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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

• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

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 .

Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? Book now and join one of our specially curated small-group tours to adventurous destinations around the world.

1. Market Square

2. Wawel Castle

3. Planty Park

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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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

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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!

Krakow   Travel Guide

Courtesy of spooh | Getty Images

7 Best Things To Do in Krakow

Updated Feb. 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

(2922 reviews)

from $ 118.10

Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour with Ticket & Transfer from Krakow

(3011 reviews)

from $ 33.77

Krakow to Zakopane and Thermal Hot Bath Day Trip with Transfer

(3389 reviews)

from $ 76.15

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.

Explore More of Krakow

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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.

• Are you planning a trip to Poland? Be sure to join my Facebook group about traveling in Central Europe and be part of the amazing community of like-minded travelers. Click here for the access!
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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!

Further reading

I published many articles about Poland that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 20 Great Places to Visit As Day Trips from Warsaw, Poland
• Visiting Auschwitz – How to Plan the Auschwitz Tour
• 17 Amazing Things to Do in Lublin, Poland
• The Complete Guide to Visiting Slownski National Park, Poland
• Visit Grudziadz – One of the Hidden Gems of Poland
• 19 Amazing Things to Do in Gdansk, Poland
• Visit Sandomierz, Poland – One of the Prettiest Towns in the Country
• Visiting Malbork Castle, Poland – the Largest Castle in the World
• 25 Amazing Things to do in Wroclaw, Poland
• and many more!

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in Central Europe and ask your questions there.

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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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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Home » Europe » Krakow

11 BEST Places to Visit in Krakow (2024)

Attracting tourists from all over the world, Krakow is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, let alone Poland. It’s not hard to see why. There is a tidal wave of culture and history here, mostly centred around the Old Town. Huge medieval market squares, royal castles, and fascinating museums to tell you what it’s all about. When the sun goes down, the city is a totally different beast. You’ll definitely want to add a night out onto your Krakow itinerary. In fact, there’s an urban myth that Krakow’s Old Town has the highest concentration of bars anywhere in the world. We’re not sure it’s true, but there’s plenty to keep you busy. Just don’t overdo it on the local vodka!

If you do, you might feel terrible the following day when you’re exploring the best places to visit in Krakow. But if you do have a bit of a hangover just take a look at our extensive list. It’ll help you make the most of your vacation and plan what to do when you visit Krakow. So, let’s take a closer look!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Krakow:

These are the best places to visit in krakow, faq on the best places to visit in krakow.

Stare Miastro

If you’re visiting Krakow for the first time, there’s no better neighbourhood to stay in than Stare Miastro. Set at the centre of the city, Stare Miasto is the most famous neighbourhood in Krakow.

• Browse the Sukiennice, Krakow’s historic Cloth Hall.
• Delve deep into Polish history at the National Museum.
• Explore Main Market Square, the main symbol of Krakow

There are so many amazing things to explore in Krakow that it’s hard to know where to start. Before you start your travels, come up with a rough Karkow itinerary ! That’ll save you the stress of planning last minute and having the fear of missing out of the best hotspots.

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#1 – Rynek Glówny (Main Square) – One of the most incredible free places to go in Krakow

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• One of the largest medieval squares in the whole of Europe
• The focal point of the city since the 13th century
• Surrounded by some of the best bars and clubs in Krakow

Why it’s awesome: If you didn’t already know, the Mongolian Empire stretched as far as Poland! In medieval times, post invasion, this square was born and it’s a stunning piece of medieval urban planning. The whole of Krakow’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site , and this is its bustling and vibrant centre. It’s one of the hotspots in Krakow, as there are a number of historical buildings here, as well as places to eat, drink, and be merry! Look out for a mishmash of architecture, including houses with neoclassical 20th-century facades.

