Wawel is a must-see on most visitors’ Krakow itinerary, and touring can make you hungry — especially if you plan to walk around the hill, Podzamcze and the Market Square. Luckily, around the Old Town and Kazimierz you’ll find many cafés and patisseries serving both classic cakes and modern desserts. It’s a great way to rest, warm up with a coffee, or celebrate a successful visit with a slice of cheesecake or kremówka.
If you want to combine history with food, choose a place close to Wawel — this lets you relax and then continue strolling the Old Town without losing time on long transfers.
Below you’ll find recommendations for well-liked places near Wawel, a few options not far from the Aviation Museum, and practical tips about transport, opening hours and common mistakes to avoid.
I focus on cafés and confectioneries with a good reputation — places worth visiting after touring Wawel. In the centre you’ll find long-established cafés as well as modern pastry ateliers offering signature desserts.
Wawel’s on-site shop and café — a convenient, practical option for visitors who don’t want to go far from the hill. They serve classic desserts and quick snacks; it’s a good choice when you want to rest without a long walk.
Sweet Kazimierz — a popular spot with locals and tourists, known for a wide selection of cakes and desserts. Great if you plan to continue your walk around Kazimierz or just want a simple, tasty dessert and a good coffee.
Confectioneries and pastry ateliers worth visiting — look for places awarded locally that focus on fresh ingredients and refined recipes. Choose venues with high ratings and positive reviews, especially if you’re after signature cakes or seasonal desserts.
Traditional cafés (e.g., classic Krakow cafés with atmosphere) — if you like historic interiors and ambience, consider visiting one of the long-standing cafés; besides desserts you’ll also enjoy stories about the city.
The Aviation Museum is located outside the city centre — on the grounds of the former Rakowice-Czyżyny airfield — so the café scene around the museum is different from the strict centre. You’ll find local patisseries, cafés in shopping centres and places for a quick dessert after seeing the outdoor exhibits and hangars.
Nowe Czyżyny shopping centre and the nearest area offer convenient options: bakeries and patisseries in the mall, small cafés and chain outlets where you can quickly get coffee and a cake. This is practical if you arrived by car and don’t plan to return to the centre immediately.
If you prefer something more local, check the nearby patisseries and cafés in the Czyżyny district — many have fresh bakes and reasonable prices. Alternatively, plan your dessert on the way back to the centre — the choice there will be larger and more refined.
The distance between Wawel and the Aviation Museum is several to a dozen kilometres depending on the route — it’s not a short walk, so public transport, taxi or car are the best options.
Public transport: trams and buses connect the centre with the Czyżyny area. From the centre you can take a tram toward stops near TAURON Arena or transfer to an appropriate bus. Check up-to-date timetables and plan travel time, especially in the evening and on weekends.
Car and parking: the Aviation Museum offers free parking for visitors, which is convenient if you travel by car. Parking in the centre by Wawel can be more expensive and limited — consider leaving the car earlier (underground car parks, paid parking zones) or using public transport.
Planning your day: if you want to visit both sites on the same day, start early at Wawel (fewer crowds in the morning) and plan your trip to the Aviation Museum for the afternoon. Alternatively, split them across two days so you can enjoy dessert and rest without rushing.
Tuesdays at the Aviation Museum are often a day with free admission for the permanent exhibition — a great opportunity for visitors, but be aware it can be busier than usual if you go on that day.
Many cafés in the centre offer seasonal or limited desserts — ask about the “cake of the day” or the pastry chef’s recommendations. This way you’ll try something fresh and characteristic of the place.
Not always the most touristy spots are the best — patisseries highly rated by locals often serve tastier, less ‘touristy’ desserts. Look for places with local reviews and short queues rather than only those next to major attractions.
If you have allergies or special diets (gluten-free, vegan), check the confectionery’s offer in advance — more places now provide alternative options, but it’s good to confirm before ordering.
Last-minute planning — many popular routes at Wawel require ticket reservations or involve longer waits in high season. Buying tickets in advance saves time and stress. This applies especially to popular chambers and exhibitions.
An overly tight schedule — try not to pack too many points into a single day. Wawel and the Aviation Museum are separate experiences; allow time to rest and enjoy a dessert so you can feel the city at a relaxed pace.
Ignoring local recommendations — instead of choosing the first ice-cream or pastry shop you see on the tourist route, ask locals, check brief reviews or pick a place with a longer history and good ratings. That often guarantees a better dessert.
No transport plan — check tram and bus timetables, and if you travel by car allow time to find parking. During peak hours the trip between the centre and Czyżyny can take longer than expected.
Is it easy to find a good café after visiting Wawel? Yes — within a short walk of Wawel there are many cafés and patisseries with high ratings; aim for places recommended by locals or with a long tradition.
Does the Aviation Museum have a café? The museum offers official services and a shop; in the nearest area (including the Nowe Czyżyny shopping centre) you’ll find bakeries and cafés with quick desserts. For a more refined dessert, it’s better to return to the centre.
When is the best time to visit Wawel to avoid crowds? Best times are early morning right after opening or late afternoon outside peak hours. In high season consider booking in advance.
Is it worth planning both sites on one day? It depends on your pace. If you’re an efficient visitor and move quickly, you can combine them, but it’s more comfortable to split them over two days to have time for dessert and rest.
If this guide helped you, share it with friends or on social media — a sweet dessert can make a sightseeing day memorable.
If you’d like to explore Krakow with a guide and learn the city’s stories without crowds, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Good planning and local tips will make your visit both tasty and stress-free. Enjoy and have a great trip!
