Krakow is a city that easily blends historic atmosphere with a growing specialty coffee scene. Before you set off on a trip to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska - or afterwards, when a moment of relaxation is welcome - it helps to know where to look for the best cup. Below I have collected tried-and-true places and practical tips so that coffee in Krakow becomes one of the best memories from your visit.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is close to Krakow and often visited as a day trip. If you're planning the trip, a good idea is to start the day with a morning coffee at a place near Kraków Główny station or the Market Square, and after returning explore the café atmosphere of Kazimierz or one of the intimate café-bookshops in the center.
For a quick espresso before the train: Wesoła Cafe - well known and highly rated, close to the station, with good espresso and interesting alternatives (for example nitro cold brew).
For historic atmosphere: Noworolski in the Cloth Hall - coffee with character, a café with a long tradition, ideal if you want to feel the 'old Krakow'.
For morning breakfast and plant-based options: Karma and NapNap Café - they offer full breakfasts, vegan and gluten-free options, and good specialty coffee.
For Kazimierz and an artistic vibe: Mleczarnia and Eszeweria - cozy interiors, a warm atmosphere and homemade cakes.
For book lovers and quiet time: De Revolutionibus and Massolit Books & Café - cafés combined with bookstores, great for reading, working and long conversations.
For specialty coffee fans and alternative brewing methods: Tektura, TriBeCa and other younger cafés serving dripper, AeroPress or pour-overs from carefully selected beans.
When planning a trip to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska it’s worth choosing a convenient starting spot: a café near the station (for example Wesoła Cafe) lets you enjoy a good coffee and take a thermos or a handy pastry for the road.
If you return to Krakow in the late afternoon, pick cafés with a pleasant interior or a terrace - Kazimierz and the Market Square area offer many places where you can rest after a day of sightseeing.
If you are traveling by car, many people bring a thermos with coffee prepared at a specialty café - it’s an easy way to enjoy good coffee while on the road.
Krakow also has café "treasures" - places that linger in the memory thanks to unusual decor, a cultural program or a very personal approach to customers. It’s worth looking for small cafés in side streets of the Old Town and Kazimierz - they are often run by enthusiasts who care about fresh beans and original brewing methods.
Café-bookshops and venues with events (author meetings, live music) are a great choice for those who want to combine coffee with culture. Check event calendars in advance, because sometimes these places host coffee workshops or tastings.
Ordering: if you want a stronger coffee, ask for an espresso or a doppio; latte and cappuccino are safe choices if you prefer something milder. In specialty cafés the barista will often be happy to advise and tell you about the beans.
Payment and tipping: most places accept cards, but small alternative cafés sometimes prefer cash - it’s good to have some small change. A tip of 5–10% is appreciated but not always obligatory.
Opening hours: most cafés are open from morning until evening, but some smaller places may have shorter hours - check before visiting, especially on Sundays.
Diet and allergies: the best places offer plant milks (soy, oat, almond) and vegan options. If you have an allergy, inform the staff - most cafés are flexible.
Choosing the first café you see right on the Market Square without checking reviews - many places near main attractions are more expensive and average in quality. It’s worth walking a little away from the Market to find real gems.
Expecting every specialty café to serve large milk-based drinks - many such places focus on experiments and intense espressos or pour-overs. If you prefer a large latte, check the menu before ordering.
Not reserving a table in popular spots on weekends - if there’s a specific place you want, it’s better to call ahead when foot traffic is high.
Is coffee in Krakow expensive? Prices vary - from inexpensive espressos in small cafés to higher prices in specialty venues. On average you can expect a standard espresso at a reasonable price, while a specialty pour-over will cost a bit more.
Can I buy beans to take away? Yes - many roasteries and specialty cafés sell beans on site. It’s a great souvenir or gift idea.
Are there cafés in Krakow that open very early? A few places near the station and in the center open early, but if you plan an especially early trip to Kalwaria, check opening hours and consider getting coffee to go.
Cafés in Krakow are often linked with culture - there are many places that host concerts, exhibitions or literary events. This makes coffee not only a drink but also part of the city’s social life.
Some cafés offer signature ideas like maple lattes or nitro cold brew - interesting options if you want to try something locally trendy.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, though mainly associated with pilgrimages and monuments, fits well into day-trip plans where Krakow provides the coffee 'support' before departure and after return.
If you’d like, I can help create a coffee plan for a day matched to your trip to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska - suggesting where to start, where to take breaks after sightseeing, and a café for evening conversations. This guide was created to make choices easier and save time while exploring.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on social media - recommending tested places is the best way to plan a successful trip.
If you want to explore Krakow with a private guide - you are invited to use the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz; contact and offer details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
