Kraków is a city where history talks to modern life at every step. If your time is limited, here are 10 places I most often recommend to visitors — they really give a sense of what the city is about.
Wawel Hill — the castle and cathedral. The heart of royal Kraków: courtyards, chambers and the cathedral where kings were crowned. A must-see for lovers of history and architecture.
Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). One of the largest medieval market squares in Europe, full of life, monuments and details of Renaissance and Gothic architecture to admire.
St. Mary’s Basilica. The famous Veit Stoss altarpiece and the trumpeter’s hejnał played from the tower are images of Kraków recognized around the world.
Kazimierz — the former Jewish quarter. Atmospheric streets, synagogues, intimate bars and restaurants; a district that reveals a different, more personal side of the city.
Oskar Schindler’s Factory. A museum that tells the difficult story of Kraków during World War II — a moving and interactive exhibition.
Wieliczka Salt Mine. Although outside the city, it’s one of the most popular day trips from Kraków: underground chambers, chapels and salt sculptures are truly impressive.
Market Underground (Rynek Underground). A modern archaeological exhibition beneath the Main Square where you can see traces of everyday life from past centuries and artifacts uncovered during excavations.
National Museum in Kraków. Rich collections of Polish and European art — a good option for a rainy day or for art lovers.
Kościuszko Mound. A popular spot for walks with a pleasant panorama of the city. It’s also a good viewpoint if you want to see Kraków from a different perspective.
Kraków Arcade Museum is an interactive attraction that brings retro video game enthusiasts and fun-seekers together. The interior is filled with over 150 working arcade machines from the 1980s and 1990s, and most machines are set to “free play” — after buying a ticket you can play without inserting coins.
It’s a great break during a sightseeing day — suitable for families, groups of friends and anyone who wants to feel the atmosphere of old arcades. For organized groups the museum can open earlier and offer special reservations; remember that larger groups may require advance booking according to the venue’s rules.
Tickets are usually available as timed options (one hour, two hours) and as an all-day “open” option. The museum often operates with flexible evening and weekend hours — check opening times before you visit and consider an open ticket if you plan to return later the same day.
If you plan to visit in a small group of 2–6 people, the museum gives a lot of freedom: you don’t need to fumble with coins, all machines are available and playing together brings lots of laughter and memories.
Useful before you go: check opening hours on the day of your visit; if your time is limited, a 2-hour ticket or an open pass may work best. If you want to organize a birthday party or a small private event, ask staff about early opening or reserving a specific time. The museum also runs promotions and multi-visit passes for frequent visitors.
Location and getting there: the museum is situated in an area that’s easily reached from the city center; if you’re driving, pay attention to parking options and travel time from the Market Square.
Kraków has plenty of cafés, but not all are equally convenient for a small group. Below are tried-and-true spots that combine good coffee with a welcoming space for 2–6 people.
Camelot Café — an atmospheric café spread across several rooms near the Market Square. Because of its layout it’s easier to find a table for a small group and enjoy an intimate atmosphere. Perfect for long conversations over cake.
Massolit Books & Cafe — a bookshop-café with cosy armchairs and the option to linger. Ideal if your group likes reading or is looking for a quiet corner.
Blossom Coffee Roasters — for specialty-coffee lovers. Known for coffee quality and a craft approach; tables are typically arranged so that 2–4 people feel comfortable.
Cheder Cafe — a café on Kazimierz with character and an interesting menu; a good option after a walk around the district if you want something more original.
Café Noworolski — a historic café located by the Cloth Hall; if you’re looking for an elegant, historic place to sit comfortably and feel the city’s old atmosphere, consider a visit.
Botanica / Cafe Tektura and similar spots — examples of smaller, design-focused cafés that often have a few cosy tables and are happy to accommodate small reservations.
Most of the cafés listed accept reservations, but policies vary — some prefer to reserve larger tables for lunch rather than just coffee and cake. If you have a specific time (for example after visiting Wawel), call or email to request a booking.
Choose off-peak hours (between 11:00–13:00 or after 15:00) — it’s easier to find a comfortable spot for 2–6 people then. If you plan an evening meeting, check whether the café serves non-alcoholic drinks and desserts at that time — cafés don’t all operate the same way in the evening.
For groups that want to talk or work, ask about a quiet corner; many cafés will happily point you to a more private spot.
Do I need to reserve entry to Kraków Arcade Museum? For single visitors and small groups a reservation usually isn’t necessary, but larger groups (especially over 15 people) should notify the museum in advance.
Do I have to put coins into the machines at the arcade museum? In most cases machines are set to free play — play is included in the ticket price.
Should I tip in cafés? Tipping isn’t mandatory, but in Poland it’s customary to leave a few złoty or round up the bill if the service was pleasant.
Do people in Kraków speak English? In tourist areas staff and personnel usually communicate in English; it’s still nice to know a few basic Polish phrases — it always makes a good impression.
Visiting only the Main Market Square without exploring beyond it. Kraków has many districts with distinct characters — Kazimierz, Podgórze and Nowa Huta are worth at least a short walk.
Not checking opening hours of attractions. Museums, cafés and some smaller venues have different hours on weekdays and weekends; verify a day ahead.
Not reserving for a larger group. Even 4–6 people in a popular café during peak times can struggle to find a free table. A short phone call usually solves this.
Buying tickets to popular attractions at the last minute. In high season it’s wise to buy tickets in advance or arrive early to avoid queues.
Around the city you’ll find places that hide surprises — the Market Underground presents archaeological finds from many centuries that wonderfully complement a walk on the square above.
Cafés in Kraków often have their own stories — some have operated for over a hundred years or have traditions of gatherings among artistic and academic communities. That’s a visible part of the city’s cultural identity.
The video game museum is not only fun — it’s also a quick lesson in how technology and pop culture changed over decades. For many visitors the visit is both a nostalgic trip and an educational experience.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on your social media — you’ll help them plan a better visit to Kraków.
If you’re looking for a personalized tour or want help planning your route, consider the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a local private guide. She can tailor an itinerary to your expectations and help you make the most of your stay.
Wishing you a wonderful time in Kraków — may it be full of interesting discoveries, great coffee and unforgettable moments with retro games.