What to do there: Just walk around and take in the incredible atmosphere of one of the largest squares in Europe. There are a number of important attractions in Krakow on the edges of the square which are definitely worth a visit. If you’re looking for where to stay in Krakow , there will be plenty of great accommodation options around this area as well. Check out the Cloth Hall (which we’ll talk about later), and St. Mary’s Basilica. This is one of the best spots in town for nightlife, and it’s also where you’ll find some of the top places to eat in Krakow!

#2 – Wawel Castle – One of Krakow’s coolest historical sites

• Seat of the King of Poland for five centuries
• An important UNESCO World Heritage site
• A mix of architecture through the ages

Why it’s awesome: Like the Old Town, Wawel Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s one of the most important historical buildings in the whole of Poland, and the seat of royalty from the 13th to 17th centuries, before Warsaw became the capital city. It sits above the Old Town and the Vistula River, offering incredible views of both from the bulwarks of the castle! If it’s the castle itself you want to look at, you certainly won’t be bored. Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic, and Romanesque architecture can all be found here!

What to do there: It’s quite easy to spend half a day at the castle, getting lost in its corridors and grand rooms. Since the 1940s, Wawel has been a national museum, where you can not only learn about the history of Poland but see incredible tapestries, paintings, and artefacts too. Possibly the most important piece in the castle though, is Szczerbiec. That’s the ceremonial sword used for coronations from the 14th – 18th centuries! Wawel Castle can get very busy, so it may be a good idea to get tickets that allow you to skip the line. Especially in summer!

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#3 – Cloth Hall – A great place in Krakow if you love to shop

• The hall at the centre of Krakow’s Medieval trading network
• Nowadays, it’s a great place to pick up souvenirs
• One of the most enigmatic landmarks in Krakow

Why it’s awesome: If you want to do a spot of shopping in Krakow, you can’t beat the Market Hall. It’s existed in some form since the 1200s on the edge of Rynek Glówny, but its current incarnation dates back to the 1500s. It’s a reminder that Krakow was once the centre of Europe’s commercial network. In this spices, silk, and wax, among many other things from the Orient were exchanged among traders. Nowadays, you won’t find this kind of thing, but you will be able to pick up some cool souvenirs for friends and family!

What to do there: If you’d like to pick up some cool gifts, there are plenty of stalls selling wooden handicrafts, silk, and jewellery at the stores which are dotted throughout the market. Shop till you almost drop, but not quite. That’s because there’s a cool museum upstairs that you should visit! The Sukiennice Museum upstairs houses several 19th-century Polish paintings and it’s definitely worth adding to your Krakow itinerary!

#4 – Planty Park – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Krakow

• A green area that splits the Old and New Towns
• One of the best places in Krakow to relax and disconnect
• Escape the hustle and bustle of the city

Why it’s awesome: The amusingly named Planty Park forms a 4km ring around the entire Krakow Old Town. Loved by locals and tourists alike, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of either the Old or New Town of Krakow! Paths weave through the greenery, which is punctuated by fountains and sculptures. You’re just as likely to see locals walking their dog or playing a game of frisbee as you are to see other travellers checking Google Maps for the nearest attractions in Krakow!

What to do there: The great thing about Planty Park is there’s so much you can do here, no matter the time of year. In the colder months, it’s a magical winter wonderland while in summer it becomes one of the most popular hotspots in Krakow. Want to go for a leisurely stroll? Great. Play a game of sport with new friends? Yep. How about chatting to a local? You can do all of that! The park is right by two other Krakow must-sees that haven’t quite made it onto our list. But we’re happy to include the Barbikan and St. Florian’s Gate in this section!

#5 – Auschwitz Birkenau – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in Krakow

• One of the most poignant and sobering attractions in Krakow
• A day trip about 1 hour away from the city
• Probably the top reason to travel to Krakow

Why it’s awesome: For many people, Auschwitz Birkenau is one of the reasons to come to Krakow. It’s an important reminder of a terrible atrocity that will hopefully never happen again. This former concentration camp is not only one of the most moving attractions in Krakow, but the whole of Europe. It was here that many Jews entered but never left in the Second World War. Nowadays, Auschwitz is museum which offers an insight into the Holocaust. It’s also a chance to pay your respects to the many thousands of people who lost their lives here.

