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33 Must-Visit Attractions in Krakow

Krakow , the second largest city in Poland , delivers fairytale views, with the towering Wawel Castle, as well as people-watching meccas such as Florianska Street and the Market Square. Dark times in the city’s recent history are evident in the Jewish ghetto memorial and Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and green spaces such as Planty Park offer plenty of headspace. Get some inspiration with our guide to things to do in Krakow before planning a trip with Culture Trip to these amazing destinations .

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1. Market Square

2. Wawel Castle

4. Barbican

Building, Museum

5. St Florian's Gate

6. Ko?ciuszko Mound

7. Florianska Street

Architectural Landmark

Cutting through the very heart of the northern half of the Old Town district, the bustling drag that is Florianska Street hosts craft beer bars, souvenir emporiums and vodka tasting joints. You’ll need to be in the mood for ambling and taking in the atmosphere during the high season, as it’s often packed with tourists making their way from St Florian’s gate to the Market Square.

8. The Sukiennice

9. St Mary's Basilica

10. The Jewish Quarter

Set within walking distance of the Old Town, the historic Jewish Quarter (also known as Kazimierz ) was once a separate city in its own right, founded in the 15th century, and considered a model Jewish community. Jews were forcibly moved to a ghetto shut off from the rest of the city in 1941. Today, it retains a unique vibe with its crumbling tenement blocks, great synagogues and cool bohemian beer joints.

11. The Dragon's Den

Natural Feature

12. Vistulan Boulevards

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

As the winding courses of the Vistula River snake through the heart of Krakow, its banks host wide spaces of greenery, ad hoc summertime markets, beer bars and bobbing boat cafes. Hire a bike or go jogging, stop and watch passing boats on the river, or stroll along as you decide what to see in Krakow next.

13. Slowacki Chamber, Wieliczka Salt Mines

14. Auschwitz-Birkenau

Memorial, Museum

15. Wawel Cathedral

Cathedral, Church

16. Cmentarz Rakowicki

17. Ojców National Park

Forest, Park, Ruins

19. Plac Bohaterów Getta

20. Market Hall Unitarg

Market, Polish

21. Oskar Schindler’s Factory

22. museum of stained glass, 23. museum of contemporary art in krakow.

Museum, Shop

24. Lost Souls Alley

25. lovers' bridge.

Colorful, lovable and entertaining all at once, Krakow’s version of the so-called Lovers’ Bridge (a phenomenon that has spread right across the continent since first being coined in Paris) finds its home on Father Bernard’s Footbridge. Everyone knows how it works: couples come to attach a padlock on the bridge and throw the key into the Vistula below in the hope that it will cast their union in iron. A little soppy? Perhaps, but just check out the views of the river and Podgórze district across the water. Oh, and Forum Przestrzenie is always close by for an al fresco beer.

26. Wódka Café Bar

Bar, Cafe, Beer, Polish, Coffee

27. Pharmacy Museum

28. Rynek Underground

Market, Museum

Galeria Plakatu

A Haven for graphic designers, art lovers and culture buffs alike, the Polish Poster Gallery is a fantastic place to get inspired. Hosting over 2,500 Polish posters and promoting the culture around them, the petite gallery is a grass-roots organization dedicated to understanding the graphic history of the city. Covering areas like painting, theater, cinema, literature and food, the posters here are all-encompassing in their artistic merits!

Nothing short of an institution on the Krakow nightlife scene, this almost all-night watering hole is always packed out with locals, visitors and students alike. Some of the city’s cheapest vodka and beer flows from behind the bar, while plates of hearty pierogi dumplings and tartar offer some welcome late-night indulgence. Just don’t expect a smile at the bar!

29. Alchemia

Bar, Polish

30. Shop for antiques at Plac Nowy

31. church of corpus christi.

Church, Monastery

Additional words by Eliza Marin.

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Home » Travel Guides » Poland » 25 Best Things to Do in Kraków (Poland)

25 Best Things to Do in Kraków (Poland)

UNESCO World Heritage city, Kraków was the throne of the Polish monarchs for half a millennium up to the 17th century. After being ransacked by the Mongols in the 13th century the Old Town was built anew, and the layout has barely changed since then.

Kraków was at the height of its powers in the 1300s during the reign of Casimir III the Great. He founded Kraków University where Copernicus would later study, as well as the district of Kazimierz, once a separate city home to one of Europe’s biggest Jewish communities.

The sweeping Main Square in the Old Town tells you all you need to know about Kraków’s wealth and authority in Medieval Times, while the royal castle and cathedral on Wawel Hill convey the full might of the Polish monarchy.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Kraków :

1. Stare Miasto (Old Town)

Kraków’s oldest quarter is a planned city drawn up in 1257 just after the Mongol invasion laid everything to waste.

The whole city was encircled by walls, now a belt of parkland, and hoisted above its southernmost point was the mighty royal ensemble on Wawel Hill.

A day in the Old Town will fly by as you drift from churches to atmospheric squares, tempting specialty shops to museums.

The simple act of going for meal or a drink can be a historical journey, descending into cellars with Gothic vaults.

A couple of things we won’t talk about later are the tower of the former town hall, now an observation platform on the Main Square.

But also pop into a bakery for a ring-shaped obwarzanek krakowski, a slightly sweet bun not too different from a bagel.

Recommended tour : Old Town Guided Walking Tour

2. Rynek Główny (Main Square)

One of the largest Medieval squares in Europe, Kraków’s central marketplace has been the commercial, social and administrative focal point of the city since the middle of the 13th century.

This grand plaza measures 200 metres by 200 and was laid out in the years after Kraków was razed by the Mongol invasion, so is also an enduring piece of Medieval urban design.

A few of the monuments on this list are on or near the square, like the Cloth Hall and St Mary’s Basilica.

At the borders of the Main Square are long rows of townhouses.

And although these took on Neoclassical facades at the turn of the 20th century, the buildings within are usually far older.

See for instance Wierzynek, a restaurant going back to Medieval times, and where the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and Elizabeth of Pomerania celebrated their wedding in 1364.

This square is also covered in the previously recommended walking tour.

3. Wawel Castle

A monument of immeasurable national importance, the UNESCO-listed Wawel Castle completes an ensemble with the cathedral on its lofty perch above the Old Town.

The castle has architecture of every style from Romanesque to Baroque and was the seat of the King of Poland from the 13th century to the 17th century.

A fallow period then arrived, after the capital was moved to Warsaw and the castle was damaged by the Swedish invasion in the 1650s.

But since the 1940s Wawel Castle has been a national museum, presenting the riches of the Polish monarch through sumptuous interiors, painting by Veronese, Lucas Cranach the Elder and Domenico Ghirlandaio, Gobelin tapestries and a marvellous treasury and armoury.

One piece that must not be missed is Szczerbiec, the coronation sword for almost every monarch from 1320 to 1764.

Recommended tour : Skip The Line Wawel Castle Guided Tour

4. St Mary’s Basilica

Built on the foundations of an earlier church also levelled by the Mongols, this Brick Gothic wonder is from the beginning of the 14th century, and would be reworked over the next few decades.

The St. Mary’s Trumpet Call is played from the top of the taller of the two towers, on the hour every hour.

This is in memory of the 13th-century city trumpeter sounding the alarm for the Mongol attack.

He was shot in the throat mid-way through the call, which is why the tune breaks off abruptly.

Within, the stained glass windows and the gold stars on the blue background in the vaults are sublime.

But the star of the show is the largest Gothic altarpiece in the world.

Completed in 1484, it was carved over seven years by German sculptor Veit Stoss, with lime-wood sculpted figures up to 2.7 metres high.

5. Wawel Cathedral

A monument of real national importance, Wawel Cathedral is the site of the coronation and burial of numerous Polish monarchs, national heroes and cultural figures.

The current building was completed in the 14th century after the previous two were destroyed or burned down.

And because of its many royal burial chapels, the cathedral has taken on a captivating variety of styles.

Sigismund’s Chapel, the funerary chapel for the last of members of the Jagiellonian line, is a wonder of 16th-century Tuscan Renaissance architecture: Under a golden dome the chapel is rich with detailed carved ornamentation, stuccowork and tomb monuments by some of the leading sculptors of the day.

The cathedral’s status is also underlined by the mausoleum to the Polish patron saint St Stanislaus, in which his silver sarcophagus rests under an exuberant canopy with gilded columns.

Included in : Skip The Line Wawel Castle Guided Tour

6. Kazimierz

South of the Old Town is a district that was a separate city for 500 years up to the 19th century.

Kazimierz was founded by Casimir III the Great, taking his name and bestowed the status of a Royal City.

After a fire in Kraków at the end of the 15th century King Jan I Olbracht moved the entire Jewish population to Kazimierz, which ballooned as it took in Jews expelled from cities throughout Europe.

They occupied a space within an interior wall, dividing Kazimierz between Jewish and ethnic Poles.

And although that wall was pulled down more than 200 years ago, the eastern streets of Kazimierz have a Jewish flavour that has been revived since the late 1980s.

A lot of Schindler’s List was filmed in this neighbourhood, which once again has synagogues, bookshops, restaurants and bars for a small but dynamic Jewish community.

Top rated tour : Kazimierz District Jewish Heritage Tour

7. Franciscan Church

This monastery church took shape in the aftermath of the Mongol Invasion, and was consecrated around the middle of the 13th century.

It was the first example of Kraków’s hallmark brick and sandstone architecture, even if only the rib vaults remain from that initial building.

The church suffered a near-catastrophic fire in 1850, but that handed an opportunity to the artist Stanisław Wyspiański to work his magic.

The founder of the Young Poland movement, Wyspiański produced eight Art Nouveau stained glass windows for the apse and choir, and painted stunning murals with geometric and floral motifs in the transept.

These are accompanied by more traditional paintings in the nave and chancel, by the landscape and historicist artists Władysław Rossowski and Tadeusz Popiel.

Included in:  Bike Tour of the Old Town, Kazimierz, and the Ghetto

8. Cloth Hall

One of the symbols for Kraków, the Cloth Hall has existed in some form since the 1200s, and the Renaissance monument at the centre of the Main Square today is from the 1500s.

A trading hall for 800 years, the cloth hall testifies to Kraków’s position in the middle of Central Europe’s Medieval commercial network.

Most of the goods sold here came from the east, like spices, silk, wax and leather.

The Cloth Hall is still a market, and if it doesn’t quite have the same cachet, it’s the first place to come if you’re stuck for gift or souvenir ideas.

You can idle past stalls with handmade lace, amber jewellery and wooden handicrafts, and then head upstairs for the Sukiennice Museum.

Mainly for Polish 19th-century painting, there are individual rooms devoted to Romantics like Piotr Michałowski, Academic artists in the vein of Henryk Siemiradzki and Realists like Józef Chełmoński.

9. Royal Road

On this themed walk through Kraków’s Old Town you’ll be treading the same path as Poland’s monarchs, as you follow the route of Medieval coronation processions north to south through the city.

The path begins at the Church of St Florian just past the Barbican, then passes through that mighty defence and heads into the city along Floriańska Street and down the east side of the Main Square.

You’ll go past a host of cherished landmarks like St Adalbert’s Church, the Wielopolski Palace and the Church of Saints Peter and Paul.

Then you’ll begin that dramatic climb to the top of Wawel where the coronation ceremony would take place at the cathedral.

Suggested tour: Old Town “Royal Route” Walking Tour

10. Manggha

You may not have counted on immersing yourself in Japanese culture in Kraków, but that’s just what’s on the menu at this museum across the water from Wawel.

The museum and cultural centre was the initiative of film director Andrzej Wajda: He became enamoured of Japanese art after viewing the collection assembled by art critic Feliks Jasieński in the 1940s.

More than four decades later Wajda, on receiving a film prize, opted to donate the money to set up a new museum for the collection.

Manggha opened in 1994 and Japanese architect Arata Isozaki’s airy, oscillating design has dated very well.

There are now 7,000 pieces in the collection, counting woodcuts, paintings, ceramics, furniture and samurai armour; Emperor Akihito paid a visit back in 2002.

11. Polish Aviation Museum

East of the old town, the old Kraków-Rakowice-Czyżyny Airport dates back to 1912 and was commissioned for the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Soon after the airport closed in 1963 a museum opened on the site, initially using the airport’s old hangars.

They are now complemented by an exhibition hall that opened in 2010 and has lots of multimedia and hands-on exhibits.

The Polish Aviation Museum is regularly listed as one of the best in the world, with more than 200 aircraft including fighter jets, bombers, gliders, helicopters and engines from both sides of the Iron Curtain but especially MiGs, Yaks and Sukhois.

Rarest of all though are the Polish pre-war aircraft like the PZL P.11, the only surviving example in the world.

Book online : Polish Museum of Aviation Ticket

12. Stained Glass Workshop and Museum

More than a static museum, this attraction allows you to watch stained glass craftsmen making use of centuries-old skills.

The workshop was founded by the architect Stanisław Gabriel Żeleński in 1902 and moved into the current premises that he designed in 1906. This studio was intended as a gathering place for Poland’s top glass painters, who were in high demand during the Art Nouveau years.

More than 200 windows produced by this workshop adorn buildings around Krakow today, most famously in Wawel and at the Franciscan Church.

Guided tours in English are on the hour, and will bring you through beautiful exhibitions of stained glass and into the studio where you can see pieces being created.

13. Planty Park

In the 1820s when Kraków was a partially independent Free City, the Medieval fortifications that once enveloped the Old Town were dismantled on the order of Franz I, Emperor of Austro-Hungary.

The moat was also levelled off and the whole four-kilometre belt was planted with English landscape gardens.

Planty Park is a welcome green buffer between the Old Town and the newer quarters beyond.

The northern bend is best for sightseers, as this is where the last vestiges of the old defences have been kept.

The imposing Kraków Barbican, with its menacing ring of machicolations is here and is an outpost for the Florian Gate behind.

These were both saved from demolition after a professor at the university petitioned the Republic of Kraków senate.

Explore by bike : Bike Tour including Planty Park

14. Schindler’s Factory

You may be aware that a lot of Steven Spielberg’s 1993 movie Schindler’s List was filmed in Kraków.

And since 2010 it has been possible to go inside the administration building of the enamelware factory he took over after the invasion in 1939. Your main motive for coming is for the branch of Kraków Historical Museum.

Here you can peruse accounts of Schindler’s book-cooking that helped save more than 1,000 Jewish lives, the original desk from Schindler’s office, his “list” and photos of survivors.

But there’s also a wider exhibition about the occupation of Kraków in the Second World War: You’ll find reconstructions of a dwelling in the ghetto, underground tunnels used by the resistance and basements where Jews would be hidden, all with genuine artefacts from the 40s to add some depth.

Recommended tour : Oskar Schindler’s Factory Guided Tour

15. Rynek Underground

Also maintained by the Historical Museum is a museum beneath the Main Square, recapturing life in Kraków’s Old Town 700 years ago.

The attraction is an archaeological site with a total area of 6,000 square metres, showing the foundations of the previous Cloth Hall.

In these galleries are footbridges over archaeological digs, as well as electronic displays, touch-screen computers and holograms.

A trove of artefacts has been uncovered four metres under the city, like Tatar arrowheads, clay figurines, leather shoes, dice, beads, medallions and a 693 kg lump of commercial lead.

There’s much more besides, like real graves from an 11th-century cemetery, reconstructions of workshops and maps to explain the complicated flow of goods in and out of the city when it traded with the Hanseatic League.

Online tickets : Guided Tour of Rynek Underground

16. Museum of the Jagiellonian University – Collegium Maius

In the Old Town you can make an intensive 30-minute tour of Collegium Maius, the oldest building for the Jagiellonian University.

Established in the 1300s, this is also Poland’s oldest university building, reconstructed in the Late-Gothic style in the following century.

Copernicus was a student here at the end of the 1400s, and there’s a room with instruments and globes from the time he was alive, so there’s a good chance he laid his hands on them.

On the whirlwind tour you’ll scurry through lecture rooms, ceremonial halls, professor’s quarters, a fantastical library and a museum, which has the oldest globe in the world to depict the Americas.

17. Kościuszko Mound

Tadeusz Kościuszko was a Polish national hero, lauded for his resistance efforts against Prussia and Russia as they divided up the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth at the end of the 18th century.

In 1794 he led a doomed but spirited insurrection against Russia, begun on Kraków’s Main Square.

After Kościuszko died his body was interred beneath this 34-metre-high mound, in the style of rulers from Poland’s distant past.

The mound was completed in 1823 and is at the top of the Sikornik hill 326 metres above sea level.

At the base of the mound are the walls of a military citadel erected by Austrians in the mid-19th century.

In the defences is the Neo-Gothic Blessed Bronisława chapel, offering entry to the mound, which you can climb on a winding path to look west to Kraków’s Old Town.

Included in this (highly recommended!) tour: Tour by Electric Car & Optional Schindler’s Factory

18. Krakus Mound

We’ve talked about the 19th-century burial mound for Tadeusz Kościuszko, but if you want to see a real pagan tumulus it’s a manageable trip to the south of the city near Kraków Krzemionki station.

This site is shrouded in mystery, as for hundreds of years it was assumed to be the 2,100-year-old burial place of the Celtic King Krakus, legendary founder of the city.

But excavations have yet to reveal a grave, and the most recent artefacts buried in the mound have been dated to between the 8th and 10th centuries.

It may instead have had an astronomical function, as it forms an axis with the sun and another mound, Wanda, at sunrise on the morning of the Celtic festival of Beltane.

19. Corpus Christi Church

Casimir III the Great founded this Gothic basilica in the Kazimierz district in 1335. And while the original pointed arches and vaults are still in place today, the fittings and decoration are almost all from the Mannerist and Baroque period.

Corpus Christi has some of the finest and most harmonious Baroque ornamentation in Poland.

The stalls in the choir are exceptional, carved in 1624-32 and embellished with sculptures and paintings of saints.

The altar was completed in 1637, and gleams with giltwood that surrounds paintings by the Venetian court artist Tommaso Dolabella.

Give yourself a few minutes to inspect the beautiful chapels in the northern and southern aisles.

20. Ghetto Heroes Square

The Podgórze district, opposite Kazimierz on the right bank of the Vistula was the location for the Kraków ghetto, from 1941 until it was “liquidated” in 1943. The largest public space, previously known as Plac Zgody, was filled throughout that time with people trying to get some relief from the cramped conditions in the surrounding tenements.

Haunting photographs from the deportations show furniture and bundles of belongings abandoned on the square: Unspeakable tragedies happened on this place, whether it was families being separated for the last time or executions.

When the square was redesigned in 2005, 70 large chairs were installed on the square in memory of the victims of Kraków ghetto, driving home the sense of emptiness and recalling the images of the deportations.

Available tour : Jewish Quarter & Ghetto Private Walking Tour

21. Vistulan Boulevards

The Vistula is a river that has been repeatedly moulded by humans over the last millennium.

The wide riverbanks today are man-made and set aside for recreation, with bicycle paths, quays for cruise boats and stops for the city’s “water tram” service.

These shallow grassy embankments slope down from a retaining wall as an anti-flood measure that has proved very effective down the years.

The project began in the 19th century, and the boulevards are appreciated as much by Cracovians as by tourists breaking away from the crowds at Wawel and the Old Town.

You could begin your trip at Salwator by Kościuszko’s burial mound in the west and won’t have to leave the riverside until the second bend at Kazimierz.

22. Saints Peter and Paul Church

Completed in just 20 years at the start of the 17th century, this Mannerist and Baroque church was the work of Italians, both inside and out.

Giovanni Maria Bernardoni finalised the initial plan, which was modified by another Italian Giovanni Battista Trevano, who was responsible for the dome, facade and much of the interior.

The facade is fashioned from dolomite and has statues of saints in its niches and on the pedestals in front.

Yet another Italian Giovanni Battista Falconi produced the vibrant ornamental stuccowork in the interior, as well as the scenes from the life of St Peter and St Paul in the apse.

The church has also had a Foucault’s Pendulum since 1949. This is hung from a height of 46.5 metres, and if you visit on Thursday morning there are demonstrations on the hour showing earth’s rotation.

23. Dragon’s Den (Smocza Jama)

Burrowing through Wawel is Poland’s most famous cave, a karst formation known to all for its legendary dragon.

You can meet a sculpture of this dragon in front of the entrance, installed in 1972 and even breathing fire.

According to folklore the dragon was slain by King Krakus before he founded the city.

At the entrance to the cathedral there are bones hanging from a chain dating to the Ice Age and claimed to belong to the dragon.

The cave itself isn’t to be taken too seriously, but is a light-hearted detour if you’re overwhelmed by all the history of the Old Town.

You’ll enter from the courtyard of the castle to venture through three chambers measuring 276 metres before being deposited by the Vistula at the bottom of the hill.

24. Plac Nowy

Compared to the Main Square in the Old Town Kazimierz’s central square feels a bit rough around the edges.

But that’s exactly the point, as Plac Nowy is exactly the place to be to tap into Kraków’s bohemian side.

At night you can flit from one cafe or bar to the next, while the markets that fill the square change by the day.

Come by on Saturdays for antiques or Sundays for clothes.

