Nestled on the southern bank of the Vistula River, Podgorze is a historic district in Krakow, known for its poignant history, picturesque streets, and vibrant cultural scene.
Once a separate town, Podgorze was incorporated into Krakow in the early 20th century and has since evolved into a place of enthralling – if haunting – historical sights, buzzy bars, and more.
Just a stone’s throw away from the bustling Old Town (it’s like 20 minutes by foot), it offers a quieter, more authentic experience of Krakow that’s all about raw and often sobering history balanced by a new breed of uber-cool bars and chic wine spots.
Let’s dig in a little deeper to see all that Podgorze has to offer…
This article may contain affiliate links to hotels, services, and other extras that will earn us something if you click through and book. It’s what helps us keep offering great info on Krakow, so thanks for that!
Where is Podgorze?
Podgorze is situated on the south side of the Vistula River. It’s the first area you’ll come to when you cross one of the many bridges from Kazimierz, Krakow’s enthralling Jewish Quarter and newfound nightlife hub.
The area of Podgorze itself is actually massive. It’s split into two: Podgorze and Stary Podgorze. The latter is the one we talk about in this guide. It means “Old Podgorze” and it’s home to most of the things of note to travelers. It’s also where you’ll want to stay.
The area of Stary Podgorze buts right up to the Vistula Riverbanks and runs for about three blocks south of that.
How to get to Podgorze?
Podgorze is easily accessible from Krakow’s Old Town and other parts of the city.
The most convenient way to reach Podgorze is by tram; lines 8, 10, 13, and 18 will take you there directly.
For a more scenic route, consider walking across the footbridges over the Vistula River. They offer stunning views of the water and the Vistula Boulevards (the walking routes up and down the banks).
You can also hop in an Uber. Expect to pay 20-25 PLN for a trip from the Old Town.
When’s the best time to visit Podgorze?
The ideal time to visit Podgorze is during the late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October). These months offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and the beauty of the city in full bloom or with the warm hues of autumn leaves in the parks (and there are a few lovely parks in Podgorze!).
Winter, with its snow-covered streets, can also be magical, albeit colder. That said, you should know there’s no Christmas Market in Podgorze like there is in the Old Town.
Plan your trip to Krakow
Search for flights – For our money, Kiwi is one of the best flight search engines out there. Great interface, easy to plan return tickets on low-cost fliers.
Book your stay – Booking.com rules in Krakow. We think it has the biggest range of hotels and some of the best rates.
Get insurance – Travel insurance is a must, even for a quick weekend hop to Poland, and ESPECIALLY since Brexit (grr). We’ve got SafetyWing insurance (medical insurance for frequent travellers).
Sort travel money with Wise – We can’t recommend Wise enough. Zero fees for card transactions, free ATM withdrawals up to 200 quid abroad, and the best app we’ve ever used. We won’t travel without one.
The top things to do and see in Podgorze
Podgorze is one of the coolest parts of Krakow. There we said it.
It’s got a bit more atmosphere than the Old Town (which is now super touristy) and more alternative sights that Kazimierz (which is just north over the river).
The area also happens to be the home of some of the town’s absaloute must-see attractions, most notably the factory associated with Oskar Schindler from the iconic movie Schindler’s List.
Schindler’s Factory Museum
This former factory, made famous by the film Schindler’s List, is now a museum dedicated to Krakow’s experience during World War II.
It’s a must-visit for history buffs and actually tells the story of the city since its earliest days, so it’s much, much more than just a homage to the movie.
We rank it up there among the very best museums in the city to be honest. The exhibits are very informative, so you don’t NEED a guide.
A guide will add value though, and we’d reccomend that for the most dedicated history buffs (especially as guides aren’t all that expensive (you’re looking at around $35 for a complete tour).
We also have a complete, in-depth guide to Schindler’s Factory that has more info on what to expect and when to visit.
How to visit? We can reccomend this highly rated tour with Walking & Talking. Alternatively, book the standalone ticket here.
MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow)
Featuring modern art from Polish and international artists, MOCAK is a hub for contemporary culture and thought-provoking exhibitions.
We’d also add that the building itself is a highlight. Expect one of the most striking Brutalist buildings in the whole city, complete with a stark concrete facade and minimalist interior cafe space.
How to visit? Entry to MOCAK is included in the Krakow City Pass, as is entry to like 30+ other museums.
Podgorze Market Square (Rynek Podgórski)
Explore the local market square. It’s filled with quaint cafes and small shops but the real piece de resistance is the incredible spire of St. Joseph’s Church that keeps watch overhead.
We LOVE to sit here with a coffee/beer/wine in the summer or spring and just watch the world go by.
The last couple of years have seen the square get great for foodies, too.
Check out Wietnam at the north end for some of the best pho in the city. Or hit up Kropka Kraków nearer the church for some super-creative European fusion cooking – think mussle toast and fired gyozas with confit bacon.
How to visit? Literally just walk there – it’s the heart of Podgorze.
Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta)
This square hosts a poignant memorial, consisting of oversized chairs, commemorating the victims of the Krakow Ghetto, which actually covered the streets of Podgorze itself.
