10 best hidden gems in Krakow according to a local insider

Krakow is surprisingly easy to navigate on foot, so you can tick off all the major attractions relatively quickly — giving you more time to go off the beaten path in this bijou Polish city. Want to discover the best hidden gems? I've spent almost five years in Krakow — I've got the inside take on where to cool off in the summer months, the city's best neighborhoods for brunch, and even where to buy beer made by monks, so you can really drink up everything Poland’s historic city has to offer.

Krakow’s must-see hidden places at a glance

Off-the-beaten-track places for history lovers: Skałka Church, the remains of the wartime Jewish ghetto wall, and Collegium Maius.
Hidden gems in Krakow for kids and families: Swimming at Zakrzówek reservoir and exploring the Polish Aviation Museum.
Secret places for romantic moments: The Botanic Garden of the Jagiellonian University, beers at Bubble Toast, Szał Cafe or Tyniec Abbey.
Lesser-known spots with great views: Picnic at Krakus Mound at sunset.

1. Soak up the views at Zakrzówek reservoir

Zakrzówek is where locals go to immerse themselves in nature on a day trip from Krakow. A limestone quarry that flooded in 1990, it’s a much-loved spot for swimming in the summer and year-round walking. To get the full view of its turquoise waters and impressive cliffs, complete the trail around the lake, which takes around 50 minutes.

Insider tip

There are benches where you can take in the views all around Zakrzówek, but for one of the best and my favorite hidden places, head up to the Zakrzówek viewpoint.

Address and opening hours

Salezjańska 19, 30-374 Krakow.

2. Toast Krakow’s cocktail bars

Krakow’s nightlife is as varied as it is popular. From live music venues to techno clubs and cocktail spots, a bar crawl is the best way to see everything on offer. If you like your cocktails with a side of kitsch, a stop at Bubble Toast is a must. Expect pastel-colored interiors and unusual ingredients from one of Krakow’s most Instagrammable locations.

Best time to go

With an impressive selection of champagne and sparkling cocktails, Bubble Toast is the perfect venue for a celebration.

Address and opening hours

Plac Szczepański 5, 31-011 Krakow. Open Monday-Thursday, 4:00 PM-10:00 PM; Friday, 4:00 PM-midnight; Saturday, noon-1:00 AM; Sunday, noon-10:00 PM.

3. Dive into Poland’s aviation heritage

Plane enthusiasts will find an impressive selection of rare aircraft at the Polish Aviation Museum, one of my favorite underrated attractions in Krakow. Located at one of the first-ever airports in Europe, it’s home to more than 200 aircraft, including models from World War I and the helicopter used by the late Pope John Paul II, plus a simulator that puts you in the pilot seat.

Insider tip

The museum is just a short walk from Arena Garden Street Food Market, where you can pick up supplies for a picnic at the nearby Polish Airmen Park.

Address and opening hours

Al. Jana Pawła II 39, 31-864 Krakow. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; closed Mondays.

4. Take a break at the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel

If you can find the entrance, the Skałka Church in Kazimierz offers a moment of calm at the heart of the city. In honor of Saint Stanislaus, the patron saint of Poland, it’s a hidden gem with religious significance, beautiful architecture, and a neighboring monastery with a lovely garden. I love to stop by if I’m in the area to enjoy the peace and quiet.

Insider tip

Kazimierz, the city’s old Jewish quarter, is now known for its vintage shops and cool cafes and restaurants. Team your visit to the basilica with dinner nearby.

Address and opening hours

Skałeczna 15, 31-065 Krakow.

5. Retrace Krakow’s important Jewish history

A lot of people visit Poland to explore Krakow’s World War II sites. But many don’t know about the remains of the Jewish ghetto — which was created by the Nazis during their occupation of Poland — that are still standing in the city today. There are two hidden places in Krakow where you can still see a fragment of the original ghetto walls — 29 Lwowska Street is in the best condition.

Insider tip

To learn more about the former ghetto area, pick up a copy of “The Krakow Ghetto Pharmacy” by Tadeusz Pankiewicz while visiting the city. It shares lots of pictures and details about what happened inside these walls.

