Kraków Beyond the Old Town: History, Cuisine, and Nearby Natural Wonders

Join flynas, your award-winning travel partner, on a quest to explore the essence of Kraków. Untouched by the ruin of World War II, this beautiful city was once the royal capital of Poland and is filled with many interesting sights and experiences.

We invite you on a journey beyond Kraków’s Old Town as we explore the history, culinary scene, and natural wonders of this fascinating destination.

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Historic Sites Beyond Kraków’s Old Town

Steeped in history, this destination has many age-old attractions aside from its world-famous Old Town. We suggest booking a Kraków city tour to take in everything.

Wavel Royal Castle

Sitting atop a hill in the heart of the city, Wavel Castle is an architectural masterpiece featuring Gothic and Renaissance styles. Once the home of the Polish kings, today it’s a museum showcasing a rich collection of art, tapestries, and military gear.

Kazimierz

This district, with its narrow little streets, has a deep Jewish history. Here you’ll find the Galicia Jewish Museum and loads of restaurants. Fans of World War II history would appreciate a visit to Kazimierz.

Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory

Another interesting wartime attraction is the factory that Schindler used to save Jewish lives. It showcases exhibits detailing Kraków’s time under Nazi occupation from 1939 to 1945.

Kraków’s Food Scene

Kraków is big on food, and you can indulge in everything from flavor-packed street treats to gourmet delights on the fine-dining end of the scale.

Street Food

You’ll find this city’s famous signature zapiekanka in Kamzimierz’s Plac Nowy or New Market. It’s an open-faced, toasted baguette stuffed with delicious things and topped with ketchup. Pierogi, filled with meat, cheese, potato, or fruit, is another must!

You’ll spot blue carts on corners all over the city. These sell the iconic obwarzanek Krakówski, chewy, ring-shaped bread with salt and either poppy or sesame seeds. There’s also Kraków’s famous Kiełbasa z Nyski, the famous blue van parked near Hala Targowa, which serves grilled Polish sausages with bread and mustard — delicious!

Restaurants

Bottiglieria 1881, which has no less than two Michelin stars, defines fine dining in Kraków. They specialize in Polish and Nordic dishes. A meal here is more than food, it’s an experience!

Other exceptional restaurants include Amarylis with its European dishes, Fiorentina, which serves Italian cuisine with a Polish touch, and Restauracja Astesse by Juanlu Fernández, which specializes in Polish dishes with a modern twist.

For casual, more budget-friendly dining, check out the Van Gogh-themed Pierogi Mr Vincent, which focuses on pierogies. Kuchnia u Doroty in Kazimierz dishes up traditional, rustic plates, and Milkbar Tomasza has hearty comfort foods and soups.

Natural Wonders Near Kraków

The surrounding mountains and lakes are definitely something to see. Kraków’s weather in winter is freezing, and it’s best to visit during the warm spring and summer months if you like outdoor adventures.

If you plan on traveling to different spots, remember to check out the car rentals at the Kraków airport.

Ojców National Park

Of all the things to do in Kraków, visiting the smallest official park in Poland is a must. It has striking limestone cliffs and odd rock formations, such as Hercules’s Club. You’ll also find the Łokietek Cave here.

Dunajec River Gorge

Simply stunning with massive limestone cliffs, this gorge lies south of Kraków. It’s the place to go if you want to experience a ride on wooden rafts or go kayaking.

Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains

Known as Poland’s winter capital, Zakopane is a town at the feet of the majestic Tatra Mountains. It’s a great place for skiing during the cold season and hiking in spring and summer. Valleys like Kościeliska and Chochołowska are simply breathtaking.

Browse our complete Kraków Travel Guide for more information on this amazing holiday destination.

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