The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) is the natural centre of Kraków: monuments, crowds and food stalls meet here. For anyone who has only two hours and wants to try several local flavours, a route that starts and ends at the Sukiennice is ideal — everything is close and walking between stops at a comfortable pace takes just a few minutes.
A short plan: a Kraków obwarzanek from a stall under the Sukiennice as a quick snack, then a café for coffee and a longer chat, followed by pierogi (a filling meal on a student budget) or, alternatively, a quick zapiekanka in Kazimierz. The route is designed for low cost, convenience and universal tastes — it works well for Erasmus groups and students from many countries.
Below you will find a step-by-step plan, variants (if you prefer vegetarian, sweet or extremely cheap options), and practical tips: how much cash to bring, how to avoid the longest queues and what to know about allergens.
Start: Sukiennice / Main Market Square. 1. Obwarzanek from a stall — a quick local snack (approx. 3–5 PLN). 2. Coffee and dessert in one of the cosy cafés by the Market (for example Cafe Camelot or Cafe Tektura) — rest and plan the next stops (approx. 10–20 min). 3. Pierogi in one of the pierogi restaurants near the Market (for example a pierogarnia around Szewska / Sławkowska) — a hearty meal at a student-friendly price. 4. Walk to Kazimierz for a zapiekanka at the Okrąglak on Plac Nowy (optional) or choose another dessert and return to the Market. Finish: return to the Sukiennice or say goodbye near one of the milk bars by Wawel if someone wants a more home-style meal.
Suggested budget: from about 20 PLN (if you choose only an obwarzanek and a zapiekanka) to 50 PLN (coffee + pierogi + zapiekanka and dessert). These are approximate amounts — prices depend on the place and portion size. Walking time estimate: the whole route is on foot; the longest stretch Market–Plac Nowy is about a 12–15 minute walk.
The route is flexible — in the detailed description below I give variants and alternatives so you can easily adapt it to your group (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free, ultra-budget).
1) Start: Sukiennice — quick classic: obwarzanek. - What and why: the Kraków obwarzanek is a city symbol and a great, filling hand snack while walking. You will find obwarzanek stalls around the Market and in arcade passages; choose salt, poppy seed or sesame. - Tip: when buying from a mobile stall, have small change ready and eat standing up — the fastest way to keep moving. (time: 5–10 min)
2) Coffee and a moment to finalise the plan — options by the Market. - Where: I recommend two friendly options near the Sukiennice: Cafe Camelot (ul. Św. Tomasza) or Cafe Tektura (Krupnicza) — both have a pleasant atmosphere and are good for a longer break. - What to order: coffee + cake or a light breakfast; for budget groups: a small coffee and share a dessert. - Tip: some small cafés and stalls prefer cash; keep a few zloty on hand. (time: 20–30 min)
3) Pierogi — traditional, filling and student-friendly. - Where: around the Market you will find pierogi restaurants serving reasonably priced portions; pick a place with classics like ruskie, meat and vegetarian options. - What to order: a portion of pierogi (you can order a half portion and share if you want to taste more). - Tip: if the group is hungry, pierogi provide a lot of energy before more walking — allow 20–30 minutes for the meal. (time: 20–30 min)
4) Variant: walk to Kazimierz and a zapiekanka on Plac Nowy (optional). - Why it’s worth it: Plac Nowy and the Okrąglak are iconic places for zapiekanki — crispy, large and cheap (ideal for bigger groups and late-night cravings). - How to get there: from the Market to Kazimierz is a scenic walk of about 10–15 minutes through charming streets. - What to order: a classic zapiekanka with mushrooms and cheese as a quick, filling street food. - Tip: the square is lively in the evening, but daytime is tasty and usually without long queues. (walking + eating time: 30–40 min)
5) Final option: an inexpensive home-style meal at a milk bar. - Where: near the Old Town you will find milk bars (for example close to Grodzka / Wawel) — homey soups and main courses at low prices. - Who it’s for: if after two hours you want a larger, cheap lunch, a milk bar is the best option. - Tip: milk bars are a great lesson in Polish cuisine and are budget-friendly for student groups. (time: 20–30 min)
Quick and cheap (for very limited time): obwarzanek + zapiekanka on Plac Nowy + coffee to go. This is the cultural and flavour minimum in about 90–120 minutes.