The rotunda in the centre of the square was a big kosher butcher for Kazimierz’s Jewish community up to 1939. Now it’s traced with food stands, selling Zapiekanka, an open-faced French bread pizza piled with mushrooms, cheese and hot ketchup.

25. Tyniec Abbey

Ten kilometres southwest of the Old Town, but still belonging to Kraków, Tyniec is a village on a limestone canyon by the Vistula.

You’ll know why you made the trip when you catch sight of the towers of this Benedictine Abbey posted on the clifftop.

This is a functioning monastery, but you can go on a guided tour and visit a small museum, displaying objects from recent excavations.

Tyniec Abbey dates to the 11th century, and has been left with a Baroque design after being ransacked by Tatars and Czechs in the 1300s and then the Swedes in the 17th century.

You can come for concerts and vespers at the church in the summer, while there’s a little cafe on the belvedere, and a gift shop selling items of specialty food and cosmetics made by the monks.

25 Best Things to Do in Kraków (Poland):

• Stare Miasto (Old Town)
• Rynek Główny (Main Square)
• Wawel Castle
• St Mary's Basilica
• Wawel Cathedral
• Franciscan Church
• Polish Aviation Museum
• Stained Glass Workshop and Museum
• Planty Park
• Schindler’s Factory
• Rynek Underground
• Museum of the Jagiellonian University - Collegium Maius
• Kościuszko Mound
• Krakus Mound
• Corpus Christi Church
• Ghetto Heroes Square
• Vistulan Boulevards
• Saints Peter and Paul Church
• Dragon’s Den (Smocza Jama)
• Tyniec Abbey

13 Best Things to Do in Krakow

Written by Joni Sweet Updated Mar 24, 2023

Effortlessly beautiful and steeped in history, Krakow often doesn't get the glory it deserves on tourists' European vacations. But the Polish city rewards those who visit with unrivaled sightseeing opportunities, a vibrant live music scene, pretty parks, and impeccably preserved medieval attractions. It's one of the best places to visit in Poland .

Krakow's Old Town is one of the first ever UNESCO World Heritage Sites and remains the top place to visit in the city today. It's conveniently located at the base of Wawel Royal Castle , where you can see lovely gardens and private apartments once used by royal guests. You'll want to leave room on your itinerary to visit Kazimierz , the former Jewish district, and explore Jewish history. You can also see Schindler's Factory , a World War II museum housed in the former factory that was previously owned by Oskar Schindler, who saved more than 1,000 Jews from death.

Krakow's efficient public transportation system and park-lined streets make it a pleasant place for many hours of sightseeing. Whenever you need a break, you'll easily be able to relax and refuel at one of the city's abundant pierogi joints or trendy cafés. Krakow also makes a convenient home base for exploring other important tourist attractions around Poland , including the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial camps and the Wieliczka Salt Mine .

Make the most of your Poland travel itinerary with our list of the best things to do in Krakow.

1. Tour Krakow's Old Town

2. marvel at st. mary's basilica, 3. wander wawel royal castle, 4. descend into the rynek underground museum, 5. play at the krakow pinball museum, 6. visit oskar schindler's enamel factory, 7. stroll through planty park, 8. immerse yourself in the eagle pharmacy museum, 9. see the ghetto heroes square, 10. see a fragment of the ghetto wall, 11. watch a performance at the juliusz slowacki theatre, 12. head to the auschwitz-birkenau memorial and museum, 13. take a day trip to the wieliczka salt mine, map of things to do in krakow, krakow, poland - climate chart.

If you only have time for one thing to do in Krakow, seeing the city's Old Town should be top of your list. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, this attraction has been a thriving commercial center for roughly 1,000 years.

While Krakow's Old Town has a maze of cobblestone streets, it's always easy to find your way back to its center: Rynek Glowny (Market Square), Europe's largest medieval town square. Check out the Cloth Hall , an iconic Renaissance-style structure that brims with souvenir shops–a throwback to its golden age some 600 year ago, when the building bustled with international traders swapping exotic imports with Polish salt from the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Situated just outside the Cloth Hall, the Town Hall Tower offers panoramic views of Krakow from its highest floor. You can also see the mechanism behind the structure's antique clock, which relies on radio waves from Mainflingen, Germany to stay accurate.

Other Old Town highlights include Royal Road (a thoroughfare flanked by historic sites that starts at St. Florian's Gate ), St. Mary's Basilica, the Pharmacy Museum , and the Church of St. Anne. But beyond offering hours of touring, the Old Town is simply a great place to relax with some coffee and cake at one of the many outdoor cafés in the area.

Situated on the eastern corner of Rynek Glowny is one of the most iconic symbols of Krakow: St. Mary's Basilica. The attraction has had a presence in Krakow since the 1220s, although the structure you see today has been rebuilt and renovated over the centuries.

The Gothic-style brick church features two bell towers, one of which is topped by a gilded crown that dates back to 1666. Historically, the taller of the bell towers would ring at the opening and closing of the city, and to alert residents of a fire or attack from a foreign invader.

Tourists can appreciate the bell today when it plays "Hejnal Mariacki" ("St. Mary's Trumpet Call") every hour on the hour. Listen for the five-note bugle call to stop abruptly–it's a tribute to a trumpeter who was killed after attempting to warn city dwellers of a siege.

It's definitely worth touring the interiors of the church, which feature exquisite stained-glass windows and a nave decked out in gold stars. There's also a massive, intricately carved altarpiece that's considered to be one of the most important pieces of medieval art in Poland. You can learn more about its restoration at the Rynek Underground Museum.

Address: Plac Mariacki 5, 31-042 Kraków

Official site: https://mariacki.com/en/

Reserve at least half a day in your Krakow itinerary to explore Wawel Royal Castle–a historical and cultural treasure for Poland. The 16th-century castle has been converted into a museum with a series of permanent exhibitions, each of which has their own entrance fee. The most impressive exhibits include the State Rooms and the Royal Private Apartments, where you can see magnificent antique tapestries and lavish furniture.

The castle grounds are home to the Wawel Cathedral, as well, although it's operated as a separate institution. The Gothic cathedral brims with art and contains the crypts of national heroes, royal figures, and revolutionaries.

It's also worth climbing the wooden stairs to the top of the Sandomierska Tower for incredible views across the Vistula River. Don't miss the Dragon's Den nearby. Legend has it that this murky cave below Wawel Hill once held a mean dragon who ate maidens. Once you exit the underground chambers, you'll be met with a 50-year-old statue of a dragon that breathes real fire.

Address: Wawel 5, 31-001 Kraków

Official site: https://wawel.krakow.pl/en

The highlights of Rynek Glowny aren't solely at ground level. Descend the stairs from the Cloth Hall to enter the Rynek Underground Museum, a popular attraction dedicated to preserving and teaching the history of Krakow. The museum is filled with high-tech novelties, including a film projected on a plume of smoke, touchscreen monitors that provide insight on centuries-old artifacts (including coins and jewelry), and even a children's show narrated by an animatronic crow.

But perhaps the most fascinating displays are the remains of the medieval city, including merchants' stalls excavated around 20 years ago and an 11th-century grave of a supposed vampire . Consider spending some extra time at the end of your journey through the museum watching its short documentaries, which take you through various stages of Krakow's history.

Address: Rynek Główny 1, 31-042 Kraków

Official site: https://muzeumkrakowa.pl/en/branches/rynek-underground

Around 90 pinball machines and arcade games wait for players to achieve new high scores at the Krakow Pinball Museum. Located next to the Atlantic Squash Club , the arcade museum contains some of the world's most popular pinball machines, including Indiana Jones, the Addams Family, and Cactus Canyon, some of which date back to the 1950s. The entry fee includes unlimited free plays on all games, so you can keep playing until your thumbs get tired.

Address: Stradomska 15, 31-068 Kraków,

More than 1,200 Jews were spared from concentration camps during the Holocaust when their employer, Oskar Schindler, insisted they were essential workers at his enamelware factory. That site now houses a museum that explores the tumultuous history of World War II and the German occupation of Krakow.

The museum contains dozens of rooms that aim to recreate different aspects of life at that point in history, including narrow alleyways of the ghetto with the sounds of dogs barking and Nazi officers yelling, basements where Jews hid from the Nazis, a railway station lobby flanked by troop mobilization posters, and prison cells that held members of the resistance and academics. Tourists can also see the desk used on the set of Steven Spielberg's 1993 film Schindler's List , along with a giant cube filled with enamelware produced at the factory.

Address: Lipowa 4, 30-702 Kraków,

Official site: https://muzeumkrakowa.pl/en/branches/oskar-schindlers-enamel-factory

Planty Park, one of Krakow's largest city parks, encircles its Old City. It contained the city's defensive fortifications many centuries ago, but in the mid-19th century, its walls were razed and moats were filled to make way for the green belt you see today.

The park's lush array of trees and flowers make it one of the best places to take a stroll in the city and watch everyday life unfold. Keep your eyes peeled for the many monuments dedicated to Polish authors, intellectuals, and scientists, including Nicolaus Copernicus .

Of the four pharmacies that stood in Krakow's Podgórze district , Eagle Pharmacy was the only one to remain open when the Germans converted the area into a ghetto for Jews in March 1941. With the help of his loyal staff, pharmacy owner Tadeusz Pankiewicz dedicated himself to helping the ghetto inhabitants. The pharmacy offered medications, shelter, food, and news from the outside world, despite the risk of severe consequences from the Nazis for doing so.

The pharmacy has since been converted into a remarkable museum that welcomes visitors to dig through its drawers, open up its cabinets, and watch recorded interviews with those who lived in the ghetto.

The museum's atmosphere of exploration helps enlighten the hidden history of this pharmacy and deepen your understanding of what life was like for the Jewish community at this time.

Address: Plac Bohaterów Getta 18, 30-547 Kraków

Official site: https://muzeumkrakowa.pl/en/branches/eagle-pharmacy

You'll notice a series of empty bronze chairs standing in the square outside the Eagle Pharmacy Museum. The installation, known as Ghetto Heroes Square, serves as a memorial to the victims of the Krakow ghetto whose furniture would get piled up in this area when they were forcibly relocated.

The empty chairs are a symbol of the devastation of Krakow's Jewish community, whose population dropped from around 70,000 before World War II to somewhere between 100 and 2,000 today.

Address: Plac Bohaterów Getta, 30-547 Kraków

When the Nazis turned the Podgórze district into a ghetto, they surrounded it with a stone wall to contain some 20,000 Jews and separate them from the rest of the city. The ominous wall, which was described by one victim as having the shape of the tombstones Jews would eventually occupy, has largely been torn down, but you can still see a fragment that remains on Lwowska Street. It has a plaque that memorializes the victims who endured immense suffering and death at the hands of the Nazis.

Address: Lwowska 29, 30-548 Kraków

Considered to be the place where modern Polish theater was born, the Juliusz Slowacki Theatre has staged plays regularly since it debuted in the late 19th century. The Baroque-style theater features an elegant entry hall and four lavishly decorated stages, which nearly always have theatrical and operatic performances–check the website for the most up-to-date listings.

But even if you can't get inside to see a show, you can still appreciate the theater from the outside on a walk through Planty Park. Plan to go late in the day to see its facade glimmer in the golden sun, then light up beautifully after dark.

Address: Plac Świętego Ducha 1, 31-023 Kraków

Official site: https://teatrwkrakowie.pl/en

While emotionally demanding, taking a day trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is one of the most important things to do while in Krakow.

The former concentration camp is about 90 minutes away by bus and offers guided tours in English and several other languages throughout the week. The tours, which take around four hours, include stops at both Auschwitz I and the sprawling Birkenau (also known as Auschwitz II) camps. You'll see the decrepit conditions where the camp's 1.3 million residents were kept and, for the vast majority, murdered.

Exhibits of victims' belongings, including shoes, pots and pans, and a room full of hair that was cut from victims' heads and intended to be sold, help deepen visitors' understanding of the human toll at this horrific place.

Visiting this memorial is a heartbreaking experience, but one that's an essential part of remembering the victims and making sure that history doesn't repeat itself.

Official site: https://www.auschwitz.org/en/visiting/

Less than an hour away by bus, the Wieliczka Salt Mine makes a fun day trip on the outskirts of Krakow. Both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an official Polish Historic Monument, this is one of Poland's top attractions . It has produced salt since the Neolithic times (although commercial salt mining ceased in 1996).

Tourists can make their way down some 800 stairs to explore the mine's maze-like passageways, many of which contain quirky rock salt statues carved by miners, and an underground lake.

The crown jewel of the attraction, however, is the underground Chapel of St. Kinga . The chapel, including its chandeliers, tiled floor, and walls, are sculpted entirely in salt. Be sure to look out for a salt mural of da Vinci's The Last Supper on the left wall.

Address: Daniłowicza 10, 32-020 Wieliczka

Official site: https://www.wieliczka-saltmine.com/

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37 Amazing Things to Do in Krakow, Poland

Krakow, Poland is one of the top places to visit in Europe, and no trip to Poland is completed without visiting Krakow. For years the city has been one of the main Polish destinations for both local and international travelers who easily fall in love with the place, its history, beauty, and charm.

I’m a huge fan of Krakow too, always have been, visiting the city at least a few times per year to meet friends and to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the place.

To share my love for the place I’ve created this comprehensive Krakow guide with all the best things to do in Krakow. Some of the places are well-known tourist attractions while others are more off the path, known mostly to locals. Overall, you will see how diverse attractions in Krakow are, making everyone fall for the place so easily since there is something for each taste.

When planning your trip to Krakow be sure to save enough days in your Krakow itinerary for all the city has to offer as well as for some great day trips from Krakow . You really are in for a treat there!

Planning a trip to Krakow?

Here are the highly-rated hotels, tours, and services recommended for your trip:

Accomodation:

• Ventus Rosa Boutique Aparthotel (9.3/10)
• PURO Kraków Kazimierz (9.4/10)
• Leonardo Boutique Hotel Krakow Old Town (9.0/10)

Tours and activities:

• Krakow Old Town Guided Walking Tour
• Krakow: Kazimierz, Jewish Ghetto and Schindler’s Factory
• Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine

Internet: Stay connected with Airalo eSim card – click here to get yours!

Airport Transfer: Airport Transfer: Use Welcome Pickups for a smooth ride from the airport to your accommodation in Krakow. Click here to book the airport transfer.

Insurance: Get insured for your trip to Poland with SafetyWing

Car rental: Compare prices and find the best deals on rental cars in Poland on Discover Cars .

Table of Contents

Why visit Krakow

Krakow, the second-largest city in the country, is one of the best and most popular places to visit in Poland and a perfect place to start your journey in Central Europe .

Since it’s one of the oldest cities in Poland (first mentioned in 966 but first settlement here dates back to BC times) you will find numerous historical places to visit Krakow. Between 1038 and 1609 Krakow was the capital of Poland and some of the finest monuments in the city date back to that golden period.

Krakow is home to the oldest Polish university, Europe’s largest market square in medieval times, or the second-largest Polish castle, among other attractions. Krakow’s Old Town was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its great historical and cultural value.

For over a hundred years (1795-1918), Krakow was part of Austria-Hungary and you still can see clearly the influence of the Habsburg Empire there. There is also a big Jewish heritage that you can see and experience especially in the Kazimierz district.

What I always liked the most about visiting Krakow is its vibe, a bit on the artistic side, and even if it is changing with the growing tourism, it is still there. While most people who visit Krakow focus only on its top attractions, the city really has more to offer – you will see it below in my list of top things to do in Krakow!

How to get to Krakow

Krakow is well-connected with the rest of the Polish cities as well as with numerous destinations abroad.

The local airport, Balice (IATA code KRK), is served by numerous airlines, both low-cost and regular, and offers connections to many places in Poland, Europe, and even the US. The airport is located not too far from the center (around 12 km) and is easily reachable by public transport (trains and buses). You can also pre-book the private transfer that will take you from Krakow airport to your accommodation in Krakow – click here for details .

You can also easily reach Krakow by train, with frequent daily connections from most Polish cities. There are also direct trains from Prague , Vienna , Berlin , Bratislava , and Budapest . The main train station is located in the center, next to the main bus station, some 10-15 minutes walking from Main Square.

How to get around Krakow

The majority of Krakow attractions are located in the central part of the city and you can easily get everywhere by walking.

If you need to get to some more distant places or you are simply tired of walking, there is a fine public transport system with buses and trams, that cover all the places you want to see in Krakow. You can check connections on an app like “Jakdojade” where you can also buy tickets for the ride. Tickets are also available in kiosks or ticket machines at the stops and inside the buses/trams.

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Things to do in Krakow

And finally, let me tell you more about what to see in Krakow. The city really offers more than just the main tourist attractions and as you will see below offers something for everyone (hence the list of things to do in Krakow is so long).

Visit Wawel Hill

As you already know, Krakow was the capital of Poland between 1038 and 1609 (with a few short breaks in between). At that time the main seat of the Polish kings was the Wawel Castle, towering on the hill above the Vistula River.

Over the centuries the place was rebuilt and renovated numerous times and what you can see now is a peculiar mix of styles and remnants of the old times.

Today the place is among the top things to see in Krakow that you definitely can’t miss. It’s best to reserve at least half a day in your Krakow itinerary to explore all that the Wawel Castle has to offer (after all this is the second-largest castle in Poland, after Malbork Castle ).

There are two major highlights on Wawel Hill – the Royal Castle and the Wawel Cathedral. When visiting you can choose from different attractions and you need to buy the ticket for each separately (unfortunately, at the end of the day it adds up to a pretty big sum).

Within the castle, you can visit places like State Rooms, Royal Apartments, Treasury & Armoury, or the “Lost Wawel” exhibition (my personal favorite were rooms and apartments, so beautiful and rich in decor).

The ticket to the cathedral also allows you to go up to the Sigismund Tower (with the most popular bell in Poland) and to the royal crypts (the resting place of the most prominent Polish rulers).

Be sure to take some time to wander around the Wawel Hill grounds too and see the place from every angle, it hides some real gems and beauty.

You can also visit Wawel Castle with the tour. Here are the recommended ones:

• Wawel Castle Guided Tour with Skip-The-Line Entry
• Wawel Castle Guided Tour with Entry Inside

Explore Dragon’s Den

Every child in Poland knows the legend about the Wawel dragon who used to live under the castle hill.

The creature terrorized locals and demanded to give it cattle. Eventually, a brave young shoemaker tricked the dragon, feeding it with the sheep full of sulfur. It led to the dragon getting so thirsty, it drank so much water from the Vistula river that the creature finally burst, saving the city.

Today you can explore the den where allegedly the dragon used to live. Below the castle and next to the riverside, there is a statue of the dragon that burps fire every few minutes, a perfect reminder of the famous legend.

You can also join the 2-Hour City Walking Tour in Creepy Krakow to learn more about the dragon as well as other scary stories from the city – click here for details .

Enjoy the Main Square

The Main Square (“Rynek” in Polish which basically means “the market”) is one of the largest squares in Europe (with the dimension 200 x 200 meters) and one of the top Krakow attractions. For centuries it’s been the heart of the city and this hasn’t changed until today.

It dates back to the 13th century and back then it was the largest medieval square in Europe. Since the beginning, it’s been the center of the social, political, and cultural life in Krakow and played an important role in Polish history.

These days the Main Square is also used for numerous events, including the periodic ones such as Lajkonik celebrations (a bearded man resembling a Tatar, one of the symbols of the city) or the annual Krakow szopka Festival (a nativity scene typical for the area).

But even without the events, the Main Square is worth spending some time at. This is where you will find some of the most important Krakow monuments, such as St. Mary’s Basilica, the Church of St. Adalbert, Town Hall Tower, or Adam Mickiewicz monument. Right in the middle of the Main Square, there is an impressive building of the Cloth Hall.

Buildings surrounding Main Square are among the most beautiful townhouses in Krakow. The square is full of cafes and restaurants that might be a bit overpriced but there is no better place to sit down and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere created by tourists, locals, and too many pigeons.

You can learn more about Main Square and other top Krakow sights on the “Krakow In a Nutshell” tour – click here for details and to book the place .

Visit the Cloth Hall

The majestic building of the Cloth Hall dominates the Main Square and catches your attention right away with its beauty and form.

Since Krakow was an important stop on the trade route the city needed a proper place to exchange goods. At first, the local trade center was made of wooden stalls but in the mid-14th century, the Gothic Cloth Hall was built. Over the centuries the place was rebuilt and redecorated a few times and what you can see today dates back to the 19th century and doesn’t resemble the original building at all.

Inside the lower level, you will find numerous stalls selling souvenirs, jewelry, and craft while the outdoor part is home to a few cafes and restaurants. The upper part of the Cloth Hall is home to the division of the National Museum which hosts some of the most important 19th-century Polish paintings and sculptures.

On the first floor, on the way to the museum, you can find one of the best hidden gems of Krakow – Cafe Szał which offers some wonderful views of Main Square.

Go up the Town Hall Tower

One of the distinctive places in the Main Square is the Town Hall Tower, the only remaining part of the first town hall that was located in this very place. The tower, together with the town hall itself, was originally built around the year 1300 but the main part of the building was destroyed in 1829 when it was planned to open up the Main Square.

