Former capital city of Poland, Kraków, attracts a multitude of tourists each year, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many historical landmarks. We take a step off the beaten path and see what else there is to discover at this fascinating destination.
Admire the City from Above as You Climb the Oldest Man-made Structure in Kraków
Rumored to be the last resting place of the city’s fabled founder King Krak, Krakus Mound (also known as Krak Mound) is one of two prehistoric monumental mounds within the city of Kraków. Legend has it that upon King Krak’s death, hundreds of mourners gathered at this spot, carrying earth in their sleeves to build a hill, which could watch over the city in place of their late ruler.
Located in the storied Podgórze district on the southern bank of the Vistula River, this striking, grassy tumulus stands 16 meters high, with clear paths leading to the summit. At the top, climbers can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city and local countryside – a perfect place to watch the sun rise or set, and ideal for scenic photography.
Taste the past at One of Kraków’s Historic Milk Bars
During the socialist era, milk bars were government-subsidized canteens offering simple nutritious and affordable meals – often based on dairy products.
Since Poland’s independence, the number of milk bars (bar mleczny in Polish) has dwindled, but their menus and concepts remain similar. Still popular with thrifty locals and relatively undiscovered by tourists, simple hearty fare is served from breakfast to early evening in traditional, unfussy surroundings.
Menu boards list prices and dishes; diners wait in line to collect their food, then find a place to sit. Think pierogi, sweet cottage cheese pancakes, borscht, stews, and cutlets – all of which pair very well with delicious house-made “kompot” (a refreshing fruit drink) or a cold glass of milk.
Try Bar Mleczny Pod Temidą, close to the main square, for amazing omelets and breakfast smoothies, or the excellent Bar Południowy tucked away in Podgórze district for cutlets and pancakes. Pierogi are super popular at Bar Targowy in Kazimierz. Portions are large, so be sure to arrive hungry.
Lock in Your Love on Father Bernatek Bridge
One of Kraków’s more modern monuments, the stunning Father Bernatek footbridge spans the river Vistula between arty Kazimierz and historical Podgórze districts. Built in 2010, it was named after Father Laetus Bernatek, a 19th century priest.
Sinuous in shape, this eye-catching structure attracts both locals and visitors. Latticed wires support several mesmerizing sculptures of acrobats, which move gently in time with the breeze. Created by contemporary Polish artist Jerzy Kędziora, these realistic bodies, suspended in the air, create an astonishing backdrop above the river.
This romantic setting has become a destination for lovers, who pledge their eternal devotion by clipping padlocks to the bridge and throwing the keys into the water.
Enjoy Street Food and Street Art in Fashionable Kazimierz
The historical Jewish quarter of Kraków, Kazimierz is a fascinating mix of past and present. Home to Poland’s oldest synagogue, in recent years it has become a canvas for striking street art – with vast murals and intricate portraits adorning walls and buildings.
The area attracts a hipster crowd who enjoy its underground clubs, bars, art spaces and cafes, and it has become the epicenter of traditional Polish street food.
Judah Square, named for the famous street art mural of a boy wearing a lion headdress: “The Lion of Judah” is a food truck park renowned for its Maczanka, a local delicacy of pulled pork, served in a fresh bread bun, with a variety of toppings and sauces. Another must-try is Kumpir (loaded, giant, baked potatoes).
Another fantastic street food destination is Plac Nowy, a square filled with multiple food stalls, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants, which comes to life during the evening. Plac Nowy is famed for its Zapiekanka – a filling and delicious bread base, traditionally topped with cheese and mushrooms. Or check out the grilled Oscypek (a smoked mountain cheese) served with cranberries, grilled offal and Kielbasa (a lightly smoked sausage).
Explore Communist Utopia in Nowa Huta
One of only two socialist realist cities ever built, Nowa Huta on the outskirts of Kraków was designed as a “Utopian Ideal City” in 1949. Destined to be a home for industrial workers at the nearby steelworks, Nowa Huta was a socialist lesson in town planning – with an imposing central square, broad, tree-lined avenues and clusters of apartment blocks punctuated with verdant parks.
A world away from the ancient architecture of Kraków Old Town, Nowa Huta is a fascinating place to explore. Buildings are uniform and modern yet have a certain grandeur.
Nowa Huta is an easy tram ride from the center of Kraków – but to get an old-school taste of the area, why not get picked up from your accommodation and take a ride in a vintage Communist-era vehicle, with a local guide to discover the more recent history of Kraków?
