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Best supermarkets in Krakow: Where to go grocery shopping?
Supermarkets in Krakow are strategically located throughout the city, so you will always have a good option for shopping.
Kraków isn’t only one of the most beautiful cities in Poland. It also offers one of the easiest lifestyles. If you’re about to move or spend time in a coliving, you need one tip first. Knowing the supermarkets in Kraków almost matters as much as knowing where to catch the tram.
From huge hypermarkets on the outskirts to tiny neighbourhood shops, you always find somewhere to shop. In those small places, staff often greet you by name after just three visits. In the Old Town, medium supermarkets and 24h shops like Żabka dominate. They work perfectly for quick top-up shops, while districts like Podgórze, Nowa Huta and Krowodrza host bigger, cheaper chains such as Biedronka, Lidl and Kaufland.
The best thing about Kraków lies in its balance between prices and quality of life. The city doesn’t feel expensive, yet you still enjoy plenty of choice. You can do a weekly shop cheaply, browse local markets, or treat yourself with imported goods in premium chains.
What types of supermarkets and shops can you find in Kraków?
Kraków offers an excellent range of supermarkets for a city of its size. You never need to cross half the city just to buy groceries. You always find a store nearby, whether you live in the Old Town, suburbs or outskirts. Interestingly, Kraków mixes big international chains with small local businesses, and each option keeps its own charm.
1- Discount Supermarkets
Discount supermarkets are the favourite option for locals and students. Biedronka and Lidl dominate the scene with branches in almost every neighbourhood. You find Biedronka every few blocks in Kazimierz, Podgórze and Nowa Huta.
Several Lidl stores also serve Krowodrza and Bronowice. Both chains offer low prices, fresh products and weekly promotions. Biedronka usually stays cheaper and attracts anyone with a tight budget. Meanwhile, Lidl wins points thanks to product quality and its tempting in-store bakery.
2- Standard Supermarkets
This category includes chains such as Carrefour Market and Auchan. They suit people who prefer doing the whole shop in one place. Carrefour runs several central branches, including the one in Galeria Krakowska beside the main station. Meanwhile, Auchan opens huge hypermarkets on the outskirts and tempts shoppers with strong bulk prices.
3- Premium Supermarkets
If you want imported, organic or gourmet products, Alma Market and Piotr i Pawel give great options. Alma Market returns to Kraków with new stores across the city. Piotr i Pawel now operates within Spar, yet it still focuses on higher-end products. Some Carrefour Hyper stores also include gourmet sections with international wines, cheeses and organic items. Prices sit slightly higher, yet home cooks who love quality ingredients really appreciate these aisles.
4- Convenience Stores
You spot Żabka absolutely everywhere. Stores cluster in the centre, near universities and on almost every residential corner. They open early, and many branches trade until midnight or even longer. So they work perfectly for emergencies or small top-up shops. You also find family-run shops, known as sklep spożywczy, which sell basics at similar prices yet feel more personal.
5- Local Markets
Kraków still keeps a strong tradition of open-air markets. Stary Kleparz, just beside the Old Town, stands out as the most iconic market. At its stalls you find fruit, vegetables, artisan bread, cured meats and fresh flowers every day. In Podgórze, weekly fairs and regional-product stalls also attract anyone who values local food.
Which supermarkets in Kraków are the best?
Kraków counts as a large yet very walkable city. Around 800,000 people live here, and an enormous international community studies or works in town. Shopping feels easy here because supermarkets spread across the whole city. You normally find one just a few minutes from home, whatever neighbourhood you choose.
In the historic centre, medium-sized stores and convenience shops like Żabka or Carrefour Market dominate. They suit anyone without a car. In residential districts such as Podgórze, Krowodrza and Nowa Huta, supermarkets grow bigger and cheaper, perfect for weekly shops. On the outskirts, hypermarkets like Auchan or Carrefour Hyper sit beside large car parks and offer competitive prices.
Among all the chains, locals and foreigners mainly choose Biedronka, Lidl, Carrefour, Auchan and Żabka. You also see these brands across Poland, and each one offers its own style, prices and perks.
1- Biedronka
Biedronka counts as the most popular supermarket in Kraków, and you will probably visit it first. Its iconic red ladybird logo appears in the daily routines of students, families and expats. You find branches in almost every district, from the Old Town to areas like Podgórze, Nowa Huta and Krowodrza.
The best thing about Biedronka lies in its strong balance between price and quality. It usually offers the cheapest basket in the city, perfect for weekly or monthly shopping. Own-brand products stay reliable and cost much less than most national brands. A litre of milk costs about 3.50 PLN (€0.73, $0.85). A kilo of fresh bread costs around 6 PLN (€1.25, $1.45). A dozen eggs usually comes to about 12 PLN (€2.49, $2.90).