Today this is part of the Historical Museum that you can visit for a beautiful panorama of central Krakow. To get to the top you need to walk up 110 stone steps (some of them are a bit steep but it’s worth the effort).

Along the way, you can admire one of the most beautiful Gothic interiors in Krakow as well as exhibitions of medieval attires and archive photographs. But still, the main reason to visit the Town Hall Tower is the view from its upper part and you will not be disappointed with it.

Admire the beauty of St. Mary’s Basilica

Yet another iconic attraction of Krakow, St. Mary’s Basilica dates back to the 14th century and is one of the best examples of Polish Gothic architecture. The structure is really impressive from the outside but the interior is simply mind-blowing with its rich decoration and mesmerizing details you can’t stop looking at (some of them date back to when the church was built, others are newer). This is simply one of the most stunning churches you will ever see.

What makes it even more special is the wooden altar with realistically sculptured figures, designed by Wit Stwosz at the end of the 15th century – a truly unique masterpiece. To see the altar from up close you need to use the side entrance to the basilica and pay a fee.

It is possible to go up to one of the towers of the Basilica to enjoy the beautiful panorama of Krakow’s Old Town and beyond. The entrance is limited since at each full hour, every day 24/7, all year long, the so-called Hejnał mariacki (the trumpet signal typical for this very church) is played. When you listen to it you will notice that tune breaks off in mid-stream – it is a way to commemorate a famous 13th-century trumpeter who was shot in the throat while sounding the alarm before a Mongol attack on the city.

Go underground

The Rynek Underground is a fairly new addition to Krakow’s tourist attractions, opened only in 2005. The place takes you under the surface of the Main Square where you can travel back in time to the Middle Ages and learn more about Krakow’s history at that time.

During the archeological works, the remnants of the old parts of the city were found and now it’s possible to admire them. You will see foundations of the buildings from the 12th and 13th centuries or original tools and items from that time and the interactive presentations will tell you about life in Krakow in that fascinating period when the city was the capital of Poland.

The entrance to the underground is located in the Cloth Hall, in front of St. Mary’s church.

Find the hidden passage

Krakow doesn’t have as many hidden passages as Lviv in Ukraine but one of the interesting hidden places in the Old Town is the Bielak Passage, connecting the Main Square with Stolarska street. Its history dates back to the end of the 19th century when the local trader, Jozef Bielak, decided to interconnect his two properties to create a bigger commerce area.

In the 1960s this was a popular place, with shops, cafes, and cinema. Recently the place was renovated and new initiatives were introduced there yet the vibe of the place remained the same. Even if there are no events taking place there it’s still worth stopping by to see the passage and its decor.

Wander around the Old Town

Since Krakow was hardly destroyed during World War 2, you can still enjoy and admire the original architecture of the city that is best preserved within the Old Town, the oldest part of Krakow surrounded by Planty park. That’s where you will find main attractions (such as the Main Square) but there are also plenty of hidden gems that are best discovered when wandering aimlessly around.

Each and every street is charming, showing the true beauty of Central Europe. When wandering around you will stumble across picturesque corners, beautiful churches, or even a bridge like the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy. The list of attractions here is endless and it’s only up to you how many of them you will discover.

My favorite sights in Krakow Old Town include Small Market Square, Szczepanski Square, Bracka street, or Kanonicza street but truthfully every single street here is beautiful and has its own charm.

You can also explore the Old Town with a tour. Here are some highly-rated ones:

• Krakow Private City Tour- Krakow Old Town walking tour
• 120 min Old Town Segway Tour in Krakow – Small-Group
• Krakow Old Town Walking Tour

Visit more beautiful churches

While St. Mary’s church is, with no doubt, the most stunning and impressive church in Krakow, other Catholic holy places especially within the Old Town are also worth visiting. Even if you are not a religious person their artistic and architectural value is enormous and it’s definitely worth seeing them.

Some of the most beautiful churches within the Old Town include Saints Peter and Paul Church, Church of St. Anne, St. Andrew’s Church, Basilica of Holy Trinity, St Barbara’s Church, and Church of St. Francis of Assisi.

Visit Museums

If you are a fan of visiting museums, you are in for a treat in Krakow. There are numerous cultural institutions offering a variety of exhibitions to cater to each taste and to each interest.

The most important one is the National Museum located in the massive building some 15 minutes walking from the Old Town. You can find there one of the best art collections not only in Poland but in Europe.

Other museums worth visiting include Princes Czartoryski Museum (where you can see the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci – “The Lady with an Ermine”), the gallery in the Cloth Hall (with some of the most famous and impressive paintings by Polish artists) or the Museum of Krakow.

If you are interested in contemporary art MOCAK (located across the Vistula river) is the place you can’t miss. There are also some unusual museums like The Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology that you should visit if not for the exhibition then to stop at their cafe with a beautiful view of Wawel Hill.

I recommend getting the museum pass to get the free entrance to some 40 museums in Krakow – you can find out more about the pass and purchase it here.

Enjoy Planty Park

Krakow Old Town is surrounded by a beautiful Planty park, created in the first half of the 19th century in the place where the city’s fortifications used to be (today you can still see some parts of them, including the Barbicane). The place was carefully designed hence it was also known as the city’s garden.

Planty park quickly became one of the favorite places for locals to go for a stroll and relax and its popularity hasn’t changed until today. The area is full of numerous monuments that you will surely stumble upon when walking around. There are also plenty of benches where you can sit down and slow down from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Planty Park is a perfect getaway from exploring the Old Town and a great oasis in the middle of the busy city.

See the remnants of the fortifications

In medieval times Krakow’s Old Town (that back then was the whole city) was surrounded by the walls protecting the place – Krakow learned the lesson after the Mongol invasion in 1240. It was possible to enter the city by 7 gates that were closed for the night, the city was also protected by the moat.

Over the centuries, the shape of the fortifications gradually decreased, and eventually, it was decided to dismantle the city walls. Today only a small part of it remains, with the Barbican (from the end of the 15th century, today it is home to the Historical Museum) and the most famous St. Florian’s Gate that opens up to Florianska street which leads all the way to the Main Square.

A small part of the former fortification is open to the public, you can walk along the walls and enter three remaining gates.

See one of the most important theaters in Poland

Juliusz Słowacki Theatre, located at the edge of the Old Town, is among the most significant theaters in Poland, the birthplace of the Young Poland movement at the beginning of the 20th century.

The building itself is worth your attention. It was erected in 1893 in the place where the former 14th-century church and monastery of Order of the Holy Ghost was located and the sudden change in the city’s scenery brought many controversies.

The theater’s building was designed in the Eclectic style with neo-baroque and neo-renaissance additions and is a fine example of theaters built at that time in Europe (resembling similar buildings in places like Vienna , Chernivtsi , Zagreb , Brno , or Paris, just to name a few). This is simply one of the most beautiful buildings you can find in Krakow.

If you wish you can go to see a play in the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre, you can find the current schedule here . This will also be a good way to see the theater’s stunning interior which is equally impressive as the outside look.

Visit the Jagiellonian University

Krakow is home to a few higher education institutions but the most famous and prestigious one is the Jagiellonian University, the oldest university in Poland and one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world. It was founded in 1364 by King Casimir III the Great and since then it’s been known as one of the best places to get your higher education in Poland (I almost ended up studying there too, almost…).

Today its campus is strewn around all over the city but the oldest part, Collegium Maius, is located right in the Old Town, at Jagiellonska street. It’s easy to miss the place, you need to enter a rather bland gate to be transformed back to medieval times and a beautiful bricked yard with the arcades.

You can find there a museum dedicated to the Jagiellonian University but even if you don’t plan to visit it, it’s still worth stopping at Collegium Maius to see this charming hidden place and feel the atmosphere of the old times.

Jagiellonian University is included in the highly-rated Private Walking Tour of Krakow Old Town with local historian PhD – click here to book it.

Admire the art-nouveau architecture

Krakow might not have such splendid art-nouveau architecture that other cities that used to be part of the Habsburg Empire (like Szeged , Budapest , Oradea , or Lviv ) but it surely has its moments.

My favorite building is the Palace of Art located at Szczepanski Square within the Old Town. It was designed in the style of Viennese art-nouveau at the beginning of the 20th century and used to be an exhibition space for famous Polish artists. At the same square, you will notice another beautiful art-nouveau building – the Stary National Theatre (one of the oldest theatres in Poland).

On the Main Square, the townhouse located right next to St. Mary’s church is a real gem too, dating back to 1907.

When it comes to art-nouveau interiors two places stand above others: Jama Michalika Cafe (located at 45 Florianska street) with typical for the period decor, furniture, and stained glass windows and Franciscan Church with polychrome wall decorations and stained glass windows by one of the great Polish artists – Stanisław Wyspiański.

Explore Kazimierz district

Kazimierz, the former Jewish district of Krakow, is a fascinating place to explore and a perfect alternative to the Old Town. Even if in recent years the area went through the major gentrification process it still has its charm and vibe and is less touristy than the area near Main Square.

Kazimierz was founded in the 14th century and until 1791 it was a separate city, incorporated into Krakow only at the end of the 18th century. This was the center of the Jewish community of Krakow and still today you will find numerous remnants of their history and culture all over the district, including a few synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, and the annual Jewish Culture Festival.

But Kazimierz is also a hip and trendy district, with numerous cafes, restaurants, small shops, and independent galleries. It’s one of the favorite places for locals and tourists to hang out, in the summer evenings it’s a challenge to find a free table in one of the many bars and restaurants.

The heart of the district is Plac Nowy bustling with life especially on the weekends when during the day you can enjoy shopping at the flea market and in the evenings you might hang out in the surrounding bars or the square itself. Kazimierz is also a perfect place for photography lovers as you will find there plenty of charming corners, winding lanes, hidden passages, and most Instagrammable places in Krakow .

Since Kazimierz is a very complex district, with so much history and hidden spots, it’s best to visit it with the tour. Here are the best ones:

• Tour of Kazimierz, Jewish Ghetto & Schindler’s Factory
• Private Schindler’s List and Jewish Heritage Tour in Krakow
• Krakow Jewish Quarter Guided Walking Tour

Visit synagogues

One of the best remnants of the Jewish past in Kazimierz is the synagogues. Before WW2 there were several dozen synagogues in Kazimierz but only a few remained until today. Some of them still work as prayer houses while others were converted to museums that are possible to visit or are buildings of public use.

I visited two of them, both located at Szeroka Street. The Old Synagogue dates back to the 15th century and, as the name suggests, is the oldest synagogue in Poland. Today it is home to the museum where you can learn more about Jewish life in Krakow. The nearby Remuh Synagogue is much smaller but so pretty inside.

Other synagogues worth mentioning are Tempel Synagogue (that I still have to visit but it already looks impressive from the outside), Tempel Synagogue (which was turned into a popular cafe/bar, Hevre, with a beautiful interior) or Izaak Synagogue (now a cultural and educational center).

Visit Jewish Cemeteries

Besides synagogues, there are other traces of the Jewish presence, including two cemeteries that remained until this day, both located in the Kazimierz district.

Remuh Cemetery is located next to the synagogue with the same name and is the older one, with tombstones dating to the 16th century. You can find there graves of some very important people not only from Krakow Jewish community but also from Vienna or Prague. The Remuh Cemetery operated until 1800 when the New Jewish Cemetery at Miodowa street (behind the train tracks) was established.

It was opened until 1920 and today you can find there around ten thousand headstones, including some of the most notable Jewish people from Krakow. The New Jewish Cemetery is much larger than Remuh Cemetery and I personally find it much more interesting and perfect for wandering around, admiring beautiful tombstones, and reflecting on the Jewish past in Krakow.

Try street food in Kazimierz

While you are exploring the Kazimierz district be sure to try some local street food, including the queen of Polish quick bites – zapiekanka. This Polish version of pizza dates to the 1970s and ever since has been the most popular fast food all over the country.

Zapiekanka is a rather simple dish – a toasted open-face sandwich made of a sliced baguette and topped with white mushrooms and cheese (the basic version), if you want to feel fancy you can add numerous other things on top: vegetables, sausage, ham, etc as well as various sauces.

You can get the best zapiekanka in Poland in Kazimierz, in the round building in the middle of Plac Nowy. There are a few points selling this yummy street food, “Endzior” claimed the title of the best ones (you will quickly notice which one is this as the line is always the longest there) but honestly, zapiekanka from each place here is to die for. The selection is really wide and you can choose from various toppings, whatever you feel like eating. Don’t leave Krakow without trying zapiekanka, it’s a true Polish food experience!

If you feel like eating different kinds of street food there are a few places in Kazimierz where you can find a good selection of food trucks (at the corner or Sw. Wawrzynca and Waska streets or at the corner of Jakuba and Ciemna streets).

And speaking of street food, there is one more typical Krakow food experience you might want to check out – eating the sausage served from the old blue car that is some sort of institution in Krakow. The car is parked every evening near the Market Hall at Grzegórzecka street, you might expect to wait in line as the place is really popular and iconic.

But back to Kazimierz, besides the street food, the area is literally packed with all sorts of cafes, restaurants, bars, and other places where you can hang out. It’s impossible to list some of the best ones as there are so many of them so just follow your intuition, see which place appeals to you, and then sit down, relax and enjoy the wonderful Kazimierz vibe.

Cross the Vistula river via Father Bernatek Footbridge

Father Bernatek Footbridge is one of the newest additions to Krakow’s scenery, opened in 2010 in the place where the Podgórski bridge used to stand. The footbridge connected two popular districts Kazimierz and Podgorze and added up to the atmosphere of the area.

The bridge is rather neat, with the steel arch and above and a few sculptures hanging around. It is also an unofficial love bridge in Krakow where lovers hang locks declaring their love.

Explore Podgorze district

Podgorze district, located across the Vistula River from Kazimierz, a few years ago became a new favorite hotspot for locals. Numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants surfaced, changing the scenery of the district that is now a mix of small businesses designed for local inhabitants and hangout places for everyone else. It’s a peculiar combination that works very well in Podgorze (that is still not as touristy as Kazimierz has become).

Besides the hangout spots, you can also find here numerous attractions, including the fairytale-alike St. Joseph Church, some beautiful houses hidden in the backstreet, a green oasis of Bednarskiego Park, or some interesting museums. Reserve a few hours in your Krakow itinerary to explore Podgorze too, to get a feel of a not-so-touristy yet still wonderful face of Krakow.

Podgorze is included in these two interesting tours – joining them will help you learn more about this part of Krakow:

• Hidden Krakow Bike Tour
• Jewish Ghetto Guided Tour

Visit Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory

The world learned about Oskar Schindler’s life and story thanks to the award-winning movie “Schindler’s List”. When World War 2 started Schindler (a Sudeten German) took over the Enamel factory and hired unpaid workers from the Jewish community. Over war years, he saved over a thousand Jews, granting him the title of “righteous among the nations”.

Today the administrative buildings of the factory are home to the museum telling the story of Oskar Schindler as well as showing the life in Krakow under the Nazi occupation. For me, this was the most interesting museum in Krakow and I can definitely recommend visiting it not only to the history fans but to everyone interested in learning more about the city.

Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory is located a bit away from the center, in Podgorze district, next to the MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art, but it’s definitely worth a little detour during your Krakow sightseeing.

You can join the guided tour of the Factory (with the skip-the-line ticket included) – click here for details.

Visit Liban Quarry

Not far from the Krakus Mound you will find the Liban Quarry, named after the local industrialist Bernard Liban who opened the lime kiln in this very place in 1873 (however the quarrying here dates back to the Middle Ages). During World War Two, Nazi occupants opened the work camp here for Polish people, many of them died in inhuman conditions. Liban Quarry was also used as the scenery for the movie “Schindler’s List” in 1993, many of the scenes were filmed here.

Today the quarry is mostly abandoned but that makes it an even better place to visit. You can still find there remnants of the work camp (such as the road paved with the tombstones from the Jewish cemetery) as well as parts of the “Schindler’s List” movie set. But mostly the place is full of overgrown vegetation and numerous paths waiting to be explored.

Visit the site of Kraków-Plaszow concentration camp

During World War Two, Nazi Germany, who occupied Poland at that time, created the labor camp in the suburb of Krakow – Plaszow. It was opened in 1942 in the place where two Jewish cemeteries used to be and was used to keep mostly people from the liquidated Krakow Ghetto.

The place was soon transformed into a concentration camp that has operated until early 1945. In the peak moment, around 35.000 people were kept here, mostly Jewish but also Polish and Roma people.

Today the area of the concentration camp is the eerie green place and only a careful look around will tell you what a horrific and tragic place this was. You might still find the foundations of the buildings or remnants of the Jewish tombstones strewn around, the newly added info boards tell the history of the place. There is also a very somber and powerful Monument to Nazi Victims that commemorate those who were kept in this concentration camp.

Stop by at Plac Bohaterow Getta

Plac Bohaterow Getta is a symbolic square located in the Podgorze district, right across the Vistula river from Kazimierz. It dates back to the first half of the 19th century when it served as the secondary market square in the area. During World War Two this was the main square of the ghetto created by Nazis for the Jewish population of Krakow.

Today you can find there a few dozens of empty iron chairs to commemorate the tragic events of the ghetto’s liquidation in 1943. In one of the buildings surrounding the square, at number 18, you can visit the museum in the former pharmacy, the only one that used to work in the ghetto during the war.

Admire the panorama from one of the mounds

One of the most distinctive places to visit in Krakow is its mounds. Besides the historical value, they also offer a beautiful panorama of the city that you can’t miss.

Mounds date back to prehistoric times and served burial, cultural or defensive purposes, later on, they were also created to commemorate important events or people. Besides six mounds in Krakow, you can also find those structures in a few other places in the Lesser Poland region.

The most popular mound is Kościuszko Mound, dating back to the first half of the 19th century and surrounded by the military complex from the same period. It’s located a bit outside the center (you can reach it by bus) but from the mound, you can see a beautiful vista of Krakow.

If you have time for visiting only one mound I definitely recommend Krakus Mound, located in the Podgorze district. It is not known when this mound was created but today many legends are connected with this place.

Krakus Mound offers the most beautiful views of central Krakow and its numerous towers. This is also one of the favorite places for locals to go for a stroll and enjoy the green area. The best time to visit Krakus Mound is around sunset when the city is painted in soft orange color.

Relax at the green oasis of Zakrzowek

Zakrzowek is one of the hidden gems of Krakow that is hardly visited by tourists (and is a favorite place for locals). This former quarry was closed in 1990 and filled with water, creating a beautiful nature getaway not far from the center of the bustling city. The unreally turquoise water contrast with rocks making the place simply stunning.

Zakrzowek reservoir is also a popular diving place, bringing those who want to explore the underwater area of the query from all over Poland and beyond. But you don’t need to be a diver to enjoy the place as this is also a great area for a walk around or sunbathing at the shore.

Near the reservoir, you will find Skałki Twardowskiego, the rock formation used by local climbers. If you are into adventurous sports there is no better place for you to visit in Krakow than Zakrzowek. You can easily get here by tram or bus from the center of Krakow.

Enjoy the vibrant atmsphere of Forum Przestrzenie

When looking at Krakow from the Wawel Hill there is one building that catches your attention right away – the former Hotel Forum. This brutalist masterpiece was built in the 1980s and back then it was one of the most modern buildings in the city. The enormous structure has been mostly abandoned since 2002 when the hotel was closed due to the damage in the construction made by the proximity of the Vistula river.

Recently the lower part and the surrounding area got the new life when Forum Przestrzenie was opened. To put it simply this is a cultural space with plenty of diverse food options available and it’s easily one of the top alternative spots in Krakow.

In the summertime you can hang out outside, relaxing at one of the loungers and enjoying a beautiful view of the Vistula river and beyond. The place is vibrant until late night hours and it’s one of the best spots to hang out in Krakow, always bustling with people and a great atmosphere.

Admire the 20th-century architecture

If you are interested in 20th-century architecture, especially modernism and postmodern styles, you are in for a treat in Krakow.

When Poland regained its independence in 1918, Krakow became yet again one of the most important cities in the country and therefore developed rapidly with the idea of “Great Krakow”. It was also seen in the architecture. Some of the grand buildings were created then, designed in the popular at that time modernist style.

You can find some of the best examples at Mickiewicz Avenue and Slowacki Avenue, not far from the Old Town. Some of the grandest buildings here include the National Museum, the Jagiellonian Library, or the AGH University of Science and Technology’s main building. Besides buildings of public use also townhouses in the area were designed in the same style, many of them have unique emblems placed above the entrance.

There are modernist buildings also in the Old Town (which needed to be redesigned after the 1850 fire), some of the best are the Main Post Office, the State Agricultural Bank, or the townhouse at 41 Main Square. If you would like to discover more examples of modernism in Krakow check this website (it’s in Polish but you can easily figure out the places).

Explore Nowa Huta district

Nowa Huta is a paradise for everyone who enjoys monumental socialist-realism architecture. The area developed shortly after WW2 when the biggest European steel mill was built here followed by the nearby district. It was a modeled city, designed in the popular at that time socialist-realist style (with a touch of Renaissance), and today it still is considered an architectural masterpiece from that period.