Vegetarian / vegan: choose cafés with plant-based options (many cafés offer plant milks) and pierogi places that list vegetable fillings; some zapiekanki also come with vegetarian toppings. In milk bars you can often find soups and simple dishes without meat — always ask about ingredients when ordering.
Sweet and relaxed: after the obwarzanek head straight to a café for homemade cake and aromatic coffee, then enjoy a gentle walk toward the Planty or down to the Vistula.
Payments: - Not all stalls and some small cafés accept cards. It is always a good idea to have some cash (a few dozen zloty per person), especially for obwarzanek and zapiekanka stalls.
Hours and crowds: - The Market and Sukiennice area can be busy during tourist hours (approx. 11:00–15:00 and 18:00–22:00). If you prefer fewer people, choose a morning or early-afternoon slot outside weekends. - Plac Nowy attracts crowds in the evening; for a quieter visit go in the early afternoon.
Allergens and diets: - If someone in your group has allergies, ask directly at the place about ingredients; small stalls may have limited information, so exercise caution.
Prices (approximate): - Obwarzanek: about 3–5 PLN. - Café coffee: about 8–20 PLN depending on the place and drink. - Portion of pierogi: about 15–35 PLN (depending on place and portion size). - Zapiekanka: often 10–25 PLN. These ranges are indicative — keep them in mind when planning your budget.
Behaviour and local culture: - Eating out in Kraków is relaxed — many dishes are eaten standing or on a bench. Respect the historic centre and public seating.
Is this route suitable for international Erasmus groups? - Yes. The route is short, flexible and showcases local flavours without long sitting times. Many places have menus in English or staff who speak English.
Do we need reservations? - Reservations are not needed for coffee or obwarzanek stalls. If you plan a larger group for pierogi at a popular lunch time, check whether the restaurant accepts reservations.
How much money should I bring per person? - Minimal: 20–30 PLN if you go for street food + coffee to go. Comfortable: 40–60 PLN if you plan a café coffee + a proper portion of pierogi and maybe a zapiekanka.
Is the route accessible for people with limited mobility? - The Market and most cafés have cobblestones and uneven surfaces; some places have step-free entrances but check the specific venue in advance. Some pierogi restaurants and stalls may be harder to use for people in wheelchairs.
- Obwarzanek stall by the Market — a quick, fresh snack. - Cafe Camelot (ul. Św. Tomasza) — atmospheric café near the Market, good for a longer break. - Cafe Tektura (Krupnicza) — cosy and popular with locals. - Georgian khachapuri (ul. Grodzka / Sienna) — an ethnic alternative with large portions and reasonable prices. - Pierogarnia near the Market (ul. Szewska / Sławkowska) — classic pierogi at sensible prices. - Zapiekanki on Plac Nowy (Okrąglak) — iconic, cheap and filling. - Milk bar near Grodzka / Wawel — home-style, cheap lunches for a more traditional experience.
Note: these are examples, not an exhaustive list — choose what fits your preferences and budget.
Places listed are familiar to residents and students; this route is designed to be friendly and tailored to Erasmus groups and students.
- Cash: small notes and coins for stalls. - Comfortable shoes: lots of walking on cobbled streets. - Water bottle: handy after eating and walking. - Phone with a map: the route is simple but it helps to orient yourself. - An open mind: Kraków tempts with smells and flavours — try something new!
Enjoy your visit and bon appétit! If you like, I can prepare a short route map with specific stops (addresses and estimated opening hours) customised for the day of the week you plan to go.
Good luck and let me know how it went — I can gladly suggest vegetarian or ultra-budget variants.
