10 Things to Do in Krakow in February

Booking a flight to the capital of Lower Silesia will give you the chance to discover a charming city without breaking the bank. And when the temperature drops, you can warm up with some Polish comfort food or a cup of mulled wine.

February is the third coldest month of the year. Fortunately, you can warm up with the hearty dishes of Polish cuisine. The local food is heavily influenced by neighbouring countries, particularly Lithuania, Hungary, Russia and Germany, as well as by places further afield. For example, the Italian influence dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries when there were significant trade links with Genoa, Florence and Venice.

Another culture that has left its mark is Turkish, as spices and coffee reached Poland through contacts with the Ottoman Empire. The result is a varied, flavourful cuisine that’s perfect for combating the cold. Below is a brief list of the dishes you absolutely must try – and you’re sure to have the chance if you book a food tour of the Jewish quarter:

• Pierogi, the ultimate comfort food. These are thin-dough dumplings with various fillings: meat, mushrooms, seasonal fruit (blueberries, strawberries and cherries), buckwheat, cottage cheese or potatoes with fried onions.
• Golabki, minced pork with rice, onion and mushrooms wrapped in a white cabbage leaf.
• Oscypek, a semi-hard cheese made by blending cow’s and sheep’s milk. It is served warm and is usually accompanied by a red fruit jam.
• Bigos, the hunters’ dish. The traditional recipe includes sour cabbage, various types of fresh meat, sausages, mushrooms and prunes.
• Czernina, a soup made from duck or goose blood. In 19th-century rural Poland, being served this dish meant your marriage proposal had been rejected. However, today it is a much-loved dish.

If you’d like to find out more about the local cuisine, I recommend reading the article on the best restaurants in Kraków.

From mid-December to the end of February, Kraków has an ice rink. The rink is set up in Jordan Park and on the nearby Błonia Meadow (both located on Al. 3 Maja).

This area features playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts; consequently, it is a favourite spot for children and families. During the winter months, these places become popular destinations for sports.

The ice rink comprises three areas: a large 1,200-square-metre square, a ring and a 400-square-metre area where children can practise their skills. It is open every day of the week from 9 am to 9 pm. However, on Fridays and Sundays, it closes at 10 pm. You can hire all the equipment on site. In this part of Kraków, you can also go on sleigh rides. If you’d like more details, you can book a tour of Kraków’s Old Town and get the latest information.

A museum is always a good option to keep out of the cold. In Kraków, one of the most interesting cultural institutions is the Czartoryski Museum, which houses antique pieces including furniture, porcelain and weapons. However, the centrepiece is Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine, and you can enter comfortably and free of charge if you book the Krakow Card with a pass for museums and transport.

The painting was acquired by the Polish nobleman Adam Jerzy Czartoryski during a trip to Italy, along with a portrait of a young man painted by Raphael. Lady with an Ermine depicts Cecilia Gallerani, the young mistress of the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza, nicknamed ‘the Moor’. The ermine symbolises the girl’s purity and also alludes to her surname, as in Greek this animal is called ‘galle’. It is one of Leonardo’s best-preserved paintings.

When the temperatures drop, there’s nothing better than warming up with a hot cup of coffee and a chocolate bonbon on the side. If that sounds like your sort of thing, we’ve got the perfect activity for you. Every year, the Chemobudowa Shopping Centre (ul. Klimeckiego, 14) hosts the Chocolate and Coffee Festival, which isn’t limited to cocoa-based treats, as it also features doughnuts, ice cream and other sweet delicacies.

What’s more, visitors will have the chance to admire an exhibition of chocolate figures and other decorations. This activity is usually a hit with the little ones. If you’re looking for other ideas, I recommend reading the post ‘10 things to do in Kraków with children’.

If you’re passionate about Soviet history, in Kraków you’ll find Nowa Huta, a city designed and built according to the dictates of Socialist Realism. The architects planned everything down to the smallest detail: the blocks of flats had central heating and running water, residents could park their cars in underground car parks, the wide streets were designed to prevent the spread of fire, and the extensive system of bunkers and underground tunnels could have sheltered the entire population in the event of a nuclear attack.

Booking a tour of Nowa Huta is a must. It is a showcase of the Soviet regime, which sought to demonstrate the superiority of socialism through the construction of this city. In February, you’ll have one more reason to visit this unique neighbourhood: the Children’s Theatre Festival, a series of theatrical performances designed specifically for young audiences.

The festival takes place at the Nowa Huta Cultural Centre. To get there, you can catch the tram at Teatr Słowackiego (near the train station). Lines 4 and 70 will take you to Nowa Huta in about 20 minutes. If you’re interested in other day trips, I recommend reading the post ‘What to see and do around Kraków’.

To ward off the cold, there’s nothing better than a hot drink. If you’re fed up with coffee and tea, you could opt for a hot beer. Yes, you heard right. In Poland, the amber-coloured elixir is often enjoyed warm, with spices added to enhance its flavour.

