Krakow: Food Tour with Pierogi, Vodka & Jewish Quarter Walk

Summary

Pierogi, vodka shots and stories from Krakow’s tables

You’ll taste your way through Krakow’s Jewish Quarter with pierogi, zapiekanka, vodka shots and more alongside locals who know every shortcut and story. Expect laughter over beetroot soup in a milk bar, secret dishes you won’t find solo, and moments where you just pause to take it all in.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the way the air shifted when we left the tram and stepped into Kazimierz — that’s Krakow’s old Jewish quarter. You could smell bread baking somewhere nearby, but also something smoky, like sausage on a grill. Our guide, Marta, waved us over to this little window where they handed out zapiekanka — basically a toasted baguette with mushrooms and cheese. I’d never tried it before. It was crunchy and warm and messy in the best way. Marta told us how these snacks kept students going after late nights (she grinned — said she’d know). Someone’s dog barked at pigeons by the curb. I liked that nothing felt staged.

We wandered through Miodowa street next, past faded murals and grandmas selling flowers wrapped in newspaper. At one point Marta poured us tiny glasses of chilled cherry vodka inside this bar that looked straight out of the 70s — wood paneling, old men playing cards in the corner. I tried to say “na zdrowie” (cheers) but probably butchered it; everyone laughed anyway. The vodka burned a little but left this sweet aftertaste that surprised me. We tried oscypek too — smoked sheep cheese with cranberry jam — which sounds weird if you haven’t had it but honestly works somehow.

After that we walked up toward Wawel Castle (the one with the dragon legend), dodging cyclists and wedding photoshoots along the Royal Route. There was a quick stop at a milk bar for beetroot soup and pierogi—soft dough, tangy filling—plus bigos stew that tasted like autumn in a bowl. I think I ate too much but couldn’t stop. The Old Market Square was packed as always; buskers playing accordion by St Mary’s church, teenagers eating donuts filled with rose jam (I got powdered sugar everywhere). We finished near the Barbican on this narrow street Marta called “the cutest in Poland.”

Honestly? I didn’t expect to laugh so much or feel so at home just walking and eating through Krakow. Maybe it was all the stories Marta shared about her family recipes or maybe just how people here seem to make space for strangers at their tables without thinking twice. I still think about that first bite of zapiekanka sometimes when I’m hungry back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Krakow food and cultural walking tour

• Try Zapiekanki in Jewish district
• Sample local vodka in old school venue
• Visit Secret Spot
• Walk through Miodowa street
• Try additional local delicacies
• Walk on royal street
• See castle with Dragon legend
• Visit a Milk Bar
• Discover Old Market Square
• Walk a cute street to Barbican
• End tour at Barbican

Top questions

How long is the Krakow food tour?

The tour covers several stops across Krakow’s Jewish Quarter and Old Town; plan for a half day including walks between tastings.

What foods are included on this Krakow food tour?

You’ll try zapiekanka, pierogi, beetroot soup, Polish sausage, oscypek cheese with cranberry jam, bigos stew, rose jam donuts and more.

Is vodka tasting included on this tour?

Yes—a shot of local flavored vodka is included during one of the stops in an old-school bar.

Does the tour visit Krakow’s Jewish Quarter?

Yes—the food tour starts in Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) before heading toward Old Town and Market Square.

Are dietary needs accommodated?

You should contact before booking to see if dietary needs can be accommodated; not all restrictions may be possible.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup—public transportation options are available nearby for reaching the meeting point.

How much walking is involved?

The tour includes moderate walking between stops; travelers should have at least moderate fitness.

What’s included

Your day includes guided tastings of classic Polish dishes like pierogi, zapiekanka straight from a street window, beetroot soup at a milk bar, smoked sheep cheese with jam, bigos stew and rose jam donuts—plus a shot of local vodka in an old-school bar—all led by a local guide who shares stories along every step.