The center of the district is Plac Centralny and that’s where you will find some of the oldest and most impressive buildings (as well as along Aleja Róż – the central avenue of the area). While architecture is the main reason to visit Nowa Huta, it’s not the only one. The district offers more attractions, such as Wanda Mound, Polish Aviation Museum or simply the laid-back atmosphere of the place.

To get to know Nowa Huta better join one of this highly-rated tours:

• Trip Around Nowa Huta
• Nowa Huta Steel Mill Administration Buildings and Shelters with local NGO
• Communism Tour in a Genuine Trabant Automobile

Find great street art

Krakow might not be the most amazing of street art cities in Poland (like Lodz , Katowice , or Gdansk ) but it definitely has its moments.

You will find most of the works in hip districts like Kazimierz and Podgorze but these are usually smaller pieces like stencils and a few murals here and there, including some of the world-known artists like Blu. Just wander these districts, curiously looking at the walls around you and you will easily find some of the best pieces of street art in Krakow.

There are some fine works in other parts of the city too, including the Old Town and central Krakow. You can find the map with the locations of the best works of Krakow street art here.

Shop at Stary Kleparz

Stary Kleparz (Old Kleparz) is the oldest continuingly operating market in Krakow, functioning for over 600 years. It’s located just outside of the Old Town, at Rynek Kleparski, and you can easily get there on foot.

You can buy a variety of local products at Stary Kleparz, fresh produce, homemade cheese, mouth-watering fruits and vegetables, and more. The market serves mostly locals in their everyday shopping but tourists are more than welcome to come and enjoy this piece of Krakow too.

Once a month on Sundays Stary Kleparz hosts Art Food & Bazar where local designers, artists, eco-producers, and independent sellers offer their products to buy.

Wander along the Vistula River

The Vistula Embankments is a popular recreational area for locals and a favorite place for a walk for visitors. It’s a perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city yet still be right in the center.

The most popular part is just below Wawel Hill – you can start your walk at Dębnicki Bridge to see the most beautiful vista of Wawel Castle. Along the way, you can stop in one of the restaurants located on the boats.

Relax in one of many cafes

Krakow has a long tradition of coffeehouses, the first one was opened in the 1770s. Since the city was part of the Habsburg Empire (with a very strong cafe culture) its influence affected the local scene too. As a result, for years Krakow has been the top spot for cafes within Poland, some of them serving as iconic cultural institutions (such as Jama Michalika) or important political centers.

Still today Krakow has the best cafe scene in Poland and you can choose from so many wonderful places serving a solid cup of coffee. You will find the best ones in Kazimierz (such as Cytat Cafe or Mleczarnia), Old Town, and Podgorze. There are so many good cafes to choose from that you will easily find your favorite ones when exploring Krakow.

Try delicious Polish food

Polish cuisine is really delicious and it would be a shame if you don’t try it during your trip to Krakow. Fortunately, there are plenty of restaurants serving typical Polish dishes, mostly around the Old Town, that it shouldn’t be difficult to find those. Even if most of the food is made of meat, there should be a few vegetarian options as well, or meat-free versions of popular dishes.

You can also join the highly-rated food tasting tour and learn more about Polish cuisine. Click here for details.

Some of the dishes you should try include żurek (a sour rye soup served with sausage, potatoes and egg), pierogi dumplings, gołabki (cabbage rolls), bigos (with pickled cabbage as the main ingredient), kotlet schabowy (a pork cutlet, kind of like a thicker version of Wiener Schnitzel) and many more.

If you would like to learn how to make the most popular Polish dish – pierogi – join this Traditional Polish Pierogi Cooking Class.

Go for day trips

While Krakow itself is amazing (and this long list of things to do in Krakow can prove that) the surrounding area is pretty interesting too, with a variety of possible day trips from Krakow.

The most popular ones are to Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz Concentration Camp but Krakow’s surroundings offer so much more. You can go to the mountains, visit beautiful cities like Tarnow, Rzeszow or Bielsko-Biala, see smaller towns like Lanckorona or Cieszyn , admire one of the most beautiful castles in Poland – Lancut , go along the trail with impressive ruins of castles from medieval times or visit UNESCO-listed secluded wooden churches.

The options really are endless and it’s up to you how many of these amazing places you will see when visiting Krakow.

Here are some of the recommended tours from Krakow:

• Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow including Lunch
• Zakopane Day Trip with Hot Springs
• Zakopane and Dunajec River Rafting Tour
• Trail of the Eagles’ Nests Day Tour
• Slovakia Treetop Walk and Zakopane Tour

Final thoughts on visiting Krakow

If you are still wondering if you should visit Krakow I can tell you that yes, certainly you should. I might be a bit biased, given my relationship with the place, but the city is popular for a reason and there is no way all the visitors who fall in love with Krakow can be wrong.

Krakow offers so much that it’s impossible to tell the real highlights of the city, you need to decide on your own what sounds the most appealing to you. And that’s one of the greatest things about the city, the variety of things to do in Krakow and places to enjoy that everyone can easily find something for his or her taste.

Krakow is a perfect option for the city break holidays but it can also be a good starting point during your trip to Poland or around Central Europe. But no matter how long you will stay in Krakow, you are in for a treat!

Travel Resources

Below you can find the brands I trust and use when planning trips:

• You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Krakow
• I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Viator or Get Your Guide .
• To always stay connected I use Airalo eSim cards – click here to get yours!
• For transportation and booking tickets online , I usually use 12Go or Omio
• Looking for the airport pickup ? Check Welcome Pickups!
• Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Poland here.
• If you plan to rent a car during your trip to Poland check Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals
• Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Poland too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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Best Things to do in Krakow 30 Great Activities for Every Visitor (Updated 2024)

Krakow is a fantastic place that caters to many tastes. Whether you’re visiting Krakow with your significant other, the entire family, or on your own, you can be sure to find plenty of things to fill your time in the city and make for a fantastic vacation .

TOP things to do in Kraków

• Romantic things to do in Krakow
• Kids-friendly activities in Krakow
• Delicious places to visit
• Something for Music Fans

COOL things to do in Krakow

Active things to do in krakow.

• Unique places to see
• FUN things for young adults

See? You will find something for yourself for sure!

Ready to experience Krakow?

It doesn’t matter who you are and what you like – when visiting Krakow, there are just some things everyone should see .

(1) Wawel Castle and Cathedral

@urbexpl0rer

Don’t miss out on the majestic Wawel castle and cathedral . Located on a picturesque hill, this complex is the best place to learn about Polish history.

The Wawel Royal Castle is one of Krakow top attractions, which is impressive both from the outside and from the inside. Inside you will find 71 exhibition halls holding thousands of valuable exhibits.

Among others, these include numerous paintings, famous tapestries, furniture, military collections as well as archaeological findings which were found on Wawel Hill. 

You can buy yourself a Krakow City Pass, you can enter Wawel with it

(2) Main Market Square

All visitors to Krakow sooner or later end up on the  Main Market Square  too. Peak into St. Mary’s Basilica – it houses one of the most famous Medieval masterpieces, the wooden altar by Veit Stoss. 

The Main Market Square is one of the must-see places to visit in Krakow, especially since St. Mary's Church is just one of the many attractions you will find there. It is also worth visiting the underground multimedia exhibition.

It teaches the history of Krakow and is located next to the Krakow Cloth Hall . The Krakow Cloth Hall ( Sukiennice ) is without a doubt worth a visit, especially if you want to buy original Polish handicrafts as a souvenir.

What's more, one of the things to do in Krakow at night is to stroll around the Main Market Square!

(3) Oskar Schindler’s factory

The history buff will be delighted to visit the museum inside  Oskar Schindler’s factory . You can visit Schindler’s preserved office and learn more about his heroism than you ever would from the Spielberg movie. 

The Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory Museum presents an exhibition regarding the time of the German Nazi occupation of Krakow during the years 1939-1945 . The exhibition not only shows the history of the city, but also tells the story of its inhabitants – both Poles and Jews .

Facts about the course of World War II are intertwined here showing both everyday and private life – which definitely impresses visitors. If you are wondering how to get around Schindler Museum click the link.

(4) Auschwitz – Birkenau Museum

Another must-see is the concentration camp in Auschwitz connected to the tragic times of the Nazi rule in Poland. It played an important role in the history of the Second World War and visiting the place serves as a form of commemoration of the many victims of the Nazi regime. 

At the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, visitors can see many authentic items. There are over 150 buildings and about 300 ruins of the former concentration camp. Also, the  fences, ramps and roads are original objects.

What is more the museum contains a large collection of personal objects that belonged to the prisoners – such as suitcases, shoes, glasses and pieces of clothing.

Undoubtedly, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is a place that you must visit during your stay in Krakow. Check our tours below!

(5) Wieliczka Salt Mine

@ttornegard

Finally, another spot everyone should visit is  Wieliczka Salt Mine  located just outside of Krakow and offering an unforgettable sight of underground salt art and architectural design. 

The Wieliczka Salt Mine has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1978 and is undoubtedly one of the most important monuments in Poland. Tourists have a choice of several sightseeing options.

The most popular is the Tourist Route. It leads through over 20 of the most important (and most beautiful) underground chambers and has several kilometers of winding corridors.

If you are looking for more thrills and unforgettable attractions, we recommend choosing the Mining Route . Visiting this trail takes the form of an active trip, during which participants perform numerous practical tasks related to how salt was once mined.

ROMANTIC things to do in Krakow

Krakow is an excellent destination for a romantic getaway, starting from the charming Main Market Square to delightful street musicians playing romantic melodies .

You can get your significant other a fairy-tale ride in a horse-drawn carriage or an unforgettable candlelit dinner.

If you are coming to Krakow to celebrate an anniversary or for a  romantic weekend , you’re in the right place.

(6) Botanical Garden 

• A standard ticket (15 PLN)

Take a stroll at the   Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University . This 18th-century garden is located nearby the Old Town and welcomes visitors to explore almost 10 hectares square populated by thousands of impressive plants.

Note that you can visit the gardens only from mid-April until mid-October. It is worth emphasizing that the Krakow Botanical Garden is the oldest object of this type in Poland.

It is located a short distance from the Main Market Square, so you can go there for a romantic walk after visiting the Old Town or the Wawel Royal Castle.

If you need a moment of rest and relaxation among the greenery, a visit to the botanical garden is something you must do in Krakow. 

(7) Kazimierz

Another fantastic activity for couples is a walk through the most enchanting district in Krakow,  the Jewish Kazimierz .

One of the top attractions in the city, the area offers a network of narrow cobbled streets with plenty of artisan shops selling unique gifts and intimate cafés where you can taste fine wines and delicacies to make your time even more special.

The charming character of the district combined with Yiddish culture makes for an  incredibly romantic experience in Krakow . 

Kazimierz is the perfect place for a lazy walk, you can slowly stroll through the narrow streets, go to Vistula banks to gaze at the river, and finally, visit one of the iconic pubs or a charming cafe – there are definitely many romantic places in Kazimierz.

Another idea for a special date ?

(8) Boulevards of Krakow and Bernatka Foodbridge

•  A walk by the Riverside (free)
•  A walk through Bernatka Footbridge (free)

Take your significant other on a walk through the charming boulevards of Krakow where you can take in the breathtaking panorama of the city, share some cotton candy, and admire the illuminated Bernatka footbridge. 

You can also make sure your feelings are secured. Just hang a padlock and throw out the key into the Vistula River .

Does it work?

Well, couples that managed to stay together through the years swear by this method!

KIDS FRIENDLY things to do in Krakow

If you’re traveling to Krakow with kids, you can be sure that your young travel companions will find many delightful things to do in Krakow.

(9) The Museum of Aviation

•  a ticket to the Aviation Museum   (€6,75) 

Your kids will be amazed but all the machines presented in the Museum. Let me just add that there are many interactive and multimedia solutions implemented to make the visit truly unforgettable. A little one can really discover the world of airplanes.

And believe us it’s truly amazing experience not only for tech-loving kids. The exhibition of the Polish Aviation Museum is quite large and is presented not only in the main building and in former airplane hangars, but also outside the buildings.

This solution allows for calm, free sightseeing combined with a walk.

What's more, it is worth emphasizing that one of the permanent exhibitions includes aircraft from the pioneer aviation period – so this is the perfect opportunity to tell your children about the beginnings of aviation. 

(10) Aquapark Krakow

•  an open pass to Krakow Aquapark (~50 PLN)

Just look at those slides! Aquapark in one of the best swimming pools in Poland. What makes it so special are all the attractions available for kids and adults. It’s not only about swimming.

It’s about fun in the water! You will not regret a day spent in this facility, for sure. When we think about things to do in Krakow with children, the Water Park immediately comes to mind. Especially because – as we mentioned earlier – this is not just a regular pool.

There are an enormous number of attractions and you can spend a wonderful day here, even when the weather is just so-so and the sun is hidden behind the clouds.

And needless to say, your kids will looove you 

(11) Krakow ZOO

•  A standard ticket (38 PLN)

 If you visit Krakow in great weather, head straight to the   Krakow Zoo . It includes a great variety of animals both big and small, as well as a playground and a petting zoo your kids will just love. Children under three years of age can enter the Zoo for free.

Krakow Zoo is located in the Wolski Forest at the edge of the city so you can combine the trip to the zoo with a fantastic day out filled with activities like walking and biking along the local trails. Wolski Forest is also a place where you can find several historical buildings including:

• the Independence Mound named after Józef Piłsudski 
• the Camaldolese Monastery 
• the Camaldolese hermitage.

You can plan your day to visit not only the zoo, but also other interesting places.

The most popular choices

DELICIOUS places to visit in Krakow

Foodies flocking to Krakow should definitely embark on one of the food tours offered by various providers all over the city.

Foodie tours typically feature visits to four or five establishments so be prepared to get a full meal together with dessert during the course of the tour and arrive with an empty stomach.

(12) U Babci Maliny

If you are looking to try Traditional Polish Cuisine - look no more! Just go to U Babci Maliny  and you will have a pleasure to taste the best Polish dishes in Krakow.

There is nothing better after a long day of sightseeing. In this restaurant you can try many traditional Polish dishes – pierogi with various fillings, baked trout, pork chops or bigos. If you want to taste delicious Polish cuisine, be sure to visit the U Babci Maliny restaurant.

@lili_shallow

(13) Folk Show

• A ticket to the Folk Show - €40

Let us treat you as our dear guest and show you our famous hospitability. For sure we will not let you leave hungry, that's not optional. So don't even think of counting calories!

(13) Coffee in Krakow

Coffee is an essential part of life - don't you think? If you do, let me tell you where to have THE BEST coffee in Krakow. We did a little investigation and we prepared the entire blog post about it! Check it out and thank me later!

The Most ATMOSPHERIC Coffee Places in Krakow ('Cos Good Coffee is a Human Right!)

@socoffeekrakowwielopole

Things to do in Krakow for MUSIC fans

Music lovers coming to Krakow will find many opportunities to enjoy their favorite art.

In fact, Krakow is considered the music capital of Poland and is not only home to many theaters and music organizations, including the famous Opera Krakowska and Kraków Philharmonic Orchestra, but it also houses classical music festivals such as the renowned Misteria Paschalia and the Festival of Polish Music.

(15) Jazz in Krakow

There are so many awesome jazz clubs that you should check out!

If you love jazz, Krakow is the best place to explore in this part of Europe. The city lives and breathes live music in many locales and bars that cater to a wide range of music tastes, with jazz taking the first place.

Be sure to check out  U Muniaka . And if you’d like to learn more about the local music scene, have a look at this post for a complete list of live music bars in Krakow.

@kobil_vasyl

(15) Zakrzówek

This is hands down one of the most picturesque places in Krakow. A true gem a little outside of the city center.

Just look at it! Zakrzówek is definitely one of the most interesting places that Krakow can be proud of. Plus it is on our list of Krakow must-see places! Zalew (lagoon) – which consists of two reservoirs was created in 1991 after flooding the old limestone quarry.

Currently, it is one of the favorite relaxation destinations of the Krakow inhabitants. Due to the amazing turquoise color of the water, is sometimes even called "little Croatia".

(16) Main Market Square Underground Museum

Maybe you are walking around Main Market Square. Maybe you looove it. Maybe you have no idea that there is a medieval world underneath it. Do you? It's interactive, it's modern, it's awesome!

@guilherme.dias_.lopes_

(17) Manggha Museum - Museum of Japanese Art and Technology

Any Japan-enthusiasts out here? Excited already? :)

It's a must-visit place in Krakow for any Eastern-culture-lover. Beautiful and unforgettable experience for anyone! 

The Manggha Museum is definitely a place not only for Japanese culture and art lovers. The museum's collection includes many interesting items – such as wood engravings, collections of contemporary Japanese and Polish posters, photographs, fans, sculptures and kimonos.

Check out TOP 10 Museum in Cracow  

Do you like to fill holidays with exciting activities that give you an instant adrenaline boost? Krakow is an excellent destination for fans of active leisure!

(19) Biking

First, krakow is an excellent city for biking and its year-round bike share service. today called  wavelo, the system provides hundreds of public bikes gathered in stations scattered around the city..

Tourists can get a special one-day subscription for visitors . It’s just great if you plan to bike around the city, so choose a 3-day option, and you’ll get so much riding time that can be split into as many trips as you want.

@wavelo_rowery

(20) Mounds

•  Kopiec Kościuszki: ticket (~€3.5)
•  Kopiec Piłsudkiego (free):
•  Kopiec Wandy (free):
•  Kopiec Krakusa (free): 

Looking for a great place for a jog or brisk walk? 

Nothing works better than  Kopce (Mounds) . Krakow offers many parks and green areas, but Kopce is really special, and it makes Krakow a record city in terms of the age and number of surviving mounds.

The oldest mounds are of Krakus and Wanda. However, the most popular mound is dedicated to  Tadeusz Kosciuszko . The youngest and smallest mound bears the name of John Paul II. Apparently, the site was also home to a sixth mound located in the park surrounding a nearby palace.

According to legend, the mound was dedicated to  Esther , the lover of King Kazimierz the Great  who, having heard about his betrayal, jumped out of the window straight into the pond. Today, the place is occupied by training ground of WKS Wawel.

The entire area is definitely worth a visit if what you have in mind is a day full of physical activity.

@joannajaron

UNIQUE things to do in Krakow

There are many things, that you can only find in Krakow. We handpicked the best ones so you don’t have to stress about picking the rights things to see. Something old, something new – basically something for everybody.

(21) Veit Stoss’ altar

•  An entrance to St. Mary’s Basilica (3 €)

Krakow is a city filled with art to the brim. Medieval masterpieces grace its many churches and museums. When thinking of Krakow places to visit, the St. Mary's Church is a must-see. 

One of the most striking examples is the grand altarpiece located in the  St. Mary’s Basilica.  Sculpted by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz ), one of the most renowned sculptors of the Gothic era.

The altar is huge. It’s about 13 m high and 11 m wide. The height of the largest figures is almost 3 meters. Notice that there are over 200 figures included in the altar, and the entire work impresses with its multitude of details and craftsmanship.

@mytravelseurope

(22) Lady with an Ermine

•  An Attraction Pass  for the exposition (and other museums) 

Another significant masterpiece is one of Leonardo da Vinci’s works,  ‘Lady with an Ermine’. You will find it in the Czartoryski Museum and you can learn more about in our blog post covering all the mysteries around Lady with an Ermine. Check our guided tour in english as well!

@whowasvickymoreno

•  An entrance ticket  (3.5 €)

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow is definitely a must see. It was established in 2010 and quickly became a famous cultural venue and a key spot on the Krakow’s art map.

The building was designed by Claudio Nardi, and today it houses one of the most impressive collections of art created during the last 20 years. 

The Museum of Contemporary Art’s permanent collection includes works of artists from all over the world (including of course from Poland) – such as, Tomasz Bajer, Edward Dwurnik, Krištof Kintera, Ragnar Kjartansson, Lars Laumann, Bartek Materka, Beat Streuli and Krzysztof Wodiczko.

@wernieseinbrot

(24) Bunkier Sztuki

•  An entrance ticket  (12 PLN)

Another essential place for contemporary art is  Bunkier Sztuki (Bunker of Art). Established in 1965 – today one of the most important art collections in Poland.

@bunkiersztuki

(25) Poster Gallery

Krakow is a real gem for those who love graphic art. Polish poster design is known all over the world for its high artistic quality.

 If you’re interested in that type of art, Krakow’s Poster Gallery is a must see. Interestingly, the poster art flourished under the communist regime, and you can still see the typical aesthetics of these posters all over the country in commercial signs.

@rivertatem

(26) Street art

Street art is also becoming big in krakow. even though the city still lags behind warsaw, wroclaw or katowice which are established urban art hubs in poland, krakow witnessed some new art during the last few years. many businesses and restaurants ask street artists to help them in advertising, and even the local authorities invite street artists to contribute to the city’s urban landscape..

Street art is considered a legitimate artistic discipline that creates an interesting clash between Krakow’s historical landscape and the modern urban aesthetics.

Some of the most impressive murals are Ding Dong Dumb (Piwna 3a), Judah (Św Wawrzyńca 16), Bawol Square (Plac Bawół 3), and AGH mural (Czarnowiejska 50b). 

