Krakow Wellness Guide: Healthy Eating, Spas, Exercise Options and More

Krakow Wellness Guide: Healthy Eating, Spas, Exercise Options and More

Fitness in Krakow

One of the best places to practice yoga and dance is Kontakt at 40 Szpitalna Street. It is quite small and local, but at the same time attracts people who are very open minded and friendly. Classes are mostly in Polish, but many of them can be translated into English. You can come any time and join any class you are interested in. It’s also worth mentioning that every Sunday at 9 p.m. there is a great party where you can dance like no one is watching and wear whatever you like; nobody will judge you. Prices are very reasonable – between EUR 1-10 per class.

In terms of other spots and physical activities, you can practice almost everything you like in Krakow. We have tennis courts, horse clubs, swimming pools, dance classes, and more – let us know what you wish to do and we can send you details.

The best trekking and skiing is available in the Beskidy and Tatra Mountains outside the city. Some of our local guides are also licensed mountain guides so there is no problem organizing a customized trip just for you. We can prepare anything, from an easy panoramic walk to more strenuous treks and skiing excursions.

There are also a lot of running and cycling possibilities in Krakow. The most popular routes are found along the Vistula River where there is a waterfront path, and in Planty Park where you can jog or walk a 3.4-kilometre loop around the old city’s main sights. For those who prefer to get moving on two wheels, there is also a nice cycling route connecting the city center with the Ruczaj district.

Spa & Beauty

Krakow is the home of the “Queen of Beauty” AKA Helena Rubinstein, who created the first ever Beauty Institute where she invented Valaze, the first moisturizing cream in 1902. Nowadays you can see her original house in the former Jewish quarter and next to it, a luxurious hotel with a splendid panoramic roof garden named after her. Her branded cosmetics are sold all over the world by French company L’Oréal.

Hammam Szeherezada was the first, and up to now the only original Turkish hammam in Poland. Here you can steam your stress away in comfort and seclusion. The purported health benefits include reduced allergy symptoms and elimination of toxins. They also offer massage and other spa services.

Maha Punye Ayurveda is another spot for relaxation and pampering. Their treatments are based on Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of natural healing.

The wellness centre and spa at Hotel Stary are open to non-guests and include a gym, two swimming pools, massage treatments, dry sauna, salt-iodine chamber, and steam room with aromatherapy.

Only a 20-minute drive from Krakow you will find the UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine. You can improve your health even by visiting as its microclimate is very good for your breathing system. If you are not interested in sightseeing at all, but you still feel like going underground to find yourself in a healthy area, we recommend spending a day or a whole night in the spa part of the Salt Mine. For people who are claustrophobic or simply prefer a blue sky over underground chambers and corridors, there is the Graduation Tower. The natural brine mist that forms in the area of the tower is similar to what you would experience by the sea. Purported benefits of breathing deeply here include relaxation and improved breathing for those with respiratory issues.

Healthy Eating in Krakow

For Polish people there are two things that are staples in most diets: soups and pickles. Traditional soup can be made out of anything, including strawberry in the summertime. Pickles are present all over and they are the most recognizable ingredient of our dishes. Think about a picked cucumber for example: it is possible to have them on your breakfast sandwich, as a soup, as a salad, inside pierogis, or people even drink the brine as a cure for colds. In terms of where to get your good-food fix in Krakow, here are a few local recommendations.

Karma is a good place for a quiet lunch. You will find a large selection of meatless dishes, sandwiches and vegetable pates as well as freshly-roasted, delicious coffee. It tastes like heaven with a slice of local cheesecake or lemon tarte.

Glonojad is a popular restaurant located in a convenient place just behind the medieval Florian Gate. It’s worth taking advantage of a two-course set lunch at a good price, which changes every day. They also offer delicious, freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices.

Bonobo offers local craft beer and vegan sweets. You will not get anything else there, but it’s worth going to have a break from the Main Market Square crowd and to observe its regular visitors, mostly expats, artists and other people who are not fully accepted outside this safe space.

Vege to Tu is where to go for vegetarian food prepared with love. Donata the owner is not only a good cook, she is also a great person to be with and can offer advice on what to eat to be healthy and optimistic.

Hummus Ammamusi is where you can eat freshly prepared hummus with pita bread and pickles, drink coffee or freshly-squeezed juice, read a newspaper, and even talk with the owners or other hummus-eaters sitting nearby.

