Yes — and without much effort. Kraków is a city where monuments and gastronomy often go hand in hand: after visiting Wawel you can walk down to the Vistula Boulevards, grab an obwarzanek, and then head to Kazimierz where cafés, street food and restaurants from cozy to refined await.
This guide is subjective: I’ll suggest routes, places with well-regarded food, a few surprising facts and practical tips so you can plan your day without stress and with real enjoyment of eating.
Obwarzanki (Kraków bagels) are a local classic: buy them in the morning and take them on your walk. They are crispy outside, soft inside and come with poppy seeds, salt, sesame or sunflower seed crumbs.
In Kazimierz you must try a zapiekanka from Plac Nowy — it’s a symbol of the district and a great quick snack while sightseeing. Don’t ignore local pierogi places and small canteens serving Polish and regional dishes.
If you want an exceptional culinary experience, consider booking a table at a restaurant recognized by the Michelin Guide — a chance to taste modern interpretations of regional products.
The area under Wawel has both tourist restaurants and places with traditional cuisine. If you fancy a quick classic meal — try well-rated pierogi restaurants or spots offering homemade soups and dishes served with compote.
If you want to sit down for a calm lunch, pick a place with a view of the Castle or a small tavern in the side streets — they are often quieter and the food is prepared with more care.
For those interested in a more elegant dinner, check the offer of Kraków restaurants highlighted in culinary guides — they are a good choice for a special evening after sightseeing.
Kazimierz is the district with the greatest variety: from small cafés, through Israeli-Mediterranean bistros, to higher-end restaurants. It’s a great place for breakfast, a long lunch and an evening dinner with live music.
Plac Nowy is the heart of street food: zapiekanki, small snack windows and stalls. During the day it’s an ideal quick stop; in the evening the vibe changes — go into the side streets to find intimate cafés and eateries with original cuisine.
If you want to experience top-class cooking, Kazimierz is home to a restaurant that has been recognized by the Michelin Guide — booking there gives you the opportunity to taste thoughtful, seasonal dishes in a cozy setting.
Bottiglieria 1881 – for those craving fine dining: seasonal ingredients and high-level cuisine; a great pick for a special dinner.
Pod Wawelem and classic pierogi places – for people seeking traditional flavors in a convenient format; tried-and-true local tastes.
Cafés in Kazimierz (small, intimate spots) – perfect for a break between synagogues and Plac Nowy; coffee, cake, a moment to rest.
Plac Nowy (zapiekanki) – a quick local must-have; great when you want to taste street food and watch a lively place.
Morning walk and the classics: start at Wawel (less crowded in the morning), head down to the Vistula Boulevards for an obwarzanek; then have lunch around Kanonicza or Grodzka Street, and spend the afternoon and evening in Kazimierz.
Culture and tastings: Wawel museum in the morning, then lunch in a restaurant with a signature menu (reservation recommended), a walk through the Planty, coffee in an intimate café and an evening in Kazimierz with a small mezze platter or dinner at a recommended spot.
Fast pace for families: a short Wawel route, playtime on the Vistula Boulevards, a quick meal from Plac Nowy (zapiekanki), and in the afternoon a café with desserts, finishing in a quieter Kazimierz place suitable for children.
Book tables in advance, especially for dinners and weekends — popular places near the Old Town and Kazimierz fill up quickly.
Check opening hours: not all cafés serve breakfast from early morning and some restaurants have a narrow lunch window.
If you have allergies or special diets (vegan, gluten-free), mention it when booking — many places offer options but it’s good to confirm in advance.
In central restaurants it’s customary to leave a tip of around 10–15% if service is not included in the bill.
Booking at the last minute — solution: plan dinner a day or two ahead, especially in high season.
Eating only at the Main Market Square — solution: explore side streets and Kazimierz; food there is often tastier and prices more reasonable.
Assuming every place accepts cards — solution: carry some cash, though card payment is the norm in most spots.
Following the crowd and picking a place just because it 'looks touristy' — solution: check reviews and choose places recommended by locals or with good feedback.
Obwarzanki have a long history and were once sold on the street as everyday travel bread — today they are a morning symbol of the city.
Plac Nowy, known for zapiekanki, had different urban functions in the past and its culinary legend grew gradually with the rise of student life and tourism.
Is it worth booking a table at Bottiglieria 1881? If you’re planning a special dinner and want a tasting experience, yes — a reservation is recommended.
Where to eat cheaply and well after visiting Wawel? Look for pierogi places, milk bars outside the Market Square or small restaurants on Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets.
Is Kazimierz safe in the evening? Yes — it’s one of the busiest and most popular districts; as in any tourist area, watch out for petty pickpocketing and keep an eye on personal belongings.
Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket (the weather can be changeable), a water bottle, a charged phone with a map and your reservation list — that’s enough to keep the day smooth and enjoyable.
Kraków tastes best when you combine a relaxed pace of sightseeing with culinary stops: from obwarzanek and zapiekanka, through homemade pierogi, to a dinner with an author’s menu.
If you’d like a personalized route that mixes history, atmosphere and the best tastes of Kraków, consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
If you found this article useful — share it with friends or on social media. Enjoy your culinary sightseeing and see you in Kraków!
