Best cafes in Krakow

Here at Goodtime Monty, we’re not shy of shouting about Krakow’s blossoming status as one of Europe’s most exciting destinations. High time we acknowledge the contribution of its bubbling cafe scene, an essential ingredient in Krakow’s magic. 

From colorful venues in spirited neighborhoods to unsung foodie havens, we pay homage to the best cafes in Krakow. Places we love that you probably will, too.

We start with cafes in Krakow that invite you to slow down and soak up the singular atmosphere.

A spiral staircase, vintage décor, and flickering candles combine for a homely ambiance at Camelot. It’s a magnetic spot to linger over a coffee in Krakow, especially with a slice of their homemade apple cake.

Formerly a brothel (the pink walls might be a clue) and spread over 3 rooms, they also welcome visitors craving something perkier, like their array of fruity nalewka (heady tinctures). With a busy kitchen and distinctly Cracovian café charisma, Camelot is a place to drop in day or night.

Camelot: Świętego Tomasza 17, 33-332 (Old Town)

With an open terrace overlooking Planty Park, this modern cafe in the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre is an agreeable spot to sip a cooling beer or energizing coffee accompanied by a filled obwarzanek Krakowski (the local pretzels sold all over the city).

The genial atmosphere and scenic backdrop form a rewarding breakpoint when exploring the Old Town. A comfortable interior makes it a winner all year round.  

Kawiarnia Teatralna: plac Świętego Ducha 1, 31-021 (Old Town)

We’re not only on a mission to find good coffee in Krakow. Despite the name, KawaLerka doubles up as a snug teahouse.

Plush seating and eclectic art enliven the retro vibe and stellar tea selection (not forgetting top-class sernik), elevating this cafe above the ordinary, much like some of our other favorite hidden gems in Krakow.

KawaLerka: Brzozowa 20, 31-050 (Kazimierz)

“In the summertime, when the weather is high,” pop Mungo Jerry on your playlist and head to the delightful garden at the Meho Cafe in the Józef Mehoffer House (home-turned-museum celebrating the feted artist).

The service might not be the slickest in Krakow. But with a rounded food and drinks menu and a gorgeous setting, you won’t mind chilling for a while.

Meho Cafe: Krupnicza 26, 31-123 (Józef Mehoffer House, West Krakow)

Effervescent Dwa Okna is another of the best cafes in Krakow for a laidback bite to eat.

A piano occupies one corner, occasionally lifting the vibe with laidback melodies. Multi-chromatic seating chimes with the easygoing energy and vegan-rich menu. The star attraction is the cushioned window sills looking out the eye-catching dwa okna (town windows). Bag them if you can.

Dwa Okna: Józefa 40, 31-056 (Kazimierz)

Grab a glass of wine and a novel from your favorite author, then sink back into one of the sofas and enjoy a setting that could only be in Kazimierz.

There are plenty of magical places vying for the best cafe in Krakow. But this one takes the chill to another level, inviting visitors to give up an afternoon and feed a thirst for refreshments and literature.

With a menu of snacks and drinks for every mood and a well-stocked bookstore, the only worry is whether your suitcase has room for more books.

Kawiarna Literacka: Krakowska 41, 31-066 (Kazimierz)

Kazimierz’s Jewish background is brought to life in Cheder (meaning a school for early learning about Judaism and the Hebrew language).

Savor traditionally brewed coffee in evocative surroundings, enriching cultural and historical perspectives on Krakow’s most animated neighborhood. If hunger bites, put aside time to sample their delectable menu, a mouthwatering array of flavors straight from the Levant.

Cheder: Józefa 36, 31-056 (Kazimierz)

With a name like Lisboa Cafe, expect the best pastel de nata in the city.

Aside from the inexpensive and moreish custard tarts (good luck trying to eat just one), the bright and breezy slice of Portugal is a charming bolthole for coffee or a glass of Vinho Verde. Head to the pretty garden, which pairs wonderfully with Portuguese wines in summer.

Lisboa Cafe: Dolnych Młynów 3/4, 31-124 (West Krakow)

Slow travel adventures begin with a satisfying śniadanie. There’s no shortage of places serving a decent breakfast in Krakow, but this selection of cafes in Krakow is ideal for getting the day started with a smile. 

Stacked with well-thumbed books, greenery, and an animated personality, Cytat is an enchanting spot to kick back and relax.

Board games and a funky décor cater to Instagram fans and restless travelers. But it’s more than just a destination cafe in Krakow; the brunches and coffee are top-notch, too.

Cytat: Miodowa 23, 31-055 (Kazimierz)

If you like sticky cinnamon rolls and a decent flat white, Kaffe Bageri is the place to go.

Importing a taste of Sweden to Krakow, the sunny bakery boasts a delightful terrace and conservatory. It’s a cozy refuge for all seasons, with pastries and Swedish savories to die for. Clear a space in your backpack for sugar-fueled exploits around Krakow.

Kaffe Bageri: Łobzowska 17, 31-139 (West Krakow)

Art-deco stylings and modernist furnishings come together in this spacious cafe where workers hunch over their laptops and locals appreciate the calm. And a decent brew.  

Breakfasts shine (especially the French pastries) like the sun beaming through the big windows. Wine and an Italian-inspired menu fuel a warm atmosphere throughout the day. The ideal spot to pause after visiting the art-filled National Museum across the road.

Umeblowana: Aleja Marszałka Ferdynanda Focha (West Krakow)

Unless you know where to look, you might overlook hidden cafes in Krakow that offer something unique, from glorious views to pretty gardens. Here are the ones that you will want to know about.

A tiny corner of the Land of the Rising Sun sits south of the Vistula in the Japanese-inspired Cafe Manghaa.

Enjoying a birds-eye view of Wawel Caste and a menu bristling with Japanese gastronomy. The terrace and stylish interior are prime spots to recharge, with views to savor. If you’re a manga fan, the attached museum is a must.

Cafe Manghaa: Marii Konopnickiej 26, 30-302 (Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology)

Is this the place to find the best coffee in Krakow? No, not really. But Metrum does serve up some of the finest views in the city.

Overlooking the Old Town, landmarks galore punctuate the skyline. The views are built into the prices. But in fairness, the hot breakfasts, sandwiches, and even the coffee are pretty solid. And the panoramas are out of this world.

Metrum rooftop: Świętego Tomasza 43, 31-027 (Old Town)

Karma deserves all the good fortune life (and loyal customers) can dish out. The utterly bohemian sanctuary hides a pretty urban garden and a warm welcome. Not to mention a talent for scrumptious homebaked goodies.

Cafes in Krakow don’t come much more relaxed. Head there to decompress with their house-roasted coffee or a glass or two of their top-notch natural wines.

Karma Coffee Roastery: Świętego Wawrzyńca 9, 31-060 (Kazimierz)

Our last stop around the best cafes in Krakow takes us back above the city skyline to Cafe Szał. Occupying the rooftop of the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), it’s a prime spot for watching life bustle around the central square below.

There are better places to eat in Krakow. But the views are headliners. And with a decent selection of drinks, from smoothies to cocktails, Cafe Szał inevitably draws crowds.

Cafe Szał: Rynek Główny 3, 31-048 (above Sukiennice)

The Monty team is always looking out for venues our customers will relish. But we all agree that this list includes the finest cafes in Krakow. Most are within walking distance of our recommendations for what to do in Krakow.

So, slip on your slow travel boots and make the most of our home city’s wonderfully diverse cafe scene. We promise there are delights to be discovered!