Healthy Shopping in Krakow

For the best food shopping in Krakow, we recommend Stary Kleparz Market, located very close to the Old Town, just north of St. Florian’s Gate, between Matejko’s Square and Dluga Street. Having run since the 18th century, this is the oldest and most colourful market, where farmers bring fresh fruit and vegetables to sell daily, and for quite reasonable prices. You will always find locals here looking for good bargains. Try some samples, such as fresh mountain cheeses, famous Polish sour cucumbers or sauerkraut, and locally made sweets. As there are some expats in the city, Kleparz also offers small shops selling typical Hungarian, Italian, and even Arabic foods. Do not miss this place as they have great decor, good prices and fresh coffee that smells like heaven.

Drinking Water & Fountains

Water fountains and wells with good drinking water are most often poorly visible and are located in underground casings protected by covers at ground level. The water intake points are located several dozen meters from the well, from which water is supplied underground via a pipeline section.

There are four accessible artesian wells in the city center of Krakow:

• Royal Well at Inwalidów Square, in the southern part of the square, at the alley bordering the Krakow Park
• Hope Well at Officerów Street in front of Wawel Stadium
• Lajkonik Well at Kosciuszki Street
• Jagiellonian Well at Sikorski Square

Tap water is good for drinking, but restaurants usually don’t give out water for free. So prepare yourself before and fill up your reusable bottle at your room.

Self Improvement

There are several options for self improvement in Krakow. For example, our Home Cooked Krakow tour makes it easy to learn how to prepare your very own pierogi (Poland’s national dish) with a local who can give you all sorts of insider tips for perfecting the recipe back home.

Krakow Urban Adventures’ In Focus Souvenir Making Workshop is your special invitation to see the real city of Krakow, with its joys and sorrows, without separation between locals and foreigners. If you join us on this tour, not only will you learn how to make a traditional Polish folk doll to take home with you, you’ll learn about Polish history and local traditions as well as everyday life in the city and the challenges its citizens face. Being part of the tour also means you will contribute directly to the great work of Zywa Pracownia (Alive Lab), which collects funds for the social project Zupa na Plantach (Soup in Planty Park), providing food for the homeless people of Krakow.

There are many local, extraordinary neighborhoods to visit while in Krakow – a great way to get moving and find some inner peace along the way. Some areas to have on your exploration radar include Podgórze, Debniki, and Zwierzyniec where you will be surrounded by beautiful parks, old, aristocratic houses and local, colourful markets full of fresh and tasty products. Some of these areas are visited during our Markets and Flavours of Krakow tour.

Our Local Expert: Monika in Krakow

For International Women’s Day on March 8th, we’re talking travel to some of our female guides around the world. Today we head to Krakow, to talk to our local expert, Monika.

What is your best travel memory?

Patagonia, Argentina. I’ve been there several times and every time I have the feeling that it is a real paradise on Earth. All those beautiful lakes and mountains…

Why did you start working in travel?

Simply because I love travelling, and also because I really like meeting new people — something that travel definitely opens you up to. Also, back in communist times, it was very difficult to travel beyond the Polish border, so to travel, I started to study geography and tourism. Finally I became a guide, a tour leader, and a WFTGA (World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations) national trainer.

What is your favourite part about working with Urban Adventures?

I love the feeling of togetherness that Urban Adventures upholds. Even though we’re spread out all over the world, it’s like working with a close-knit family. And of course, unique people connected by the same idea of offering responsible tourism in a local way. It is a great feeling to find similar people around the globe despite so many cultural differences.

If you could live and work in any other UA city, where would it be and why?

I’m between Buenos Aires and Barcelona. In both cities, I have a feeling of being part of the place. I don’t feel like a stranger.

If you had to give a visitor one tip about your city, what would it be?

Take the time to explore Krakow slowly — every corner has its own story and there are plenty of hidden places where only locals go. If you just see all the “must-see” places, you won’t see the real city.

Where in the world (other than your own city!) would you go to:

Get cultured? Italy.

Escape? Argentina.

Eat amazing food? Mexico.

See some wildlife? Venezuela.

Get some sun? Cuba.

Enjoy the great outdoors? Argentina.

Taking a trip to Krakow? Why not discover the city from a local perspective on one of our Krakow tours!

6 Cities Best Explored Underground

Sometimes, the best views of a city aren’t from above, but from below. From underground bunkers to subterranean villages, many of the world’s great cities are home to some surprising finds beneath their streets. Here are six places where the best views are under your feet.

Budapest, Hungary

If you’re not scared of the dark or tight spaces, the vast cave system under Budapest is the ultimate in urban spelunking. Approximately 200 caves are scattered beneath Hungary’s capital city, although only a handful are accessible to the public. Szemlőhegyi Cave, featuring steep walls and flower-like crystal formations, offers easily accessible walking paths. For the adventure-seekers, Pálvölgyi Cave is far more challenging, with ladders to climb and tiny spaces that require squeezing and crawling your way through the dark.

