Well appreciated for the charming atmosphere and remarkable architecture of its streets and facades, one of the joys of Kraków is actually in exploring its interior courtyards, where you never know what you might find, from hidden bars to lush gardens.
When it comes to the latter, in spring/summer there's no shortage of wonderful places to eat or drink outdoors - some more or less obvious (Mleczarnia), others enormous (Forum, Stara Zajezdnia) - but our favourites will always be those where you feel like you've entered a secret world detached from the reality of the city beyond its confines. The gardens listed here capture that secret thrill, and you likely wouldn't notice any of them from the street. Enjoy discovering these secret gems hidden throughout the centre of Kraków. [For a wider, more obvious list of the best places to drink when the sun is shining, see our feature on Kraków's Best Beer Gardens.]
One of our favourite places for a respite, the magnificent gardens of the Mehoffer House represent the majority of the seating at the otherwise tiny Meho Cafe. Full of roses and fruit trees, this expansive oasis is well-maintained and completely uncluttered, making it one of the most peaceful, pleasant places to enjoy a coffee, arrange an afternoon rendezvous, or select from their menu of tasty, under-priced eats. Open early with a full breakfast menu (served until 13:00), there are few more magical places in Kraków than here. Old Town | ul. Krupnicza 26 | FB
A true gem tucked in the middle of the Old Town, this glorious urban oasis is the perfect place for a morning-after meet-up, midday refueling or evening conversation over cocktails. One of the best brunch spots in Kraków, the menu is full of sweet and savoury breakfast sets, served on bread or waffles, until 16:00. In the evenings a chill, but funky Italian vibe presides, with DJs on the decks in the open air most summer weekends. For more manic sounds and footloose locals, head down into the weekend cellar club, or in cold weather retreat into the minimal 70s Art Deco Revival interior. Lastriko has it all for any occasion or time of day, but nothing beats their garden patio on a warm afternoon. Old Town | ul. Gołębia 3 | www.lastriko.org | FB
Bypass the sunny streetside tables of this charming Kazimierz cafe for the cool, green garden in the back. Full of trees, ferns and murals, this is certainly one of the best places in town to disappear with a book or an old friend. Quiet, artsy and very low-key, 2 Okna is ideal for idly passing the time, and offers wine, coffee and beer for that pursuit, as well an array of breakfast bites (Cracovian bagels, quiche, pastries), tapas and empanadas. Kazimierz | ul. Józefa 40 | FB
Planted on picturesque Kanonicza Street in a historic building, La Campana Trattoria is worth visiting just to relax in the gorgeous, ivy-green garden; full of sunlight, singing birds and blooming trees, don’t miss the chance for a sightseeing pitstop inside. Deep, vast and with an almost monastic vibe, in the evening there are few more romantic places for a candlelit dinner at dusk, and the simple pastas and risotto dishes have been endorsed by many a guidebook. When it comes to an upscale meal, this may be the best setting in Kraków. Old Town | ul. Kanonicza 7 | www.lacampana.pl | FB
This hole-in-the-wall dive bar features one of Kraków’s largest hidden gardens, tucked in the back of a tenement just minutes from the market square. Overdue for a name change (they don’t serve ‘zakąski’/appetisers), Krakowskie Zakąski does offer cheap beer and drinks (happy hours Mon-Thu until 18:00) and over 60 types of whiskey. Iron drams be damned, the summer garden is well and truly the main lure of this local, full of beach chairs and beer-crate tables, with plenty of space for groups and open late. Old Town | ul. Sławkowska 16 | FB
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