Best Hidden Gardens While there’s no shortage of wonderful places to eat/drink outdoors (see pages 90 and 109), our favourites will always be those that feel like entering a hidden world detached from the city beyond. The gardens listed here capture that secret thrill; go discover them. MERCATINO - VINO, FORMAGGIO & CAFFÈ We can stop the list right here, because there's no finer public garden in Kraków. Quiet, lush and intimate, Mercatino's garden is packed with plants, pathways, ivy, vines, and even features a small stream. Open early, drop in for coffee among chirping birds, enjoy an afternoon glass of wine and tapas under the shaded pergola, or lounge in a hammock with a book and craft beer. The climate suits the huge shop of imported Italian wine and delicacies (p.112), which also offers pasta, panini, desserts and ice cream.QH‑4, ul. Karmelicka 27, tel. (+48) 726 78 70 11. Open 08:00-22:00; Sat 10:00-22:00; Sun 12:00-20:00. T6
2 OKNA CAFE Bypass the sunny streetside tables of this charming Kazimierz cafe for the cool, green garden in the back. Full of trees, ferns and murals, this is certainly one of the best places in town to disappear with a book or an old friend. Quiet, artsy and very low-key, 2 Okna is ideal for idly passing the time, and offers wine, coffee and beer for that pursuit, as well an array of breakfast bites (Cracovian bagels, quiche, pastries), tapas and empanadas.QK‑8, ul. Józefa 40, tel. (+48) 12 378 34 43. Open 08:30-22:00; Thu 08:30-23:00; Fri, Sat 08:30-24:00; Sun 08:30-23:00. Opening hours subject to change from Sept. TUE6
MEHO CAFE One of our favourite places for a respite, the magnificent gardens of the Mehoffer House (p.62) represent the majority of the seating at the otherwise tiny Meho Cafe. Full of roses and fruit trees, this expansive oasis is well-maintained and completely uncluttered, making it one of the most peaceful, pleasant places to enjoy a coffee, arrange an afternoon rendezvous, or select from their menu of tasty, under-priced eats. Open early with a full breakfast menu (served until 13:00), there are few more magical places in Kraków than here.QH‑5, ul. Krupnicza 26, tel. (+48) 600 48 00 49. Open 10:00-22:00. T6 6