Moscow, Russia

Want to re-live the Cold War era—65 metres underground? You can in Moscow, where a former Cold War bunker has been converted into a museum and entertainment complex. Bunker 42 features conference rooms, a restaurant and various Cold War-themed tour options. There is even, yes, the option to play “Bunker Quest” or “Zombie Apocalypse” laser tag within the complex. Alternately, for something less war-focused, Moscow’s metro features artwork you’d expect to see in a museum rather than on public transit. Bronze and marble statutes, stained glass windows and mosaics of glass and marble adorn one of the busiest subway systems in the world.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

ven now, more than 30 years after the end of the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels are still a must-see for most visitors to Vietnam. The 121 kilometres of tunnels were used by the Viet Cong as they moved to capture Saigon and hid from American troops. Dark and damp with minimal light, water and air, the tunnels were also a breeding ground for disease, and were infested with scorpions, spiders and poisonous centipedes. Today, visitors can only walk through a limited section of the tunnels—which have been widened in spots to accommodate Western tourists. Above ground, visitors can view examples of the traps set by the Viet Cong and learn about the guerrilla warfare that defined much of the Vietnam War.

Cappadocia, Turkey

The Cappadocia region in central Turkey is famed for its underground cities dating back to Hittite times, the largest and best known of which is Kaymaklı. The subterranean quarters, stacked atop one another and connected via stairs and tunnels in a honeycomb-like pattern reaching a depth of up to eight levels, offered a hiding space from invaders where residents could live and work for months at a time. Today, pieces of those cities are still in use, as modern residents (living above ground) use the upper tunnels as cellars and stables.

Krakow, Poland

In 2005, an archaeological excavation uncovered a network of pathways and building foundations beneath Krakow’s Main Market Square. Today, these remains, buried four metres underground, can be explored through the Rynek Museum, which chronicles the city’s evolution and uses projectors and models to recreate the atmosphere of Medieval Krakow. But that’s not the only underground adventure—head just beyond the city to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s home to 900 years’ worth of salt production, more than 200 kilometres of passageways and over 2,000 caverns. Visitors can explore a mining museum and see chapels carved from salt.

Rome, Italy

In 2005, an archaeological excavation uncovered a network of pathways and building foundations beneath Krakow’s Main Market Square. Today, these remains, buried four metres underground, can be explored through the Rynek Museum, which chronicles the city’s evolution and uses projectors and models to recreate the atmosphere of Medieval Krakow. But that’s not the only underground adventure—head just beyond the city to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s home to 900 years’ worth of salt production, more than 200 kilometres of passageways and over 2,000 caverns. Visitors can explore a mining museum and see chapels carved from salt.

Rome, Italy

Up until a few years ago, visits to Rome’s famed Colosseum were strictly above ground. However, visitors can now head underground, to the hypogeum—tunnels beneath the ampitheatre that were once the prep grounds for gladiators, and where animals were stored before being raised into the ring.

Do you have any more awesome underground cities to add to the list? Share them in the comments!

It’s beer o’clock somewhere: Poland’s best beer festivals

What’s better than drinking beer? How about celebrating beer? There are plenty of places around the globe that turn our favourite beverage into full-on parties; Oktoberfest in Munich is of course the big one, but there’s also lesser known ones in almost every destination you can think of! There’s Pilsner Fest near Prague, the Craft Beer Festival in New York City, La Paris Beer Week, and Toronto Beer Week. It’s always Beer O’Clock somewhere, right?

In Poland, there are three annual events that every Polish beer lover looks forward to, all of them in or near Krakow and dedicated to celebrating the best local beers. If you’re a beer fan with Krakow in your travel plans, get yourself to one of these awesome Polish beer festivals!

Krakow Beer Festival (Krakowski Festiwal Piwa)

Late May. This is one of the biggest beer events in Poland, started five years ago to promote original Polish regional beers, as well as to educate beer fans about traditional brewing techniques. During the festival, participants can sample about 40 different types of beer, some of them with memorable names like the Black Cat or the Bison.

Birofilia Festival at Żywiec Brewery

Third weekend of June. The program of this festival near Krakow includes beer contests as well as brewing demonstrations and tours of the great Żywiec Brewery Museum. Local guides take visitors travelling back in time as they learn about the interesting history of the home of Poland’s most famous beer: Żywiec.

Krakow Wreaths Festival (Krakowski Festiwal Wianki)

June 21. This holiday is named after the pre-Christian tradition of making wreaths and celebrating summer solstice, the longest day of the year — but it’s also a perfect time for beer tasting! In Krakow, breweries are among main sponsors of this huge event, and beer is available all night long. What could be more pleasant then drinking cold beer on the bank of the Vistula River on a hot summer’s night?!

