When it comes to views, atmosphere and romance, there are few better places than a good rooftop.

Although Kraków’s rooftop patios can't compete with the elevation (or energy) of Warsaw's skyscrapers , if you’re yearning for a place to ‘go up where the air is fresh and sweet’ and get away from ‘all that rat-race noise down in the street’ - as the Drifters once famously crooned - Kraków has you amply covered.
 
As you’ll quickly ascertain by scanning through the list below, most of Kraków’s roof terraces can be found atop upmarket hotels along the river , but that doesn’t mean you have to plonk down for a five-star room to take in the views. The spaces below are open to all without reservation, and all offer the golden opportunity to get above the skyline and enjoy a good sunset, or simply some marvellous views. What’s more, many of them go unnoticed by the tourist crowds at street level, making some of these venues hidden gems. When this old world starts getting you down…head up to one of the venues below.
 

THE BEST ROOFTOP VENUES IN KRAKÓW
 

Sheraton Roof Top Terrace

Venue type: Restobar
View of: Wawel Castle
Address: ul. Powiśle 7 Let’s begin along the river, where you have your choice of several venues offering fabulous views of Wawel Castle and the Vistula (Wisła) . The Sheraton offers name-brand-quality service and style, with an enviable 5th-floor terrace (6th-floor to Americans) that they open from April to October, depending on the weather. Thanks to simple, modern furnishings, a retractable roof when more shade is needed, and its own menu of light meals, desserts and drinks, this large modern space is more casual and laid-back than you might expect. Of course the real draw is the grand, unobstructed view of Wawel Castle just 700 metres away, but many would argue that such things look better behind a fluted glass full of bubbles. We agree.
 

Groble Sky Bar & Restaurant

Venue type: Restobar
View of: Wawel Castle
Address: Plac Na Groblach 22 ​​ Above the 6th floor of Hotel Pod Wawelem , just 550 metres from Wawel , Groble has a location to beat them all. This is the rooftop that tourists standing on the parapets of the Castle itself see and say, ‘Oooh, how can I get up there?’ Even if you can’t get a table on the open terrace, the casual, air-conditioned interior has views just as good, and the family-friendly menu caters to all tastes. Indeed, this one is more tourist and kid-friendly - with pizzas, pastas, burgers, pierogi and other local dishes - than some of the other upmarket venues on our list, which is refreshing because it boasts the best views of them all. Come early for breakfast, catch a sunset in the evening, celebrate a special occasion, or simply soak up the only-in-Kraków views.
 

Cafe Oranżeria

View of: Wawel Castle
Address: Plac Kossaka 1
And we keep moving up in elevation, and west of Wawel, with Oranżeria (Orangery) -  the four-star Hotel Kossak’s 7th-floor rooftop restaurant. Located almost opposite Wawel, one could make a compelling argument that these views are even better than those closer to the Castle. To us it’s a moot point, as Krakow’s Castle looks great from all angles, but yeah; take a look at this beauty.

Guests of Hotel Kossak are spoilt by the breakfasts served in Oranżeria, but the space - which includes an interior with a wall of windows looking onto the river - is open to everyone from 13:00 on. With an elegant setting and refined menu of modern European fare, this one is good for special dinners and is often host to private parties. The word ‘Cafe’ is right there in the name, though, so if you just want to come up for a coffee on the open-air terrace, by all means.
 

Vidok

Venue type: Restaurant
View of: Wawel Castle
Address: Al. Krasińskiego 1

Let’s be completionists and keep going around the horn to Vidok - which is directly next door to, and on the same 7th-floor level as, Oranżeria. With the longest terrace in town, the views here are simply amazing, and seating is plentiful indoors and out, but the vibes are decidedly more old-school, perhaps befitting its location atop the Jubilat department store, which dates back to 1969. As such, they don’t have quite as elegant an interior, and the Polish and European food, which you pay a premium for, gets mixed reviews. The entrance is also a bit unwelcoming, but if you’re simply looking for a glass of wine, beer or a coffee with an outstanding panorama of the river, take the elevator up to the top for a widok (view) that can’t be beat - particularly after dark when the city lights come on.
 

Copernicus

Venue type: Bar
View of: Wawel Castle
Address: ul. Kanonicza 16

Getting away from the river, but keeping Wawel in view, the 5-star Copernicus Hotel deserves a mention. Although one of the most exclusive addresses in town, in spring and summer you can have a drink on their very intimate, secluded and peaceful terrace which just peaks over the surrounding buildings for a close-up and unique view of Wawel Castle. Food isn’t even served here, but the restaurant boasts an incredible wine list. Perfect for a drink date away from the rabble.
 

Cafe Szał

Venue type: Cafe
View of: Market Square, St. Mary's Basilica
Address: Rynek Główny 1-3

Now that we’ve seen the Castle five different ways, let’s move our periscope to the very centre of the Old Town and catch some open-air views of the Market Square. Located on the eastern terraces of the Cloth Hall opposite St. Mary’s Basilica, this is one of the most high-profile roof patios in town, but the vibe and the views are fantastic. Although it isn’t particularly high, getting above the market square and people-watching from this perch is a thrill. Named after the extraordinary painting in the 19th Century Polish Art Gallery, the entrance to this seasonal cafe is the same as the museum - which we strongly recommend; if you’re only interested in the cafe, however, simply say so the staff at the ticket desk and head up the stairs (or take the silly elevator). At Szał it’s mostly coffee, cakes, ice cream and desserts, and their opening hours are basically weather dependent. On nice days don’t be surprised to have to wait for a table, and unfortunately they frown upon people taking photos without one (understandable). [Hot tip you didn’t hear here: if you find yourself in such a position, send someone from your party to the other side of the stairs to see if the other terrace door is unlocked.] A great place to reward the kids, it’s easy to pass a lot of time here, and you might as well wait until you’ve heard the bugle call played from St. Mary’s Tower before paying your bill.
 

Sky Bar (Hotel Stary)

Venue type: Bar
View of: Market Square
Address: ul. Szczepańska 5

Here we are in another 5-star hotel, but it might be our favourite. Vastly underutilised by locals and non-guests, Hotel Stary has some amazing facilities inside. Amongst them is the seasonal 6th-floor Sky Bar, which offers drinks and finger foods, views of St. Mary’s Basilica, and is rarely anything other than peaceful. It’s not the cheapest place for a cocktail, but it is a special one. Hotel Stary actually boasts a second terrace on the top floor - this one in the back of the building, and called Rybki Nove Grill - where you can enjoy a full meal when the weather’s nice; the views don’t take in the market square, but it’s still a nice place to dine above the church towers of the Old Town skyline.