The former royal capital of Poland, Krakow is a city steeped in history and legend, with its mediaeval market square, regal castle, and poignant memories of more recent pasts. Yet, beyond the well-trodden paths of Wawel Hill and the sombre echoes of Schindler’s Factory, lies a Krakow less known, brimming with clandestine delights and local secrets.
If you’re keen to eschew the tourist trail and delve into the city’s more obscure treasures, then we’ve teamed up with airport transfer experts mrshuttle.com to bring you this 48-hour journey into the heart of Krakow’s hidden gems.
Day 1: Off The Beaten Path
Morning: A Stroll through Nowa Huta
Begin your day with a journey to the socialist realist district of Nowa Huta. This area, initially designed as a utopian ideal city, offers a stark contrast to the mediaeval allure of central Krakow. Start at the Central Square (Plac Centralny) and admire the grandiose architecture. Don’t miss the Arka Pana Church, a symbol of the Polish struggle against communism, with its intriguing ship-like design.
Midday: Lunch at Stylowa
For lunch, head to the iconic Stylowa restaurant, a fixture of Nowa Huta since 1956. This eatery not only serves traditional Polish cuisine but also acts as a living museum of the district’s history. Try the pierogi or the hearty żurek soup, and soak in the atmosphere of a bygone era.
Afternoon: Discovering Zabłocie
Post-lunch, make your way to Zabłocie, an industrial district turned artistic hub. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow (MOCAK), where the exhibitions of modern art are as captivating as the building’s industrial design.
Nearby, explore the enamel factory of Oskar Schindler, now a museum, but venture further to find local artists’ studios and quirky shops in the surrounding streets.
Twilight: The Serenity of Zakrzówek
If you’re seeking a moment of tranquillity away from the city’s hustle, head to the Zakrzówek Lagoon. This hidden oasis just a 20 minute tram ride southwest of the city, with its turquoise waters, is a favourite among locals for a peaceful walk or even a dip during the warmer months. The limestone cliffs surrounding the lagoon add to the area’s dramatic beauty.
Evening: Kazimierz’s Alchemic Alleys
As dusk falls, wander into the heart of Kazimierz, the historic Jewish quarter. Have a pre-dinner drink and a bite at Pierogi? to tu! These eastern European dumplings rich and deeply satisfying. Then skip the crowded bars of Plac Nowy and seek out Alchemia od Kuchni, a restaurant hidden within the famous Alchemia bar. Here, you can indulge in modern takes on Jewish and Polish classics.
After dinner, explore the dimly lit alleys and discover the many intimate bars (we love Bar a Vin) and art galleries that give this neighbourhood its bohemian charm. Or, stop off Lodziarnia Saint Malo on the corner of ul. Nowa & ul. Józefa for an evening ice cream. The colourful mural on the side of the building was created as part of the local 100 Murals for Kraków proejct, which includes works by well-known Polish and foreign artists.
Day 2: The Road Less Travelled
Morning: The Secrets of Podgórze
Start your second day in the district of Podgórze, once a separate town and now a district with a distinct character. Climb the Krakus Mound for panoramic views of the city and then descend to explore the eerie Liban Quarry, a former WWII labour camp and a filming location for “Schindler’s List”.
Before you leave Podgórze, make sure to visit the Apteka pod Orłem (Pharmacy Under the Eagle). This is not your typical pharmacy; it’s a museum dedicated to the memory of Tadeusz Pankiewicz, the only non-Jewish resident of the Krakow Ghetto during WWII. The exhibitions here are poignant reminders of the area’s tragic past and the resilience of the human spirit.
Midday: A Bite at Forum Przestrzenie
For a unique lunch spot, head to Forum Przestrzenie, a hipster haunt located in the shell of the communist-era Forum Hotel. With plenty of outdoor seating and a wide range of food options, you can enjoy a light meal or even just a coffee on the super sociable riverside terrace with views of Wawel Castle in the distance.
Afternoon: The Bohemian Spirit Of Plac Zgody
Immerse yourself in the bohemian spirit of Krakow by spending your afternoon at Plac Zgody, a vibrant square that’s a testament to the city’s resilience and cultural renaissance.
Just a pleasant 20 minute walk along the Vistula River from Forum Przestrzenie, begin at the Ghetto Heroes Square, where you can pay your respects at the poignant memorial to the victims of the Krakow Ghetto. The square’s large, empty chairs serve as a powerful symbol of the absence left by the community that once thrived here.
From there, take a short walk to the nearby Ethnographic Museum of Krakow. Housed in the former Town Hall of Kazimierz, this museum offers a fascinating insight into Polish folk culture, showcasing traditional costumes, crafts, and customs that have shaped the nation’s cultural fabric.
After absorbing the rich history, head over to the Stained Glass Museum (Muzeum Witrazu), where you can witness the age-old craft of stained glass making. Join a workshop to see artisans at work and even try your hand at creating your own piece of stained glass art.
Next, explore the streets of the surrounding district, where you’ll find a mix of art galleries, independent boutiques, and cosy cafes. Take a moment to relax in one of the local coffee shops – locals here cherish a stiff, strong espresso of an afternoon – while watching the world go by.
As the afternoon light begins to wane, make your way to the Father Bernatek Footbridge. This pedestrian bridge is not only a convenient connection between the districts of Kazimierz and Podgórze but also an open-air gallery for contemporary sculptures. The ‘Acrobats’ by Jerzy Kędziora are suspended above the Vistula River, adding a playful and artistic touch to the cityscape.
Evening: A Culinary Finale at Starka
Conclude your Krakow adventure with dinner at Starka, a restaurant tucked away in a quiet corner of Kazimierz. This place is renowned for its homemade flavoured vodkas and traditional Polish dishes with a modern twist. The intimate setting and warm decor provide the perfect backdrop for reflecting on your 48 hours of exploration.
For those who are night owls, Singer, just around the corner, is a must-visit. Named after the sewing machines that serve as tables, this bar in Kazimierz is an institution. The candlelit ambiance and the eclectic mix of furniture make it a perfect spot for a late-night drink. The bar often hosts live music, adding to the atmospheric charm of the place.
A Nightcap at Eszeweria
If you’ve still got energy to spare, end your night with a nightcap at Eszeweria, just a moment’s stroll on from Singer. A bar that feels like a step into someone’s eclectic living room, complete with mismatched furniture and a labyrinth of rooms, it’s the ideal spot to ponder the hidden stories and local haunts that have made your Krakow experience truly unique.
The Bottom Line
In just 48 hours, you’ve uncovered a Krakow that thrives in the shadows of its more famous attractions. You’ve wandered through districts that tell tales of a complex history, you’ve eaten locally, and you’ve discovered the creative pulse that beats away from the main squares. Krakow’s hidden gems have revealed a city rich in nuances, one that invites you to return, time and again, to uncover more of its secrets.
