place to dance the night away. Whether you’re looking for a good cup of coffee, a proper beer or soe good music in the evening, HEVRE has it all.

Quarry oasis in the city center

Spots like these are always great: the contrast with concrete city life is so huge that visiting a place like this can make you feel like you’ve traveled to another country. Zakrzowek is a water-filled quarry surrounded by rock. The combination of turquoise water and steep cliffs gives off a vacation vibe and makes for some great pictures.

You can usually spot (or join) some rock climbers around here. If you make your way to the top of the cliff you’ll find an amazing view over Krakow. If all this is not adventurous enough for you, you can even take scuba diving classes here, and maybe find some old sunken treasures underwater.

A classic Polish experience

You might have heard of Polish milk bars. To put it briefly, these are cheap establishments usually associated with the communist period, serving home-style food.

There are several of these in Krakow, usually packed with tourists, so if you’re looking for something more off-the-beaten-path, Bar Mleczny Krakus is where you should go. You’ll find classic, authentic Polish lunch dishes of good quality for very cheap prices. It has a social atmosphere and is a great place for people-watching. The interior is very basic and milk bar-ish (so don’t expect anything fancy), but if you want a true Polish experience, in terms of food and getting to know the society a bit more, Bar Krakus is the place.

Pagan burial mound with a view

Krakow’s Christian history, dating back to pre-966, can still be found in the city’s landscape. Some of the most visible historic remnants are mounds that you can find throughout the city.

One of these, Kopiec Kraka, is an ancient burial mound, thought to be the final resting place of Krakow’s founder. The mound gives you an amazing panoramic view and unlike the other mounds, this one is free of charge. Even if you’re not into the history of Krakow, it’s worth a visit for the view alone!

Winery in the city

Although Poland is known for its vodka and beer, Polish wine-making dates back to the Middle Ages, and in recent years has become more and more known to the world.

Srebrna Góra, is located within the city limits on the grounds of a 17th-century Camaldolese Hermit Monastery. The vineyard offers guided tours with some history lessons included, later followed by wine tastings overviewing a breathtaking Wisla Valley.

Acrobats bridge

Father Bernatek’s Bridge is a real treat for anyone visiting Krakow. Built in 2010 by local architect Andrzej Getter, this modern bridge connects the lovely neighbourhoods of Podgorze and Kazimierz.

What makes it stand out are the cool acrobat statues that look like they’re defying gravity, adding a touch of whimsy to the walk. Each time you cross, you’ll spot something new in these funky figures. It’s also a popular romantic spot, with couples leaving love locks on the railings. If you’re in Krakow, taking a stroll across this bridge is definitely worth it!

Polish soul in design

If you’re passionate about interior design, Rzeczy Same in Krakow should definitely be on your radar. This gem of a store is a haven for anyone who loves stylish, Polish-made decor. From chic furniture and elegant ceramics to unique jewellery and even cosmetics, everything here is crafted with a distinctive local flair.

At Rzeczy Same, the no-ear mugs by ‘Mamsam’ are a real highlight. They blend classic 1960s hotel style with a modern twist, showcasing playful designs that reflect Polish culture and current events. The poster section is equally impressive, featuring Ryszard Kaja’s iconic ‘Polska’ series. These vintage-inspired posters are not just decor—they capture Polish art and history in a truly unique way. A visit to Rzeczy Same promises to uncover beautifully crafted, locally-made items that will add a touch of charm and inspiration to any space.

Playful park

“Kleparzing” like a local

Stary Kleparz (Old Kleparz) is Krakow’s oldest marketplace and the closest to Main Square. It’s a vibrant spot where locals and visitors shop for fresh produce, Polish specialties, and Mediterranean and Middle Eastern goods.

The market is a staple in the community, with a special term, “kleparzing,” for shopping here. For the best selection, visit before 10 AM, bring cash, and make sure to try Aperol with Italian snacks at Baqaro—it’s a must! The lively atmosphere and diverse offerings make Old Kleparz a fantastic place to experience Krakow’s local flavor.

Cultural hotspot in a wardrobe

Cafe Szafe is a Krakow gem with a quirky charm that’s hard to resist. Inspired by old wardrobes, this iconic cafe/bar has been a cultural hotspot for nearly 20 years, even inspiring a book and serving as a film set. Tucked between the Old Town and Kazimierz, it’s worth the detour.

Evenings at Cafe Szafe buzz with concerts, open mics, and film screenings, while daytime brings in local students, proudly flashing their fun ‘Republic of Szafe’ IDs. Step through the wardrobe door, soak in the old-school Cracovian vibe, and unwind with a beer in this timeless, atmospheric spot.

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