Lifestyle in Krakow

The lifestyle in Kraków has grown increasingly vibrant as the city’s popularity as both a holiday and expat destination has soared over the last few decades. Thanks to increasing numbers of multinational corporations, particularly in the IT and tech sectors, choosing to base their operations in the city, Kraków’s expat population continues to thrive. This, in turn, has contributed to increasing the levels of development and cultural diversity in Poland’s cultural capital.

When moving to Kraków, you’ll be in for a treat when it comes to ways in which to spend your free time. Whether you’re looking to indulge in fine food, dance the night away or explore the beautiful Polish mountain regions, Kraków offers an eclectic range of lifestyle activities in a city known for its rich heritage and modern amenities.

Shopping in Kraków

Shopping in Kraków remains a highlight of the Polish retail experience, with the city maintaining its reputation as the top shopping destination within Poland. Here, you’ll not only find a wide range of modern goods and international brand names, but you’ll also be able to get great local produce at reasonable prices throughout the year.

Galeria Krakowska is one of the most popular shopping areas in Kraków. It boasts a wide range of high-street shops and exclusive boutiques and is conveniently located close to the Main Market Square. The more sedate Galeria Kazimierz is another great shopping spot located on the riverbank in the Jewish district of Kraków. It is home to a host of fashion boutiques, quaint bookshops and cosy cafés, along with a modern multiplex cinema.

For a novel and quirky shopping experience, head to Hala Targowa. Away from the typical tourist trail, this is a favourite among the locals. At this unique flea market, open daily but transforming into a full-blown treasure trove on Sundays, you can lose hours browsing through old books, antiques, vinyl records, traditional Polish handicrafts and art. Don’t miss seasonal markets throughout the year, with the Christmas Market in the Old Town Square being particularly enchanting.

Eating out in Kraków

Eating out in Kraków means taking in a charming café culture that continues to evolve with speciality coffee shops and artisanal offerings. You’ll find plenty of quaint coffee spots hidden underground or in nooks of historic buildings.

While the city may not be quite as eclectic as more established European expat destinations, as a new arrival, you’ll find a restaurant scene that is rapidly developing to keep pace with the increasingly multicultural nature of Kraków’s population. Beyond the hearty Polish cuisine, you’ll find a growing range of international restaurants serving up Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, and a variety of plant-based dishes.

Head to one of Kraków’s ‘milk bars’ where you can experience authentic Polish fare at a bargain. These cultural institutions remain popular with both locals and expats, serving simple, affordable, dairy-based meals in no-frills settings. For upscale dining, the Old Town, Kazimierz, and areas around Planty Park offer numerous options at prices significantly lower than in Western European capitals.

Nightlife and entertainment in Kraków

The nightlife in Kraków earns it the reputation as the party capital of Poland thanks to its university atmosphere and buzzing social scene. You won’t be disappointed when it comes to evening entertainment, with venues typically open until the early hours, especially on weekends.

Main Market Square is the heart of Kraków’s nightlife, coming alive in the evenings with almost every historical building boasting some sort of pub, restaurant or club. The square offers a lively atmosphere with charming open-air options during the summer months and cosy indoor venues during winter. Cellar-based venues are particularly unique to Kraków and well worth exploring for their distinctive atmosphere with cracked mirrors, antique furnishings, and candlelit ambience.

Kazimierz is a great option if you’re after something low-key with more bohemian character. This is where you’ll find the alternative side of culture in Kraków. Live music venues, craft breweries, and street food eateries provide an authentic entertainment experience in this district, which has transformed from its rougher post-war reputation into one of the city’s most culturally exciting areas.

Sports and outdoor activities in Kraków

You won’t have to look far for sports and outdoor activities in Kraków, with the city’s abundant green spaces and parks on every corner. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors, at least in the summer months. That said, even when the weather isn’t great, you can still find Kraków’s residents enjoying a stroll along Planty Park or by the Vistula River. The river features over 20 miles (32km) of scenic waterfront paths with separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians.

Kosciuszko Mound is a great spot where you can enjoy some beautiful panoramic city views. Standing 112 feet (34m) high and offering lovely vistas, this artificial mound commemorates the Polish national leader Tadeusz Kosciuszko and includes both a museum and fortress at its base.

When city life begins to take its toll, you can head to the Tatra Mountains, as Kraków is a mere two-hour drive from Zakopane. This area is a hiker’s paradise during the summer months, with numerous trails catering to different experience levels. In the winter, it presents perfect conditions for skiing at a fraction of the price often associated with other skiing hotspots in Europe.

For those who prefer to stay within city limits during colder months, Kraków offers numerous indoor sports facilities, including rental sports halls conveniently located close to the city centre. The city’s sporting identity is deeply tied to its two historic football clubs – Wisła Kraków and KS Cracovia – both established in 1906 and maintaining an intense rivalry known locally as the ‘Holy War’ or ‘Kraków Derby’. Catching a match between these teams will offer you an insight into local passion and culture beyond typical tourist experiences.

See and do in Kraków

There is plenty to see and do in Kraków, with the city’s rich historical heritage providing countless opportunities for exploration. The Royal Route offers one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Kraków’s Old Town, tracing the historic path of royal coronations from Floriańska Gate to Wawel Castle and Cathedral, where Poland’s monarchs are entombed in royal crypts.

Wawel Castle, standing majestically on Wawel Hill, houses one of Poland’s premier art museums and represents the symbolic heart of Polish statehood.

The Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz offers another fascinating area for exploration, with its well-preserved synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, and vibrant cultural scene. A visit to Oskar Schindler’s Factory, now housing an excellent museum about Kraków under Nazi occupation, provides powerful insights into the city’s WWII history. Walking tours connecting these Jewish heritage sites are widely available and highly recommended.

The city’s countless galleries, museums, and cultural venues ensure there’s always something new to discover, regardless of how long you stay. Art enthusiasts will appreciate Kraków’s diverse museum scene, from the National Museum of Kraków with its extensive Polish art collection to more contemporary offerings like MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków), located in the former halls of Schindler’s Factory in the post-industrial Zabłocie district.

Day trips from Kraków should include the UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine, with its breathtaking underground chambers and salt sculptures. Many visitors also make the sobering but important journey to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, located about 40 miles (65km) west of Kraków.

Meeting people and making friends in Kraków

Meeting people and making friends in Kraków is made easier by the city’s welcoming international community and growing expat population. As a newcomer, you’ll find several active expat groups, such as Kraków Expats Directory, that provide essential resources, regular events, and a support network to help you settle in comfortably.

Language exchange opportunities abound for those looking to improve their Polish or help locals practice English. Regular events hosted by groups like the Language Exchange Club Kraków offer relaxed, café-based settings to connect with both locals and fellow internationals. Making even a modest effort with basic Polish phrases goes a long way toward breaking the ice with locals.

Useful links

• Meetup Kraków
• Kraków Expats Directory
• Language Exchange Club Kraków