The Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Margaret is a compact but characterful temple in the heart of Kazimierz (Augustiańska Street 7). An evening walk around the church has its own mood: quiet cloisters, an illuminated facade and intimate cafés nearby create an interesting contrast with the lively atmosphere of Plac Nowy or Józefa Street.
This spot blends history with everyday life: after a few minutes of sightseeing you can move on to one of the nearby restaurants and finish the day with a tasty, local dinner.
The church was founded at the initiative of King Casimir III the Great and has been connected with the Augustinian order for centuries. The building retains its Gothic character, although it has gone through periods of damage and later restorations.
Inside you will find a Baroque altar and late-Renaissance tombstones, and next to the church there is an extensive monastery with cloisters where well-preserved Gothic wall paintings can be seen — a rarity among urban monuments.
There are several local tales linked to the place — from legends about a “curse” to less formal anecdotes — but for a visitor the most important things are the atmosphere and the easy access to Kazimierz’s most interesting spots.
Step inside for a moment to see the Baroque altar and Renaissance details. Pay attention to the tomb of Spytko Jordan — one of the more distinctive decorative elements.
Walk through the monastery cloisters — if you’re lucky you’ll spot fragments of Gothic wall paintings. Afterwards I recommend a short stroll towards Józefa Street and Plac Nowy — great places to soak up the local vibe and choose a restaurant for dinner.
Starka (Józefa Street) — a restaurant known for refined Polish cuisine in a atmospheric interior. Good for a romantic dinner or a relaxed evening. In season it’s worth booking a table in advance.
Plac Nowy 1 (Plac Nowy 1) — a more modern bistro with international influences and a comfortable atmosphere. Great for dinner with friends, interesting cocktails and a wide selection of dishes.
Zazie Bistro (Józefa Street) — if you fancy French flavors in an intimate setting, this is a good choice. A cozy place ideal for a longer, leisurely dinner.
Hummus Amamamusi (Beer Meiselsa Street) — a great option when you want something lighter and plant-based; a popular spot for hummus and Middle Eastern sides.
Moo Moo Steak & Wine (Szeroka Street) — for steak lovers and those who appreciate a good wine list; a good pick if you’re after an elegant meat-focused meal.
Okrąglak / zapiekanki at Plac Nowy — if you’re out late or crave something very Kraków-style and informal, try the iconic zapiekanka. A quick and inexpensive option for later hours.
Coca (Kupa Street) — a small Italian-Sicilian spot famous for mini calzones and authentic flavors; it sometimes stays open late, which is handy after an evening walk.
Book a table in advance, especially on weekends and during the tourist season. The best places in Kazimierz can fill up by around 19:00–20:00.
Check kitchen hours — many restaurants stop serving around 21:30–22:00, and some close the kitchen even earlier.
If you plan to eat late (after 22:00), think about more casual options: zapiekanka stalls, small bars or pizzerias that often stay open later.
Don’t arrive without a reservation to a popular restaurant at peak evening time — you may not find a table and could waste time looking for alternatives.
Don’t assume every café or bar has a restroom for guests — some smaller places do not; it’s worth asking or using public facilities nearby.
Don’t ignore dress expectations if you plan to enter the church — respect for the place calls for more modest clothing (for example, avoid very short or revealing outfits).
Address and how to get there: Augustiańska Street 7 — Kazimierz is within walking distance of Kraków’s Old Town; trams and buses serve the area near Plac Wolnica and Dietla Street.
Opening hours: these vary seasonally and depend on parish decisions — before visiting it’s a good idea to check the latest information on the parish website or at the InfoKraków point.
Tickets and fees: entry to the church is usually free, though special guided tours or concerts may have fees.
Accessibility: the area around the church is urban and generally accessible, but parts of the monastery include stairs — if you need full accessibility details, ask in advance.
Payments: in better restaurants you can usually pay by card; small food stalls often prefer cash.
It’s said the church’s construction was never fully completed — this gives the place a certain charm and makes the architecture feel “unfinished.”
Among local tales are less formal stories about sculptures and gargoyles that attracted the attention of even foreign writers — a fun addition to a walk if you enjoy anecdotes.
Kazimierz layers history and life: the combination of a sacred place with the district’s colorful culinary scene is one of the things that makes this corner of the city special.
Plan a short walk around the church and cloisters, then choose a restaurant depending on your mood: something traditional (Starka), something modern (Plac Nowy 1) or a simple local snack at Plac Nowy.
A reservation, checking opening hours and dressing appropriately for the church and restaurant are usually enough to make the evening enjoyable. If you’d like extra historical context and local stories, consider booking a tour with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — you can find contact details on her guiding website.
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