In Krakow, we can also find a mural associated with an important Polish literary author – Stanisław Lem. The large artwork can be seen at 24 Józefińska Street. The mural was inspired by the book Fables for Robots.

@krakowstreetart

Interested in Street art? Great! There is so much more to discover!! Check out the dedicated blog post:  Dweller’s Secret: Krakow Street Art Guide

Things to do in Krakow for YOUNG adults and students

The bustling streets of Krakow are full of students and young people. They come to the city to take advantage of everything it has to offer. Krakow is known for its fantastic nightlife for a reason.

The city is home to countless clubs, bars, and pubs that cater to all kinds of tastes.

However, the heart of Krakow’s nightlife is the historic Jewish district,  Kazimierz.

Brimming with bars and cafés, it’s definitely worth exploring both during the day and at night. So if you are wondering: What are some things to do in Krakow at night, here is your answer:

(27) Eszeweria

I don’t think there is any place more unique than Eszeweria . Some visitors claim it’s a hipster bar, some – that it’s astonishingly romantic. There is only one thing you can do to find out for yourself what this place is really like: check it out for yourself.

Oh, and one more thing:

The entrance is very inconspicuous – don’t be fooled by it . The interior will surprise you.

@tenodfotografii

(28) Forum Przestrzenie

Head over to Podgorze to check out   Forum Przestrzenie . Over the years considered nothing more than a Soviet-era hotel used mainly for banners and advertisements. Today the place transformed into one of Krakow’s trendiest spots.

The Soviet-style upper levels of the building, are closed to the general public, but the downstairs welcomes visitors during the night and day. You can check out local designer shops that found a home here.

Hang out at the rocky beach during the summer among the locals lounging on beach chairs and ordered food and drinks from the bar inside. Needless to say, that place an amazing spot for enjoying a full view of the Wawel Castle .

@forumprzestrzenie

(29) "Pod Baranami" movie theatre

Best movie theater? Some say that even best movie cinama in Europe! It's a legendary place in Krakow. Kind of a place where ONLY good movies are presented. You cannot go wrong! 

The cinema, Kino pod Baranami was founded in 1969 and is located in a historical palace on the Main Square. You should know, that in 2009 the cozy cinema was awarded with the distinction for the best program among all cinemas associated in the Europa Cinemas network.

Foreign films are presented here with the original soundtrack and Polish subtitles, so everyone can easily find something for themselves – and the atmosphere of the cinema definitely makes it worth visiting.

@joannasfoto

(29) Elvis Presley Monument

When you think about things to see in Krakow, you most likely don't think of anything related to Elvis Presley. Polish people must really love the King! Can you imagine that we actually have a Monument dedicated to Elvis Presley? How bizzarre is that! (kinda cool though! :)

Since 2005 in Krakow there is an obelisk dedicated to King Creole. It is located nearby the previously mentioned Zakrzówek, because in the 70s it was there that Elvis fans used to meet.

*Did you get inspired?*

Visiting Krakow is always fun –no matter who you are and what you’re looking for.

Do you have any questions about Krakow’s attractions?

Or maybe there’s an activity you would recommend? Be sure to leave a comment; we’re always looking for suggestions and recommendations for top things to do in Krakow.

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Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

15 Top Tourist Attractions in Krakow, Poland

Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the whole of Europe, Krakow is the second-largest city in Poland after Warsaw. Located on the banks of the Vistula River, the former capital has long been an important center of art, commerce, and culture in the country, and is still a vibrant and bustling place to this day.

As it has been invaded, destroyed, and rebuilt numerous times over the centuries, Krakow boasts lots of different architectural styles, with Renaissance and Baroque churches lying next to Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings.

The one-time home of the Polish kings and queens of yore also has a wealth of fantastic bars and restaurants for you to check out, and lots of cultural events and festivals take place here over the year. Due to the many things to do in Krakow and its enticing tourist attractions, the city is a popular draw among tourists. Many people use it as a base from which to visit Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, both of which lie nearby.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Krakow

15. Barbican

Located just outside of the Old Town, the distinctive red-brick Barbican building is remarkably one of only three surviving such outposts in the whole of Europe. Built all the way back in 1498, it was once part of a chain of formidable fortifications that surrounded and protected Krakow.

Now, however, it is the only gatehouse still standing. Inside, there are some interesting exhibitions for you to check out; these tell you all about the Gothic-style Barbican and the role it played protecting the city from the Austrians, Russians, and Swedes.

14. Historical Museum of Krakow

While the main part of this captivating museum is found in Krzysztofory Palace, other collections and exhibitions can be found in places such as the Barbican, Schindler’s Factory, and the Old Synagogue. This is because the Historical Museum of Krakow actually protects and preserves 14 major historical and cultural sites around the city.

The delightful Baroque palace, however, hosts some of its most impressive and important artifacts; these document the history of Krakow. With old maps, paintings, and photos on display alongside astounding artworks and militaria, the museum is a great place to head to if you want to learn more about the city’s illustrious past.

13. Planty Park

One of the largest parks in the city, Planty Park completely encircles the Old Town and is located where the old medieval city walls used to be. These were taken down in the early 1800s, with fountains, trees, and flowerbeds taking their place.

A relaxing spot to go for a stroll, the green belt has lots of benches and refreshment stands on offer, with monuments of famous figures such as Copernicus and King Wladyslaw II Jagiello scattered about here and there.

Very popular among locals and visitors alike, Planty Park’s series of landscaped gardens lie just a short walk away from almost all of the city’s most famous sites of interest.

12. Basilica of St Francis

Dating back to the 13th century, the Basilica of St Francis exhibits some fine architecture and is particularly renowned for its exquisite Art Nouveau interior. Besides its colorful walls, which display gorgeous floral and geometric patterns, the church also sports a number of beautiful stained-glass windows.

Designed by Stanislaw Wyspianski, these distinctive features really do make the interior lovely to wander around. Another highlight is its enchanting and iconic centerpiece. Often overlooked by most tourists to the city, the Basilica of St Francis is well worth visiting for its unique designs and art that take inspiration from the saint’s love of nature.

11. Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

One of, if not the, earliest Baroque style buildings in Poland, the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul was built between 1597 and 1619 by the Italian architect Giovanni Maria Bernardoni. Its imposing facade is adorned with statues of various Jesuit saints. Peeking out from behind it, you can just make out the church’s cupola-topped dome.

Although much of the interior is quite austere in design, there are some nice features, such as the stuccoes overhead, its 18th-century high altar, and its impressive Foucault pendulum – the longest in the country. In the evenings, the church often hosts classical music concerts, and it certainly makes for a very atmospheric venue.

10. Sukiennice (Cloth Hall)

One of the most recognizable buildings in the whole of the city, the Krakow Cloth Hall – as it is known in English – lies right at the heart of the main market square in the lively Old Town. As such, you can hardly fail to notice its magnificent arcades or exquisite Renaissance-style architecture when passing through.

For centuries, the Cloth Hall played a prominent role in not only Krakow but Central Europe’s trading network. Everything from silks and spices to textiles and salt was bartered and sold here.

Nowadays, you can buy all sorts of souvenirs, arts and crafts, or religious icons at the stalls that line its interior. On the second floor, the Sukiennice Museum hosts a brilliant collection of 19th-century Polish artworks.

9. Polish Aviation Museum

Located in the east of the city where the Krakow-Rakowice-Czyzny Airport once lay, the Polish Aviation Museum is widely considered to be one of the best such museums in the world. With over two hundred aircraft for you to peruse, its extensive collection will delight aviation aficionados with all that it has to offer.

Besides its pre-war Polish planes, which are the sole such survivors on Earth, the museum also has bombers, fighter jets, and helicopters, as well as a vast array of jet engines. Its interactive displays and exhibitions are as informative as they are interesting and entertaining. Visitors are sure to come away having learned a lot about all things to do with flying.

8. Collegium Maius

Meaning ‘Great College’ in Latin, Collegium Maius is the oldest of Jagiellonian University’s buildings and was built in the 14th century. Located just off the main market square in Krakow’s Old Town, the red-brick building has some wonderful Gothic architecture on display, with its arcaded courtyard the undoubted star of the show.

Its finely decorated interior is just as marvelous to explore, with elegant ceremonial halls and lecture rooms found alongside a beautiful old library and professors’ common room. Nicolaus Copernicus – the renowned Polish astronomer and mathematician – studied here; some of his manuscripts, works, and instruments can still be seen in its small museum when on a tour of Collegium Maius.

7. Schindler’s Factory

Named after Oskar Schindler – the German industrialist who infamously saved over 1,200 Jews’ lives during the Second World War – this one-time enamel factory is now an enthralling museum about his life and the Nazi occupation of Krakow.

Immortalized in the film by Steven Spielberg’s ‘Schindler’s List,’ his heroic story is told in the museum through various memorabilia and photos. His list, which helped protect Jewish laborers from the Holocaust, is the star attraction. In addition to this, there are lots of moving exhibitions depicting what life in Krakow was like during WWII for the city’s Jewish citizens.

6. Wawel Cathedral

Consecrated all the way back in 1364, Wawel Cathedral has long been the national sanctuary of the country. It is here that many of Poland’s kings, queens, and nobles have been coronated and buried.

Mostly built in a Gothic style, there are various Renaissance features – such as the gorgeous Sigismund’s Chapel – popping up here and there. The current cathedral is actually the third to stand on the same site, as two earlier versions were destroyed.

While wandering around its beautiful interior, you’ll find lots of tombs, chapels, and crypts dedicated to some of the most important and influential people in Poland’s history. With a plethora of amazing art and architecture on show, it really is a fantastic place, and its eclectic exterior is just as delightful to gaze upon.

5. Kazimierz

For most of its history, Kazimierz was a separate city – until the filling in of part of the Vistula River incorporated the former island into Krakow itself. Named after Casimir III the Great, for centuries, it was considered to be a ‘Royal City.’ Its important location on the way to Wieliczka Salt Mine meant that wealth flowed to its streets.

Following a fierce fire that ravaged much of the Old Town in 1495, Krakow’s entire Jewish population was moved to Kazimierz; this is what gives the historic district its Jewish flavor today.

While walking around its old cobbled streets, you’ll come across a number of synagogues and Jewish cemeteries, with a couple of monuments and museums also on offer. A lively part of town, Kazimierz has lots of great restaurants and bars for you to check out, as well as a bustling weekend market.

4. St Mary’s Basilica

Towering above the main market square, St Mary’s Basilica is the most recognizable symbol of the city – you can hardly miss it when visiting Krakow. Built out of red-brick in 1347, its two towers, which differ in height, reach over 80 meters. From the top of the tallest one, you can enjoy marvelous views out over the Old Town.

Its interior is no less delightful, as stained-glass windows lie alongside colorful wall paintings and a stunning Gothic altarpiece. Featuring some of the finest examples of Polish Gothic art and architecture, St Mary’s Basilica is lovely to wander around and is still used to this day by worshippers.

3. Wawel Royal Castle

Lying on the banks of the Vistula River, the looming Wawel Royal Castle was once the political and cultural center of Poland. Built in the 13th and 14th centuries on the orders of Casimir III the Great, it is still in remarkably good shape, considering that it was sacked numerous times by the Swedes and Prussians.

Located around a large courtyard are many beautiful buildings for you to explore, with highlights being its Renaissance palace, Gothic crown treasury, and, of course, the fantastic Wawel Cathedral. With its gorgeous architecture and substantial collection of artworks and militaria, Wawel Royal Castle certainly has something for everyone to enjoy.

2. Wieliczka Salt Mine

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the whole of Poland, Wieliczka Salt Mine is an incredible place to visit. It lies just 15 kilometers outside of Krakow under a town called Wieliczka.

Stretching for just under 300 kilometers, its labyrinth of tunnels, passages, chambers, and churches are exhilarating to explore. At their deepest, they lie 327 meters below the surface.

Opened in the 13th century, it was one of the longest and oldest operating salt mines until it closed in 2007. Now, tourists can take a variety of tours below ground and see and taste the glittering salt streams for themselves while marveling at the huge tunnels miners carved out from the rock.

Some of the most impressive features are the churches, chapels, and statues that were sculpted by the miners, with the vast Chapel of St Kinga being the undoubted highlight.

1. Main Market Square

Lying in the center of the Old Town, the Main Market Square is the beating heart of Krakow. Lined by beautiful buildings and historic townhouses, it is remarkably the largest medieval town square in Europe and is a hive of activity at any time of day.

While its primary purpose throughout its centuries-long history has been trade and commerce, nowadays, it is tourism; tour groups assemble here, and people sit to eat and drink at its multitude of cafes and restaurants or shop at its souvenir stands.

Its two main features are the spectacular St Mary’s Basilica, which towers over the square, and the Krakow Cloth Hall that lies right in its center. Particularly atmospheric to visit at night, one can hardly fail to attend the Main Market Square when exploring all that Krakow has to offer up.

Best Time to Visit Krakow

Although July and August are the hottest months of the year in Krakow, averaging 23°C (so 73°F), they are also by far the busiest and most expensive. This makes exploring the center less enjoyable as all its streets and squares are packed. Trips to the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz can also get booked up well in advance.

The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn – so April to June and September and October – are therefore much better times to visit. While still quite warm at 14 to 22°C (57 to 71°F), the crowds are much more manageable. Fun events like the Wianki midsummer solstice festival and Krakow Film Festival also mean there is a nice, lively atmosphere in the town.

The rest of the year is quite quiet in Krakow except around Christmas and New Year’s when colourful celebrations and markets brighten up the dark days. The temperature drops to just 2°C (35°F) so make sure to wrap up warm!

In fact, it’s a good idea to pack a coat whenever you visit as each month sees from 12 to 17 days with at least some rain; June to August being the wettest period.

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Krakow   Travel Guide

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7 Best Things To Do in Krakow

Updated February 12, 2021

From shopping to sightseeing, Kraków has a wide range of daytime activities. However, the main draws of this European city are its historic attractions and its Old World architecture. History buffs will appreciate seeing the planes displayed at the P

• All Things To Do

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum free

A 42-mile trip west of Kraków, the brutal, crushing concentration and extermination camps of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau are located in the city of Oswiecim. More than 1.1 million people died in these camps' barracks, hospitals, gas chambers and labor fields.

Travelers say the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is one of Europe's best preserved concentration camps. These camps, many add, are an important piece of history, although you'll feel emotional during your tour. As such, this locale is not ideal for younger children. Plan on bringing water and wearing comfortable walking shoes since you'll cover a lot of ground here. Also, reserve your timed entry passes and guided tours on the property's booking page well in advance.

Main Market Square (Rynek Glówny) Main Market Square (Rynek Glówny) free

The Main Market Square (or Rynek Glówny, as it's known locally) is the world's largest medieval market square and the highlight of any trip to Kraków. It is the geographic center of the Old Town, the symbolic center of the city and, more than likely, the center of most of your trip plans.

The square is mostly about atmosphere – it is alive and bustling with locals and travelers alike, coming and going. You'll also notice the unsymmetrical towers of  St. Mary's Basilica  nearby, which are a great escape from the square's activity. If you'd rather buy some souvenirs, peruse the stalls at Cloth Hall.

St. Mary's Basilica (Kosciól Mariacki) St. Mary's Basilica (Kosciól Mariacki) free

Sitting on the eastern corner of the Main Market Square , St. Mary's Basilica is a Gothic-style church that was originally built in the 13th century. It was destroyed by the Tatars and then rebuilt in the 14th century. It features two towers that have different styles, as well as different heights. But the basilica's highlight is a wooden altarpiece found on the wall near the visitor's entrance. It consists of a series of panels that depict biblical scenes such as the ascension of Jesus.

Past visitors suggest arranging your visit to St. Mary's around the turn of the hour. That's when a trumpeter sounds his horn from the taller of the towers. Many also said you should try arriving at opening so you can see nuns unveiling the church's beautiful altar. Keep in mind, though, that visits here are only free for worshippers. Exploring the basilica will set you back 10 Polish zloty (less than $3), while climbing up the tower will cost an additional 15 Polish zloty ($4). You'll also be charged 5 Polish zloty (approximately $1.50) if you wish to take photos inside.

Popular Tours

Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow including Lunch

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from $ 110.19

Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Ticket and Transfer

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from $ 33.38

Krakow to Zakopane and Thermal Hot Bath Day Trip with Transfer

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Wawel Cathedral Wawel Cathedral free

Wawel Cathedral – situated in the Wawel Hill neighborhood – is one of Poland's most important places of worship. For centuries, this church hosted Saint Stanislaus, who advocated for Polish independence. He is buried in the church's burial chambers alongside an array of Polish monarchs and other famous Poles. It is hardly surprising, then, that this part of the site is one of its most popular to visit.

According to past travelers, the striking Wawel Cathedral is the unmistakable highlight of Wawel Hill and one of Kraków's can't-miss attractions. Though you'll have to pay an extra 12 Polish zloty ($3) to check out the property's Sigismund Bell, Royal Tombs and museum, many said the extra sights are worth seeing. Renting an audio guide for 7 Polish zloty (less than $2) is also recommended since there's a lot of history to take in.

Oskar Schindler's Factory Oskar Schindler's Factory

If you've seen the movie "Schindler's List," then you'll recognize Oskar Schindler's Factory. This former enamel factory, which fell into the hands of former Nazi sympathizer Oskar Schindler during World War II, once employed and imprisoned approximately 1,200 Jews. As the Nazis began sending Jews to labor camps around Poland, Schindler, in an effort to keep his workforce, obtained permission to turn an adjacent plot of land into a sub-camp of the Plaszów labor camp, where conditions were less harsh. Schindler eventually moved his factory to Brünnlitz, a village in the Czech Republic, but the former site has since reopened as a museum.

Though some past visitors were disappointed with the museum's lack of information about Oskar Schindler, many said its displays about the Nazi occupation in Kraków were worth checking out. But if you're traveling with younger children, plan on skipping this attraction. The museum cautions that the information provided inside is not appropriate for kids ages 13 and younger. Also, consider purchasing your tickets on the property's online ticket reservation page before arriving since a limited number of passes are available.

"Wieliczka" Salt Mine "Wieliczka" Salt Mine

The "Wieliczka" Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stopped churning out salt in 2007 after centuries of production, but it continues to be a major draw for visitors due to its collection of meticulously carved statues.

The mine's unquestioned highlight is St. Kinga's Chapel, a full-scale underground temple made out of salt. But be prepared for a walk. During a standard tour of the property, you'll traverse 800 steps, 350 of which are part of your initial descent. Travelers also caution that upon completing your tour, you'll face an additional trek to reach the elevator to the exit.

Polish Aviation Museum Polish Aviation Museum

Located less than 3 miles northeast of the city center, the Polish Aviation Museum appeals to aviation enthusiasts. Spread across the Rakowice-Czyzny airfield, one of Europe's oldest landing strips for military aircraft, the museum features airplanes, helicopters and more, including a Russian Grigorovich M-15 from World War I and the world's only surviving airplane by German designer Dr. Waldemar Geest. A collection with various aircraft engines is also available in one of the airstrip's hangars.

Recent travelers said this attraction's plethora of planes makes it "aerospace heaven," though some cautioned that outdoor exhibits are in poor condition. Signs at the exhibits are mostly in Polish, but several noted that enough English is provided to get a sense of each display. Many also recommend visiting on a Tuesday when entrance fees are waived.

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21 best things to do in Krakow

Discover the rich history of poland’s former royal capital as you explore krakow’s medieval squares and renaissance castles.

K rakow blends the past and the present in quietly sublime style. Spared the destruction experienced by other Polish cities during the Second World War, its medieval centre has been remarkably preserved, with a beauty that really is quite extraordinary. Along with a rich culture that includes fascinating castles, museums and stand-out architecture — as befits the former royal capital of Poland — there’s the city’s absorbing Jewish heritage to explore. Nightlife in Krakow positively sizzles, along with a superb restaurant and bar scene. If you come in summer, life is lived outdoors on expansive café terraces and along the riverside, while winter brings a gorgeous sparkle when Christmas comes to town . Visitors are spoilt for choice. These are the best things to do in Krakow.

Main photo: the old Jewish quarter of Kazimierz (Alamy)

1. Wander round Market Square

Rynek Glowny, the largest medieval market square in Europe, dazzles with its medieval, Renaissance and baroque architecture. When warm weather heralds the arrival of café tables in the square, it’s tempting to spend hours there taking in the ambience and watching horse-drawn carriages clatter on the cobbles. It’s not surprising that Krakow ’s Christmas market pitches up here too, as the square’s fairytale setting suits the festive season. Every hour on the hour, listen as a lone trumpeter in one of the towers in St Mary’s Basilica plays the bugle call four times — the earliest written mention of which dates back to 1392.

visitkrakow.com/krakows-market-square/

2. Shop in the Cloth Hall

One of the stars of Rynek Glowny is the magnificent Sukiennice, the Renaissance Cloth Hall that dates back to the 13th-century when it was the centre of Krakow’s trade. Tucked away within its vaulted arcades these days are souvenir, craft and jewellery stalls, adding their glitter to the elegant colonnades. Grab a bite in the Sukiennice Restaurant or a drink on the café terrace, taking in views of the market square. Then head upstairs to the Gallery of 19th-century Polish Art to see evocative scenes from Polish history.

