Collegium Maius is the oldest building of the Jagiellonian University and one of those places in Kraków where history is literally felt under your feet. The courtyard, surrounded by arcades, the old clock with its figures and the stone well create an atmosphere that immediately transports you to another era.
This spot is more than a pretty photo — in earlier centuries professors lived here and lectures were held within these walls. Personalities connected with the university across the centuries, including well-known scholars, give the place special significance.
On the courtyard you can often hear a melody played by the clock at set times of day — a charming accent many visitors remember as a symbol of the university's tradition.
If you plan a short visit, come in the morning or late afternoon — there are fewer people then and it’s easier to find a quiet moment for photos. The Market Square area can be very busy at midday, especially in high season.
Museum interiors require a ticket; if you want to enter the Jagiellonian University Museum, check opening hours and ticket options on the museum’s site before you go. The courtyard may be accessible from the street, but access to some rooms is limited.
Please keep quiet and show respect on the courtyard — it’s not only a tourist attraction but also part of an active university and a historical museum.
After leaving the courtyard you have a great starting point for a coffee walk: in just a few minutes you can find classic Old Town cafés, cozy bookish spots or modern specialty roasters.
Suggested route: Collegium Maius — Jagiellońska Street / Planty — Szczepański Square — pass toward the Mały Rynek and continue in the direction of Kazimierz. Along the way stop where the smell of freshly ground coffee is impossible to ignore.
Massolit Books & Cafe — perfect for people who love books and long afternoons; coffee is served in a friendly, literary atmosphere.
Tektura / Blossom Coffee Roasters — spots for specialty coffee lovers: fresh beans, alternative brewing methods and experienced baristas.
Café Camelot — the feel of Kraków’s bohemian past; atmospheric interiors and a charming patio make it great for a relaxed meeting.
Café Noworolski — a café with a long tradition located by the Market Square; if you’re after historic ambiance and elegance, this is one of those places.
Mleczarnia in Kazimierz — warm, cozy atmosphere and solid pastries; a great place to rest during a Kazimierz walk.
Cafe Manggha — a museum café with a terrace offering views of the Vistula and Wawel; an excellent choice when you want to combine coffee with a panorama of the city.
Karma Coffee Roasters / Café Lisia Kita — examples of places outside the strict center where you can find excellent coffee in a less touristy atmosphere.
If you like classics, order an espresso or a cappuccino — a well-made classic coffee will tell you a lot about the bar’s skills. For those seeking new flavors try pour-over, Aeropress or cold brew.
In specialty cafés ask the barista about the origin of the beans and the flavor profile; most places are happy to recommend a coffee that matches your preferences.
Don’t be afraid to order a local cake or a seasonal dessert — in many cafés the pastries are homemade and pair perfectly with a chosen drink.
Collegium Maius was once frequented by students who later became names in the history of science — among them are figures connected to Renaissance astronomy.
Many cafés in Kraków are housed in old tenement houses and cellars — some interiors hide original architectural details worth looking at more closely.
In some places it’s worth trying local specialties and desserts in addition to coffee — they round out the experience and help you discover Kraków’s gastronomic scene.
Thinking that the best coffee is always the one right on the Market Square — often better, cheaper and more interesting places are just a few streets away or in neighboring districts like Kazimierz or Podgórze.
Not allowing time to explore — the Collegium Maius courtyard and museum are worth seeing without rushing; plan a short coffee break after your visit to rest and soak in the atmosphere.
Trying to enter museum rooms outside opening hours — check current hours and any seasonal breaks in advance.
Is the Collegium Maius courtyard paid? The courtyard itself can often be viewed from the outside, but entering the museum requires buying a ticket.
Are there toilets nearby? Around the Market Square and in larger cafés there are guest toilets; in small places it’s polite to ask the staff before entering.
Do cafés accept cards? Most cafés in the center accept cards, but it’s wise to carry a little cash for small purchases in smaller spots.
If you want to feel the city like a local, choose one or two cafés from the list and spend a longer moment there instead of rushing to tick off many places.
Photos on the courtyard look best in the soft light of morning or late afternoon; at midday tourists and harsh contrast can make framing harder.
When you want a view of Wawel and the Vistula, head to a café with a terrace facing the river — it’s a pleasant change from the busy Market Square.
If this guide helped you plan a coffee walk in Kraków, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help them discover the city from a more local angle.
If you prefer to explore with someone who knows the city inside out, I encourage you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and details can be found on the guide’s website.