What to do there: If you’re planning to visit Auschwitz, you’ll want to take a day trip from the city, as the museum and memorial are about one hour from Krakow. If you don’t know much about the history of the place, a guided tour is a good option. However, there is information everywhere so if you’d like to go around on your own without being disturbed, that’s fine too. Do remember to be respectful during your visit to this sobering and important reminder of the atrocities of WWII.

#6 – Wieliczka Salt Mines – A very cool place in Krakow to go for a day

• See subterranean carvings made out of salt
• Yet another UNESCO World Heritage site
• A half an hour journey from the city centre

Why it’s awesome: Looking for one of the more unusual attractions in Krakow? Then you’ve found it! Wieliczka Salt Mines are just under 15km outside of the city, and these vast deposits of rock salt supported the city’s growth for hundreds of years. Over 1 million tourists visit this UNESCO World Heritage site annually, and the mines are considered as one of the most valuable monuments in Poland both spiritually and culturally.

What to do there: There are a couple of routes you can take to tour the mines: the tourist route and the miners’ route. Both will allow you to see huge underground chambers, walk along the vast corridors of salt, and take in the beautiful salt carvings that line the underground passages. One thing that you absolutely can’t miss is the subterranean St Kinga’s chapel – an underground cathedral made entirely of salt!

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#7 – Rynek Underground

• Another of the incredible underground attractions in Krakow
• Head beneath the Market Square to see a vampire graveyard
• See more artefacts from Krakow’s rich, colourful, and complicated history

Why it’s awesome: Rynek Underground has only been open since 2010, but this incredible museum is a great window to Krakow’s history in one of the city’s coolest locations. When you visit, you’ll actually be underneath Krakow’s main square! It’s a fantastic place to visit with kids and you’re bound to have a lot of fun. It represents life in Krakow 700 years ago, through holograms, electronic displays, and a number of touch screen computers.

What to do there: Explore Krakow! Only not as it is now. Across the 6,000 square metre attractions, you’ll be able to see the foundations of the Cloth Hall up above, which is certainly very cool. Not only that, there are bridges over archaeological digs where many of the artefacts on display were found. These include weapons, jewellery, and of course, a 700kg lump of commercial lead. This is one of the more unusual and interesting ways to see the city’s history when you’re visiting Krakow!

#8 – Tyniec Abbey – One of the best religious places to see in Krakow

• A beautiful religious building overlooking the Vistula River
• 10km south of Krakow
• One of many great points of interest in Krakow’s surrounding areas

Why it’s awesome: If you’re looking for a day trip in close proximity to the city, Tyniec Abbey is a Krakow must do. This Abbey has a long and complex history dating all the way back to the 11th century! You’ll notice that now, it has a Baroque design. That’s because over the centuries it’s been ransacked by the Czechs and the Tatars all the way back in the Medieval times, and the Swedish back in the 1600s. The towers rise up over a limestone canyon, and it’s one of the most impressive landmarks in Krakow.

What to do there: Tyniec is a village on the outskirts of Krakow. So, this is a great opportunity to see life in an authentic Polish village. It’ll certainly offer you a different perspective on Poland than you’ll get when visiting Krakow! Tyniec Abbey is still a working monastery, but it is possible to go inside. Take a guided tour with a friendly and knowledgeable guide. There’s a small museum and café offers stunning views of the river. You can even treat yourself to food or cosmetics made by the monks in the gift shop!

#9 – Koscziusko Mound

• Get amazing views of Krakow’s Old Town
• The final resting place of national hero Tadeusz Koscziusko
• One of many Pagan burial mounds that surround the city

Why it’s awesome: When you travel to Krakow, you won’t want to miss this cool and unusual monument to national hero Tadeusz Koscziusko! When the Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth was divided up at the end of the 19th century, he was one of the key members in the Resistance against the Russian forces (that ultimately failed). Upon his death, he was buried under this 34 metre mound, in the style of past Polish rulers. It’s at the top of Sikornik Hill and surrounded by a 19th century Austrian citadel.