Thirsty for Krakow now? We’ve got you covered!

Krakow cafés with a view

Iced coffee? Or maybe some local beer in a traditional mug? All while taking in incredible city views? Sounds like a great afternoon to us!

Locals in Krakow know that drinks, meals, and sweet snacks taste best when they’re enjoyed with a view, which is why the city’s got a few cafés that serve a dose of scenery along with their menu.

Cafe U Romana

Located on Sw. Tomasz Str., on the Music Academy School terrace.

Cafe U Romana is a place for anyone who’s curious to get a little taste of communist times. The café is on the 7th floor, and the minimalist approach means a small menu that’s entirely in Polish. Payment is cash only and the service is cafeteria-style. But the city view is simply stunning and the place has a vintage throw-back Soviet vibe.

Cafe Pasja

Located right in the National Museum of Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), but you don’t have to pay the entrance fee to access the terrace.

Countless umbrellas protect you from sunshine. The coffee and sweets are among the best. And the view is fantastic. Everything in the city can be seen from a different perspective at Cafe Pasja: the whole of Main Square with Mariacka Basilica, St. Wojciech Church, and the Adam Mickiewicz monument (he is considered one of the greatest poets of Polish literature). Snap some Instagram-worthy photos of mascarons and all the other interesting architectural details of Sukiennice.

Sky Bar

Located on Szczepanska Str.

Take an elevator to the sixth floor of Stary Hotel to admire amazing city panoramas from Sky Bar. You can spot the roofs of old townhouses with their picturesque chimneys, part of Main Square, and even Szczepanski Square with the Art Palace. Best culinary pick? Sky Bar’s tasty coffee, but they also serve many alcohol-based options. The only downside of this place is the lack of umbrellas (but who would mind if the weather is just right?).

Garden Mleczarnia

Located on the roof of the Jewish Culture Center at Meiselsa 17.

Garden Mleczarnia is quite unusual in that it’s a bit hard to find despite being in a neighbourhood of bars, restaurants, and dozens of cafés. Yet hardly anyone suspects that this charming place is just around the corner — without any hints, it would be a challenge to spot this gem. But once you’re up here, a view of the Kazimierz district (the Jewish quarter) is right in front of you. If the garden and view aren’t enough for you, just add in the best nut cake in Krakow (or possibly even the world).

Hungry for Krakow? Let us show you around the city like a local!

Downtown Krakow markets worth exploring

In Krakow, markets are more than just places to shop for groceries — they’re places to meet up with friends, to catch up on gossip, to eat, and to discover great Polish treats, products, and more. They’ve also shaped much of Krakow’s history, and that’s why you can’t visit this city without exploring at least one of the city’s markets. These three, all located within the city centre, are definitely worthy of a a visit.

Kleparz

Kleparz is the oldest marketplace in Krakow, about a 10-minute walk from the Main Square (Rynek Główny), at the corner of Slawkowska Street. The neighbourhood of Kleparz used to be its own city, but today has been amalgamated into Krakow and the market is one of the most popular places for locals to shop.

The name dates back to medieval times, referring to “klepac” (beat/bump), which today translates to “making a business deal as a result of good negotiation.” In those days, it was mainly horses that were sold in the market and a “klepanie” deal could be signed with a simple high five or by touching the animal’s rear end.

The Kleparz market is open every day except Sunday, and the best time to come is in the early mornings, when farmers arrive to sell local produce, including the famous mountain cheeses oscypek and bundz, as well as pickled cucumbers, sauerkraut, homemade pies, and thousands of other choices. You can also find specialties from Italian, Spanish, Greek, Turkish, and Hungarian kitchens, thanks to the many sellers who hail from these countries and contribute to the local multicultural character of Krakow.

Small shops offering a variety of products bring almost-forgotten-in-time recipes back to life, and for Poles and tourists alike, this is a paradise of colourful folklore. On Saturdays, local musicians play in the market.

Market Hall

“Targowac” has a lot of meanings in Polish: it means negotiating the price and coming an agreement, as well as the overall experience of simply buying and selling. Origin of hall name (located close to main train station) gives perfect explanation to what could be purchased here: from groceries, flowers, herbs, domestic articles all the way to clothing. On Sundays, you can witness typical flea market where treasure hunters maybe overwhelmed with originality of products.

