It’s worth knowing that Krakow’s dessert scene mixes tradition with modernity — from family-run patisseries passing recipes down through generations to artisan ice-cream shops winning international recognition. That means even a short walk through Kazimierz or the Old Town can turn into a little taste-trip.
If you plan a day full of monuments, schedule at least one longer dessert break — a good place, a comfortable chair and a proper coffee can recharge you for the next part of your route.
Patisseries and cafés in Krakow have different characters — there are classic places with home-baked goods as well as venues with signature desserts and a strong coffee focus. Here are places worth noting during your visit:
Lody na Starowiślnej – a cult artisan ice-cream shop known for fresh, natural flavors; their vanilla is often praised for its creamy texture. A great choice for a summer stroll in Kazimierz.
Cukiernia Pod Arkadami 1971 – a family pastry shop with tradition, a good pick for a classic slice of cake or cheesecake. A nice choice if you’re after typical Polish baked goods with a bit of history.
Café Lisboa – a spot with a Portuguese vibe where pastéis de nata please both tourists and locals; recommended when you want something unusual but light.
KawaLerka and Tociekawa – cafés focused on specialty coffee and original desserts; ideal if you care about excellent coffee and modern, seasonal dessert compositions.
Massolit Bakery – known for distinctive cheesecakes and baked goods; try their cinnamon-tinged cheesecake or other seasonal offerings.
Uczta Babette – famed for perfect meringues and characterful desserts; if you love a crunchy meringue and light creams, add it to your list.
Marble Café and other popular downtown cafés – good spots for a quick dessert while visiting the Market Square, but step a few dozen meters away from the main attractions if you’re after authentic sweets at a fair price.
Zakopane, besides its mountain scenery, also has a pleasant café offer — from spots with panoramic views to local coffee ateliers. A few suggestions often recommended by visitors:
La Mano – a café emphasizing specialty coffee and original desserts; a good place for a calm break away from the busiest part of Krupówki.
Cafe Tygodnik Podhalański – a café with a terrace and views of the Tatra panorama; worth a visit if you want to combine dessert with a relaxing mountain view.
Rubin and other cafés along Krupówki – around the main street you’ll find both tourist-popular places and smaller cafés with home-baked goods; walk one street over to find less touristy, often higher-rated spots.
STRH and Pod Złotą Łyżwą – examples of venues that blend coffee and desserts with local character; in Zakopane you’ll also often find home-style options like fruit pancakes or regional dessert variations.
When planning a day in Krakow or Zakopane, think of dessert as a natural break between attractions: schedule dessert in the afternoon, around 3–5 pm, when most cafés have fresh pastries and a calmer atmosphere before the evening peak.
In Krakow: after a morning walk around Wawel and the Royal Route, choose a café in Kazimierz or near the Planty — you’ll more often find authentic places there than right on the Market Square.
In Zakopane: dessert fits perfectly after returning from a mountain hike or during an afternoon stroll along Krupówki; cafés with a view are a great choice to rest and recharge before an evening meal.
If you’re also visiting Wieliczka after the Salt Mine, leave about an hour for a sweet stop at the Market Square — local patisseries often offer quick, homey options ideal after extensive sightseeing.
Mistake: picking the first place you see right next to major attractions. Many good patisseries hide on side streets — walk a couple of blocks to find authentic, tasty and often cheaper options.
Mistake: arriving in high season without a plan. In summer and on weekends popular places can have queues — if you want a specific spot, come earlier or reserve a table if possible.
Mistake: not asking about allergens/dietary needs. More and more places offer vegan and gluten-free options, but not all products are available every day — ask staff before ordering.
Mistake: forgetting about closing times. In smaller venues hours can change outside the season — check before you head out to avoid a closed door.
If you’re traveling with family or a larger group, choose cafés with roomy interiors or outdoor seating — it will make resting easier after a long day. Many places in Krakow offer outdoor tables, which is a plus in nice weather.
People on a plant-based diet or those seeking gluten-free pastries will find more and more options in Krakow and Zakopane; still, it’s best to ask about ingredients and preparation to avoid misunderstandings.
For ice-cream lovers: if you want to try artisan gelato, look for shops that advertise natural ingredients and a short flavor list — that’s often a sign the ice cream is made on-site rather than from ready mixes.
In Krakow you’ll find desserts inspired by world cuisines — from Portuguese pastéis de nata to Japanese matcha in sweet forms. It’s a great chance to try something unexpected while sightseeing.
In smaller towns near Krakow and around Wieliczka you’ll encounter home-style dessert variants whose recipes are often local secrets — seek out family-run patisseries to taste true regional flavors.
Small tidbit: some Krakow ice-cream shops and patisseries receive recognition beyond Poland, which underlines the growing interest in local, artisanal desserts.
Will I find good desserts in central Krakow? Yes, but to avoid tourist traps it’s worth stepping a few steps away from the Market Square or checking local recommendations.
Are desserts in Zakopane more expensive than in Krakow? Prices vary; around Krupówki you may see higher prices, but in side streets and smaller vendors you’ll often find better-value options.
Do I need a reservation? For large groups and for the most famous places it’s worth reserving a table, especially during the tourist season.
How do I fit dessert into a sightseeing schedule? It’s best to plan dessert as a relaxed break between attractions — around midday or mid-afternoon. That gives you time to rest and savor what you ordered.
If this guide helped you plan sweet breaks in Krakow and Zakopane, share it with friends or post it on social media — it will help others find great places during their visit.
If you’d like, I can help plan a route that connects the most interesting sweet stops with the main sights — I encourage you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details and route information are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. Enjoy and have a tasty trip!
