Krakow recommendations - food, shops, things to do

[BananaChickenWings]

I have 2 full days in Krakow with my 15 year old DD in October. We have an airbnb booked between old town and Jewish quarter. Looming for recommendations of things to do, good Polish restaurants etc. We will not be going to Auschwitz but open to WW2 / broader Jewish history. From reviews I am thinking the salt mine may be a little dull for the time it takes. Reviews of Schindler's factory are mixed. A self guided scavenger hunt/walk caught my eye and I was thinking of a Jewish quarter walking history tour. Any other ideas? Any bars with live music that would be suitable for a teen? It is the first trip abroad just the 2 of us so we can indulge some shopping and browsing that would leave DS and DH cold.

The salt mine is anything but dull.

I have to say a visit to a mine didn't sound appealing to me, but I went, and it is stunning.

It is a while since we went, but there have been quite a few threads asking about Krakow in the last couple of months - it would be well worth you doing an advanced search.

That's good to know thanks. Yes I have looked at previous threads also

We didn't fit it in but I heard good things about the Eagle Pharmacy museum (in Jewish quarter).

My kids and parents enjoyed a tuk tuk tour, it was a good way to get the lay of the land and our guide shared a lot of history.

I found the salt mine interesting but it does take up a good part of the day.

Also be sure to dedicate some time for just wandering around Old Town and the castle complex. There are towers to climb if you like that sort of thing!

Salt mines are amazing! The banquet hall at the end takes your breath away. Just note that this tour will take at least 2 hours plus 1 hour commuting time so minimum 4 hours!

Wawel Castle is well worth a couple of hours exploring. The Wawel Chocolate cafe is a real indulgent treat, the hot chocolate is sublime. Find five minutes to visit the fire breathing dragon in his lair.
the market hall and the market square in the old town are well worth a stroll round. Sit in by an outdoor cafe heater and watch the world go by with a fresh hot mint tea. Buy a fresh pretzel from a street vendor.

The salt mines are worth a visit. I went to Auschwitz in the morning and the mines on the return journey. Very sobering experience.
Enjoy