You can expect to find authentic antiques here, everything from clocks to paintings to candle holders, and occasionally even old clothing, shoes, torn books, and cassette recordings delivered straight from PRL communist times. The biggest attraction, however, is blue Nyska car, from where you can purchase fried sausages and chemically coloured orangeade that tastes like childhood.

And because the market is located between the train station and the Opera House, it’s a great spot for people-watching — everyone from gentlemen in suits and ladies in dresses, to travellers lugging backpacks and train station staff. The overall atmosphere is best expressed in the Polish movie Angel in Krakow by A. Więcek. I would highly recommend both: Polish fried sausages and the movie!

New/Jewish Square

The name of this market comes from New Square (Plac Nowy) and the Jewish community in the Kazimierz district. The market has long catered to Orthodox Jews, and in the early 19th century, it served primarily as a poultry slaughterhouse. But times have changed and today the market is the centre of the entertainment district. At night, join the colourful crowds hopping from place to place and grab a local beer or browse the vodka selections. For food, fried sausage and cheese are popular treats around here.

For some local flavour, order a zapiekanka – a very popular sandwich made from an elongated baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and anything else you want, or stop into one of the many small restaurants or coffee shops in the area.

On Sundays there’s a small flea market selling both new and used clothes, as well as cosmetics and sweets.

The best restaurants in Krakow

Krakow may not be on every foodie’s list as a place to seek out a great culinary experience, but those who are willing to wander will be greatly rewarded. The city is bursting with a variety of restaurants ranging from high-end hotspots to local, family-run cafés serving up traditional Polish dishes. International fare isn’t hard to find either, as are healthy and veggie options. Also, if you’re looking for great coffee, you won’t be short of choices.

Old Town

Chimera

Chimera has captured the hearts of Krakow’s salad lovers. With an amazing salad bar in their garden, you can get an affordable, nutritious lunch that’s also super quick. In addition, you’ll immediately notice after entering the gate that the place is beautifully decorated. Throughout the day you can nosh on the menu of the day (there’s always a few different options to choose from), and in the evening dine on a wonderful selection of Polish dishes. On weekends, quite often there are live music performances, and sometimes even theatre performances — all the more reason to stay and grab a bite to eat!

Address: św. Anny 3, Kraków, Poland.
Phone number: +48 12 292 12 12

Dynia

This friendly restaurant has a large garden, interesting interiors, and friendly, professional service. For lunch, we recommend trying the pumpkin soup and one of the homemade pasta dishes. If you’re looking to get your daily fruits or veggies, the juices are absolutely delicious. The highlight of Dynia is undoubtedly the breakfast — and the best part is that it’s served till midday! Brunch anyone?

Address: Krupnicza 20, 31-123 Kraków, Poland.
Phone number: +48 12 430 08 38

Zamieszanie

This small bar, despite only being on the city’s culinary map for a few months, has already garnered rave reviews. But as they only offering soups, many of you might be hesitant at first. Soup? Just soup? Why? If you’re not particularly fond of soup we promise that this will be the place to convert you and bring you over to the dark side (or the soup-ier side at least!). Every day you’ll find different two kinds of soup: one being more traditional and very Polish (usually tomato-based, or zurek), and the other more international (Moroccan, African, Asian, etc.). Minimal seating and simple decor cater towards those who like their food with no frills — simple, delicious, and quick.

Address: Rajska 20, 33-332 Kraków, Poland.
Phone number: +48 692 711 352

Polakowski

Polakowski is a self-service bar with strong ties to tradition. If you’re looking for some hearty, authentic Polish dishes, this is the place to visit. The walls are decorated with jars of sauerkraut and pickles — two things that true Poles cannot imagine their lives without! The atmosphere is rather cosy and sleepy, but pleasant and somewhat sentimental because of the old music playing in the background. Hits from the past like pre-war tangos and communist-era Polish beats can be heard, and add to the authentic feel of the place. Also, the scrumptious potato pancakes merit special attention — don’t leave without trying them!

Address: plac Wszystkich Świętych 10, 31-004 Kraków, Poland.
Phone number: +48 12 430 21 56

Kazimierz District

Ambasada Zupy

This new place serves up delicious soups — both Polish and international. The prices are good, the interior is pleasant, and the service, friendly. This is a great place to check out when all that you’re looking for is a good, nutritious lunch to fuel up for a day of exploring the town. Additionally, this is a great place when you need somewhere to just sit and think, or to people-watch, as there is ample seating by the windows that overlook a busy street.

Address: Mostowa 2, 31-061 Kraków, Poland.
Phone number: +48 793 570 828

Kuchnia u Doroty

This classic Polish restaurant serves some great soups, dumplings, potato pancakes, and other local delicacies. From Monday to Friday, a two-course menu of the day is set at a very affordable price. The place is usually filled at lunchtime with students and employees from nearby offices. Set in the heart of Kazimierz, a quiet, relaxed part of the city, Kuchnia u Doroty is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat before or after sightseeing.

