Plac Nowy, especially the distinctive round building (the Okrąglak) in the middle of the square, is a historic marketplace that today thrives as Kazimierz's culinary and social hub. The most famous attraction here is the zapiekanka — a simple, filling and inexpensive open-faced sandwich that draws crowds both by day and after dark.
Regular events add to the crowds: on weekends there are markets and fairs that significantly increase the number of visitors. Many stalls and bars also operate from morning until late at night, so peak busy times are especially evenings and weekends.
What is part of the atmosphere for many can be a problem for others — queues at popular stalls can be long, and choosing a “good” stand can feel like a lottery, so it's useful to know how to turn this to your advantage.
The quietest times are early morning and early afternoon — if you want a zapiekanka without queuing, aim for a visit before 2:00 PM on weekdays. Early morning is also a great option if you want to see the square calmly and take photos.
Weekend mornings can be busier due to markets and fairs, so if you plan to come on Saturday or Sunday try to arrive very early or in the afternoon, avoiding the evening party hours.
If you're visiting Plac Nowy for a specific stall, come outside peak hours or ask locals — you can often find out which stands have shorter lines at particular times.
Plac Nowy has many faces: pigeon enthusiasts meet here on Friday mornings, on Saturdays there is an antiques fair, and on Sundays a large clothing market — all these events significantly increase foot traffic and the number of sellers and buyers.
If you want to avoid crowds, plan your visit for weekdays or outside market hours. Also check whether any festival or themed event is scheduled, since queues will be much longer then.
Evenings are entertainment time — venues around Plac Nowy attract people going out. If you prefer a quiet meal, avoid 8:00 PM–12:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Consider arriving a little earlier or a little later — a 30–60 minute difference often cuts waiting time to a minimum. The best results come from visiting just after opening or in the mid-afternoon.
Choose stalls that aren’t the most visibly crowded. The longest queue doesn’t always mean the best taste — locals have their favorite stands and it’s worth asking them which places offer the best value.
Instead of standing in line and eating on the go, consider taking a short walk around the neighborhood: many cafés and restaurants near Plac Nowy offer high-quality food, often without the same pressure of queues as at the Okrąglak. If you want a specific recommendation, Plac Nowy 1 is a nearby restaurant that combines local atmosphere with comfortable service; popular street stands include Endzior and Bar Okrąglak.
Plan your transport so you don’t lose time travelling during peak hours. Plac Nowy is within easy walking distance from the Main Market Square and is well served by public transport — nearby tram stops make returning easy.
If you want to avoid long queues for a zapiekanka but still eat well and comfortably, consider going into one of the nearby restaurants or cafés — for example Plac Nowy 1, which mixes local vibe with convenient service and reservations.
For street-food lovers, look for well-rated stalls in the Okrąglak — local community tips and on-the-spot recommendations help you choose faster. When the weather is nice, many people sit on benches around the square, so it’s a good idea to take food to go and find a quiet spot in Kazimierz's nearby nooks.
If you prefer a reserved table and a full menu, there are also highly rated restaurants nearby offering everything from local to Mediterranean cuisine; booking a table for the evening is a simple way to skip queues and enjoy a pleasant meal in comfort.
Arriving too late on a weekend evening — this is the most common reason for long waits. Plan an alternative or a reservation if you visit on Friday or Saturday night.
Blindly following the biggest queue — a long line doesn't always mean the best quality. Ask residents, check quick reviews in apps, or simply try another stand.
No plan B — if your chosen spot has a huge queue, have an alternative nearby or try visiting the square at a different time of day.
The Okrąglak, the characteristic round building at the center of Plac Nowy, used to serve as a market hall — today it is a culinary symbol of Kazimierz.
Regular markets take place at Plac Nowy: on Saturdays there is an antiques market and on Sundays a large clothing market (usually from morning until around midday); on Friday mornings pigeon enthusiasts gather. These events affect crowd levels and are worth considering when planning your visit.
In practice, changing your arrival time by one hour is often enough to find more peace and shorter lines — a simple trick that often works better than hunting for the “best” stall.
Is it worth standing in line for a zapiekanka? If you want to soak up local atmosphere and have time — yes. If you prefer a quick, stress-free meal, choose an off-peak hour or a nearby restaurant.
Where is best to park or how to get there? Plac Nowy is easily reached on foot from the Main Market Square; public transport or a short walk are good options — tram stops in the area make returning convenient.
Is it worth visiting the markets? The markets at Plac Nowy have their charm and you can find real treasures, but remember they're associated with bigger crowds and longer queues for food stalls.
If you want to eat at Plac Nowy without standing in a long queue: plan your visit for weekdays or early in the day, have an alternative place to eat nearby, and ask locals about recommended stands. A few simple choices will let you enjoy the taste and atmosphere of Kazimierz without frustration.
Share this text with friends or on social media if you think someone will find it useful. If you'd like to explore Kraków with a guide on a private tour, consider contacting Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your visit to Plac Nowy and tasty zapiekanki!