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3. go underground at rynek.

Beneath the Cloth Hall is Rynek Underground, a multimedia museum that does an excellent job in whisking you back to the Middle Ages when the Sukiennice was in its heyday. An underground route takes you past reconstructed medieval market stalls and workshops, and features original cobbled slabs that were among the treasures discovered during an archaeological dig in 2005. It’s all very cleverly done, with holograms and other multimedia wizardry to bring things to life.

4. Climb the Town Hall Tower

Although the 14th-century Town Hall in Rynek Glowny was torn down by the Austrians in the 19th century, its soaring 70m tower remains one of the square’s landmarks. And it offers wonderful views of the market square from the platform near the top of the tower — just a small matter of 110 steps. Along the way to the viewpoint you’ll see old photos and a model of the original Town Hall as part of a small museum.

muzeumkrakowa.pl/en/branches/town-hall-tower

5. Explore St Mary’s Basilica

This two-towered Gothic construction is almost overwhelmingly full of treasures. You won’t fail to spot St Mary’s Basilica’s star-covered blue vaulted nave, nor the stained-glass windows in the chancel, nor the art nouveau stained glass above the organ loft. Watch Veit Stoss’s stupendous High Altar open its six hinged wings every day at 11.50am; this pentaptych is the largest piece of medieval art in Poland, and quite a sight, depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.

mariacki.com/en/

6. Time travel in Wawel Royal Castle

Poland’s national identity is bound up in Wawel Royal Castle, where kings were crowned and the great and the good were buried. It was also where the Nazis set up their headquarters, so it’s a minor miracle it wasn’t destroyed at the end of the war. Sitting on top of Wawel Hill over the Vistula River, this enormous 16th-century castle houses five separate museums. If you’re not able to fit in a visit to all five, make time for the State Rooms and the Royal Private Apartments. They’re best appreciated on a guided tour.

7. Explore Wawel Cathedral

The third church to stand on this site, the 14th-century Wawel Cathedral is one of Poland’s most important buildings and the burial place for its kings and, more recently, Polish president Lech Kaczynski, who died in a plane crash in 2010. You can’t miss the Zygmunt Chapel, where the Renaissance ran riot in its decoration. While the main entrance is free, other parts, including the Royal Crypts, are extra. But it’s worth climbing the rickety wooden steps to see the St Zygmunt Bell and the views from the tower — and to follow the old tradition of touching the bell’s clapper with your left hand for luck.

8. Visit the Old Synagogue

Poland’s oldest surviving synagogue — now a museum — is also a place to explore the culture and heritage of Krakow’s Jewish community, who mostly lived in the district of Kazimierz. The synagogue’s main hall is starkly beautiful, with vaulted ceilings and chandeliers, while the exhibition spaces reveal the daily lives, rituals and ceremonies. It’s open every day, and is free on Mondays.

muzeumkrakowa.pl/en/branches/old-synagogue

9. Explore the Ethnographic Museum

The imaginative and entertaining Ethnographic Museum, housed in the 16th-century Kazimierz Town Hall, really lets you into the world of the different cultures within the Krakow, Podhale and Silesian regions. Over three floors, you’ll find life-sized reproductions of Polish peasant houses and insights into rural life in 19th-century Poland through an impressive collection of folk art and costumes. It’s free to visit on Sundays.

10. Eat a classic Krakow snack at Plac Nowy

The round market building in Kazimierz’s main square still has remnants of its former life as the local poultry slaughterhouse. Nowadays, its old market hatches offer moreish Krakow street food, namely its take on a pizza — zapiekanka. This open baguette is smothered in various toppings from cheese and tomato ketchup to garlic sauce or mushrooms, then toasted and eaten greedily. Another snack you’ll want to try is the Polish version of a giant soft pretzel or bagel, obwarzanek, which is sprinkled with salt and poppy or sesame seeds and boiled. These are at their best within three hours of being baked.

placnowy1.pl

11. Visit Schindler’s Factory

Oskar Schindler’s enamel factory, where he was able to employ many of the 1,200 Jews he saved from the Nazis, has been turned into an engrossing museum. It not only recounts Schindler’s efforts and stories of the lives he saved, so memorably portrayed in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List , but it also displays how the people Krakow endured the Nazi occupation of the Second World War. It’s a fascinating exhibition, showing the full terror of life during the war. You get a distinct sense of what it was like, feeling as if you’re walking through the city in the midst of conflict. It’s free to visit on Mondays.

12. See the Pharmacy Under the Eagle

Across the river from Kazimierz is Podgorze, where the Jewish ghetto was created in 1941. The only pharmacy allowed was the Pharmacy Under the Eagle, which soon turned into a secret meeting place for Jews. Now a museum, it powerfully tells the story of life in the ghetto. Just outside is Ghetto Heroes’ Square, where 70 bronze chair sculptures pay tribute to the people who were killed — the chairs symbolising the furniture left abandoned when people were rounded up for the last time in 1943.

muzeumkrakowa.pl/oddzialy/apteka-pod-orlem

13. Take a tour of Auschwitz

Be prepared for a disturbing experience, but one that really has to be done. The first of the two concentration camps, Auschwitz, is almost intact, its barracks showing the unspeakable and incomprehensible brutality its inmates endured. A short bus ride away is Birkenau. Less of the original camp remains here but it’s more harrowing; this was the site of the intended extermination of the Jewish race. Buses and a few trains depart regularly from Krakow.

14. Enter a salty underground world

Wieliczka Salt Mine, 12km from the city, is one of the most popular day trips from Krakow, and a very entertaining one. The huge underground world of these salt mines, which were used for about 700 years, now houses galleries, a chapel, eating places and labyrinthine chambers. Set aside a few hours to explore it properly.

15. Stroll around Planty Park

What used to be Krakow’s fortifications circling the city — until the Austrians tore them down in the 19th century — is now an immensely pleasant park, Planty. Follow the paths around the city through pretty gardens and past cafés, starting or finishing at the 14th-century St Florian’s Gate and the 15th-century Barbican fortress. You’ll also see a statue honouring Pope John Paul II, who was born in Krakow.

visitkrakow.com/planty-park

16. Walk up Kosciuszko Mound

Hop on the bus and tram to reach Kosciuszko Mound, an unusual homage to a national Polish hero. The giant artificial mound, shaped like a fat cone with a footpath spiralling around it to the top, was built in 1823 to commemorate military hero Tadeusz Kosciuszko. Once you reach the top at 326m above sea level, you’ll have wonderful views of the Vistula and the city. On a clear day you can even see the Tatra Mountains, 100km away. The surrounding fortifications feature exhibits on Kosciuszko and how he fought not just the Russians but also with the Americans in their revolutionary war.

17. Go hiking in Las Wolski

Just a few kilometres further west of Kosciuszko Mound is Las Wolski, a protected hilly woodland packed with hiking and mountain biking trails. When the snow comes, that’s the cue to go cross-country skiing through the forest. Hike up the viewpoint at Pilsudski Mound, the forest’s highest point. The forest is also handy for Krakow Zoo and the hilltop Przegorzaly Castle. The castle looks as if it’s been around for centuries, but it dates back only to the 1920s. During the war it was seized by Otto Wachter, the Nazi “governor” of Krakow and the man behind the city’s Jewish ghetto. Today, it’s the serene setting for a restaurant with panoramic terraces.

inyourpocket.com/krakow/Getting-to-Las-Wolski_122433v

18. Join a vodka bar crawl

You might be crawling once you’ve had a thorough tour of Krakow’s vodka bars, considering how inexpensive the drink is here. As you’re working your way through the various flavours, keep up the pace with typical bar snacks such as mini versions of steak tartare and smalec — rendered pork fat seasoned with garlic, onions and spices and served on bread. In the Old Town, try some of the 100 flavours at Wodka Café Bar, while Ambasada Sledzia offers various versions of pickled herrings — another local delicacy — to go with your shots.

19. Take a boat along the Vistula

See Krakow from a chilled-out perspective on one of the many boat tours that run along the Vistula River. Cruises usually run from April to September, and can be anything from 30 minutes to several hours, going as far as the clifftop Benedictine abbey at Tyniec, about 13km to the west. If you’re more energetic, hire a kayak and explore on your own, or get into Krakow’s notorious party spirit by joining one of the Saturday booze cruises.

20. See exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow

Next door to Schindler’s Factory is MOCAK, a sprawling, ultramodern glass structure showcasing contemporary art from around the world as well as Poland. There’s a changing roster of temporary exhibitions, but more than 300 artworks make up the permanent display, including one from British artist Sarah Lucas. Come on a Thursday when the permanent exhibition is free of charge.

en.mocak.pl

21. Look out for street art

It’s not surprising that Kazimierz, home to a large student population and a buzzing restaurant and bar scene, is also the place to find much of Krakow’s eye-catching street art. A walking tour around the district throws up one vivid mural after another, with explosions of colour, wit and satire on otherwise humdrum walls. Cross the Vistula into Podgorze for even more urban art decorating the buildings. Much of the art came about during festivals such as ArtBoom or the 101 Murals for Krakow initiative, and it shows no sign of slowing down.

krakowzwiedzanie.pl/en/street-art

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15 Best Things to Do in Krakow & 4 Top Places to Visit Nearby (+ Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 16, 2023

Looking for the best things to do in Kraków, Poland? In this guide, you can read about the VERY BEST sights and TOP tourist attractions in Krakow that are worth your time the most if you are visiting the city for the first time. We also include the most popular places to visit near Krakow that are considered absolute must-sees in the area.

In other words – this guide covers all the top places and experiences that you really shouldn’t miss when visiting Krakow. Find out!

Poland’s second-largest city, Krakow (sometimes also spelled as Cracow) is a welcoming destination that has seen its popularity soar over the last decade. Indeed, Krakow has a lot to offer and there is something here to appeal to every visitor, from a compelling – if troubled – history, to glorious architecture and stunning natural scenery.

In summer, the banks of the River Vistula come alive with locals and tourists enjoying picnics and soaking up the sunshine. Krakow has a fairytale-like appeal in the winter months too, its main square alive with the sights and sounds of the Christmas market and the skeletal trees of Planty Park tipped with snow.

Add to these attractions the incredible Polish cuisine along with some exceptional international eateries, and you have one of the best – and most affordable – European cities for a memorable break.

Read on to discover some of the very best things to do in Krakow if you’re visiting for the first time . For each attraction, we include practical advice to help you plan your visit and insider tips for making the most of your time.

And finally, we also created a  map of the best places in Krakow  that should help you plan your sightseeing itinerary. Take a look!

TIP: If you are planning on doing lots of sightseeing in Krakow, and visiting all the main attractions and museums, you may want to get the Krakow Card . It’s available for 1, 2, or 3 days and includes access to almost 40 museums in Krakow, unlimited free travel on the city’s buses and trams, and a few other perks.

READ ALSO: Krakow Travel Tips for First Visit

These are the very best places to see and things to do in Kraków:

1. Krakow Old Town

Krakow’s historic Old Town (Stare Miasto) is the best place to visit in the city. It’s here that you will find the majority of the most popular sights and tourist attractions in Krakow.

The importance of the city – once Poland’s capital – is evident here in the magnificent architecture and monuments. The Old Town was once completely enclosed by walls, although very little of these remain today and there is a belt of parkland in their place.

Don’t miss the Kraków Barbican , a 15th-century city gateway on the northern side of the old town. You can also visit St. Florian’s Gate and Defensive Walls and walk on the ramparts for an elevated view of the streets below.

The old town has a fun and vibrant atmosphere from morning until late at night. There is so much here to see and do that it is very easy to spend an entire day just in and around the main square.

Below, you can find more information about many highlights of Krakow’s old town.

2. Rynek Główny (Main Market Square)

The cultural, commercial, and historic heart of the city, Rynek Główny is a must-see in Krakow!

Dating back to the mid-13th century, it’s one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. The market square as it is today was laid out following the devastating Mongol invasion that destroyed the original site.

You can see long rows of townhouses on its borders and restaurants surrounding the square on all sides. Despite their Neoclassical facades, some of these are very old and distinguished – particularly The Restauracja Wierzynek. In 1364, a wealthy Krakow merchant named Mikołaj Wierzynek hosted a feast here for the monarchs of Europe on behalf of the Polish King Casimir the Great.

In the summer, the cobbled square regularly hosts street food and flea markets. In the winter, it feels incredibly romantic, the outdoor seating areas of the restaurants covered with glass enclosures and illuminated with fairy lights.

Good to know: No matter in which season you visit, you’ll see horse-drawn carriages lined up in the square. The routes and fares are at the discretion of the individual driver. The most popular route – from Market Square to Wawel Hill – takes around 30 minutes and varies from 200-300 zloty (40-65 euros), depending on the season.

TIP: Don’t miss the smaller square just nearby, Mały Rynek . It’s much quieter and worth a quick look for its colorful architecture.

3. Sukiennice (Cloth Hall)

Krakow’s Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) was built in the 14th century and is one of the most important buildings in the central square. Considered the world’s first shopping mall, it is evidence of Krakow’s importance in medieval European commerce.

In addition to cloth, it once sold exotic items from the east, such as leather, silk, wax, and spices. Though it’s still a market today, you are – sadly – more likely to find mass-produced tourist memorabilia than oriental luxuries.

Nevertheless, the atmosphere is fun and there are some lovely pieces of amber jewelry and handmade lace that you might want to take home as souvenirs.

If you don’t feel like shopping, you may prefer to check out the Sukiennice museum instead. The Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art in Sukiennice is located on the upper floor of the building and houses Poland’s largest exhibition of 19th-century Polish paintings and sculptures.

Practical info: The Cloth Hall and museum are open from 10 am Tuesday to Sunday (closing times vary). Both are closed on Mondays. The entry to the museum is included with the Krakow Card .

4. St Mary’s Basilica

Located on the square opposite Cloth Hall, St Mary’s Church is another must-see in Krakow.

This impressive basilica was built in the 14th century on the site of an earlier church destroyed during the Mongol invasion.

St Mary’s Basilica is still an active place of worship, so you can’t visit during services. But if you’d like to take a look inside, head to the building opposite the tourist entrance where you can buy tickets to visit at certain times from spring to autumn. The entry is also included with the city museum card .

It’s worth doing so if you get the chance, as the Gothic altarpiece – the largest in the world – is simply stunning! Just as the blue ceiling with its gold stars and the beautiful stained glass windows in the nave.

Good to know: If you’re feeling energetic, you can climb to a viewing platform near the top of the higher tower. There are almost 300 steps to tackle but the views of the square and across the city are worth the effort!

Interesting to know: On the hour every hour, you can hear a bugler perform an hourly trumpet call – the hejnał mariacki – from the top of its northern tower. You should be able to see him, too, as he repeats the call four times in four different directions. But as you listen, you may wonder why the haunting melody cuts off so abruptly!

That’s because the bugle is played in honor of the original church’s bugler, who is said to have been killed by an arrow as he played to warn Krakow’s citizens of the invaders’ approach.

St. Mary’s Trumpet Call has been broadcast daily at noon on Polish radio since 1927. This makes it the longest-running radio broadcast in the world!

5. Rynek Underground Museum

Located to the right of the Cloth Hall you’ll find Rynek Underground Museum . This unique museum is devoted to life in Krakow’s Old Town more than 700 years ago. It’s actually an archaeological site that covers a huge area below the main square and houses ruins of the original market and artifacts discovered during excavations.

These include items that give you a real insight into times gone by, such as leather shoes, clay figurines, dice, and beads. You can also see ancient graves and learn more about the city’s trade relationship with the Hanseatic League.

Good to know: There are information boards in both Polish and English, along with engaging interactive video displays. It takes around an hour to see everything.

Practical information: The museum limits the number of visitors and works with timed-entry tickets. So if you absolutely want to visit, it might be a good idea to reserve your tickets on their site in advance. Tickets are also available from the Visitors’ Centre in the Cloth Hall – on the opposite side of the museum’s entrance. Alternatively, you can also visit here with a guided tour .

6. Florianska Street and St. Florian’s Gate

The bustling Florianska Street is one of the main streets in the old town of Krakow. It runs between Market Square and St. Florian’s Gate, part of the city’s 14th-century fortifications built to keep out Turkish invaders.

This wide promenade is lined with interesting buildings and is part of the ‘Royal Road’ from St. Florian’s church to the foot of Wawel Hill.

Strolling between the square and the Gate you’ll pass an interesting mixture of modern-day fast-food eateries and some of the oldest cafes in the city. This is a good place to stop and enjoy a strong coffee and a traditional Polish meal, whilst soaking up the lively and exciting atmosphere.

When you get to St. Florian’s Gate, you’ll probably be greeted with music from one of the buskers that regularly perform in its echoing tunnel.

If you have time, you might like to pay a small fee to visit ‘The City Defence Walls’ exhibition . This includes both Florian’s Gate and the nearby Barbican, giving you the chance to walk along the ramparts and see the Old Town from a higher angle. These are all included with the Krakow Card as well.

TIP: Avoid using the currency exchange offices along Florianska Street as the rates are not as good as elsewhere in the city.

7. Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral

Wawel Royal Castle is another must-see in Krakow that should be on every itinerary. This impressive, UNESCO-listed complex holds a lofty position atop Wawel Hill, just about 15 minutes walk from the city center. The sweeping views across the city and the Vistula from the bulwarks are stunning!

The seat of the King of Poland from the 13th to the 17th century, Wavel Castle is exceptionally important to the Polish people. The uniquely mixed architecture gives a hint to its turbulent past and the many rulers that have occupied it.

If your time in Krakow is limited, then you can visit for free and simply take a walk through the gardens and around the grounds, and check out Wavel Cathedral . If you want to explore the area at your own pace and learn about the fascinating history and stories of this place, we highly recommend getting an audio guide . It’s just a few euros and well worth it.

But if you have more time available, it’s well worth seeing all that Wawel Castle has to offer! It has been a museum since the 1940s and is splendid inside, with glorious State Rooms, a Treasury, and extensive art exhibitions.

Highlights include paintings by Veronese, Gobelin tapestries, and Szczerbiec – the ceremonial sword used in the coronations of almost all Polish monarchs from 1320 to 1764. It is also the only preserved part of the medieval Polish crown jewels.

If you are visiting Krakow with children, don’t miss the Wawel Dragon Statue which stands on Wawel Hill, next to the Vistula River. It breathes ‘real’ fire (thanks to a supply of natural gas).

Practical info: You can find more information about visiting the individual attractions at the castle and book tickets here . Alternatively, there is a really good guided tour available .

Good to know: For the best photos of the entire castle complex, stand on the Grunwald Bridge across the Vistula river. If you get time, pop back at night – the scene looks magical with the lights from the castle reflected on the water!

TIP: After visiting the Castle, stop for lunch or dinner at Pod Wawelem , a traditional Polish restaurant that sits at the foot of the Hill. The food is exceptional and you’ll be served by staff dressed in traditional clothing for an authentic experience. The restaurant is as popular with locals as it is with tourists, so reserve your table in advance, especially if visiting during the weekend.

8. Vistula River Cruise

If you are looking for something relaxing to do in Krakow away from the hustle and bustle of the main attractions, consider a short excursion on the Vistula River by boat .

From the water, you can take in breathtaking views of the city including some of Krakow’s most important landmarks such as the Wawel Castle, the Convent of the Norbertine Sisters, or the house of Pope John Paul II, to mention just a few.

In addition, you get an informative but also entertaining audio commentary of all the sights you pass along the way. There is a big variety of boats that you can choose from; some boats also have a bar where you can get a drink.

Good to know: Most Vistula River Cruises start/end at the foot of Wawel Castle and take about 1 hour. They run the whole year. It’s a nice way to see more of the city and at the same time rest your legs a bit after all the walking and sightseeing in the center of Krakow.

TIP: Here you can find all the best options for a Vistula River Cruise . This is the most popular cruise at the moment. If you are looking for a more special experience, you can opt for a private tour on a traditional ‘gondola’ .

9. Vistula Boulevards

Exploring the wide, manmade banks of the Vistula River is a lovely way to spend a sunny afternoon in Krakow and a great opportunity to mingle with the locals.

Developed from 1907 to 1913 for flood management, the Vistula Boulevards are ideal for walking or cycling, giving you a unique perspective on the city. You’ll find barges moored along the banks selling all different types of food, or you can simply turn up with a picnic and watch the world go by!

TIP: The Czerwieński Boulevard – between the Dębnicki and Grunwaldzki bridges – is the most popular section, and here you’ll find the Wawel Dragon and a statue of the dog Dżok. You can also see the handprints of celebrities like Celine Dion on the Avenue of Stars .

Another point of interest is the modern Bernatka Footbridge that links Podgórze with Kazimierz. It is decorated with sculptures that look as if they are floating. It has also gained a reputation as a bridge of love and you’ll see many locks attached to the railings where couples have attached them before throwing away the keys.

10. Jewish Quarter

South of Krakow’s Old Town lies Kazimierz . This neighborhood has been home to the city’s Jewish population since the 15th century.

Just opposite it – on the right bank of the Vistula – sits the Podgórze district , which is where the Krakow ghetto was established by the Nazis in 1941. Here, Polish Jews lived in miserable and cramped conditions until 1943, when the ghetto was ‘liquidated’.