Address: Augustiańska 4, 31-064 Kraków, Poland.
Phone number: +48 517 945 338

Hummus Amamamusi

For those who like to take their sweet time eating, Hummus Amamamusi is definitely worth a visit because of the inspiring atmosphere and the spirit of the place. They have a wide variety of fresh handmade dishes, hummus, vegetables, and delicious, freshly brewed coffee on hand at all times. The owners take the time to prepare your food in front of you and have conversations about any topic you can think of — just the way people in Krakow like it.

Address: Meiselsa 4, Kraków, Poland.
Phone Number: +48 533 306 288

Street art in Krakow’s Kazimierz District

It seems as though street art in Krakow was always a rather spontaneous phenomenon, as murals or slogans that appeared in the city were mainly political or social in nature, and served as a kind of protest song or a form of rebellion against the communist regime, or post-communist reality.

There has been a big change in recent years, however, which was mainly due to local activists associating themselves with different festivals and projects. The most important being ArtBoom Festival, which has a main objective of improving the quality of public space through art, and the Festival of Jewish Culture, which aims to preserve Krakow’s Jewish residents’ history through art and cultural events. It is also worth mentioning that the project ‘101 Murals for Krakow’ was put together by Krakow street artists who created the mural by bringing together multi-format paintings and connecting them with urban, historical, and architectural contexts of the different districts of the city. The activities of the mentioned groups are primarily visible in two districts of Krakow: Kazimierz and Podgórze.

We can talk about the facts all we want, but nothing compares to seeing something yourself! If you take just a short walk around the city you’ll be able to observe that the visual art in Krakow is a lot more than just third string to architecture and painting. We’ll start off in the Kazimierz District, where the murals mainly focus on the Jewish history in the area. While wandering around, make sure to check out our suggestions on the best pieces of visual art!

Art nouveau at 3 Bawol Square

This black and white mural is located at 3 Bawol Square, and is done in the art nouveau style. It was created by the Israeli group, Broken Fingaz, for the 24th Jewish Culture Festival to honour the memory of the Bosak Family, who lived in this area until the creation of the Kraków Ghetto in 1941, amidst the German occupation of Poland during World War II.

The Galicia Jewish Museum mural

This mural was created by Marcin Wierzchowski, and is visible on the wall of the Galicia Jewish Museum on Dajwór Street. The inspiration behind the mural draws from the Jewish community in two cities: pre-war Kraków and modern Jerusalem. The huge menorah in the middle of the painting helps depict the clear link between these two distant worlds.

Mural Judah

The Mural Judah was made by the Israeli artist Pil Peled. It is also a black-and-white work that was presented during the Jewish Festival in 2013. It is an interesting portrait of a child with a lion face above it, and according to the artist, is a symbol of the Jewish nation, and the constant fight of every child to become an adult and to overcome the everyday fears and problems of leading a responsible life.

The mural at Joseph Street

The mural at Joseph Street is a completely new art piece as it was only introduced in 2016. It portrays various people that are associated with the district: King Kazimierz the Great and his Jewish lover, Esterka; Prince Joseph II, who became the patron of this area during Austrian times; the architect of the district, Karol Knaus; and Helena Rubinstein, the Jewish queen of cosmetics who lived in Kazimierz before WWII.

Apart from the four must-see murals mentioned above, there are plenty of others in the area — both in the Kazimierz and Podgórze districts (which we’ll talk about in another post!). In the meantime, check these murals out if you get a chance, or learn a little more on our new Urban Adventures tour in Krakow, the Markets and Flavours of Krakow, which is available Mondays to Fridays from April to October.

Ice baths, fish scales, and other quirky Polish New Year’s traditions

New Year’s traditions in Poland are packed with superstition, all with the goal of making the coming year more prosperous than the last. Unfortunately, over time, many of the country’s older folk customs have faded into oblivion and aren’t as commonly celebrated as they once were — but that doesn’t mean they can’t still be found, if you know where to look (hint: leave the city and head to the countryside for time-honoured traditions).

Perhaps the biggest, most common tradition is a massive New Year’s Eve dinner. At family tables, expect to find huge, homemade loaves of bread and cake, as well as some meat and cabbage with peas. In local traditions, it’s important to eat a lot in order to have successful future in the year ahead — you don’t want to let hunger come to the house.