What to do there: As you may expect from somewhere at the top of a hill more than 300 metres above sea level, this place gives outstanding views of Krakow and its Old Town. Make sure you bring your camera here as you’re sure to get some awesome pics of the old town and a few new followers on Instagram! While you’re at the mound, check out the Neo-Gothic Bronislawa Chapel too.

#10 – Kazimierz

• Krakow’s Jewish Quarter
• Lots of cool bars dotted around
• A separate city from Krakow until the 19th century

Why it’s awesome: One of the most important historical areas in Krakow, Kazimierz was actually a separate city south of the Old Town until the 1800s. In the 15th century, there was a fire in Krakow which saw the King at the time move the entire Jewish population to this neighbourhood. Over the years, it expanded as many Jews fleeing persecution in other parts of Europe settled here. If you’re a fan of Schindler’s list, you may recognise the area. Lots of the film was shot here!

What to do there: What to do in Krakow’s coolest district outside of the Old Town? Taking a walking tour to get to know it better is always a good shout! Schindler’s Factory is located here and houses the Krakow Historical Museum, which is definitely a good shot. In addition to other locations from the film, check out the cool bars and cafes that dot the area.

Spend the weekend in the city? Make sure to use your time wisely and check out our suggested weekend itinerary for Krakow before you visit!

#11 – Manggha

• A Museum dedicated to Japanese culture
• More than 7,000 pieces in this fascinating museum
• A Krakow must do if you’re interested in Japan

Why it’s awesome: Krakow is the cultural capital of Poland, but it’s not just this country that you can learn about while you’re here. You may not expect it, but Manggha is a fantastic insight into Japan just across the water from Wawel Castle and Cathedral. A Polish film director who fell in love with Japanese culture opened the museum in 1994, after winning some money from a film prize.

What to do there: If you’re interested in Japan, then oyu can’t miss this place when you’re visiting Krakow. There are over 7,000 objects and artefacts relating to Japanese culture, which will give you a broad overview of life and art in the Far Eastern country. The museum has such a great reputation that Emperor Akihito actually paid a visit here! So, you’re on a guest list with pretty esteemed company. Don’t miss this off your Krakow itinerary!

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Krakow

What are some romantic things to do in Krakow?

Escape the bustle of the city and wander around the 4km Planty Park that surrounds Krakow.

What are some great things to do in Krakow at night?

Soak in the atmosphere of Rynek Glówny (Main Square) in the evenings when comes to live with a charming glow and characterful vibe.

What are some free places to visit in Krakow?

Auschwitz is the most important and moving place to visit in Krakow and to make it accessible for all, it’s free.

What are the most fun things to do in Krakow?

The underground Wieliczka Salt Mines are a wild experience. There’s even a huge hand carved cathedral made of salt!

Final Thoughts

So, that concludes our list of the best places to visit in Krakow. We hope that you’ve found it useful and helpful in planning your Krakow itinerary, and also that you’re getting hyped up for your holiday as there’s such a huge range of things to do!

Krakow really does offer something for everyone. So, whether you’re here for important historical attractions, vibrant nightlife, or even just chilling in the cafes of the Old Town, you’ll certainly not be bored.

Hopefully our list has also shown you how to live like a local in Krakow. Maybe you’ll even be speaking a few words of Polish by the end of your trip. That’s if you don’t already of course. We hope you make the most of your trip to Poland, and make sure you keep our list of the best places to visit in Krakow at hand!

Agness and Cez

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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/

59 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Krakow, Poland

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Overflowing with colorful charm, cobblestoned streets, and a history that transitions conjures up all kinds of emotions, the southern Polish city of Krakow is rapidly climbing up the tourist ranks.

From towering castles to snow-capped mountain ranges, and gothic cathedrals to WWII memorials and camps, underground adventures, and plenty more, there’s a selection of things to do in Krakow to suit every kind of traveler.

