Kraków looks stunning in the sun, but on the hottest days a walk across the sun-baked Main Market Square can be tiring. If you plan to visit the city centre, schedule heavier sightseeing and long walks for the morning or late afternoon, and look for cooler indoor or shaded options around midday — museums, cosy cafés serving ice cream and cold drinks, or the green nooks of the Planty. That way you’ll see the most important sights without returning from Kraków exhausted by the heat.
Water curtains set up around the city are a simple way to get immediate relief — you’ll find them at the Main Market Square, the Small Market, the Podgórski Market and in some parks and promenades. They usually run during the day, so check the local schedule before heading out.
The city also has a network of public drinking fountains and taps — there are dozens across Kraków, which makes it easy to refill a bottle with fresh tap water almost anywhere. This is a great option to avoid buying single-use plastic bottles every few hours.
Air-conditioned shopping centres are another practical choice: hide out there for an hour or two, enjoy a coffee, eat something light and rest in a cool interior. This is especially handy when travelling with children or when you need to change clothes after a morning of sightseeing.
If you fancy a swim or a picnic by the water, the area around Kraków offers several popular spots: reservoirs and bathing beaches where you can swim, rent water equipment or simply relax on the sand. It’s a perfect weekend escape from the city heat.
Zakrzówek is a well-known spot close to the centre — in summer it’s a refreshing break from the crowds where you can enjoy the water and shade. Pay attention to the local rules, as some bathing areas have supervised zones and facilities like changing rooms or food stalls.
The Kryspinów reservoir (and nearby lakes) is a classic choice for locals and visitors — beaches, equipment rentals, eateries and relaxation zones mean you can easily spend a whole day there. Always respect safety rules and marked bathing areas.
Museums, castle interiors and many art galleries in Kraków maintain steady temperatures, making midday visits an excellent idea. Step inside a castle, a large museum or gallery to escape the heat and see something meaningful at the same time.
Smaller galleries and exhibition rooms with air conditioning, or the thick stone walls of historic buildings that naturally stay cool, are often underrated but very pleasant options. Consider planning your route in alternating segments: a short outdoor walk, a few exhibits, then back into the shade. That greatly improves the comfort of sightseeing.
Kraków has many speciality cafés offering iced coffees, cold brews and refreshing drinks — it’s a good reason to take a proper coffee break instead of grabbing supermarket beverages. Pick places with good reviews and fresh ingredients.
Light, cold dishes work best: cold soups, salads, fruit, sorbets and artisanal ice creams. Highly rated restaurants and cafés in the centre usually provide seasonal, light menus — a reliable way to eat well and cool down.
If you enjoy café terraces with views, choose places with shaded sections or natural tree cover; an afternoon coffee with a view can recharge you for more sightseeing.
The Planty and larger city parks are natural resting places — look for older trees that provide the most shade. Jordan Park and the Park of Polish Aviators (Park Lotników Polskich) often have spots with drinking fountains, which is a big advantage on hot days.
Smaller squares and green passages in neighbourhoods are often less visited by tourists and offer pleasant shade and quiet. Ask locals for short scenic routes that reveal these calmer corners of the city.
Heat is not just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous, especially for children, older adults and people taking medication. Key rules: drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, wear light clothing and a hat, and take breaks in the shade or air-conditioned interiors.
Be mindful of strong temperature differences that may cause thermal shock — after leaving a cooled interior, give yourself a moment to re-acclimatise. If you notice signs of dehydration or heat stroke (dizziness, nausea, extreme weakness, speech problems), call for help immediately. The emergency number in Poland is 112.
Before going out, pack sunscreen, a thermal water spray or a small spray bottle, and a basic first-aid kit. If you’re travelling with children or pets, pay extra attention to regular breaks and water availability.
Planning all sightseeing for the middle of the day is a frequent mistake — better spread activities between morning and evening, and reserve the hottest hours for cooler attractions like museums or cafés.
Staying properly hydrated is essential — many people drink too little, thinking small sips are enough. Carry a reusable bottle and use public drinking fountains instead of buying new disposable bottles.
Ignoring local notices is another error — city announcements about water curtains, drinking points or restrictions at certain reservoirs affect comfort and safety, so keep an eye on them.
Plan your route so that during the hottest hours you’re in a museum, café or shady park. Walk the historic streets in the morning and after dusk — the experience is nicer and photos look better then.
If you want to swim, choose a guarded bathing area with marked zones — safety first. Weekend waterside spots can be crowded, so arrive early or look for alternatives outside peak season.
Stay flexible: sometimes the best choice is to skip the plan and spend a few hours in the shade of a good café with a cold drink. That’s also part of successful sightseeing.
Are water curtains available in the centre? Yes — the city runs water curtains at selected locations; check current municipal announcements, as places and hours can change.
Where can I refill my bottle in the centre? Look for public drinking fountains — Kraków has many, and several cafés and restaurants also participate in initiatives to refill bottles with tap water.
Can you cool down inside historic interiors? Yes, many larger sites have a more pleasant microclimate; remember that in peak season popular interiors can be crowded, so plan visits outside the busiest hours.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — let everyone heading to Kraków on hot days know where to find cooling options.
If you’re looking for comfortable, personalised sightseeing with a private guide, you’re welcome to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Visit zwiedzaniekrakowa.com for contact details, offerings and to arrange a tailored route that fits your needs. Enjoy safe and pleasant sightseeing in Kraków!