In some regions, there is also a custom of washing the whole body before dinner, with a big bowl of icy water poured over you (imagine doing this with a temperature of about -5 degrees Celsius). At the bottom of the bowl, there will be a silver coin that must stay untouched, resting atop the head of the person who took this adventurous shower. The belief is that it will bring riches for the next year (if you are still alive after practicing this, of course).

If ice showers aren’t your thing, you could also save a few scales from the carp that’s traditionally eaten at Christmas Eve. The Christmas carp tradition is also practiced in several neighbouring countries, such as Slovakia and the Czech Republic, and true custom says you should keep the carp alive, swimming in your bathtub, until it’s time to kill it for the family dinner. (Many modern Poles now choose to buy ready-to-eat carp, which makes bathing in the days leading up to Christmas far easier.) Everyone keeps a few of the fish’s scales in their wallets over the next 12 months to encourage good fortune. Or, if fish doesn’t strike you as a lucky symbol, you can skip the scales altogether and instead have a slice of poppy seed cake (makowiec) — it’s said to bring you as much money as there are poppy seeds in the cake.

In some villages, straw is the star of New Year’s traditions. Some locals wrap fruit trees with straw, to protect them from the devil and to ensure a good harvest in the coming year. In the north of Poland, locals have a custom of burning straw in front of their houses, which is to symbolise leaving behind all the worries and sorrows of the passing year. Or, you could just do as the kids do and throw corn and peas at each other — all in the name of luck and money for the new year, of course.

Stretching beyond New Year’s and into carnival time, young local men travel around town as carollers (kolednicy), visiting houses while dressed in strange costumes and acting out scenes from the birth of Christ or singing Christmas carols. Locals are usually happy to invite these performers under their roof, as it is believed that any gift or money given to them in gratitude for the show will turn into something better during the next year. Carollers are always a good sign, bringing abundance, prosperity, and peace.

But in the cities, the last day of the year is quite different, without the country traditions mentioned above. At the beginning of the 20th century, people in Poland started to celebrate the turning of the year with loud and joyful gatherings filled with dancing, singing, and eating. Today, in all the major cities, you’ll find New Year’s Eve concerts, dinners, and balls, including many free city-organised events in public parks and squares. In our beloved Krakow, for example, the biggest stage is usually at the Main Market, although this year there will be a slight change in this tradition; instead, there will be three different events in three different squares of the city: at the Main Market like always, but also at the Main Market of Podgórze district and, for the first time in history, close to the People’s Theatre in the Nowa Huta district (a fascinating Socialist-Realist neighbourhood on the east side of Krakow). Detailed information is available on the city website. Despite the new venues, the nature of the celebration will be the same as always, and exactly at midnight, residents and visitors will hear from Wawel Hill the deep, booming sound of the biggest historical bell, the Sigismund Bell (named for the king who commissioned it in the 16th century).

Just like all over the world, in Poland there is the tradition of watching a special fireworks display and drinking plenty of champagne, but some people also prefer a more subdued New Year’s. Many locals want to escape the hustle and bustle, and so for them, it’s quite typical to leave the city and go to the mountains, to spend the last night of the year resting from everyday life.

The important thing to remember is that, in Poland, there is no rule for the 1st of January. For us, it’s important to just do what you really like to do, as the folk traditions say that the entire coming year will be like its very first day. (I personally would like to spend the first day somewhere on the road and have high hopes that the magical tradition will come true and my backpack will be with me often in 2017!)

From here in Krakow, I wish you a Happy New Year, and may all your dreams come true — especially the travel ones! See you somewhere on the way!

10 ways to stay warm when it’s winter in Krakow

Sure, it’s chilly, but winter in Krakow can actually be quite pleasant. The streets and squares, covered with a white blanket of snow, are magical and unforgettable. And there are local experiences that are simply best enjoyed when it’s cold outside. So if you’ve resisted visiting Poland because of low temperatures, and even if you just really, really dislike cold weather, then this article is for you. As a local, I’ve happily survived more than one winter in Krakow, and I know how to warm up in our city so you don’t even notice the chill anymore.

At the Christmas Market, drink mulled wine sold directly from the wooden barrel

Every year for the whole of December, there is a huge Christmas Market at the city’s Rynek Gówny, or Main Square. It is a place for admiring and buying handmade Krakow gifts, listening to the Christmas carols, and seeing beautiful winter decorations. It’s also a great place to eat and drink. Look for big brown barrels with the yellow sign reading “grzaniec galicyjski” (mulled wine) and grab a drink with the locals. This special winter wine is served hot, and is very aromatic due to the addition of honey and a mix of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.