With some of the most influential historical sites in Europe within arm’s reach of this small yet mighty city, plus lip-smacking dishes and high-class entertainment at extremely affordable prices compared to its Western European neighbors.

While the city has more than enough to keep you busy, it’s also a great spot for a slower-paced excursion; you can soak in some soothing thermal baths, learn how to make stained glass pieces, or test-drive a whole range of pinball machines.

So whether you love the outdoors, history, architecture, or prefer a more culturally-oriented trip, you’ll find plenty on offer in one of the oldest cities in Poland.

1 – Wander around Wawel Royal Castle

As one of the most famous sites in Poland, Wawel Royal Castle boasts a rich history to complement its stunning facade. The national treasure back to the 13th century, steeped in history throughout its various eras as a coronation site, an administrative center, royal residence, military garrison headquarters, prison camp during WWII, and plenty more.

From the tower bells to the hourly trumpeter, a visit to this iconic landmark is like jumping back into time to experience the beauty of this surviving piece of history.

Start with the Cathedral where Polish kings were coronated or the State Rooms with regal tapestries and ornate decorations — either way, it’s a great place for architecture and history lovers to spend an afternoon!

• Wawel Castle tours

2 – Explore the Rynek Underground Museum

Speaking of the Museum of Krakow, the Rynek Underground Museum is another branch that sits deservedly at the top of many a list of things to do in Krakow.

Four meters underground and full of high-tech exhibits, this museum draws people from all over. Whether you explore at your own pace or join a guided tour, you’ll be able to learn about the city’s entire history, from early settlers to surviving wars through more than 6,000 meters of fascinating multimedia exhibits.

As a heads up, only 300 people are allowed in at a time, so make sure to book your tickets in advance!

• Rynek Underground Museum tickets

3 – Walk around Krakow Old Town

Ready to step back into the Middle Ages? Then make a beeline for Krakow’s Old Town, a quaint and well-preserved area perfect for a walking tour , grabbing a souvenir and a bite to eat, and snapping a few touristy pics.

Whether you explore it on foot solo, alongside a knowledgable guide, or as part of a fun Segway tour, the UNESCO World Heritage site makes for a perfect day out.

• Old Town tours

4 – Pay your respects at Auschwitz-Birkenau

Eerily located just minutes away from modern-day Krakow, a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, while confronting for many, is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will stay with you for years.

For many people, this place can be difficult or emotionally draining (or both), but it’s important that we never forget the atrocities that took place here.

A guided tour, full of remarkable stories of both tragedy and survival, is a must.

• Auschwitz day trips from Krakow

5 – See what’s happening at Rynek, the Main Market Square

A constant hubbub of friendly noise and activity, Rynek, as the largest medieval square throughout Europe (which means you can’t miss it), truly is the heart of Krakow.

Boasting a decorated and long history, the evolution throughout centuries is easily visible with old churches and colorful townhouses dotting the square, some of which date back to the 1200s.

After admiring the architecture, people-watching with a drink in hand, or check out out the street performers, be sure to take note of the Town Hall Tower and Krzysztofory Palace — both part of the 17 branches of the Museum of Krakow.

Directions in Google Maps

6 – Soak in the history of Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter

Want a little exercise while you learn about a truly fascinating area of town? Then check out the Jewish Quarter, where history both thriving and troubled is embedded and reflected in the tiny streets.

From knowledge-packed guided free walking tours (just leave a tip) to sobering museums, it’s easy to spend an afternoon absorbed in tales from the past.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Galicia Jewish Museum , where visitors can learn about the area in decades gone by, from the Holocaust to present-day life, all under one roof.

• Jewish Quarter tours

7 – Soak your tired muscles in the Zakopane Thermal Baths

A good vacationer knows to take the time to take care of themselves. With that in mind, a guided tour of the charming town of Zakopane not only gives you breathtaking views of the snow-covered High Tatra Mountains, but brings you to its warm thermal pools , where relaxation and zen are customary.

