Krakow, the second-largest city in Poland is perhaps most known for its history. Unlike Warsaw, which boasts stories-high skyscrapers, experimental cuisines, and big-city urban hustle and bustle, its smaller rival is famous for its medieval old town, old Jewish quarter and scenic parks.
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As the most popular Polish city among tourists, Krakow is often where people get their first taste of Poland and what it has to offer.
Start the day with a local staple
For a real taste of Krakow, be sure to start your morning with an obwarzanek, a braided, ring-shaped bread that is kind of a cross between a soft pretzel and a bagel, and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Typically topped with salt, poppy seeds or sesame seeds, these treats can be purchased at street carts, particularly in the city center.
The obwarzanek has a long history in the city, dating back to a royal decree in 1496 that required all white bread in Poland must be made in Krakow — and that was only overturned in 1802. Centuries later, you can still enjoy this local staple — which became an EU protected food in 2010 — on the medieval streets where it first appeared. More than 150,000 obwarzanki are sold in Krakow every day.
Something sweet at Cukiernia Michalek
Chief among Poland’s culinary traditions are baked goods and sweets. The best can be found at local establishments, where lines stretch across the street, with loyal customers looking to get their daily sugar fix.
Michałek Confectionary is one of these. The bakery known for its rose jam-filled pączki, Polish donuts topped with powdered sugar, and has been praised by Polish daily Gazeta Wyborcza and local site Kraków Nasze Miasto, among others.
If you're looking to try more than one treat, ask for a piece of kremówka, a Polish cream pie made with puff pastry — and a favorite of Pope St. John Paul II, former Bishop of Krakow — or a makowiec, a poppy seed roll with just the right amount of sweetness.
Michałek is just across from the Bagatela Theater and is walking distance from the historic old town.
A break with bunnies
Nestled within the bustle of the city is a calm, quiet café where you can enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up while making some furry friends. Coffee and cakes are available in one half of Bunny Café, while the second half is home to rabbits that you can visit for an extra fee.
These visits are timed, with staff available to keep the environment safe and stress-free for the animals. Children accompanied by their parents, animal lovers or those simply looking for a bit of cuteness can pet and feed friendly bunnies.
The café is open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., with breaks at midday so that the bunnies can rest and recharge.
Lunch (and a history lesson) at Starka
Located in Kazimierz, Krakow’s historic Jewish quarter, Starka is a modern Polish restaurant that boasts a generous lunch menu with updated staples, and house-made barrel-aged vodkas.
Have a plate of pierogi (filled dumplings), tatar (beef tartare), or zalewajka soup made with farm-sourced sausage, with plain or flavored vodkas on the side.
Whether it's a traditional taste of Poland, or an updated version of the cuisine (including a generous amount of vegetarian options), Starka has everything you need for a well-rounded culinary experience.
Dinner at Poland's highest-rated restaurant...
Bottiglieria 1881 made history in 2023, when it became the first restaurant in the country to receive two Michelin stars.
Like any fine dining restaurant, its tasting menu is small and precise, inspired by seasonal produce. Polish staples such as cabbage, rhubarb, caviar and even pierogi are elevated and experimented with, promising an unforgettable experience deserving of its high praise.
"Everything is served beautifully here, the precision of preparation and decoration is extraordinary, from the first of the appetizers, tartlets with eel, radish and herbs, cookies with an exceptionally delicate and green mousse-cream, after which the eel taste remains in the mouth for a long time,” food critic Wojciech Nowicki wrote in Wyborcza when he visited Bottiglieria 1881 just after it received its first star.
Przemysław Klima is the co-owner and head chef of Bottigliera 1881, the first Polish restaurant to receive a Michelin award, winning its first star in 2020. Klima began his career working for prestigious restaurants such as Noma in Copenhagen, and returned to Poland in 2019 to take over the restaurant. He transformed it from a local wine bar to a renowned establishment and was nominated among the 100 best chefs in the world two years in a row.
… or take a second vacation at Molàm
Krakow has many other restaurants that have made it into the Michelin Guide, one of the most interesting of which is Molàm, a self-described Nu-Thai spot designed to recreate the feel of Bangkok at night.
With family-style dining and reasonable prices allowing visitors to explore its eclectic menu, Molam has become a staple among locals, gaining recognition not from Michelin but also from Polish magazines such as Elle Polska and Twój Styl, and news sites like TVN 24.
This spot is the perfect place for spice lovers, a good fit for both vegetarians and meat-eaters, and, for those who don’t drink alcohol, a good spot to find a nice mocktail with layers of depth.
Thirsty? Have a craft beer at Eszeweria
Tired of the hustle and bustle of the city center? Look no further than this secret garden tucked away right next door.
Located just outside of the Old Town, Eszeweria offers great atmosphere and specialty brews and coffee at affordable prices. Indoors, enjoy eccentric decor, cozy couches and antique lamps. Or, in the warmer months, opt for seating in the garden.
In the wintertime, be sure to try some of the hot wine or mulled beer.