Kraków in May has a special atmosphere: flowering trees, longer days and more outdoor events. For a group of 2–6 people it’s an ideal city — short walks between sights are enough to feel the spirit of the Old Town, Kazimierz and Podgórze, and in the evening you can comfortably share a table in a good bar. A small group means flexibility: it’s easier to find a table, adapt the route and drop in spontaneously on a concert, street market or a riverside terrace.
Kraków offers both classic attractions (Wawel, the Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica) and less obvious places that are best discovered at a relaxed pace — hidden courtyards, cafés with local character and intimate bars serving excellent cocktails or craft beers. A May holiday usually brings more visitors to the most popular spots, so below you’ll find a practical plan and a list of recommended venues that work well for small groups.
Wawel and Wawel Hill: try to arrive in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds. A walk through the cathedral, the courtyards and along the Vistula is very rewarding, and there are plenty of views. If your group enjoys history, consider visiting the castle courtyard or a short tour of one of the museum rooms that are open.
Kazimierz: the heart of the city’s ‘second life’ — synagogues, atmospheric streets, cafés and galleries. A small group can move around on foot, stop for a local lunch and stay in the evening for a jazz concert or intimate live performance.
Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice): a must-see, but best visited outside peak hours (early morning or late afternoon). Consider climbing the Town Hall tower or visiting one of the museum rooms in the Cloth Hall if the weather isn’t great for walking.
Podgórze and Schindler’s Factory: an interesting, more reflective part of the city combining history with contemporary exhibitions. A walk along the Vistula and a visit to MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art) are good options for an intimate group.
A walk along the Vistula and the river boulevards: in May many places set out deckchairs and terraces — a great way to rest after a day of walking.
A short boat trip on the Vistula or renting bikes / electric scooters — a quick, pleasant way to explore together outdoors.
Day 1 (morning–afternoon): start in the Old Town — Main Market Square, Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica. Lunch by the Planty park or in one of the intimate cafés. Afternoon at Wawel and a walk along the Vistula. Evening: go to one of the recommended pubs in Kazimierz or the city centre.
Day 2 (morning–afternoon): Kazimierz — synagogues, Szeroka Street, cafés. In the afternoon head to Podgórze: Schindler’s Factory or MOCAK, then a stroll on the river boulevards. Evening: dinner at a restaurant with local flavors, then a beer pub or a cosy cocktail bar.
Timing tip: when planning visits for a May holiday, allow extra time for transfers and reservations — this is especially important in the evening when popular bars can be busy.
House of Beer (city centre, ul. Św. Tomasza) — a wide selection of bottled and draft beers, comfortable tables for small groups and a pleasant pub atmosphere. A good place for long chats and tastings.
Mercy Brown (an intimate cocktail bar) — a speakeasy with a 1920s vibe and signature cocktails, ideal when the group is looking for something more refined. The venue is small, so it’s worth booking a table in advance.
Alchemia (Kazimierz) — an iconic spot with live performances and a relaxed vibe. Great for an evening with music and conversations over beer or wine.
Propaganda (near the Old Town) — a raw, pub-like character, simple menu and reasonable prices. A good option for an authentic, less touristy night out.
CK Browar (Podwale) — a mix of restaurant and brewery; friendly for groups who want to eat and try house-brewed beer.
Multi Qlti Tap Bar (ul. Szewska) — rotating taps and a destination for craft beer fans; usually warm, social atmosphere.
Wódka Cafe Bar — for those who want to taste Polish flavored vodkas and short shots in a friendly bar setting.
Singer (Kazimierz) — an atmospheric pub with original Singer sewing-machine tables; suits a quieter evening with music.
Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa — a retro-nostalgic option in the city centre, good for a quick, budget-friendly outing popular with younger crowds.
TEA Time Brewpub and other craft-beer venues — if your group likes experimenting with beers, look for brewpubs and bars with rotating taps and tasting flights.
For board-game and geek atmospheres: board-game cafés offer tables and a large library of games — a great option for an evening combining entertainment and drinks.
Check whether the venue accepts reservations — many intimate bars and speakeasies have a limited number of seats and it’s worth booking ahead, especially during May weekends.
Pay attention to the type of venue — if you want to talk, avoid places with very loud live music; if you want to dance, choose a spot with a larger stage or dance area.
If someone in the group has specific preferences (e.g. gluten-free snack, vegetarian option), check the menu or call ahead — letting staff know in advance usually makes the evening more relaxed.
For beer lovers: ask about tasting flights or sampler boards — many craft-beer bars offer mini-samples so the whole group can try several brews without ordering full pints.
Buy tickets online where possible — tickets for some parts of Wawel, exhibitions or towers often have limited availability and are best reserved in advance.
Transport: Kraków’s centre is compact and most routes are easily walkable. Trams and buses help reach farther points like Podgórze. During a May holiday, plan extra travel time because traffic and crowds may increase.
Payments: most places accept cards, but it’s always good to have some cash for small purchases or street markets.
Evening reservations: if you plan to visit Mercy Brown, CK Browar or other popular places, book a table — especially on May weekends.
Weather: May can be changeable — bring a light rain jacket and have a plan B in case of rain (museums, cafés, brewpubs with indoor space).
Trying to see “everything” in one day — better to focus on two or three areas and leave time for rest and spontaneous discoveries.
Not reserving a table at popular bars — small venues fill up quickly, so lack of a reservation can mean a long wait.
Visiting all major attractions in the middle of the day — choose early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the busiest times.
Buying tickets from unverified sellers or people on the street — always use official sources and box offices.
Some well-known Kraków bars hide behind inconspicuous entrances — speakeasies often have discreet doors or no obvious signage, which adds to their charm.
Singer — the Kazimierz pub owes its name and part of its décor to old Singer sewing machines that were turned into original tables inside.
In May locals are more likely to go out to gardens and festivals — take the opportunity to taste regional products at seasonal markets.
Is May a good time to visit Kraków? Yes — the weather often favors walking, but plan reservations and check opening hours in advance because popular places can be crowded.
Are bars and pubs in Kraków open during the May holiday? Most venues operate normally, and many extend their hours on weekends; however it’s always a good idea to check the venue’s information or call ahead.
Do I need a reservation for Wawel? For some exhibitions and entrance types it’s best to have a ticket in advance; walking around the hill is usually free, but popular entry points may have limited capacity.
Are there options for non-drinkers in beer bars? Yes — most places also serve coffee, lemonades and desserts; more and more bars offer interesting non-alcoholic options and mocktails.
To sum up: plan calmly, reserve where necessary, and leave room for spontaneous discoveries. For a small group, Kraków is an ideal city — 2–3 days is enough to feel its atmosphere and have a great evening in one of the recommended bars.
If you’d like a personalized route or help with reservations, you can contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz for tailored assistance and bookings. If this article was helpful — share it with friends or on social media so others can plan a successful May holiday in Kraków!
