Showaround Locals in Kraków: Meet Gosia
Background: Gosia is a Showaround local from Kraków, who runs a family-owned language school. She loves sharing ideas and knowledge not only with her students but also with those coming to admire the charming city on banks of the Vistula River.
One could say that Gosia is a Kraków-ian to the bone as she was born and raised here and her family have lived in the area for generations. Gosia’s lust for cultures and people doesn’t stop with her hometown, she loves travelling too, and the latest faraway destinations she has ticked off her list are Cambodia and Thailand.
Showaround: Why did you decide to become a Showaround Local?
Gosia: During my travels, I found out that you learn and experience the city the most when you spend time with local people. Every time you are presented with two options, you can either visit all the tourist places or see something different—off the beaten path. I much prefer the second option.
On the same note, I was happy to discover a platform like Showaround and became a Showaround Local. Now, I can share my knowledge of the city with you. Kraków is not only the Main Square but also the historical district Kazimierz, unique Podgórze, industrial Nowa Huta and many more.
Showaround: Name three super local things to do in the city?
Gosia: 1. Queuing. Seriously, we think standing in a long line is usually worth it. The longer the queue, the better the place. For example, every day, all day, there is a long line to an ice-cream shop called Lody na Starowiślnej. Sometimes you even need to wait for an hour to buy an ice-cream!
2. Going to food markets like Targ Pietruszkowy or Stary Kleparz.
3. Visiting one of Kraków’s outdoor events organized by the city council like Wianki or Parada Smoków (Great Dragons Parade). There is also Noc Muzeów and Noc Teatrów (which basically mean Museum Night or Theatre Night) when you can visit all the museums and theatres for free as they are open all night long.
Showaround: Favourite restaurant?
Gosia: Recently the street called Dolnych Młynów has become the hottest address in town. It’s an abandoned cigarette factory transformed into the most trendy and post-industrial place to be in Kraków. When hungry, you will find tasty food in Międzymiastowa restaurant. European, international, vegetarian and vegan dishes are on the menu.
If you want to try local food go to Przystanek Pierogarnia (located on Stacja Bonerowska) and eat famous Polish pierogi. This restaurant is a tiny place with a big potential. You will not regret it if you choose dumplings with cottage cheese and potatoes called ruskie pierogi or dumplings with meat, locally known as pierogi z mięsem: they’re traditional, cheap and delicious.
Showaround: Best place for a drink?
Gosia: The multitap bar, Weźże Krafta, in the trendy area of ul. Dolnych Młynów. The name of the bar can be difficult or even impossible to pronounce, but when you say it correctly, you will impress your Polish friends. Inside you can find 25 different kinds of craft beers to choose from. Most of them are made in small local breweries so you won’t find the selection elsewhere.
Showaround: What about the nightlife?
Gosia: One thing is certain: Kraków doesn’t sleep at night, and if you decide to visit the city you shouldn’t go to sleep as well. There are many great places to go dancing but Teatro Cubano is the one you can’t miss out on. The place can be a little crowded as live bands, the beat and the atmosphere encourage people to visit and have fun.
Showaround: How would you describe the local people of Kraków?
Gosia: The first thing that comes to mind is that we like to complain a lot, especially about the weather but, in general, people in Kraków are very friendly and helpful. Hope to see you soon!
Showaround: Thank you Gosia for your answers!
