At boom saloon, we’re incredibly privileged to collaborate with a community of hundreds of talented creatives all around the world, stretching from Ecuador to Egypt, China to Canada, Austria to Angola. Our strong relations have afforded us a wealth of insider insights into the best places to visit, eat and stay, all around the world. Now, we want to share this information with you as we work with our community to map the world and share their best recommendations of how to enjoy destinations both near and far. Our version of a city guide, delivered interactively and in real time – curated for all to enjoy and presented as a savable Google Map for our members to save and bookmark a wealth of future adventures.

A long standing collaborator and friend of boom saloon, photographer and researcher Wojtek Kutyla may have made Edinburgh home, but has long been our go-to for top tips from his native Poland. Here, he tees us up for our next Kraków adventure, sharing the best museums, cafes, restaurants and shops to ensure we push the country’s second largest city further up our wanderlist. 

01_Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow

One of my favorite museums ever, housing an extensive and incredibly varied collection of contemporary art. Often hosting interesting temporary exhibitions, MOCAK is worth exploring even if they don’t have anything fresh on display. Near it, you’ll find the legendary Oscar Schindler’s Factory, which you may consider for a complimentary visit.

02_Forum Przestrzenie

This is a vast, former communist-era hotel, showcasing Brutalist architecture at its best. Recently, the foyer has been refurbished into an exciting space that’ll teleport you to 1970’s Poland; it’s lush. There is a food court and several bars. In the summer, they run a beer garden, where you can relax with your favourite drink and watch the lazy waters of Vistula flow by. An excellent spot for a date or a meeting with your pals.

03_TWORZYWO

There is something magical about this tiny cafe in the heart of Podgorze, the cosiest area of Krakow. A little bit further away from Kazimierz’s overcrowded old quarter, Tworzywo has a unique atmosphere. It might look a bit hip at first, but the folks that frequent it make for a lively crowd. You’ll always have a good chat here. And the coffee [and beer] is sublime. They also make great cakes. Visit for an authentic feel of modern Krakow.

04_Paul’s Boutique Record Store

Paul’s Boutique is the best vinyl store I know. Period. I can always find good records There, from a vast selection of electronica, jazz, rock and everything in between. Plus, live sets of music from underground DJs of Krakow. The staff are amicable and will help you source outstanding records; you won’t come back empty handed. And the prices are reasonable, too. Altogether, a gem if you are into music.

05_Veganic Restaurant

Vegan food doesn’t get any better than this. Veganic is my favourite vegan restaurant in Poland, if not on the planet. Innovative menu — check; polite and friendly staff — check; Gluten free options available — check! All of this served not too far from the historic centre of town. Make sure you book, as it’s often busy.

06_HEVRE Bar & Restaurant

Located in the heart of the old Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, HEVRE serves drinks and food. The interior is beautiful and always buzzing with locals and tourists alike. It’s a perfect place if you travel with a larger group but also if you want to sit quietly in the corner and chill for a while.

07_Sababa cocktail bar

Sababa is your place if you like cocktails. The interior is simply out of this world; the decor mixes a strange, quasi-Arabic mood with contemporary Polish architecture. It’s dark, moody and beautiful. You can take your friends to this place — it’ll impress them. It is also friendly and warm, making it an excellent stop for an early evening. The cocktails are always unique, too.

08_Krakow New Jewish Cemetery

This cemetery is not the most well-known Jewish necropolis in Krakow, but in my view, it’s the most beautiful one. Wander a shadowy path amongst the ivy leaves and discover this beautiful resting place for generations of Krakow’s Jews. A must-see, especially in the late summer or autumn, when colourful leaves form a carpet in those windy, quiet memory lanes.

09_Somnium Cafe Bar

An excellent coffee place. It’s small, so you might be unable to find a place to sit [although you should try!], but the coffee they serve compensates for the queue and the time spent at one of the tables outside. Somnium is also one of the few places in Krakow serves good quality decaf, making them particularly great.