Yes — Krakow in summer has it all: the historic atmosphere of the Old Town, green spaces perfect for a picnic, crystal-blue swimming spots around Zakrzówek and cultural events that give the city extra energy. For couples, the city combines romantic corners (for example, the Father Bernatek Footbridge) with less obvious attractions like the Living Bagel Museum and contemporary exhibitions at MOCAK. This makes it easy to plan a day full of varied experiences — from a lazy morning over coffee, through an afternoon stroll, to an evening on a terrace with a view of the Vistula.
In this article you will find suggestions for walks and activities as well as practical tips: where to find meaningful souvenirs, what to bring on a hot day and how to avoid the most common tourist mistakes. If you want a ready-made plan or prefer to explore with a private guide, Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers personalized routes — contact details are available on her website.
Morning: start with coffee and breakfast at one of the popular cafés near the Main Market Square — a perfect launching point for a walk. Recommended spots with a great atmosphere include Café Camelot and Charlotte — in high season try to arrive early to avoid queues.
Walk and afternoon: choose a route through the Planty park toward Wawel, stop at the Vistula Boulevards and cross the Father Bernatek Footbridge. In summer a picnic on the Błonia or a short trip to Zakrzówek is a great idea — the local swimming spots and wooden piers feel like a mini escape from the city.
Evening: have dinner at a place recommended by locals or find a terrace with a view of the Vistula. If you prefer something cultural, check the summer outdoor program — open-air concerts and film screenings or seasonal festivals often take place in the evenings.
Father Bernatek Footbridge - lit up after dark, with sculptures and views of the Vistula; a popular spot for short, romantic walks.
Planty and Bednarski Park - green rings around the Old Town, perfect for resting in the shade of trees.
Wawel and the area around the Dragon’s Den - a must-see for photos and short tales of the city’s legends.
Zakrzówek - after revitalization it’s a place for couples seeking coolness and a landscape unusual for an urban trip.
Kazimierz and the Vistula Boulevards - atmospheric cafés, poster galleries and nightlife offer a great contrast to quieter mornings in the Old Town.
Living Bagel Museum — a short, hands-on lesson in local tradition with the chance to bake your own bagel; a fun memory-making experience.
MOCAK and Manggha — if you enjoy contemporary art or Asian aesthetics, these venues offer a break from historic sights and show Krakow’s modern side.
Collegium Maius and other historical museums — a good choice for an overcast day and a chance to discover the academic and scientific face of the city.
Evening outdoor events and local festivals — the summer cultural program is busy, so check calendars and book tickets in advance when possible.
Sukiennice and the Main Market area - the classic spot with a wide selection: amber jewelry, small crafts, and miniature nativity scenes. Convenient when you want to pick up several items at once.
Grodzka Street and nearby alleys - boutiques with ceramics, posters and handmade goods; the farther from main arteries, the better the chance of finding original pieces.
Kazimierz - judaica, posters, vintage and soulful handicrafts; ideal for those seeking souvenirs with history and character.
Vistula Boulevards and the Dragon’s Den area - stalls with trinkets for children and souvenirs like wooden dragons or plush toys.
Poster shops and graphic art galleries - a lightweight souvenir that fits in a shipping tube and can be hung at home right away.
Compare price and quality: do a quick circle of a few stalls before you buy — workmanship and detail often vary.
Keep the receipt and check product information, especially for amber jewelry - ask about the stone’s origin.
Food souvenirs and alcohol: pack these items in checked luggage for flights and keep receipts; cheeses and some honeys are better bought vacuum-packed.
Transport posters in a tube; ask for extra protection for fragile ceramics; small commemorative coins and bookmarks are good options for carry-on luggage.
If you live outside the EU, ask about the possibility of Tax Free and the minimum refund threshold — it can reduce the cost of more expensive purchases.
Buying the “first thing” at the busiest stalls - before you pay, look around a bit; sometimes a better design or quality is just a step away.
Not planning the time to visit Wawel or major museums — avoid peak hours between 11:00 and 15:00 and consider booking tickets in advance.
Traveling in the heat without water and sunscreen — summer temperatures can be high; carry a bottle and a hat.
Not packing fragile souvenirs properly — ask the seller for additional protection and packing on the spot.
How to get around the city? - Krakow has an extensive tram and bus network; short distances in the center are easy on foot, while trams or electric scooters are handy for longer trips.
Is Krakow safe? - Generally yes, but like any busy tourist city there are occasional pickpocketing incidents in crowded places; keep documents and wallet secure.
What to pack for summer? - light clothing, a head covering, sunscreen, comfortable shoes for uneven surfaces and a reusable water bottle.
Do you need to reserve restaurants? - For popular evenings and highly-rated places it’s wise to reserve a table in advance, especially during peak season.
The Hejnał from St. Mary’s Tower plays every hour — a short melody that has become a symbol of the city.
The Living Bagel Museum lets you bake the local treat yourself — a great idea for souvenir photos and an unusual culinary experience.
Zakrzówek used to be a quarry bay — after revitalization it became one of the most photogenic and cooler spots in the city during summer.
The Father Bernatek Footbridge features sculptures of dancers balancing on wires, giving it an artistic character and making a walk there more special.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media — it helps others plan their trip. If you want to discover Krakow without stress, consider a route tailored to your interests. Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers private tours of Krakow — contact details are available on her website. Wishing you a wonderful stay in Krakow full of pleasant surprises!
If you need a short one-day plan for a trip with your partner — write to me and I’ll tailor one for you (café, walk, souvenirs and dinner).