From this point onwards, the entire Jewish district fell into disrepair. But gradual improvements and its later use as a location for the movie ‘Schindler’s List’ transformed the Jewish District. It is now one of the most attractive parts of the city, filled with quaint old buildings, indie galleries, quirky shops, and eateries that look much as they would have done in the past.

Here you can find The Old Synagogue – as its name suggests, the oldest synagogue in Krakow. Unusually, it is a part fortress, too, designed to protect Jewish citizens during a siege. Looted, then converted to a warehouse by the Nazis, it is now a museum where you can learn more about the history and traditions of Polish Jews. The entrance here is also included with the Krakow Card.

A sobering sight when visiting the Jewish district is the Ghetto Heroes Square , where you can see large and small chairs placed in a grid on the cobbles. These symbolize the empty seats left behind, caused by the many deaths that took place here during World War II. This is one of the most moving places to see in Krakow. You can also see a plaque marking the spot where a resistance unit called the ‘Jewish Combat Organization’ used to meet.

Be sure to visit Plac Nowy , referred to for generations by locals as the Jewish Square. It looks far more run down than Rynek Główny but has a much more authentic feel, with stalls selling everything from antiques to pigeons, depending on when you visit.

Good to know: You can find excellent food at Plac Nowy, particularly the ‘zapiekanki’ – a sort of French bread pizza sold from a hatch in the rotunda. We also recommend stopping at Cytat Cafe, a unique venue piled with books that serves an inspirational quote with every cup of coffee!

TIP: One of the best ways to visit the Jewish ghetto (and learn the stories behind the buildings and the streets) is with a local guide. There are really good walking tours , or you can opt for this highly-rated bike tour . In about 4 hours, you cover all the main sights of Krakow including the Old Town, Kazimierz, the Ghetto, and many sites featured in the movie ‘Schindler’s List’ .

11. Schindler’s Factory

Within a 30-minute walk of the Old Town, the Schindler’s Factory Museum is another place that is well worth seeing in Krakow.

If you have seen the movie or read the book , then you will be familiar with the story of Oskar Schindler, the German industrialist credited with saving the lives of more than 1,000 Jews in World War II. Although a visit to the museum will reveal a somewhat different character to that depicted by Hollywood.

This museum is housed in the former enamelware factory that he took over after the occupation. Despite its name, this attraction isn’t just devoted to Schindler. Instead, the museum looks in detail at the occupation of Krakow by the German army at that time and the effects it had on ordinary citizens.

Some of the exhibits relate directly to Schindler, including a desk believed to be his, along with accounts of how he helped save lives and details of his famous ‘list’. But the wider exhibition contains reconstructions of ghetto dwellings and artifacts, helping you understand how everyday life was in Krakow at that time for both Poles and Jews.

Good to know: There are few interactive exhibits and the subject matter is geared toward a mature audience, so it’s not recommended for children under the age of 14.

Practical info: Visitor numbers are limited, so be sure to book your ticket in advance . The entry here is also included with the Krakow Card . Although you can visit the factory independently, we recommend considering a guided tour to get the most out of your visit. Private tours are also very affordable.

12. Saints Peter & Paul Church

The Jesuit Church of Saints Peter and Paul  is one of the most beautiful churches in Krakow. It’s located on Grodzka Street, between the Old Town and the Jewish Quarter, so you’ll likely pass here anyway when sightseeing in Krakow; so be sure to take a look.

Built early in the 1600s, it was Krakow’s first baroque building and features statues of the twelve apostles outside (although these are contemporary replicas of the originals, which you can now see in the side yard).

Finished in Italian marble and with striking iron railings, its exterior is stunning. It’s also quite unique in a city filled with churches.

The inside – whilst beautiful – isn’t quite as impressive. Apparently, this is because the Jesuits spent so much money on the façade that there was little left for the interior. But it still has some interesting details, with a magnificent baroque altarpiece, ornate organ, and stucco decorations depicting scenes in the lives of St. Peter and St. Paul.

TIP: The best way to appreciate The Church of SS Peter & Paul is to attend one of the classical concerts held there. The acoustics are outstanding, creating a wonderful experience you won’t forget. You can find details of upcoming concerts here . Usually, you can just book the tickets for the same day. Also, sometimes, you can hear live organ music simply when visiting the church.

13. Jagiellonian University

Jagiellonian University is also worth a quick visit when exploring Krakow’s old town. Founded in 1364 by King Casimir III the Great, it is one of the oldest universities in Europe, with a rich history.

Visiting the university museum (Muzeum Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego Collegium Maius) is a great way to learn about the history and culture of Poland. Plus, the interior is very impressive as well.

But even if you have no time to go inside, it’s well worth coming here for the stunning Gothic architecture of the main building of the university, Collegium Maius, where the museum is located. It has a beautiful courtyard and pretty much all the walking- and biking tours of the old town pass here as well. The courtyard is open daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm.

TIP: Don’t miss the statue of Nicolaus Copernicus ( Mikołaj Kopernik ), the famous 15-16th century astronomer who formulated a model of the universe that for the first time placed the Sun at its center and not the Earth. He’s one of the most famous alumni of Jagiellonian University.

Good to know: The museum offers guided tours on weekdays, every 30 minutes between 10 am and 1 pm. At 1 pm, they also run extended guided tours of the main exhibition in English, including the collection of scientific instruments. Free (unguided) entry on Wednesday afternoons. For more info, see their website .

14. Planty Park

Early in the 19th century, Krakow underwent quite a drastic transformation when Franz I, Emperor of Austro-Hungary, ordered that the medieval fortifications surrounding the Old Town were dismantled.

Following this, the moat was leveled off and Planty Park – a 4-kilometer (2.5 miles) green belt of English landscaped gardens – was established in its place. An oasis of calm and spotlessly clean, the park is lush in the summer and Christmas card perfect in the winter.

Planty Park encircles the entire old town and is the ideal place to take a break from all the sightseeing and enjoy a small slice of local life. This green space is an integral part of life in the city and you’ll see lots of locals walking their dogs among the sculptures and fountains.

15. Traditional Food & Folk Shows

No visit to Krakow would be complete without experiencing traditional Polish cuisine . You’ll find lots of really nice restaurants in the city, and there are also markets and street food stalls where you can try all kinds of local specialties.

You can also find a variety of food-tasting tours, cooking classes, pub crawls, etc. See here for a complete selection. This is one of the best-rated Polish food tours , and a pierogi cooking class .

Be sure to try Oscypek , a regional specialty! It’s a type of smoked cheese made from sheep’s milk and is usually served grilled with cranberry sauce. Another dish you really have to try is Pierogi . These are traditional Polish dumplings filled with various ingredients such as meat, cheese, potatoes, or sauerkraut. They can be boiled, fried, or baked and are usually served with sour cream.

Other traditional Polish dishes include Kielbasa , which is any type of meat sausage – served grilled or boiled – and a staple of Polish cuisine. Be sure to also try Bigos , a hearty stew made with sauerkraut and kielbasa.

TIP: A popular tourist attraction in Krakow is a traditional dinner with a folk show . These typically include a hearty meal accompanied by dancing and singing in regional costumes. The most popular place for this in the center of town is Jama Michalika Café, on Florianka Street (reserve here ). Alternatively, you can opt for a similar experience at a restaurant just outside of Krakow overlooking the beautiful Lake Kryspinów (they offer great value for your money, including a comfortable bus transfer from the city center – reserve here ).

Now that we covered the main sights and attractions in the city, let’s take a look at some of the most popular places to visit near Krakow:

16. Wieliczka Salt Mine

Located around a 30-minute drive from Krakow, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of Poland’s most popular tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage site. While a mine may not sound like the most exciting place to visit, this one is unlike any you will have encountered before. It’s an absolute must-see when visiting Krakow!

Built in the 13th century, the mine reaches a depth of 327 meters (1,072 ft) below ground and has 9 levels. It covers an incredible 245 km (152 miles), but only about 2% of the labyrinth is accessible to the public.

As you can imagine, you can only see the mines as part of a tour, as it would be very easy to get lost in this vast labyrinth of hollowed-out corridors and chambers.

Inside, you can see the truly incredible statues carved out of the rock salt by the original miners. It is difficult to believe that everything you see is made from salt! You will hear stories from your guide about the many visitors who have even licked the walls to make sure.

At certain points, music and strategic lighting are used to highlight the beauty of the sculptures, crystal grottoes, and saline lakes you encounter. But nothing can prepare you for the beauty of the St Kinga’s Chapel, where even the massive chandeliers are made from salt!

The most popular is the ‘Tourist Route’ which brings you to the most impressive galleries and sculptures. If you prefer a more ‘hands-on’ experience, you can opt for the Miners’ Route. This includes activities like testing the air, searching for salt, and working out which paths to follow.

Interesting to know: The air in the mines is considered incredibly healthy. So healthy, in fact, that the horses who used to live and work in the mines lived several years longer than those from above ground.

The incredible preservative effect of the salt air is also evidenced by the effigies of Jesus and Mary in one of the chambers. They have been there for hundreds of years and have never been restored, yet their colors remain incredibly vivid.

Good to know: The 3.5 km Tourist Route involves a descend a total of 800 steps. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes! The good news is that there is a lift waiting at the end of the route to return you to the surface. The temperatures below ground can be surprisingly warm, so dress in layers to remain comfortable throughout the experience.

Practical info: You can book a tour with or without transfers from Krakow here . If you choose to go it alone, the journey by Uber is relatively inexpensive, or you can take a public bus. There is a restaurant at the end of the route serving excellent Polish food at very affordable prices.

LEARN MORE: How to Visit Wielczka Salt Mine

TIP: If you want to see some of the best places near Krakow but have limited time, consider this popular 2-in-1 tour that visits Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz in a day. It’s one of the best day trips from Krakow!

17. Auschwitz

Few tourists come to Krakow without visiting the Auschwitz Concentration Camp Memorial . It commemorates victims of Nazi atrocities during World War II and ensures the Holocaust is never forgotten. This is an absolute must-see in the area!

The site is located in Oświęcim (the Polish name for ‘Auschwitz’), a small city about 70 km to the west of Krakow. It is divided into two parts: Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.

At the camps, you will have the opportunity to see many of the original roads, fences, and accommodation blocks, along with personal items like clothing, suitcases, shoes, and glasses. It is a very moving experience.

To enter the original Auschwitz concentration camp you will need a ticket. The Auschwitz 2-Birkenau camp – located around 3km away – is free to visit. It is best to see both, however, particularly since the museum is housed in the original camp. A free shuttle runs between them throughout the day.

Good to know: You may be asked for ID when entering the camp, so bring your passport. Large bags are not permitted. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes – particularly in winter when the camps can be very muddy. Please also note that it’s not recommended for kids under the age of 14.

Practical info: We highly recommend booking a tour to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp Memorial that includes transportation from Krakow. It’s possible to travel independently but you will need to be sure to book your tickets in advance, as the site is so busy that you could otherwise be refused entry.

Tours last around 3.5 hours and your travel time is around 3 to 4 hours in total, so you will need to set aside most of the day for your visit.

TIP: This is the best-rated day tour from Krakow. As already mentioned before, you can also opt for a 2-in-1 tour that includes a visit here and also visits Wieliczka Salt Mine on the same day.

LEARN MORE: Visiting Auschwitz Concentration Camp

18. Zakopane

Zakopane is a beautiful town at the foot of the Tatra mountains and one of the most popular nature destinations near Krakow. It’s a 2-hour drive just to get there, so you’ll need to set aside a full day for a quick visit. Or even stay in the area for a few days, especially if traveling in the summer.

But if you have the time, then it’s a trip we strongly recommend you take! In the summer, Zakopane is wonderful for hiking, its lush valleys filled with crocuses and the crystal-clear lakes sparkling in the sunshine.

In the colder months, it transforms into a winter wonderland, the slopes of the mountains deep in snow, and a range of pursuits to enjoy from sledding to skiing!

Good to know: The area is also well-known for its geothermal hot springs. Most tours will include these in their itinerary, so pack a swimsuit and a towel!

TIP: One of the best ways to experience Zakopane on a quick visit is with a day tour from Krakow .

LEARN MORE: Zakopane Day Trip from Krakow (tour review)

19. Energylandia

Energylandia is a large amusement park located in Zator, about 1-hour drive east of Krakow (on the way to Auschwitz).

This is the largest theme park in Poland, featuring roller coasters, water rides, live shows, and countless fun attractions for the whole family. In the summer, you can also enjoy water slides, so pack your swimwear! There are lots of good places to eat here too and you could easily spend several days here.

If you are traveling with a family and are looking for something fun to do in Krakow with kids, then definitely plan a day trip to Energylandia!

Good to know: The park is open daily between May and September and also on some weekends and holidays during the lower season.

If you are renting a car, you can easily drive there on your own. But there are also private or shared transfers available. You can find all the best options for tickets and/or transfers here .

More places to visit in Krakow if you have time

Here are a few additional recommendations for things to do and places to see in Krakow if you have more time:

• Chopin Concert. Experience the wonderful piano music by Poland’s most famous composer in a music hall in the old town. See here for more info and tickets .
• Botanical Garden of Jagiellonian University . This is one of the best botanical gardens in Poland and is especially beautiful in the warmer months. More info here .
• Kościuszko Mound . This artificial mound was erected in 1823 to honor Tadeusz Kościuszko, a Polish hero, and is quite a unique place to see in Krakow. From the top of the hill, you have a great view of the city. There is also a museum at the bottom and you will need to pay a fee in order to access the hill, but the views are worth it.
• The Princes Czartoryski Museum. This is an art museum in the old town of Krakow. The main highlight here is the Lady with Ermine painting by Leonardo da Vinci (without the crowds of the Louvre in Paris ;)). You can find more info and tickets here . This museum is also included with the Krakow City Card .
• Lost Souls Alley. This an interactive ‘haunted’ house, popular with young people and suitable for bachelor/ette parties. It’s located on Florianska street in the old town.
• WOMAI. This is a relatively new attraction located close to the railway station. Essentially, it is two exhibitions in one. The first is a journey through darkness using only your 4 senses, designed to help you see the world from the perspective of someone who is blind. The second is a unique maze of lights, colors, and games that teaches scientific concepts in a fun way.
• Polish Aviation Museum. Located on an old airfield a bit outside of the city, this is an interesting museum for all aviation enthusiasts and a great place to visit in Krakow with kids. You can see lots of planes and helicopters, and the museum has an indoor and outdoor section. You can find more info and book tickets here . This museum is also included with the Krakow City Card .
• …. As you can imagine, a big city like Krakow has a lot more museums and tourist attractions than mentioned in this guide. But if you are visiting the city for the first time, you’ll need several days in order to visit just the main sights, not even to mention the additional recommendations. If you have even more time or are looking to get a bit off the beaten path, check out several other museums that are included with the city card (there are almost 40!).

Where to stay

Since Krakow’s old town is very walkable, we recommend staying close to the main tourist attractions in the historic city center. If you are planning on doing day trips, stay in the northern part of the old town, closer to the railway station.

Here are some of the most popular highly-rated hotels for different budgets (even luxury hotels are very affordable in Krakow):

• 5*  Hotel Unicus Palace .
• 4*  Sky Hotel Krakow .
• 3* Hotel Wyspiański or Matejko Hotel .

TIP: If you are arriving in Krakow by plane, you can reserve a private airport transfer here .

Map of the main tourist attractions in Krakow

To help you plan your time in Krakow, we created a map indicating all the sights mentioned in this article. As you can see, most attractions are located very close to each other.

TIP: If you only have a few days in Krakow and are wondering how to best plan your time, take a look at our suggested itinerary in the link below. In that article, you will also find more practical information for visiting Krakow, getting around the city, airport transfers, tipping, places to stay, etc. Check it out!

READ ALSO: Krakow Itinerary for 2-3 Days

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, this is our guide to Krakow’s main attractions. We hope that you find it helpful and that you enjoy exploring every facet of this remarkable and unforgettable city.

Have a great trip!

READ ALSO: Tips & Info for Visiting Krakow

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More travel inspiration for European cities:

If you are visiting other European cities and are looking for in-depth information for your trip, take a look at some of our city guides:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Barcelona, Spain
• Bern, Switzerland
• Bologna, Italy
• Brasov, Romania
• Brussels, Belgium
• Bruges, Belgium
• Bucharest, Romania
• Colmar, France
• Edinburgh, UK
• Florence, Italy
• Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Liverpool, UK
• Lucerne, Switzerland
• Madrid, Spain
• Manchester, UK
• Milan, Italy
• Naples, Italy
• Paris, France
• Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
• Ravenna, Italy
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Rome, Italy
• Salzburg, Austria
• Sintra, Portugal
• Venice, Italy
• Verona, Italy
• For more… check our  destinations page.

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Tuesday 5th of March 2024

well informed,thank you,more in my bucket list

Glad to help, Mark. Have a great trip!

20 things to know before visiting Kraków

Aug 14, 2022 • 10 min read

Horse-drawn carriages line up in the Main Market Square in Old Town © espiegle / Getty Images / iStockphoto

The only major city that wasn’t reduced to rubble during WWII, Kraków is Poland ’s most charming urban destination. 

The millennia-old seat of kings, it’s home to a fairytale castle steeped in legends of dragons, a Unesco-listed, picture-perfect, church spire- and monument-studded Old Town that’s a match for any European city, as well as one of Europe’s oldest universities that fuels a frenetic nightlife scene. Its popularity requires some advance planning, and while Cracovians are generally easygoing when it comes to dress code and speaking to strangers, there are some notable exceptions to the former. 

It’s worth remembering that despite outward similarities with liberal Western European cities, Kraków is very, very Polish. Religion is central to many people’s lives, old mindsets die hard (especially if you’re a member of the LGBTIQ+ community), and weird laws and numerous scams may trip the unwary. Luckily, we’re here to help you navigate your way past any potential pitfalls.     

Pack for the right season and for all occasions

Kraków has a continental climate, so your packing list will vary considerably, depending on the time of year you travel. Winters are cold and snowy, often with piercing, icy winds, while summers can be scorching. Most of the time, layers are key, except during the warmest months, when all you’ll want is lightweight, breathable summer wear. A warm, waterproof coat, hat and gloves are a must for autumn and winter. Bring an umbrella or a rain jacket for year-round downpours. Kraków is mostly informal, but consider bringing a dressy outfit or two if you intend to hit the clubbing scene.

Stay in the best neighborhoods for sightseeing

For a city of its size, Kraków is surprisingly compact, so it’s easy enough to flit between its neighborhoods, either on foot or using public transport. Still, most visitors – especially first-timers – tend to base themselves in one of three prominent, attraction-heavy neighborhoods.

The most popular is the medieval Old Town in central Kraków, with its wealth of must-see sights, legendary cellar bars and cobbled lanes. Others choose adjacent Kazimierz, the artistic bohemian ‘hood that was a center of Jewish culture before the war and is now enjoying a revival. Alternatively, head south of the river to Podgórze, the up-and-coming former Jewish ghetto where Steven Spielberg shot much of Schindler’s List .

Book tickets for popular attractions in advance

Few of Kraków’s museums and attractions require advance bookings, but the must-see sights do, so if you have your heart set on visiting any of the following, make arrangements online ahead of time. Exhibitions inside Wawel Royal Castle book up weeks in advance in summer, as do group tours of Auschwitz (though solo travelers may wander around without joining a guided tour). Entry to Rynek Underground and Schindler’s Factory is via timed slot, so buy your ticket a few days before your visit.

Pack your ISIC card and consider getting a Kraków Card

Numerous Kraków attractions offer discounts to bearers of ISIC and other associated cards. If you’re planning on frenetic bouts of sightseeing and heavy use of public transport, it’s worth getting a Kraków Card (1, 2 or 3 days) that gives you free entry to 39 museums, free use of public transport and more. If you favor a more relaxed stay, skip the Kraków Card.

Make reservations for Kraków’s best restaurants ahead of time

Kraków’s dining scene is Poland’s most diverse, and while walk-ins are acceptable for most restaurants, book ahead – particularly if traveling during the busy summer season – if you plan to dine out at any of the following, to name a few: Restauracja Wierzynek (14th-century royal restaurant), Morskie Oko (updated take on regional cuisine), Szara Gęś w Kuchni Restaurant (upscale Polish fare served in a Gothic dining room), Trzy Gęsi Restaurant (fine dining; goose a speciality), Cyrano de Bergerac (atmospheric brick cellar serving fine French fare) or Pod Nosem (Michelin-star, memorable Polish dishes).  

Acquire some zloty in advance

Even though Poland is part of the EU, it retains its own currency – the Polish Zloty (zł). Kraków is largely cashless, and you can use your credit or debit card pretty much anywhere; if paying by card, always pay in zloty rather than your home currency to avoid being hit with conversion charges and a crappy exchange rate. Exceptions to cashless transactions include newsagents, public toilets, small shops and outdoor vendors, so it’s wise to have some zloty on you for those occasions. Many of these exceptions will refuse to break a large note for you, so hang on to your loose change.

Have some loose change ready for public toilets

If you find yourself mystified by the symbols on the doors in Kraków’s public toilets, it's a triangle for men and a circle for women. Bear in mind that many public facilities – even in bars and restaurants where you’re part of the clientele – often charge a nominal fee for use, so have some loose change ready. 