How to visit? This square is about midway between Schindler’s Factory and the Podgorze Market Square, so it’s easy to add to a self-planned walking tour.
Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa)
For panoramic views of the city, hike up to this ancient mound. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.
It’s thought to be one of the oldest mounds in the city, dating back some 1,200 years to the middle of the 8th century AD!
We have a complete guide to visiting Krakus Mound that’s got info on the best places to sit/times to go/the history of it all.
How to visit? The walk up the hill from Podgorze takes 15 minutes-ish, but take it slow as it’s steep!
Park Bednarskiego
Right behind the huge spire of St. Joseph’s Church (the main landmark in the old part of Podgorze), Park Bednarskiego offers a welcome escape from the city vibes.
Go here for a chilled picnic on the lawns or to laze around in the summer. It’s very local and one of the top parks in Krakow if you want something low-key and chilled.
For a nice walk, make your way from the entrance behind the church up to the Krzemionkach Stadium above. There’s a kiosk bar there that sells beers and chips. Nice enough.
How to visit? Walk behind St Joseph’s Church and you’ll find the entrance.
Where to stay in Podgorze?
Podgorze is actually kinda’ a hub for more off-the-beaten-track Airbnbs and self-catering rentals, largely because it doubles as a residential area.
There are a few great hotels in these parts, though, mostly of the stylish, boutique type.
These would be our pick…
- Lwowska 1 – This chic and cozy hotel combines modern amenities with a touch of history, providing a unique stay experience.
- The Bridge Suites – Very cool, modern spaces that are perched right above the walking bridge that links Kazi to Podgorze. You will be pushed to find a more comfy aparthotel in Krakow than this and it’s right by the main nightlife/gastro hub of the area.
- Galaxy Hotel – Overlooking the Vistula River, Galaxy Hotel offers luxurious rooms, a spa center, and a restaurant serving exquisite dishes. It’s also pet-friendly.
There are PLENETTTYYY more places to stay in Podgorze that score 9+/10 though. We’d reccomend checking Booking.com and using the handy map feature to ensure it’s in the area of Old Podgorze (the bit you want to stay near for sightseeing and access to the rest of the city)
Quick-click links to our top stays in Krakow
- PURO Krakow Kazimierz – If in doubt, go PURO. Retro rooms, a noir cocktail lounge, and an underground spa. It’s our fav all-round hotel in the city right now.
- Hotel Stary – A famous lux hotel in the Old Town. Beloved of celebs. Wellness facility in the basement. Book it if yo’ budget allows!
- Academia Apartments – The Deluxe Apartment in this complex has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Planty Park and the Old Town. It’s exquisite for those who want more space.
- Greg & Tom Party Hostel – Greg & Tom is nothing short of legendary. Great vibes. Low prices. Nightly parties.
Must-do activites in Krakow
- Wawel Castle – A guided runthrough of Krakow’s mighty castle complex.
- Taste Vodka – These guys run the single best voddie tasting tour in town. It’s fun, it’s food-filled, it’s wild.
- Oskar Schindler’s Factory – The factory from the iconic film is a journey through the millennia of history in Krakow.
- Zakopane – If you have time (two days is ideal), you should definitely visit the mountain town of Zakopane!
Nightlife in Podgorze
The nightlife scene in Podgorze is pretty great. Okay, so it’s not quite as wild as Kazimierz or the Old Town and there’s no organized pub crawl in these parts.
But Podgorze can offer a taste of more local evening enjoyments. There are microbreweries, old-school dive bars, and sleek wine spaces alike…
- Barka – Enjoy a drink on this unique bar-on-a-boat, offering great views of the river and the city alike. Technically, Barka is on the Kazimierz side of the water, but the views are mainly of the soaring spire of St. Joseph’s Church in the middle of Podgorze so we’re gonna say it counts. Gets busy on hot summer days, obviously!
- Drukarnia Klub – Get here for 6pm in the summer and steal a table outside. I’m sure it’s the place that gets the last rays of sun in the evening. But people will vie and jostle for a space for that reason. Later, Drukarnia gets messy. It’s got a gritty inside section that’s a bit like an Irish pub and a chicer bar area. Both are buzzing on weekends.
- SPOKO – A cool microbrew that means “chill”, this one’s perfect for day drinking and craft beer enthusiasts. Fantastic outdoor area in the summer.
- Targowa2 – A quirky little pub that’s reminiscent of the Budapest ruin bars, this one spills out of an old industrial building deeper into Podgorze. They do good food and craft beers.
The parks of Podgorze
One of the highlights of Podgorze has to be its parks.
Park Bednarskiego takes the biscuit (we’ve mentioned that in a bit more detail above). It’s got all sorts of nooks and crannies and even buts up to an old quarry area that’s out of bounds.
But there’s more than just that…
- Park Bednarskiego – A beautiful park offering walking paths, playgrounds, and a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
- Zabłocie Park – Located near MOCAK and Schindler’s Factory, this park is perfect for a relaxing stroll after visiting the museums.
- Krakus Mound – South of Podgorze over the motorway is this soaring hill. It’s arguably one of the best places in Krakow to watch the sunset and a totally brutal run if you want to punish yourself with steep ascents.