To really turn the rejuvenation into overdrive, there are also a host of outdoor and indoor swimming pools, water slides, whirlpool baths, restaurants to check out.

• Zakopane tours from Krakow

8 – Pedal around the Ghetto Heroes Square

A perfect activity for a sunny day, feel the breeze in your hair as you cycle around the picturesque streets of Krakow on a bike tour, stopping off at a balance of both top-rated sights and locally-adored hidden gems along the way.

Packed into an hour or two, these tours cover everything from historic homes and charming cobbled streets to atmospheric old cemeteries. Not only that but they’re a great opportunity to meet fellow travelers!

While schedules change depending on your trip of choice, you’ll likely be given the chance to dig into a traditional Polish meal after ticking off sites like Wawel Castle, the Jewish Quarter, and the remains of the WWII Jewish Ghetto .

• bike tours in Krakow

9 – Zoom around town on a Segway!

Fed up with walking around on those bumpy cobblestone streets? Then take the smoother path instead and see the city in style by riding a Segway or scooter !

With friendly locals leading the way (which takes the stress out of planning a route), expect to pass by the massive medieval square and charming side streets en route to the grand Wawel Castle and St. Mary’s Church, just to name a couple of the typical stops.

• segway tours in Krakow

10 – Shop till you drop at Sukiennice or Cloth Hall

An ideal spot for grabbing a souvenir, Cloth Hall or Sukiennice (as the locals know it) is a top attraction in the historic area of Old Town.

This iconic building showcases flawless art that dates back to the 14th century, as well as rows upon row of crafts and souvenirs vendors.

While there’s nothing wrong with exploring at your own pace, many tourists prefer to beat the lines by booking a tour, many of which also include other essential sites like Old Town or Wawel Castle.

11 – Admire the St. Mary’s Basilica

Whether you’re an architecture buff or not, it would be hard to not be in awe of St. Mary’s Basilica.

This gothic masterpiece, built way back in the 14th century, dazzles visitors year after year with its stunning walls and art, both inside and out.

Step inside to embrace the beauty of the stained glass, starred ceiling, and magnificent wooden altar that still sees worshippers today.

Hot tip: if possible, time your visit a few minutes before the hour so that you can enjoy the sounds of the hourly bugle that echoes from the 80-meter-high tower!

• St. Mary’s Basilica tickets

12 – See the city by electric car

Another great way to explore Krakow’s beauty is by chauffeured electric car (slightly bigger than a golf cart).

The city offers a range of tours that take visitors on an in-depth journey around the most popular sites, all while taking into account some of Poland’s history along the way!

If you’re looking for a unique way to get around, this is definitely one for those who want their trip to be educational yet fun.

• city tours in Krakow

13 – Take a hike at Ojcow National Park

Located just 40 minutes north of Krakow, Ojcow National Park is ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life — which can, admittedly, become a little excessive during the peak tourist season (summer).

With hiking trails through stunning woodlands and quaint villages filled with local cafes serving all kinds of traditional Polish dishes (yes please!), plus limestone caves and fantastic rock formations, this park has everything you need.

Hot tip: For the ultimate day out in nature, climb up to Pieskowa Skala — a cliff-top castle with ancient ruins to boot.

• Ojcow National Park day trips

14 – Step back in time on a Communism tour

When you’re looking for things to do in Krakow, consider taking a tour to discover the city’s, and the nation’s turbulent past.

Many communist artifacts are still around today (including Cold War bunkers), so hop into a Trabant with a history-savvy guide and head on a 4-5 hour tour full of insights and stories.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the dark days of the Soviet Era, and see the clear contrast to Krakow’s beautiful Old Town — Nowa Huta, a Socialist Realist city — up close.

• Communism tours in Krakow

15 – See modern masterpieces at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow

A culture-lover’s go-to since its opening back in 2010, the popular Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow  aims to present and support contemporary art, particularly art and artists from the last two decades.

