Podgórze Market Square is one of those corners of Krakow where you can feel a calmer, more "local" rhythm of the city — intimate cafés, small artisan shops and a square with characteristic stone buildings. It complements the busy Main Market Square: fewer tourists, more everyday life and a different perspective on Krakow’s history.
A walk through Podgórze pairs well with visits to nearby sites: fragments of the former ghetto, modern galleries in Zabłocie and the Vistula boulevards. If your time is limited, treat Podgórze Market Square as a pleasant stop — a café break plus a short stroll will let you soak up the neighbourhood’s atmosphere.
This article gives suggestions for what to see on and near Podgórze Market Square, practical tips on how to get there and concrete ideas where to eat — from traditional flavors to plant-based options.
Take a relaxed walk around Podgórze Market Square: notice architectural details, small cafés and local shops — it’s a great spot for coffee and people-watching. The square often hosts small markets and local events, especially on weekends.
From Podgórze you can easily plan a short route connecting several interesting points: cross the river, see traces of the Jewish ghetto and memorial sites, visit the Zabłocie district with its galleries and museums such as MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art) and the historical Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, and stroll the riverside boulevards which are lively in summer and perfect for relaxing.
If you have more time, consider climbing nearby hills for pleasant views over Krakow’s skyline or visiting small, lesser-known museums and temporary exhibitions that increasingly appear in this part of the city.
Krakow offers huge culinary variety: from classic Polish dishes, through world cuisines, to a strong vegan scene. Below are suggestions grouped by needs — quick bites, breakfasts, lunches and evening spots.
Breakfast and coffee - start your day by finding a cozy café. In the Old Town and Kazimierz you’ll find many places with good coffee and pastries; Podgórze is also seeing more small cafés with local character. For something truly "Krakow-style," try a fresh obwarzanek (bagel-like ring) sold from a street cart.
Quick snack - classic zapiekanka at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz is a cult option for late-afternoon bites, and in the city centre you can often buy oscypek cheese with cranberry or local sausages from street vendors. These are great ways to taste local flavors without sitting down for a long meal.
Lunch and dinner - food lovers should look for places serving Polish cuisine with a modern twist, restaurants with seasonal menus and spots offering regional specialties. The Old Town and Kazimierz have restaurants known for quality and atmosphere — reserve a table for the evening, especially at weekends.
Veg and vegan options - the plant-based scene in Krakow is well developed. There are vegan bars serving burgers, fusion dishes and breakfast options; if you prefer plant-based food, you’ll find tasty choices both in the centre and in slightly more distant neighbourhoods.
Recommended styles of venues (examples) - a traditional karczma or restaurant for old-Polish dishes if you want classics; a cozy café for breakfast; a modern seasonal restaurant for dinner; and a fast-food bar for a snack between sightseeing.
In the Old Town and Kazimierz there are established venues that keep high standards and are popular — good options when you want tried-and-true flavors and a pleasant atmosphere. Consider visiting a traditional Polish restaurant, an elegant seasonal bistro or a place serving regional specialties. If you prefer plant-based options, look for vegan burger joints and cafés with vegan breakfasts.
For quick local treats: obwarzanek from a street cart, a zapiekanka from Plac Nowy and oscypek with cranberry are classics to include on your list. For dessert, seek out local patisseries for Krakow-style cheesecake and kremówki.
If you plan a special dinner — book in advance, especially during the tourist season and at weekends; many popular restaurants accept reservations online or by phone.
Getting there and walking - Podgórze is well connected: a short walk from the Old Town across the river, plus trams and local buses link key points. Walking around the district is very pleasant — many attractions are close to each other.
Payments and cash - most cafés and restaurants accept cards, but carry small change for street food and local stalls. Tipping is appreciated — around 10% of the bill if service was good.
Opening hours - many restaurants serve meals from midday into late evening, while cafés often open earlier. If you plan to visit popular restaurants for dinner, reserve ahead.
Safety and comfort - Podgórze is generally safe for visitors. As always, watch your belongings and in the evening stick to main streets and well-lit boulevards.
Start: Old Town — breakfast in a café and a short walk toward the bridge to cross the Vistula. This is a pleasant beginning because the walk combines classic views with a less-known side of the city.
Podgórze Market Square — stop for coffee and a short stroll around the square. Notice local shops and cafés; pick up a quick snack or sit down for a relaxed meal.
Zabłocie and surroundings — if you wish, visit one of the nearby galleries or museums (for example MOCAK or Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory). A walk along the Vistula boulevards is a great way to finish the route. Along the way you can try regional snacks or stop at a restaurant for lunch.
Finish: return across the bridge and take an evening walk through the Old Town or Kazimierz — if you still fancy dinner, pick a spot with a reservation.
Is Podgórze Market Square worth visiting? - Yes. It’s a great place to feel Krakow’s local atmosphere, relax in a café and see a part of the city outside the usual tourist circuit.
When is the best time to visit Podgórze? - Late morning and late afternoon are usually most comfortable — you avoid the hottest hours in summer and enjoy quieter moments outside typical lunch times. Weekends can be livelier with local markets and events.
Will I find vegetarian and vegan options there? - Yes — Krakow has an increasing number of plant-based places, including in Podgórze and neighbouring districts. Check menus before entering or ask staff about available options.
Do I need to reserve a table? - For lunch and dinner at popular places it’s a good idea to reserve, especially on weekends and in high season. For coffee or a quick snack, reservations are generally unnecessary.
How long does it take to explore Podgórze? - A short walk with a coffee break is 1-2 hours; if you plan to visit museums and have a sit-down meal, allow half a day.
Try local snacks: obwarzanek, a zapiekanka from Plac Nowy and oscypek with cranberry. They’re quick ways to taste the city’s culinary tradition.
If you want a quieter Krakow — choose Podgórze in the late afternoon or on weekdays. It’s excellent for observing everyday life and finding a small café with real character.
For a longer stay, combine Podgórze Market Square with a visit to Zabłocie and a walk along the Vistula boulevards — a natural and very pleasant route.
And most importantly — give yourself time. Krakow is a city best discovered slowly: taste, walk and talk with locals — wishing you many tasty and inspiring discoveries!
