Yes — in Krakow it’s almost a ritual. A visit to MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art) leaves you with many impressions and thoughts to digest, and the best way to do that is to sit down with a good coffee and a slice of outstanding cake. The museum is located at Lipowa 4 in the Zabłocie district and has its own café, but there are several other spots nearby worth visiting if you want to stretch your walk and taste the local scene.
Seeing contemporary art and sampling baked goods is an ideal pairing for a traveler who likes to combine culture with pleasure. In this article I recommend places tried and trusted by locals and visitors alike, give addresses, what’s worth ordering, and how to plan a route — so your day in Krakow is full of flavour and discoveries.
If you’re planning a visit to MOCAK, remember some basic practical points: the museum is usually open Tuesday–Sunday (hours may change seasonally), and it’s a good idea to check the exact schedule and ticket availability just before you go. After you leave, a little-known but delicious café scene awaits in the city centre.
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow is at Lipowa 4. It’s a fresh, modern venue with temporary exhibitions and a permanent collection; guided tours and educational events regularly take place. When planning your visit check opening hours and any special ticketing so you don’t arrive during a change of exhibitions or on a technical closure day.
MOCAK has an on-site café and a bookshop, so you can take a first break for a quick coffee and pastry without leaving the museum. However, if you have time I suggest a short walk — the areas around Zabłocie and nearby Kazimierz are full of atmospheric places serving top-quality baked goods.
If you want to avoid crowds, choose a morning visit or late afternoon on a weekday. On weekends the most popular cafés can be full, so either reserve a table where possible or plan your break in a less obvious spot.
Massolit Books & Cafe — a cosy combination of bookstore and café. Perfect for people who like to read with their coffee; they offer homemade bakes, cheesecakes and vegan options. Address: ul. Felicjanek 4. I recommend the cheesecake or tarts, especially if you want to relax in a calm, literary atmosphere.
Charlotte — a French bakery-café vibe, with fresh tarts, croissants and well-brewed coffee. The location at Plac Szczepański is popular but worth a visit if you appreciate classic, well-made pastries. Address: Plac Szczepański 2.
Cukiernia Pod Arkadami 1971 — tradition and quality in the heart of Kazimierz. Known for a wide choice of classic cakes, hand-rolled poppy-seed rolls and artistic celebration cakes. Address: ul. Krakowska 5. This place is for those looking for traditional flavours and an artisanal approach.
Słodki Kazimierz — a café and patisserie with a local character, well-rated by residents and visitors. Address: ul. Bożego Ciała 22. Here it’s worth trying seasonal cakes and local sweets.
Cukiernia Zatorscy and other local artisanal patisseries — if you want a cake to take away or to taste regional specialties, look for a small bakery with a long history and natural ingredients. Krakow has several places proud of traditional recipes and fresh production.
From MOCAK it’s worth taking a short walk to Kazimierz — this neighbourhood has many charming cafés and patisseries. A stroll can be a pleasant way to breathe after the galleries while discovering another side of the city. You can focus the route on three stops: first a short break in the museum bookshop café, then a classic patisserie in Kazimierz, and finally a dessert in one of the modern cafés in the centre.
If you prefer not to walk too much, choose a café close to MOCAK or use local public transport. When planning, keep the cafés’ opening hours in mind — not every place serves all day and some close earlier on Sundays.
For convenience you can prepare your own 'taste map' — note addresses and preferred menu items, and the café phone number in case you want to reserve a table or check cake availability.
Massolit — homemade bakes with an American touch; I recommend the cheesecake or carrot cake. It’s a great place for those looking for a generous, homely slice.
Charlotte — fruit tarts, pain au chocolat and classic French pastries are perfect with morning coffee. A good spot for breakfast or brunch with a pastry.
Cukiernia Pod Arkadami — classic cheesecake, poppy-seed roll and seasonal roulades are staples here. The artisanal approach guarantees intense flavour and high-quality ingredients.
Słodki Kazimierz — try a seasonal cake or a signature dessert often made with local fruit. It’s also a good place for lighter desserts and specialty coffee.
Not checking opening hours before arriving. Many cafés and patisseries have different weekend or seasonal hours. Always check the hours on the venue’s website or call ahead.
Ordering the first cake you see at a touristy spot. Sometimes stalls near a main attraction have poor-quality pastries — it’s worth walking a few streets further where you’ll often find true gems.
Not reserving a table for a larger group. If you come in a group of more than 4–6 people, it’s sensible to reserve a table. Popular cafés in the centre can be full, especially at weekends.
Can I buy a ticket at MOCAK on the day of my visit? Yes, in most cases tickets are available at the ticket office, but for special exhibitions it’s better to buy in advance online.
Do cafés offer vegan or gluten-free options? Many places in Krakow have plant-based or gluten-free options, especially modern cafés and some artisanal patisseries. If you have allergies, ask about ingredients before ordering.
Is it worth visiting the museum with children? MOCAK runs programmes and workshops for families, but some exhibitions can be demanding. Check the museum’s educational offer and choose exhibitions suitable for your children’s ages.
Zabłocie, where MOCAK stands, is a district with industrial roots that in recent years has been transformed into an artistic and cultural centre. The contrast between former industry and contemporary art makes a walk around the area an added attraction.
Many locals prefer small, family-run patisseries over large chains because you’ll often find cakes made from old recipes and fresh ingredients. It’s worth asking for local recommendations and ordering something you wouldn’t find on a typical tourist menu.
If you like photography, the areas around MOCAK and Kazimierz offer interesting shots: from the industrial architecture of Zabłocie to the cobbled streets of Kazimierz and the colourful café windows.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan a tasty day in Krakow. Your recommendation might inspire someone to visit and discover new places.
If you need a more personalised plan: private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) offers tours of Krakow — from cultural routes to flavour walks. Contact details for personalised tours are available through the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. This is simply an invitation — if you want a tour tailored to your interests, Małgorzata will happily help plan it. Have a great trip and delicious discoveries in Krakow!