Usually, bars add ginger (imbirowy) or raspberry (malinowy), although there is also a version that uses oranges, a touch of honey and an egg yolk. Hot beer is usually drunk in the late afternoon or in the evening when temperatures start to plummet. If you fancy trying this Polish speciality, I recommend the following options:

• Eszeweria (ul. Józefa 9).
• KORBA Piwo Kawiarnia (plac Jana Matejki 6).
• Arkady Cafe & Cocktail Bar (Sukiennice, Rynek Główny 1).
• C.K. Browar (Podwale 7).
• Ambasada Śledzia (Stolarska 8/10).
• Pierwszy Lokal na Stolarskiej (6 Stolarska Street).

Nativity scenes are very common in Christian tradition. The first nativity scene dates back to 1223 and is linked to the figure of St Francis of Assisi. However, this custom took root in Europe and, upon its arrival in Poland, acquired some distinctive characteristics.

Szopki are unique nativity scenes, resembling colourful castles or elaborate doll’s houses. The common theme is the typical architecture of Kraków, which is why you’ll see spires and pinnacles reminiscent of St Mary’s Basilica. They often feature figures of historical figures, saints, artists and characters from legends.

Although they are made in the last month of the year, the best ones are exhibited at the Krzysztofory Palace, a Baroque building that currently houses the city’s Historical Museum. The exhibition runs until February and I recommend you visit it because you’ll discover a facet of the local culture and be able to shelter from the cold. You can get there easily if you book the Kraków sightseeing bus.

As you stroll through the Market Square (Sukiennice), you’ll see carriages drawn by beautiful horses. The drivers usually take a route through the Old Town that ends at the foot of the castle.

In any case, you can request changes to the route for a small extra fee. It can be an unusual way to explore the streets of the city centre and enjoy the charm of Kraków. These carriage rides usually cost around 200–250 zloty. A good alternative might be a river cruise on the Vistula.

With an average temperature of -2°C, February is one of the coldest months in Kraków. Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid freezing, such as visiting a spa. Some hotels in the Old Town are renowned for their facilities. Just 300 metres from St Mary’s Basilica lies the Unicus Palace, a five-star hotel featuring an indoor pool, a hammam and a hot tub.

Another hotel worth mentioning is the Hotel Copernicus, which occupies a Renaissance building on Kanonicza Street, one of the city’s oldest streets. If you’re fascinated by the East, you might opt for the Farmona Wellness & SPA, which offers an exclusive programme designed by Bali’s finest therapists. In this case, you’ll need to venture a little way out of the city, but I assure you the experience is well worth it.

If you’re travelling as a couple, this is an ideal option. After a revitalising massage, you can round off the day with dinner at a romantic restaurant. One of the most elegant establishments is Pod Nosem, which occupies the ground floor of a residence at 22 Kanoniczna Street. Its menu changes every month to reflect the seasonal availability of ingredients.

Pierogi are delicious dumplings, halfway between Japanese gyozas and Italian ravioli. These delicacies arrived in Poland in the 13th century. In all likelihood, they originate from Kievan Rus’, a federation of Slavic tribes that maintained trade links with the Far East. Pierogi are Poland’s most famous dish.

In Kraków, you’ll find dozens of courses teaching you how to make the dough (the trickiest part) and the filling. Taking part in this activity can be a great way to escape the cold weather. You’ll be nice and warm near the ovens and frying pans! Most courses begin with a brief introduction to local cuisine, followed by tips on how to mix the dough. Once the explanation is over, you’ll sprinkle a little flour on the surface and get to work!

Below is a short list of some recipes you can make with your own hands:

• Ruskie, one of the country’s most popular dishes. The dough wraps around a delicious filling of cottage cheese, potato and onion. It is usually served with sour cream (smietana) and pork crackling.
• Pierogi Lubelskie, a surprising combination of buckwheat, mint, bacon and onion. This recipe originates from Lublin, a commercial city just a few kilometres from the Ukrainian border.
• Pierogi z miesem, dumplings filled with beef that has previously been used to make a stock.
• Pierogi z kapustą i grzybami, a Christmas classic. The filling is made by combining fermented cabbage (sauerkraut), onion and mushrooms.

If you like tea, I recommend taking a break at Herbaciarnia Czajownia, a tea room famous for its exquisite blends and cosy atmosphere. This place is highly recommended for digital nomads, who can find a quiet spot here to work.

Another place worth a visit is Rynek Underground, a museum located a few metres below the Market Square. This cultural institution traces over a thousand years of Kraków’s history, from its foundation in the 4th century to the Middle Ages. If you’re into history, you can visit the Collegium Maius, the Jagiellonian University Museum which houses the Jagiellonian Globe, the world’s first globe to depict the Americas.

Spring and autumn coincide with the high season. Most tourists visit Kraków at these times, whilst in winter the numbers are undoubtedly lower. Therefore, in February you’ll find affordable prices and a city relatively free of tourists.

Generally speaking, Kraków isn’t expensive, especially when it comes to food. A meal in a budget restaurant costs around €5 per person, whilst a three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant is around €15. If you want to travel on a budget, I recommend reading the post ‘10 things to do in Kraków in November’.