The atmosphere feels simple and unpretentious, yet the service stays efficient. Central branches usually feel smaller and busier, while suburban stores offer better stock and shorter queues. Biedronka also launches weekly promotions (Tanie Tygodnie), and locals eagerly watch those deals.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low prices and frequent promotions | Small, busy branches in the centre |
| Strong presence across the whole city | Limited range of imported products |
| Good quality in own-brand lines | Less personalised customer service |
| Ideal for everyday and low-budget shopping |
Advantages and disadvantages of Biedronka supermarkets
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2- Lidl
Lidl also plays a huge role in everyday life in Kraków. This German chain holds a strong presence in the city. Large, clean and modern branches spread across districts like Krowodrza, Bronowice, Podgórze and Nowa Huta. The stores look more ordered and visually appealing than Biedronka, so shopping feels more comfortable.
Lidl gains fame for its excellent in-store bakery, which bakes products throughout the day. The chain also pushes a growing bio and healthy range every year. Its international themed weeks also attract huge attention, with Spanish, Italian or Greek foods at promotion prices.
Price-wise, Lidl sits in the lower-middle range. It normally costs slightly more than Biedronka. A litre of milk costs about 4 PLN (€0.82, $0.95). A kilo of fresh bread comes to roughly 7 PLN (€1.42, $1.65). A tray of fresh chicken usually costs around 22 PLN (€4.47, $5.20). In many cases, quality offsets that small price difference.
Shoppers appreciate card and Blik payments, tidy aisles and the clear store layout. The mobile app also offers weekly discounts and digital coupons. However, many stores fill up at peak times, especially weekends when promotions look strongest.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large, modern and clean stores | Higher prices than Biedronka on some items |
| Excellent bakery and fresh products | Stores often feel crowded at peak times |
| Wide range of healthy and bio ranges | Less presence in the historic centre |
| App with weekly discounts and digital coupons |
Advantages and disadvantages of Lidl supermarkets in Kraków
3- Carrefour
Carrefour holds a strong position in Kraków and adapts very well to the city’s urban rhythm. Its main strength lies in the different formats it offers. Carrefour Market and Express stores cover the Old Town and work well for quick top-up shops. Carrefour Hyper branches sit in areas like Czyżyny or Bonarka, inside big shopping centres. That versatility makes Carrefour a handy choice for many profiles, from students to families.
Carrefour also shines thanks to its wide product range. You find generous fresh sections, international items and plenty of ready-made meals. Its own-brand lines usually offer good value for money. In the biggest stores, you also buy appliances, clothes and homeware in one trip.
Carrefour prices don’t hit the top end, but they don’t rank as the cheapest either. So the chain sits firmly in the middle range. A litre of milk costs about 5 PLN (€0.73, $1.20). A kilo of fresh bread costs around 8 PLN (€1.25, $1.90). A dozen eggs usually comes to about 13 PLN (€2.49, $3.10). The Carrefour Polska app adds useful discounts and coupons that really help with the monthly shop.
Convenience also works in Carrefour’s favour: Express stores in the centre open until late and suit anyone living near the Old Town. Hypermarkets work better when you want a big stock-up and plan to use weekly deals. The main drawback comes from slightly higher prices in central locations compared with the outskirts.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Presence across the city, with several formats | Higher prices in central stores |
| Wide range of products, including imports | Small stores with limited stock |
| App with personalised discounts and coupons | Very busy at weekends |
| Suitable for both daily and monthly shopping |
Advantages and disadvantages of Carrefour in Kraków
4- Auchan
Auchan suits people who prefer one huge monthly shop and enjoy strong bulk savings. This French chain places most of its stores on the city’s edge. You find branches in Kraków Bonarka City Center and Kraków Czyżyny. Both locations offer huge car parks and straightforward access by tram or bus.
The stores cover massive areas, with wide aisles and an impressive product range. You buy food, cleaning products, clothes, electronics, toys and homeware under one roof. Auchan also includes bakery counters, fishmongers and fresh meat sections, so you complete the entire shop there.
Among Kraków hypermarkets, Auchan usually offers some of the most competitive prices. A litre of milk costs about 4.50 PLN (€0.90, $1.05). A kilo of fresh bread sits around 6 PLN (€1.20, $1.40). A kilo of rice usually costs near 9 PLN (€1.81, $2.10). Its own-brand line, Auchan, often offers decent quality at prices 15–25% lower than national brands.
Auchan’s big strength comes from the savings on large purchases, plus the sheer width of its range. However, the locations may cause trouble if you don’t drive, because most branches sit outside the centre. Even so, many families and expats choose it mainly for its value for money.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very competitive prices on large shops | Locations on the outskirts, need car or transport |
| Huge variety of fresh products and homeware | Not practical for small, quick shops |
| Good quality in Auchan own-brand lines | Can feel very crowded at weekends |
| Ideal for families or tight budgets |
Advantages and disadvantages of Auchan
5- Żabka
You can hardly walk more than two blocks in Kraków without passing a Żabka store. This convenience-store chain forms part of daily life for locals and anyone studying or living in the city. Its name means ‘little frog’ in Polish and already sounds like a shortcut for convenience.