Address and opening hours

Lwowska 29, 30-548 Krakow.

6. Take in the view from the Szał Cafe

This is the best cafe for the best view of Krakow’s main market square. It’s located on the rooftop of the Cloth Hall and overlooks St. Mary’s Basilica. Go for the view and a coffee, beer or glass of wine — but there are better places to eat nearby.

Insider tip

Most people miss this spot as the entrance isn’t easy to find. When arriving at the Cloth Hall, look for the entrance to the Museum of Polish Art (Galeria Sztuki Polskiej) and take the elevator or stairs to the first floor.

Address and opening hours

Rynek Główny 3, 31-048 Krakow.

7. Relax at the Botanic Garden of the Jagiellonian University

Krakow is home to one of Poland’s oldest and most beautiful botanical gardens. A relaxing escape, especially on a hot summer day in Krakow, it has over 5,000 species of plants. There’s lots of information available, including signs in Braille, so everyone can learn more about the species on display, too.

Insider tip

The greenhouses are closed regularly for maintenance, so check the website in advance for the most up-to-date opening times.

Address and opening hours

Mikołaja Kopernika 27, 31-501 Krakow. Open daily, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM.

8. Climb to the top of Krakus Mound

There are four different man-made mounds in Krakow and, although the Kościuszko Mound is the most famous, my favorite to walk around is the Krakus Mound. Tackle its 16 meters to reach the top and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. It’s a great place for a picnic and the best spot in Krakow to watch sunset.

Best time to go

On the Tuesday after Easter, Krakus Mound turns into a medieval village for the Rękawka Festival, complete with battles, crafts, traditional clothes, and a lot of tasty food.

Address and opening hours

30-543 Krakow.

9. Discover where Copernicus studied

Did you know one of the most famous astronomers studied in Krakow? Nicolaus Copernicus is a former student of the Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest universities in Europe. Take a tour of its oldest building, the lesser-known Collegium Maius in Krakow’s Old Town, and you’ll be able to visit the rooms Copernicus — who proposed that the Sun is the center of the solar system — once studied in.

Insider tip

Even if you don’t have time to enter the university, enjoy a quick stroll around the building to admire its architecture.

Address and opening hours

Gołębia 24, 31-007 Krakow.

10. Enjoy a day trip to Tyniec Abbey

Tyniec village, a hidden gem you can easily reach from Krakow, is also home to the oldest monastery in Poland, Tyniec Abbey. Located next to the Vistula River, it’s not only a beautiful church but a building with an 800-year-old brewing past. When you’re in the area, pick up some of the popular Tinecia Blonde monastic beers.

Insider tip

Despite its brewing heritage, Tyniec Abbey is still a sacred site. Remember to dress appropriately and remain silent when instructed.

Address and opening hours

Benedyktyńska 37, 30-398 Krakow. Open every day, 5:30 AM-10:00 PM.

FAQs

What is the coolest neighborhood in Krakow?

You’ll find many of Krakow’s must-see historical sights within a short walk of the Old Town, from St Mary’s Basilica to Wawel Hill. For the best brunches and nightlife, Kazimierz is where you’ll want to spend your weekends and evenings.

What is the best month to visit Krakow?

If you want to avoid the crowds and see your Złoty go a little further, the best time to visit Krakow is in the off-season, from December to February. It’s also easier to get tickets for many of the major attractions from March to May and September to November than during the peak summer months, and the weather is still mild.

What is the best currency to take to Krakow?

Some of Krakow's bigger bars and major tourist companies may accept Euros, but you’ll get a better deal if you use the local currency, Złoty.

Are there any hidden gems for food in Krakow?

For the best Krakow street food, head to Plac Nowy in Kazimierz for zapiekanka, a baguette cut in half and traditionally filled with cheese, mushrooms, and ketchup. Other must-eat dishes to look out for include Poland’s famous pierogi dumplings and obwarzanek (Krakow’s own bagel).

What is the best way to avoid crowds at the major landmarks?

If you’re visiting Krakow in summer, expect big crowds at the Main Market Square and Wawel Castle. For a quieter experience, head to all major attractions early in the morning or just before they close. You’ll also need to book your tickets in advance for the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz.