Winter in Poland is magical: snow blankets the rooftops and streets, and on crisp, clear days, the sunlight glimmers off the colorful polish architecture. But let’s be honest, when temperatures drop below zero, my favorite way to experience Krakow is by seeking refuge indoors. I can’t spend an entire day braving the cold, so I retreat to cafés, bookstores & shops. Krakow is full with these spots, each full of character, perfect for an afternoon of wandering among shelves and stalls, savoring a rich & warm coffee or losing yourself in Polish and international literary classics.
Here’s a curated list of some of my faovrite places in Krakow where you can embrace the winter warmth of Krakow, surrounded by books, vintage treasures, and the comforting aroma of coffee.
KRAKOW OVERVIEW
WHERE | Kraków, Poland
GETTING THERE | Train, bus, international & domestic airport
GETTING AROUND | Walk, Bus, Tramway, Train, Tours
TOP THINGS TO SEE | Rynek Główny, St. Mary’s Basilica, Wawel Castle, Kazimierz, Schindler’s Factory, Sukiennice
WHAT TO EAT | Pierogi, Zapiekanka, Obwarzanek Krakowski, Bigos, Kielbasa, Sernik
BEST TIME TO VISIT | April to October & December for the christmas market
CURRENCY | Polish złoty PLN (1€ around 4 PLN)
ANTYKWARIAT ABECADLO
The charm of this antique bookshop lies not only in its location, but also in the building itself: it is one of the few antique bookshops in the world to occupy a former pharmacy. Medicines were sold here for over a century and, as the owners write: “The shelves that once held medicines are now filled with a unique remedy for the soul: books.”
The Abecadło antique bookshop is a place where you can spend hours browsing the shelves and drawers, still labeled with the names of medicines and other pharmaceutical products. The collection of antique books is impressive, with over 25,000 titles. You will also find postcards, audio cassettes, vinyl records, and photos.
It serves as well as a venue for literary, cultural, and social gatherings and has a cozy little café where you can enjoy a warm cup of drink in winter, comfortably settled with a book in hand.
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
- Address: Tadeusza Kościuszki 18, 30-105 Kraków, Poland.
POŻEGNANIE Z AFRYKĄ
If you love coffee, this place, tucked away in a peaceful corner of Krakow, is the place to not miss. The concept is as original as it is appealing: you choose your coffee beans—decaffeinated or not—while discovering their origin and aromas, then the extraction method that suits you best: filter, siphon, Italian espresso, ect … Each preparation reveals a unique flavor and a completely personalized experience.
The service is attentive, and the staff are passionate and highly knowledgeable. Despite its small size, the café has a friendly atmosphere where you immediately feel at ease, never rushed or cramped. Next door, a charming shop offers a fine selection of coffees and teas to take away. Prices are very reasonable for an artisan establishment, and the beans can be ground on site according to your preferences.
- Opening hours: every day from 10h to 20h.
- Address: Św. Tomasza 21, 31-020 Kraków, Poland.
RZECZY MINIONE TOMASZ WOŹNIAK
Located a few steps from Wawel Castle Hill, this vintage shop is a veritable treasure trove for lovers and curious visitors interested in antique objects. A true vintage kingdom, it houses an eclectic collection of furniture, antiques, and curiosities carefully arranged in a cozy atmosphere, punctuated by music from an old gramophone.
Each corner reveals a new discovery, like a walk through a labyrinth of the past. Most of the items come from Krakow, so it’s the chance to take home a little piece of local history. Prices are fair and affordable, and the staff is friendly & passionate, always happy to offer advice and share their knowledge with enthusiasm.
- Opening hours: 10h to 18h (closed on Thursday and Sunday)
- Address: Świętej Agnieszki 1, 31-071 Kraków, Poland
MASSOLIT BOOKS & CAFE
This bookshop will delight English-speaking tourists and locals alike. Inspired by the literary cafés of the late 19th century, it was established by three Americans who fell in love with Krakow more than twenty years ago. It quickly became a venue for literary gatherings, exhibitions, political debates, and international events.
The bookstore offers more than 20,000 new and used books at affordable prices, with a particular focus on Polish and Jewish literature (available in translation), studies on Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Asian literature, feminist literature, and women’s studies.
The venue also serves as a café, where you can enjoy American-style homemade pastries and browse through a wide selection of English-language newspapers and magazines.
- Opening hours : everydays 10h to 20h
- Address: Felicjanek 4, 31-104 Kraków, Polonia
