This place used to be full of life — concerts, bars and markets filled the site of the former tobacco factory, known to many as Dolne Młyny or Tytano. The complex closed in 2020, but in recent years there have been ideas and projects to rebuild its cultural and social functions in new locations — it’s worth watching how things develop, because Kraków keeps changing.
The old tobacco factory at Dolne Młyny operated for several years as an informal gastronomic and cultural hub under the name Tytano. Many venues, events and initiatives sprang up there, attracting locals and travelers alike. The lease with the landowner expired at the end of September 2020, which led to the closure of many spots at the original location.
For someone visiting Kraków today this means two things: first — don’t expect the whole old complex to be operating in its original form; second — many of the food and cultural concepts that existed at Tytano dispersed around the city or may return in different forms at new locations. In 2024–2025 there were reports of planned projects near Kapelanka and other sites — so a similar vibe may be available, but in different parts of Kraków.
Parking immediately next to the Main Market Square is limited and usually reserved for residents or official services. For tourists, multilevel car parks and park-and-ride (P+R) options on the city edges are more convenient and safer.
The most practical options for visitors to the Old Town: the underground car park at the National Museum (al. A. Mickiewicza) — close to the center with an easy descent toward the Planty; Galeria Krakowska — a large parking facility at the Main Railway Station, about a 10–20 minute walk to the Market Square; P+R options (for example Czerwone Maki) for those who want cheaper parking and a tram ride into the center.
If you plan to visit Kazimierz and the southern riverbank areas, consider the “Stare Podgórze” car park (entrance from Zamoyskiego/Warneńczyka) — a solution close to Kazimierz and often with competitive rates. It’s also a good idea to check information about new municipal car parks and their prices before you travel.
Remember the Paid Parking Zone (SPP): fees apply during set hours on weekdays and on Saturdays — check current times and zones before arrival or use a parking app to pay.
If you want to avoid car-related stress, the best option is to park outside the center and switch to public transport — trams and buses connect most tourist points quickly and comfortably.
Kraków has a dense tram and bus network — in many cases you’ll get around faster and cheaper by public transport than by hunting for a parking space near a specific attraction. From the centre you can walk to Kazimierz in 15–25 minutes depending on your starting point.
If you arrive by car for a few hours of sightseeing, consider a park & ride option. For a weekend stay it’s better to choose one parking spot (for example at Galeria Krakowska) and move between attractions on foot or by public transport.
During the tourist season and big city events (festivals, markets) traffic and parking availability worsen significantly — if you can, plan ahead and reserve a spot or come outside peak times.
Walking from the Main Market Square toward the Vistula and Kazimierz, plan a few highlights: the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the tower of St. Mary's Basilica, the Vistula Boulevards (Bulwary Wiślane), Wawel Castle (if you haven’t visited yet), Kazimierz — Plac Nowy and Szeroka Street, followed by atmospheric courtyards and cafés. These routes give a good overview of Kraków’s different faces — from historic monuments to places with a modern, creative food scene.
If you’re interested in the history of Dolne Młyny, it’s worth walking to the old industrial sites around ul. Dolnych Młynów and watching how the city revitalizes former industrial areas — a great example of urban transformation.
You’ll also find smaller, specialized museums and galleries in the area — perfect for escaping the crowds for a few hours.
If you’re after refined dining, Kraków has restaurants awarded and recommended in prestigious guides — a great choice for a special evening. For more casual meetings and cozy coffee, I recommend cafés and bars with long-standing reputations, especially around the Old Town and Kazimierz.
A few names worth considering (well-regarded and often highly rated): Bottiglieria 1881 — a restaurant with culinary recognition; Jama Michalika and Noworolski — historic cafés in the city centre; Café Camelot and Café Mleczarnia — atmospheric cafés ideal for an afternoon break; Plac Nowy and the Kazimierz area — many great bars and small restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.
Always check current reviews and reserve a table in popular places, especially in the evenings and at weekends. If you’re planning something special, booking in advance will save you stress.
Common tourist mistakes: trying to park “anywhere” near the Market (you often end up wasting time and paying more), not checking opening hours of venues, lacking a plan for getting back (for example night transport), and expecting that well-known places from the past still operate in the same format.
How to avoid problems: leave your car at one of the larger car parks, move on foot or by tram, check opening hours and reserve a table for the evening. When planning a visit to places that have transformed (like Dolne Młyny/Tytano), first check whether a venue still operates at that location or has moved elsewhere.
One surprising fact: many of the concepts that operated at Tytano didn’t disappear — they moved or similar initiatives have appeared elsewhere in the city. So if you’re looking for something specific, ask local baristas or restaurant staff — they often know “where it is now.”
Do Tytano/Dolne Młyny still operate? — The old original complex closed at the end of September 2020. In the following years some ideas and venues dispersed across the city, and in 2024–2025 there were reports of new projects and attempts to revive the concept in other locations.
Where is best to park for the whole day? — Galeria Krakowska, the National Museum car park, or use a P+R on the outskirts (for example Czerwone Maki) and take a tram in. The choice depends on which parts of the city you want to visit.
Can you leave your car close to the Market Square? — Parking without special permits is limited; it’s better to use official car parks to avoid fines and make your sightseeing more comfortable.
How not to waste time in Kraków? — Plan a route with a few ‘must-see’ points, leave your car once and move on foot/public transport; book museum entries and restaurant tables in advance.
Install the city app for parking and public transport tickets — it saves time and nerves. Wear comfortable shoes — Kraków’s centre is best explored on foot. If you want to see the Old Town, Kazimierz and the riverside boulevards in one day, plan coffee breaks and short stops — the city rewards those who don’t rush from point to point.
If you’re traveling with family or small children, choose a car park with elevators and toilets (for example multilevel car parks), and plan your walking route with more places to rest.
If you care about local recommendations on ‘where the best atmosphere is now’, ask cafés in Kazimierz — the barista often knows the most about current events and new openings.
If you found this text helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it helps others better plan their visit to Kraków.
If you’d like to explore with someone who knows the city, its history and the current atmospheric spots, feel free to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I’m happy to help plan the perfect route for you and your companions.
