It’s not hard to find some great things to do in Krakow during winter. Most people know about the best bars and clubs. However, many visitors can end up walking around the Old Town aimlessly, not knowing what to do.

In fact, many people end up missing out on a fair amount of what Krakow has to offer.

So we put this list together of the top things to do in Krakow in Winter.

So let’s get to it.

6 things to in Krakow in winter

#1 Markets

There are many things to do in Krakow in Winter. The number one thing on the list for most people visiting is to check out the Christmas markets around the main square. There is a range of stalls selling various regional Polish products such as oscypek(Polish cheese), hand-crafted woolen clothing, trinkets, and wood carvings. There are also a few stalls selling typically overpriced souvenirs made in China.

After browsing through some of the stalls, you can enjoy some heartwarming mulled wine and dig into some hearty Polish street food.

#2 Ice Skating

To burn off all that extra pork sausage and two too many drinks you’ve had exploring Krkaow’s nightlife, another great thing to do in Krakow this winter is to check out some of Krakow’s ice skating rinks. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or never tried it. It’s cheap, fun and easy. Our favorite is the rink in the beautiful Jordan park, which is only 10 minutes walk from the Old town, and there is an excellent Organic cafe next door. You can try out the Cracovii Ice Rink for the more experienced skaters where the Krakow Team plays, but it’s best to check their website or call to see if the rink is free.

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#3 Food & Drink tour

Skip all the tourist traps and get some authentic local polish food on a food tour. There are many of these tours in Krakow, but our favorite is “A Taste of Krakow” from “City Walks Krakow”. Their guides have a great passion for food and, more importantly, vodka! Not only do they show you great Polish food, but they go into detail with stories behind each dish and can recommend some great places around Krakow after the tour. 

Don’t just take our word for it, check out all their great Trip Advisor reviews.

Winter in krakow
Winter in krakow

#4 Relax with a drink

By far, the best thing about Krakow in winter is warming yourself up with some Mulled wine, so we have made a list of the four best places to get mulled wine or beer in Krakow.

Caffe Zaćmienie – A cool outdoor/indoor bar that feels like your sitting in a little jungle with plants hanging from all areas.

Cafe Zakątek – Tucked up an alleyway that looks so uninviting – but when you get inside, although small, it is cozy and very welcoming. The staff makes you feel at home and the drinks even more so.

Eszeweria – This bar is in the heart of the Jewish Quarter “Kazimierz,” and it represents the sort of bar you’ll find in Kazimierz very well. The old-world antiques, candelabras, frosty mirrors, and dark, stenciled walls all work well together. You won’t find many tourists here, just a great vibe and some even better warm spiced beers.

Alchemia – One of the oldest bars in Krakow, this bar has a unique style, and they are one of the only places in Krakow that do mulled cider. 

#5 Lost souls ally

This is by far one of the most popular things to do in Krakow all year round, but it has a bit of extra charm to it during the cold and dark winter days.

Lost Soul’s Ally is a cross between a haunted house and an escape room but emphasizes the scary part. It turns men into baby’s and can show you who your real friends are. Check out some of their videos on their website, but they don’t do justice to just how scary it is. We recommend having a few beers before you go in to help you build up some courage.

#6 Mountain day trip

This one isn’t actually in Krakow, It is in Zakopane, but we can look past that as it’s only about 1.5 hours drive. 

Just south of Krakow are the stunning Tatra mountains in the Tatra national park. It expands 211.6 km² through Poland and Slovakia, and there are lakes, mountain peaks, paved trails for beginners, and death-defying near rock climbing trails for expert climbers. 

We suggest sticking to the primary trails that lead to the famous Lake Morskie Oko. Here you will find an old guest house situated on the lake that services some well-deserved mulled wine and a selection of hot foods. 

Check out this Zakopane Day Trip or check out some of the Thermal Baths.

Final Thoughts

Krakow is a stunning city to visit all year round; however, the charm and the beauty of the town are even more present during the cold winter months. If you have any further questions about Krakow, please get in contact with us.