What to see & where to eat in the pretty Polish city of Krakow (plus a brilliant budget Airbnb)

Sweep any preconceived notions of Krakow out of your mind, this pretty city, situated in the south of the country is one of Poland’s oldest and most fascinating, plus it’s smallish size makes it the perfect weekend destination.

Eat Pierogi at Pierogarnia Krakowiacy

What is there to see?

The cobbled old town is filled with restaurants, while the trendy Jewish quarter is the place to go for fun shops and cocktail bars. There's a castle not far from the main square, horse and carriages if you fancy a spin around the city, plus numerous great galleries and museums. Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps are not too far from Krakow, with many hotels offering daily guided tours and the UNESCO Wieliczka and Bochnia salt mines look fascinating, but I didn't get chance to see them during my time in Poland.

Krakow's main square

Where should I eat and drink?

CK Browar, set in a cosy cellar with it’s own brewery is a great place to sample Polish dishes like pork knuckle (sounds weird, tastes amazing) and delicious meat stews that won’t cost more than £10. The brewed beer samplers come in cute mini glass tankards and are a great way to try a few different beers. 

Beer samplers at CK Browar

For classic Polish dumplings known as Pierogi try Pierogarnia Krakowiacy for filling and tasty versions in the centre of town. Bunkier Café, attached to Krakow’s best contemporary art gallery is a great place to people watch, I loved the chilli hot chocolate here, while Café Camelot is a good little breakfast spot with squeaky floorboards, tiny tables and an antique shop upstairs.

Chilli hot chocolate and espresso at Bunkier Café

Where can I stay?

There's some amazingly well-priced Airbnb options in Krakow, the two-bedroomed one I chose was just £30 a night and even included breakfast. For that I got a bright, cosy and well decorated place just a ten minute walk to the old town.

My room in the cutest and cheapest Airbnb