Step into one of the dozens of pubs located on the New Square for hot beer with ginger or raspberry juice

Winter is so chilly here that we’ve been forced to add to the regular hot wine already known in many other countries — and that something is hot beer. It is sold all over Krakow, but probably the best time to try it is while wandering around the Kazimierz district. In the very middle of this quarter you will find a relatively small market called the New Square (Plac Nowy), which is literally surrounded by pubs, clubs, and restaurants. My favourite one is Kolory (Colours), but you will find equally tasty hot beer at Alchemia or Singer.

Drink honey liqueur or flavoured vodka

Seems that we are quite devoted drinkers! (We do drink non-alcoholic beverages, too, but it seems when it’s time to warm up, there are a lot of boozy selections.) In many restaurants, you can order a strong honey drink or some vodka, which is often served at the end of the meal to aid digestion (plus stomach-warming). If you would rather drink than eat, the best place to step into is a liquor shop called Szambelan (Chamberlain) located at 9 Bracka Street, just a stone’s throw from the Main Square of Krakow. They have a huge selection of alcoholic tinctures made according to old Polish recipes. Also, you’ll be surprised by the number of different flavours and range of alcohol content (from 20% up to 50% spirit).

If you’re a teetotaler, then try our Polish hot chocolate

For abstainers and gourmands we have another great proposal: hot chocolate. The best hot choccolate in the heart of Krakow is at the Wedel chocolate fountain at 46 Main Square, or in the small café at Wawel Hill. There is also a great option in the Kazimierz quarter, where Satori Café at 25 Jozefa Street invites you to chill out and try some very thick and very tasty chocolate served with chili.

Go to a bar or restaurant for the most Polish of all dishes: hot soup

Soup is something Polish people always miss when they’re travelling abroad. In Poland, it’s an obligatory first course at lunch or dinner, and is always present on the local table. We eat soup everyday, the whole year round, but in the wintertime it is more appreciated that ever. You can order soup in every single Polish restaurant, but if you want to make it a local experience, go to Polakowski restaurant, located at All Saints Square (Plac Wszystkich Świętych), or jump into the small bar Zamieszanie (Confusion) at 20 Rajska Street.

Strap on a pair of ice skates and head to the local rink

If eating and drinking is not enough for you to warm up or you have already eaten too much, then move your body and come along with locals to the ice rink. There are many of them in the city, but the easiest to find are located in front of the big shopping mall Krakow’s Gallery (Galeria Krakowska) and at Blonia Park, both about a 10- to 15-minute walk from the Main Square. You can bring your skates with you or rent on-site for about 10 zlotys per hour (EUR 3). Being there in the evening is magical — just picture it, skating happily in the darkness while listening to Christmas carols or pop songs in the background.

Climb one of Krakow’s mysterious mounds

There are a lot of fascinating places in Krakow, but among them the most mysterious ones are, without a doubt, the four mounds. These are symbolic graves of famous Polish personalities, and there are at least two reasons to visit them in winter. First of all, you’ll need to climb a bit (which means warming up!), and secondly, there is always a beautiful panoramic view from the top — and that view is lovely when there’s snow blanketing everything. The oldest mound was made around the 7th century to commemorate a legendary founder of the city, Prince Krak. The second, also quite historic, belongs to his daughter, Wanda. The others are much younger, but also worth visiting. They are connected with Polish historical heroes Kościuszko and Pilsudski, who were fighting for our independence in 18th and 20th centuries. Their mounds are both located in the middle of a beautiful forest (Las Wolski), which you can reach from the city centre by public transport.

Warm up with a jog along the Vistula River

Wake up early (like 5am early) and join some locals for a run along the banks of the Vistula River. You’ll be rewarded with the most spectacular view of a Krakow sunrise while working up a sweat at the same time.

Work out the cold at a dance class or yoga studio

There are thousand of sport clubs and facilities in the city, so you won’t have any problems finding your favourite activity while you’re in town. I personally love the Contact sports club (Kontakt), located at 4 Szpitalna Street. It offerrs a huge variety of (not only sport) activities and has an amazing international team of people working together to create the unique atmosphere of the place.

Get sweaty in a sauna

Not in the mood for sport? Don’t worry, you can still warm up with less effort — just go to the sauna! There is a nice one, which belong to Krakow’s Mining and Metallurgy Academy at 4 Buszka Street, about a 15-minute walk from the city centre. The sauna there is open daily from 10am to 11pm, but it is always best to call ahead to reserve a time (+48 12 617 48 41) — that’s because, since Polish people aren’t so fond of sitting in such hot places for long periods, it happens quite often that there is nobody to open the facility if there are no reservations. Of course there are plenty of other saunas in the city, but as they are situated usually in hotels and are therefore much less local than this one.