Spring has arrived! More and more sunshine, greenery, and lots of new energy to learn Polish. It does not matter if the warm weather days mean more outdoor activities for you or just lazy naps in a hammock, we have prepared some suggestions that will interest you for sure.

Let’s start with… the Vistula River. In addition to picnicking and strolling by the river, you can also take a ride in the water tram (you can find it on Czerwiński Boulevard near the Dębnicki Bridge) or give yourself a solid dose of exercise by renting a kayak (on Kurlandzki Boulevard or at 24a Prince Józef Street).

If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, we recommend strolling through Krakow’s Planty Park (in the very center of the city), the mounds (Krakus Mound is our favorite one!) or parks (we recommend the recently renovated Krakowski Park). A trip to the ZOO (at 14 Krakow City Savings Bank Avenue) will also be a great idea. For those who like to move at a faster pace, we suggest a bike ride to Tyniec (you can rent a bike at Wavelo, the „city’s bike network”).

Do you like ice cream? Cream on a Rock, Polish strawberry, salted caramel… these are the top flavors of the local ice cream shop Good Lood. While in Kazimierz, be sure to test and taste them! And if you enjoy culinary excursions, we recommend trendy outdoor places where you can eat something delicious, relax on the comfortable deck chairs, and listen to chillout music. A good example would be Bezogródek, a foodtrack park near Krakow’s Blonia.

And how well do you know Podgórze? This district of Krakow has been recently becoming more and more popular. So even if you’ve already visited the Schindler’s Factory and hung a brass padlock on the Bernatka Footbridge, it’s still worth taking a stroll through old Podgórze, tasting its local coffee, and enjoying a sweet treat. Don’t forget our partners (Shevchenko Brothers’ Sophisticated Desserts) and take advantage of the discounts provided to you when you use the Varia Card!

In the evening, we especially recommend pubs with gardens with a wonderful climate in Kazimierz and Nowa Huta. We especially recommend going to Cafe Nowa (Osiedle Zgody 7), where you will find something for the body (delicious coffee and excellent cakes) and for the spirit (great selection of books for young and a bit older ones)!

The one-of-a-kind and worth visiting spot is the Forum Spaces overlooking the Vistula River and Wawel Castle. And in the likely event your evening lasts a bit longer than you planned for, you can change venues by going to one of Krakow’s many „breakfast houses” (restaurants serving breakfast) where you will be fed well, for example to Ranny Ptaszek (5 Augustianska Street).

Spring is also conducive to fulfilling your dreams, plans, goals… including those related to the Polish language! In-school and online, intensive and semester courses at Varia Polish Language Center, there’s something for everyone!

Now that you know that Krakow hides many secrets, is full of charming corners and places conducive to relaxation, take advantage of the spring aura and discover them for yourself!

Justyna Kotlarczyk