Have a puff (or don’t) in smoking areas of Kraków’s many cafes

While smoking in public places in Kraków is illegal, those who enjoy a puff will be thrilled to know that many cafes, bars and restaurants have retained designated indoor smoking spaces, sealed off from the rest of the establishment. While this amounts to cancer-inducing, smoke-filled broom cupboards in many cases, some establishments have opted to allocate a tiny space to non-smokers, giving the vaping and smoking clientele the lion’s share of the place. Such smoker-friendly establishments include Eszeweria, Klub Re and Jama Michalika .  

Tip at least 10% in restaurants

It’s customary to tip servers and bar staff in Kraków. Locals will tip around 10% of the bill if eating out, or round up the bill at the very least. Paying 1zl tip per drink in bars is standard and a good idea if the bar is busy and you’d like to be served promptly.

Dress up for nightclubs

With a population of 200,000 students, Kraków is rumored to have more bars than people, and while anything goes in most places dress code-wise, Old Town’s nightclubs are a bit fussier. Check ahead whether that means no trainers, or whether you’re expected to go full suit and tie or dress, and be aware that some places exercise ‘face control’, meaning that they turn you away if you’re deemed insufficiently attractive. It’s no use arguing with the bouncers; in fact, it’s best not even to make eye contact with them.

Strike up conversations with locals

Unlike cities such as London and New York, where striking up conversations with strangers is a massive faux pas, especially on public transport, Cracovians are a polite and approachable bunch who genuinely enjoy talking to foreigners and are happy to give directions if you’re lost. While English is not widely spoken among older generations, many students and hospitality staff speak excellent English.

Remember that Kraków’s churches are not museums

The majority of Poles (over 75%) are Catholic. Very Catholic. If your experience of the Christian faith involves attending church twice a year (if that), Polish enthusiasm for Catholicism may come as a surprise. There is more to Polish Catholicism than the solemn, opulent processions commemorating holy relics and saints, some of which you may be lucky to witness.

For many, Catholicism has long been a source of national and social unity and provided solace during Communist times, when religious practices were driven underground. So if you visit one of  Kraków’s many churches , remember that they are revered places of worship and treat them with the utmost respect.

Avoid inadvertently breaking the law

Be mindful of not breaking laws that may not exist in your home country. Dressing up and partying hard is fine, but if you’re foolish enough to appear hammered or make a public nuisance of yourself in front of the local police, expect a 500zl fine, a strip search and an overnight stay in the drunk tank on ul Rozrywka with fellow disheveled vagrants. Riding public transport without a valid ticket and jaywalking (crossing against the light or not on a pedestrian crossing) will also earn you an on-the-spot fine of 100zl.  

Be aware of local attitudes towards the LGBTIQ+ community

Poland is a hardcore Catholic country, with anti-LGBTIQ+ sentiment rife among a sizable chunk of the population. While it’s difficult to describe it as explicitly LGBTIQ-friendly, Kraków is the most liberal of Poland’s cities; in 2022, Kraków’s annual Pride parade celebrated its 18 th anniversary.

Attitudes towards the LGBTIQ+ community in Kraków are slowly improving. However, public displays of affection (with the socially acceptable exception of hand-holding between young women) are likely to attract jeers and sometimes outright violence – particularly on the high nightlife streets of Floriańska and Szewska on the weekends. That said, numerous nightlife venues in Kraków are either LGBTIQ-tolerant ( Movida , Kraina Szeptów , Lastriko ) or outright LGBTIQ-friendly ( Szpitalna 1 , Spolem Deluxe ).

Do drink the tap water…maybe

Kraków’s tap water is officially deemed safe to drink, and many locals do, while others avoid it because the quality may be affected by the antique plumbing in many of the older buildings. So if gastric Russian roulette is not your thing, you may wish to drink bottled water or at least purify the tap water first. Speaking of water: it’s not complimentary in Kraków’s restaurants and usually comes in tiny glasses unless you order a large bottle of gazowana (carbonated water) and niegazowana (still water).

Dial the foreigner-friendly lines in case of emergency

While Kraków generally has a low crime rate compared to many Western European cities, visitors need to watch out for pickpockets on public transport and other busy public places and be aware of various scams. Besides the standard emergency number (112 for ambulance, police or fire department), Kraków has separate lines for English and German-speaking foreigners in distress wishing to report a scam or stolen property:  +48 608 599 999 or +48 22 278 77 77, reachable by mobile phone or landline.

Use a private clinic in the case of a medical emergency

If you have a medical emergency, call a private clinic (a list is available from your country’s embassy) rather than deal with the hassle and long queues in one of Kraków’s hospitals.

Avoid bar scams

Given Kraków’s general popularity with foreign visitors, particularly with stag and hen parties from abroad, it’s little wonder that numerous scams exist to take advantage of the inebriated and unwary. In Old Town, avoid promoters outside ‘gentlemen’s clubs’ (often disguised as whisky bars) who try to lure men in with promises of discounted drinks. Once inside, you’ll be told when paying by card that the payment didn’t go through when they are, in fact, charging you multiple times.  Some travelers have reported having their drinks spiked to make them more intoxicated and easier to take advantage of.

If you’re a foreign man, be wary of attractive women taking a massive interest in you and convincing you to take them to a bar (where, unbeknown to you, they are employed) and buy them a drink, whereby you’ll be charged stratospheric prices for the drinks and intimidated by thuggish bouncers into paying up. Also, be aware that when you order drinks in bars and clubs, it’s important to specify your preferred brand of alcohol; otherwise, the bar staff will automatically reach for the most expensive top-shelf brands, as they make a commission on the drinks they sell. There’s no shame in asking for the cheapest option on the menu.

Dodge dodgy currency exchanges

You can change currency into zloty anywhere with a ‘Kantor’ sign, but beware of dodgy 24-hour currency exchanges offering 0% commission on the exchange because the exchange rate is terrible. Instead, go to the reliable currency exchanges on the top floor of the Galeria Krakówska (above Kraków’s main train station) or the one at ul. Karmelicka 1. Equally, beware of some ATMs around Kraków that offer terrible exchange rates and charge high withdrawal fees.

Steer clear of unlicensed taxis

Unlicensed taxis that end up charging you whatever price they see fit are the scourge of many visitors to Kraków. Luckily, they are easy enough to avoid by booking a fully licensed taxi such as Radio Taxi, Mega Taxi or Eko Taxi, or else opting for Bolt or Uber (though, unlike licensed taxis, they may not drive within Old Town).  

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40 Things to Do in Krakow Poland, Bucket List Experiences

Top things to do in krakow poland.

If you are planning a trip to Krakow Poland and looking for the best things to do, see and eat while visiting, you are in the right place. Krakow was made famous by Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory. Krakow is a walkable city with a historic city wall, castle, fire-breathing dragon, market square, the Jewish ghetto, and delicious pierogi. Browse the list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to create your personal Krakow bucket list. Then, plan the itinerary for your Krakow Poland trip with these top things to do, see, and eat. If you are short on time and here is a 2-day itinerary of the top attractions in Krakow Poland . Enjoy your time out of the office!

READ Complete Guide to Poland, What You Need to Know 

Things to Do in and Around Krakow Poland

Relax in the Market Square and have lunch

Browse the vendors in Cloth Hall

Browse 19th-century Polish art at The Sukiennice National Museum

Photograph the old stone Church of St Adalbert and St Joseph’s Church Clock Tower

Visit the Chopin Gallery and listen to a piano concert of his works

Learn about Kraków’s history at the Rynek Underground Museum

Shop the boutiques along Floriańska Street

Listen to stories of vampires on the Krakow Night Tour

Visit the Barbican and photograph the statue of Jan Matejko

Check out the Florian’s Gate and city wall

Visit Wawel Castle and Cathedral

Video the Wawel dragon as it breathes fire

Check out the Renaissance houses on Grodzka Street and Kanonicza Street

Photograph the ceiling of St Mary’s Basilica, climb the tower, and listen to the trumpet call

Wander the neighborhood of Kazimierz, the filming site of Schindler’s List

Enjoy a food tour through Kazimierz

Tour the Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (tickets sell out)

Have lunch in a café on Szeroka Street

Spend a night out in Nowy Square

Peek through the window to the old Jewish Cemetery

Take a Communism Tour in a Genuine Trabant Automobile

Sample vodka at Wodka Café Bar or take a vodka tour

See the Ghetto Heroes Square art installation

Enjoy a Polish Folklore Show and Dinner

Learn to make traditional Polish food in a home-based cooking class

Walk across the Father Bernatek’s Bridge

Photograph the head sculpture at Town Hall Tower

Sample Krakow’s craft beer

Have a picnic in Planty Park

Cruise along the Vistula River

Check out the Museum of Illusions

Eat pierogi, kielbasa, and bagels

Photograph the city from Kosciuszko Mound

Browse the contemporary art at MOCAK

Spend an afternoon wine tasting

Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial

Head underground for a tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine

Bike to the Tyniec Abbey

Explore the painted village of Zalipie

Be sure to check the Krakow Poland Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Bookmark and Pin Things to Do in Krakow Poland

Plan Your Trip to Krakow Poland

Poland travel guide.

Pick up a Poland Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.

Book Your Accommodation in Krakow Poland Now

Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property! I stayed at the PURO Hotel Kraków Stare Miasto . The location was great. It was directly across from the train station and within walking distance of the old town.

Krakow Poland Attractions and Day Tours

The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.

Travel Essentials

Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.

Have a great vacation!

Now that is quite an extensive list and tones of useful information. Definitely a good read. I have been meaning to go to Poland for a long time now, but haven’t had a chance yet.

Who knew there were so many interesting things? This is a great collection of ideas. I’d really love to learn how to make traditional Polish food, and see the Museum of Illusions. This list is really helpful in planning a great itinerary–you’ve done all the hard work for me and added some very items I might have otherwise overlooked. Thank you!

I hope you are able to use it really soon

I loved this uncomplicated post. You went straight about listing 45 things that are worth doing and its great. History, castles, salt mines and exploring the market square would be high on my list.

We are all busy people, no need for fluff! Hope you get to visit krakow soon

I grew up in a Polish-American household and my mom has been talking about going to Krakow for as long as I can remember…but this is the year! She is finally going and we are trying to meet her there 🙂 Can’t wait to share this article with mom…she’s going to love these tips!!

That will be such great memories for you all!

The top most thing for me to do here is visit those salt mines. I have heard so much about them and seen some really amazing pics. Plus there is so much history to it. True that all the heritage places have an appeal in Krakow, but it is the concentration camp that has always intrigued me. I know it is gonna be a sad visit but to leave Krakow without it will leave my visit incomplete

Schindlers Factory is also an important spot

I am always interested for Krakow due to many historic buildings and it is a walking city. Good to know that it is known for Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, the Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. I would love to listen a trumpet call. Thanks for sharing.

I watched Schindlers List again before my visit and the Jewish ghetto had a big impact on me

Hmm the food and vodka tour sounds right up my alley! I enjoyed your long list of things to do in Krakow, definitely sounds like there are many things to do and see. Definitely hope to check it out one day!

I was surprised by how much was there to see and do considering I don’t hear much about Krakow

I had no idea there was a Chopin Gallery in Krakow. I’ll have to add it to my list. There’s no way I’m going to listen to vampire stories. Nope, nope, nope! But I’m all over the food, vodka, and beer tour, maybe even twice. I didn’t realize they have a craft beer scene.

Lol…. so, tell me, how do you feel about vampires????

I have been to Krakow about four times (I think) and love the place. It’s also a great city to base for other places like Auschwitz, salt mines, Zakopane, Katowice etc. On my last visit I had the pleasure of staying at a 5 star hotel and the rooftop bar which it had, had the perfect view of the Wawel castle and the river. Truly stunning location. but my favourite thing to do there, drink the local beer and have potato and meat meals. 😀 😀 😀

I am hooked on pierogi now

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The Best 5 Days in Krakow Itinerary

Krakow, once the capital of Poland, is now the most popular city in Poland to visit . When planning a trip to discover Krakow, Poland, doing a little research and having an itinerary can make all the difference. It will ensure you make the most of your time while visiting Krakow, Poland.

Our 5-day itinerary will guide you through Krakow’s main attractions, day trips from the city, cultural and historical sites, and local cuisine, and provide practical tips for a memorable stay. You will never be short of things to do in Krakow.

Explore Krakow’s Main Attractions

Upon arrival in Krakow, it’s time to start your adventure by discovering the renowned Old Town. Wander through the charming streets of the historical centre of Krakow, lined with old-world buildings and bustling with vibrant energy.

The Old Town in Krakow is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it perfectly captures the city’s rich history and architectural wonders.

Next, make your way to the iconic Wawel Castle and Cathedral on the edge of the old town of Krakow. Step back to medieval Krakow with a tour around these old city buildings that stand as testaments to Krakow’s royal history and are not to be missed.

A guided tour will provide valuable insights into these historical landmarks’ significance and grandeur.

For a unique and mesmerizing experience , consider exploring the Wieliczka Salt Mine near Krakow. This UNESCO World Heritage Site takes you deep underground to discover awe-inspiring chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved entirely from salt. It’s an unforgettable journey through centuries of mining history.

Day Trips from Krakow

While Krakow in Southern Poland offers many attractions , taking day trips to its surrounding areas can offer more memorable experiences. Visiting Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains close to Krakow is a must for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities in this region are truly captivating.

Exploring the historic town of Kazimierz provides a deeper understanding of Krakow’s cultural fabric. Once the centre of Jewish life , this district is a vibrant area with synagogues , museums , and charming cafes. Take the time to immerse yourself in its compelling history and unique atmosphere.

Lastly, a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a solemn yet essential experience. This impactful site serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and honours the memory of the millions who lost their lives. A guided tour offers invaluable insights and often includes transport to and from Krakow.

Immerse in Krakow’s Cultural and Historical Heritage

Dive deeper into Krakow’s rich heritage by exploring the Jewish Quarter . Kazimierz is a treasure trove of historical sites, including synagogues, the Galicia Jewish Museum , and the poignant Remuh Cemetery. The district’s streets are alive with artistic expression, culinary delights , and a profound sense of history.

For art and history enthusiasts, visiting the National Museum in Krakow is a must. The museum’s diverse collection spans from ancient artifacts to modern artworks , providing a comprehensive insight into the cultural evolution of Poland and beyond. If street art is more your thing, head to the Banksy Museum for a comprehensive and immersive experience.

Stroll through the historic Cloth Hall in Krakow’s Main Square. The hall has been a trade centre in Krakow since the 15th century. A stroll through is perfect for buying local souvenirs , crafts, and traditional Polish delights.

Enjoy Local Cuisine and Entertainment in Krakow City

Sample the diverse and delectable flavours of traditional Polish cuisine during your stay in Krakow. From hearty pierogi to flavorful żurek, the city’s culinary offerings will tantalise your taste buds.

Be sure to seek out authentic dining experiences to eat in Krakow. If you call in at a local milk bar, they make simple traditional Polish food that is tasty and inexpensive. Bar mleczny “Pod Temidą and Starka are in the old town area of Krakow.

Krakow has a vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene . The city boasts an array of lively bars, jazz clubs, and live music venues that cater to every taste. Whether you’re seeking laid-back tavern vibes or stylish cocktail lounges, Krakow’s after-dark offerings will impress.

Maybe you might want to do an evening cruise through the heart of Krakow with a stroll along the banks of the Vistula River.

Day 1: Discovering Krakow’s Old Town

Start your Krakow trip in 5 days by immersing yourself in the historic charm of Krakow’s Old Town . It is one of Europe’s most beautiful old town squares and a major tourist attraction.

Wander through the cobbled streets of Krakow’s old town , marvel at the mediaeval architecture, and visit the iconic Wawel Castle .

Dive into the city’s rich history at Cloth Hall, buy souvenirs, and explore the Jewish Quarter in Kazimierz.

End your day outside Krakow with a guided tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine , a unique underground marvel. If you get there early enough, head to the underground cafe at the salt mines for some amazing local food. A guided tour takes around 3 hours. Prepare to be amazed.

Day 2: Wawel Castle and Cultural Exploration

Dedicate your second day to the sites of Wawel Castle in Krakow’s old town. Explore the castle grounds, visit the basilica, the armoury, and the Wawel Dragons cave, and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. Guided tours happen every hour.

Afterwards, stroll along the banks of the Vistula River , appreciating the beauty that earned Krakow its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. You will soon see why many people love Krakow, Poland.

Day 3: Main Square and Beyond

Spend your third day in Krakow’s Main Square, the city’s heart. Admire the Cloth Hall, explore the nearby museums, such as the Schlinders Factory and the Polish Aviation Museum , and indulge in the local cuisine.

Make sure you try some pierogi and Polish vodka. Don’t miss a visit to Schindler’s Factory for a poignant look into Krakow’s wartime history. Wander the Royal Way and visit the nearby Barbican.

Day 4: Day Trip to Zakopane

Escape the city for a day trip to Zakopane, Poland , a charming town nestled at the foothills of the Tatra Mountains.

Experience the unique culture, enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, and perhaps visit one of the many-day spas. It’s a perfect way to recharge before your final day in Krakow.

Day 5: Time to Explore and Reflect

On your last day, take a bit of time for self-reflection. Visit the Auschwitz Memorial , a sobering experience that provides insight into Poland’s history.

Spend the afternoon exploring the National Museum in Krakow, and cap off your trip with a relaxing evening on the banks of the Vistula River. Auschwitz from Krakow is best done via a guided tour that includes transport that picks up around Krakow.

Practical Tips for a Memorable Stay in Krakow

Choosing the best time to visit Krakow can significantly enhance your experience. The city’s temperate climate makes travelling to Krakow enjoyable to explore year-round, though the spring and summer months are particularly delightful for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

When exploring the city, remember essential travel tips and safety precautions. While Krakow is generally a safe and welcoming city, staying vigilant and respecting local customs will contribute to a smooth and enjoyable journey. With a bit of time and effort, you can navigate Krakow with ease and confidence.

If you want to withdraw money from an ATM, avoid the Euronet ATMs at all costs. Their exchange rates are terrible, and the fees are high. Always use an established bank in Krakow.

Planning your transportation and accommodation is advisable, as Krakow is a popular tourist destination. Whether you opt for a charming boutique hotel in the city centre or a cosy guesthouse near Krakow’s historic sites, ensure your stay aligns with your itinerary and preferences.

Where to stay in Krakow

Most of the Krakow accommodation is in the streets leading out of the city’s old town area . We have stayed at hotels and apartments that are all a short walk to restaurants, attractions, and public transport options.

Please find three highly ranked hotels in Krakow below for you to look at. Search sites like Trip Advisor , Booking.com, and others if you want more choices.

• Location: Located on the banks of the Wisła River, offering scenic views and proximity to popular attractions.
• Amenities: On-site restaurant, fitness centre, indoor pool, spa services.
• Website: Sheraton Grand Krakow
• Location: Situated in the heart of the Old Town, close to the Main Market Square and other landmarks.
• Amenities: Award-winning restaurant, wellness centre with a swimming pool, spa, and sauna.
• Website: Hotel Stary
• Location: Centrally located, within walking distance to the Old Town and Wawel Castle.
• Amenities: On-site dining options, fitness centre, indoor pool, spa, and sauna.
• Website: Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow

How do I get to Krakow

Krakow Airport is well-connected to many cities across Europe and beyond, with several airlines offering direct flights to the  city’s airport , Kraków John Paul II International Airport. Some airlines that   fly directly to Krakow Airport include Ryanair, Lufthansa, and British Airways.

If you’re travelling from within Europe, you can also consider flying to nearby airports such as Katowice, about an hour away from   Krakow, by bus   or train.

Krakow’s main train station  receives trains from many European cities. The train is perfect for those wanting to spend three days in Krakow. Companies like Flixbus can also get you to your city break in Krakow.

Once you’ve arrived at the airport, you can get to your hotel in  Krakow by private transfer , taxi, bus, or train. Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal but can be expensive. Alternatively, you can take the train or bus, a more affordable option ,  to start your Krakow itinerary.

The train station is just a few minutes walk  from the airport terminal , and trains run every half hour. The bus station is also located near the airport, and buses run frequently.

By following this 5-day itinerary, you will have the opportunity to experience the best of Krakow, from its captivating history and cultural allure to its culinary delights and nearby attractions. Krakow remains a city that invites tourists from far and wide to experience its captivating heritage.

Spending a few days in one of the cities to visit in Europe will allow you to see all the Krakow attractions and the best Krakow has to offer. There are so many things to see that you want to return to Krakow soon.

Poland Travel Expert   is your ultimate guide to all things Poland. Your next trip to Poland will not be complete without our detailed Poland guides, Poland itineraries and Poland travel tips.

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Author Bio: Mark Wyld

Mark Wyld is a Father, husband, traveller, and writer at Poland Travel Expert and other blogs. I have accumulated a wealth of experience over multiple visits to Poland. Thanks to our friends in Poland, we stay connected to the nation’s pulse, ensuring that our content is up to date with our first-hand experience. The information on this website is backed by genuine expertise.

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