Podgórze is a part of Kraków that can surprise you — it has a market square with an intimate atmosphere, excellent cafés, important historical sites and the monumental St. Joseph's Church. Two days are enough to feel the neighbourhood's atmosphere and see its main highlights without rushing.
If you dream of a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride, remember that traditional carriage stands operate primarily in the historic city centre (Main Market Square). You can combine such a ride with a transfer to Podgórze — it’s a pleasant, if short, tourist accent; most exploring is best done on foot or by public transport.
In this guide you'll find a detailed 2-day plan, practical tips, a few surprising facts and recommended, highly rated cafés and places for lunch.
Start at Podgórze Market Square (Rynek Podgórski) — the neighbourhood's natural centre, full of local cafés and a calmer vibe than the Old Town. After your morning coffee, walk straight to St. Joseph's Church, one of the dominant buildings in this part of Kraków.
St. Joseph's Church is a large Neo-Gothic building designed around the turn of the 20th century. Its monumental silhouette dominates Podgórze's skyline and gives the feel of a city cathedral; the interior is crafted with attention to detail and its fittings were completed gradually in the early 20th century. A walk around the church also gives you a chance to capture interesting architecture in photos.
Allow about 1–1.5 hours for the interior and the immediate surroundings. It's worth coming outside of mass times to have more space to admire the details and a quiet moment for reflection.
After visiting the church, take a short walk around the area: Podgórze Market Square offers several pleasant spots for lunch and ice cream. You can also explore nearby nooks with interesting tenement houses and local craft shops.
If you're interested in 20th-century history, consider visiting nearby memorial sites and museums related to the wartime period. Depending on your interests, you can also walk down to the Vistula River and see parts of a lesser-known but fascinating urban landscape.
Finish the day by choosing a restaurant praised by locals — Podgórze offers both intimate cafés and patisseries as well as restaurants serving regional dishes. In the evening the atmosphere is usually calmer than in the centre, which is ideal for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
Start the second day with a short trip to one of the mounds — if you pick Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa), you'll get a nice panorama of the city and a different view of Wawel and the surroundings. It's a great way to see Kraków from another perspective and take wide panorama photos.
Next, head to some of Podgórze's less obvious spots — small galleries, mural-filled corners and local markets (if you hit a market day) will show you the district from the inside. Reserve time for a second coffee at one of the top local cafés, where they serve fresh pastries and well-roasted coffee.
During the day check current exhibitions or cultural events — Podgórze often hosts small festivals, open-air concerts and gallery openings that can make your visit even more enjoyable.
Carriages are part of Kraków's folklore and are most commonly found at the Main Market Square. If you want a ride, plan it while you're in the historic centre and treat it as a romantic extra — most routes are short and run through the most representative streets of the Old Town.
The city regulates carriage operations — there are set stand hours and rules regarding weather conditions to protect the animals. On hot days stands can be limited or suspended, so ask the coachman about current rules and prices before you start the ride.
If you really want a carriage ride that connects the Market Square with Podgórze, the most practical approach is to take a short carriage tour in the Old Town and then continue on foot or by tram to Podgórze.
Podgórze has several spots that locals and visitors often recommend for quality and atmosphere. Choose highly rated places with a local background — cafés serving specialty coffee and patisseries with homemade pastries are perfect for a break between sightseeing.
Examples worth considering include intimate patisseries on Podgórze Market Square offering French-style pastries and good coffee; family-run cafés with space for children; and artisan bakeries serving on-site breakfasts. These are safe choices when you want something fresh and tasty.
For lunch or dinner, pick places with good reviews that serve authentic dishes or modern takes on Polish cuisine. Booking a table for the evening can be a good idea, especially at weekends.
Public transport: Podgórze is well connected by trams and buses. The quickest way from the centre is by tram or a short walk across one of the bridges. Check schedules in an app before you go, because weekend and evening services may differ.
Tickets: buy tram/bus tickets before boarding — in mobile apps or at sales points. Ticket inspections are frequent, so it's better to have a valid ticket than to risk a fine.
Best time to visit: to avoid crowds, come in the morning or late afternoon. Sunday mornings can be especially peaceful and pleasant.
Assuming carriages operate all over the city — most stands and routes are in the Old Town, so don't plan all logistics around a carriage. Treat it as an extra.
Not checking church service times and events — if you plan to enter the church, check the schedule in advance to avoid disappointment.
Failing to reserve at popular restaurants for the evening — on weekends the best places can be full, so it’s worth booking in advance.
St. Joseph's Church is sometimes called the 'Podgórze cathedral' by locals because of its size and architectural style; it was built around the turn of the 20th century with careful Neo-Gothic detailing.
Podgórze had a distinct identity for a long time — it was a separate town before being incorporated into Kraków in the early 20th century, and you can still sense a slightly different local rhythm of life.
Around the area you'll find places that locals consider 'hidden gems' — small workshops, galleries and bakeries you won't always see in mass-market guides.
Do carriages take tourists to Podgórze? Most carriages operate in the historic centre (Main Market Square). You can combine a short ride with walking or a tram ride onward to Podgórze.
How much time is enough to see St. Joseph's Church? Plan about 1–1.5 hours to calmly view the interior and the immediate surroundings.
Is it worth booking a guide? If you want a deeper historical context and connections between Podgórze and the rest of Kraków — yes. I recommend exploring with private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz, who can tailor the route to your interests and pace.
If Podgórze is one of the stops on your Kraków visit, treat these two days as a relaxed way to get to know the district — there’s no need to rush to feel its charm. Set aside time for coffee in a local café, a stroll around the market square and a quiet moment in St. Joseph's Church.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media so more people discover Podgórze’s charm. If you want to explore with local support, I recommend the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the guide's website.
