Collegium Novum on Gołębia Street is not only the monumental building of the Jagiellonian University and the place that houses the famous painting of Copernicus by Jan Matejko — it’s also a perfect starting point for a culinary walk through the Old Town. In a few minutes you can reach the Main Market Square, the Collegium Maius courtyard and the area around St. Florian’s Gate, and along the way you’ll find restaurants and cafés of many kinds: from historic confectioneries to modern specialty coffee spots. This guide will show you how to plan a food break while sightseeing, what to avoid and which places are worth considering.
Sightseeing takes energy — even a short coffee or mid-morning break helps you recharge and enjoy more of what you see. The area around Collegium Novum is very touristy, so if you care about quality and reasonable prices it’s worth walking a few blocks away from the Market Square or booking a table. Weekend peak hours often mean queues at historic cafés, while on weekdays many places are calmer and nicer for a longer break.
When planning a meal keep a few simple rules in mind: book ahead at popular restaurants (especially in the evening); check opening hours before you go — many places change hours seasonally; if you follow a special diet let the staff know in advance or choose a restaurant with clear vegetarian/vegan options.
Don’t look for food only on the Market Square — prices there can be highest and quality sometimes falls short of expectations. Instead, walk 1–5 minutes toward Św. Anny Street, Szewska Street or Grodzka Street, where you’ll find more trusted places.
Check reviews and ratings, but don’t rely on a single source — look for venues with many positive and recent comments. At lunchtime choose places offering a daily special or quick set menus — these often give the best value for money.
Don’t be afraid to ask local museum staff, bookstore employees or your hotel reception for recommendations — the question “where can I eat well nearby?” often brings excellent, less obvious suggestions.
If you want to feel Kraków’s older vibe, pick one of the historic cafés on the Market Square — these famous cafés and confectioneries still serve classic desserts and keep an atmosphere that’s worth experiencing, though expect crowds in high season.
For modern specialty coffee, walk a few blocks from Collegium Novum — you’ll find cozy spots serving excellent coffee, homemade cakes and friendly interiors perfect for a short rest. Neighborhoods further out (Kazimierz, Podgórze) often give the best quality-for-price ratio if you have time to explore.
If you need a quiet place to work on a laptop after a lecture or tour, look for cafés with clearly marked “work-friendly” areas or smaller local places that welcome customers staying longer with a single order.
Near Collegium Novum you’ll find several types of inexpensive places: milk bars (traditional Polish canteens with cheap, home-style food), small pizzerias and bistros offering daily specials. These are great when you want a quick meal and to get back to sightseeing.
Plac Nowy in Kazimierz (a short walk away) is an excellent spot for quick local street food — the legendary zapiekanki (toasted open sandwiches) from the round building in the square are a local classic recommended by both residents and visitors looking for something casual.
At lunchtime check places offering a “dish of the day” — it’s often the best value and a tasty way to try regional flavours without spending a fortune.
Historic cafés and confectioneries: ideal if you want to soak up Kraków’s past and try classic desserts. Order a cake and coffee here even if prices are a bit higher — the interior and atmosphere often make it worthwhile.
Restaurants with Polish and regional cuisine: perfect when you want to try żurek, creative pierogi or duck. Choose well-rated places that care about ingredients and presentation.
Quick snack spots: pizzerias, small bistros and food stalls offer fast, tasty options when you have little time between attractions. Plac Nowy and its surroundings are the street-food hub in this part of the city.
Short stop (1–2 hours): start at Collegium Novum, walk to the Main Market Square — choose a café with a view of the Cloth Hall or one of the smaller cafés on Św. Anny Street. A quick dessert and coffee are enough to rest before more sightseeing.
Lunch and an afternoon stroll (3–4 hours): from Collegium Novum walk along Grodzka Street, stop at a bistro for the daily special, explore part of the Old Town and finish with a classic confectionery on the square for a small cake or ice cream.
Half day with dinner (5–6 hours): visit the university sights, take a coffee break, walk the Planty gardens, and have dinner at a restaurant serving Polish or international cuisine near the Market Square. If you plan an evening at a popular spot, reserve a table in advance.
Kraków has an increasing number of restaurants and cafés offering vegetarian and vegan options — many places have separate menu items or can prepare meat-free dishes on request.
If you need a gluten-free menu, ask staff about preparation methods and possible cross-contamination — the best places are experienced and clearly mark allergen information. Look for restaurants that list allergens in their menu descriptions.
If your diet is very restrictive, consider sending a short message to the restaurant before you arrive — many venues will confirm availability and prepare an appropriate version of a dish.
Interiors of some Kraków cafés hide original architectural elements — when you go in for coffee, look up; you might find frescoes, stucco or an old tiled stove.
In several central places coffee is served with desserts inspired by local recipes — try the cheesecake (sernik) or apple pie (szarlotka) with ice cream; they’re classics that can pleasantly surprise.
One common mistake: booking last-minute for a popular restaurant in the evening may fail — avoid disappointment by planning dinner ahead or choosing less touristy hours.
How far is the Main Market Square from Collegium Novum? - It’s a few minutes on foot; depending on your pace it usually takes 2–6 minutes.
Do I need to book a table at a restaurant? - For popular restaurants and evening hours it’s recommended to reserve. For quick coffees during the day reservations are usually unnecessary, but in season arrive earlier.
Is it easy to pay by card in the center? - Most restaurants and cafés accept cards, but in small bistros or food stalls it’s good to carry some cash.
What prices should I expect? - Coffee and dessert in the center range from modest to mid-level prices depending on the venue; a meal in a good restaurant can cost more — values vary seasonally.
Are there options for people with allergies? - Yes, many places indicate allergens in the menu. If you have a serious allergy, inform the staff and ask for preparation details.
If you enjoy discovering urban stories over a cup of coffee, plan a short break in one of the classic Market cafés and pay attention to interior details. If your priority is taste and a relaxed atmosphere, walk a few blocks away from the center — there you’ll usually find neat cafés and restaurants with a better quality-to-price ratio.
If you’d like help planning a route or booking a table (especially for a larger group), contact zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — I’ll happily recommend trusted local places and tailor the route to your preferences. If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media so more people can discover Kraków’s flavours and enjoy their time around Collegium Novum.