Żabka stores cover every corner of Kraków, especially the Old Town, Kazimierz, Podgórze and Krowodrza. Most branches open from 6:00 until 23:00, and many even trade 24 hours. The shops stay small, but they stock everything you need for a quick shop. You find drinks, bread, dairy, fruit, snacks and ready-to-eat meals. Many branches also sell coffee and sandwiches, perfect when you always move around the city.
Prices sit higher than in big supermarkets, yet the convenience usually compensates. A bottle of water costs about 3 PLN (€0.60, $0.70). A fresh roll costs around 2 PLN (€0.43, $0.50). Takeaway coffee usually goes for about 8 PLN (€1.63, $1.90).
One big advantage lies in the Żappka app, which offers coupons, exclusive deals and a points system (Żappsy). You swap those points for free products and small rewards. The main drawback comes from space: No trolleys, no wide aisles, and no chance for a big weekly shop.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stores in every district of Kraków | Higher prices than big supermarkets |
| Long opening hours, many open 24h | Very small space and limited stock |
| App with discounts and points system | Not suitable for big weekly shops |
| Perfect for emergencies or quick meals |
Advantages and disadvantages of Żabka
Which other markets and shops are popular besides supermarkets in Kraków?
Beyond supermarkets, Kraków enjoys a very lively retail scene where modern stores, Polish chains and historic markets coexist. Whether you need clothes, homeware or fresh fruit from local producers, the city offers choices for every budget.
1- Rossmann
Rossmann quickly becomes a regular stop for anyone living in Kraków. Branches appear in almost every district, especially in Kazimierz, Nowa Huta and the Old Town, and the chain combines pharmacy, beauty, hygiene and cleaning products. Prices usually beat traditional pharmacies, and the mobile app adds weekly discounts that really help.
Another advantage comes from the broad choice of international brands at good prices and the number of locations. You normally find one just a few blocks away. The downside: Stores often feel crowded, especially at peak times or weekends.
2- Home&You
If you’re moving to Kraków and want to decorate your flat, Home&You helps a lot. This Polish chain focuses on decoration, textiles and homeware, with branches in shopping centres like Galeria Krakowska or Galeria Kazimierz.
Products follow a modern, Scandinavian-inspired style and usually keep reasonable prices. A decorative mug may cost about 25 PLN (€5.16, $6). A sofa throw often sits near 80 PLN (€16.33, $19). Shoppers value the fabric quality and contemporary design, though prices may feel high compared with Pepco or Sinsay Home.
3- Tk Maxx
Tk Maxx, the European arm of the famous American outlet chain, offers great finds in clothes, shoes, decoration and branded items with discounts. In Kraków you find a large branch in Galeria Kazimierz, popular with both locals and foreigners.
Its main advantage comes from good-quality pieces at far lower prices than regular stores. The downside: Stock changes constantly, so you need patience and time to dig out the real bargains.
4- Stary Kleparz
Stary Kleparz ranks as Kraków’s most traditional market and a true local institution. Located just minutes from the Main Square (Rynek Główny), it has traded since the fourteenth century and keeps the feel of a classic Polish bazaar. There you buy fruit, vegetables, meat, flowers and homemade products directly from regional producers.
Its main strengths are the quality and freshness of the food, plus the charm of the historic setting. The market suits anyone who prefers local, sustainable shopping. One drawback: Not every stall accepts cards, so you should carry some cash.
5- Hala Targowa
Bazar Na Hali Targowej, known simply as Hala Targowa, stands among the most interesting places in Kraków. During the week it works as a food market, with bakeries, cheese stalls and fresh meat. At weekends it turns into an open-air flea market, where you can find almost anything: books, vinyl records, second-hand clothes and even antiques.
The place suits anyone who enjoys exploring and hunting for treasures between stalls. Prices vary a lot, and sellers often accept haggling. The scene can feel chaotic and some items don’t look perfect, but that chaos also creates much of its charm.
Supermarkets in Kraków: Frequently Asked Questions
If you live in the Old Town or Kazimierz, Carrefour Market or Żabka usually offer the most practical choice. You find one on almost every corner. Biedronka also keeps a few central branches, although these stores usually stay small. In the centre, prices run slightly higher, but the convenience normally offsets that difference.
For full trolley shops, the best options sit outside the centre. Auchan Bonarka and Carrefour Hyper Czyżyny offer very good prices and a huge product range. They work best if you drive or live in districts such as Podgórze or Nowa Huta.
The most popular ones are Stary Kleparz in the centre and Bazar Na Hali Targowej, which turns into a flea market at weekends. In both places you find fresh, authentic products at fair prices, and you enjoy a very local experience that feels very different from a supermarket.
Home&You and Sinsay Home work very well when you equip a new flat. You can also visit Pepco for cheaper options or Tk Maxx for branded items with discounts. For furniture, IKEA Kraków in Tuchomska usually serves as the main reference and offers easy bus access from the centre.