Affordable ticket in hand, step into the neomodern building designed by Claudio Nardi and explore over 43,000 square feet of exhibits on two floors. You’ll see not only paintings and sculptures but also excellent examples of literature and film within this collection of 5,000+ works.

16 – Quench your thirst for thrills at Energylandia

A surefire hit for any adrenaline junkie, why not spend the day at Energylandia, the biggest amusement park in Poland?

Thrill-seekers can enjoy exhilarating roller coasters (read: Hyperion, with an 88mph top speed, is the fastest coaster in the country), while the youngsters can enjoy the Little Kids Zone to burn off some energy!

If rides aren’t your jam, simply take a seat and watch any of the beautiful acrobatic shows or jump in for a swim at the on-site water park!

• Energylandia tickets

17 – Find the underground lakes at Wieliczka Salt Mine

A Krakow tourist staple for anyone willing to drift afar from the main haunts for a day or two, a trip underground to experience the Wieliczka Salt Mine is an absolute must!

Easily one of the most fascinating places in Poland. This site is the world’s largest mining heritage museum, consisting of underground trails, galleries, and chambers, where you can uncover sacred art as well as underground lakes.

It’s quite a walk down, at 135 meters deep, so thankfully, there’s a lift to take back to the surface.

• Wieliczka Salt Mine tours

18 – Step inside the Wawel Royal Cathedral

A picturesque piece of history that looks like it appeared directly out of a fairytale, the foreboding Wawel Royal Cathedral is certainly hard to miss. Rich in both history and beauty, there’s no excuse not to step inside this architectural masterpiece, especially considering its central location.

Dubbed one of the most important cathedrals in Poland, this revered site plays host to a selection of chapels, burial chambers of Polish kings, and Sigmund’s famous bell.

• Wawel Royal Cathedral tickets

19 – Tick off all the main sites with a convenient bus tour

Want to cover a lot of ground but don’t know where to start? Then do as the time-poor travelers of years gone by have done and sign up for a bus tour! Specifically, one where you can hop on and off to check out the amazing sites.

The double-decker bus routes cover all the major landmarks, like Main Market Square, the Barbican Gateway, the Schindler Factory Museum, Wawel Castle, and more, and offer high-quality audio narration along the way.

• bus tours in Krakow

20 – Meet the monks at Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec

Majestically perched on a limestone ridge overlooking the Vistula River is the Benedictine monastery (or abbey) that was built by monks way back in — ready for this? — 1044.

Visitors will be surprised to discover that the same order of monks still roam the premises and are enchantingly social, gladly sharing stories of the abbey’s history and current operation — you’ll even find them sitting and chatting at the in-house restaurant or coffee shop where you can stop for a snack.

The building itself, located in the historic Tyniec village, is a monumental structure in its own right.

21 – Chug along the Vistula River

Whether you’re looking for a bit of a party, some simple sightseeing from a new perspective, or a romantic dinner date with your better half, you can’t go wrong with a Vistula River boat tour.

With the sun shining (or the stars shimmering above), and the glistening Vistula below you to guide your way, it’s hard not to fall in love with Krakow when gliding along the water.

• boat tours in Krakow

22 – Check out the hometown of Pope John Paul II

You may not know the name Karol Wojtyla, but you may have heard of Pope John Paul II — after he was ordained as Pope of the Catholic Church, he became an influential religious figure worldwide.

Born and raised in Wadowice , about an hour southwest of Krakow by car, his town and home have become places of pilgrimage for worshippers.

On guided excursions, travelers can see the local basilica, learn all about his story, and even taste the Pope’s favorite dessert!

• Pope John Paul II tours

23 – Explore the stories of Czestochowa

Just two hours from the city, Czestochowa offers visitors a striking glimpse into religion in the country.

It is most famed as the home of the Black Madonna, a magnificent religious painting tucked into the Jasna Gora Monastery .

The striking work is thought to be from the 1300s, and has been revered ever since; according to legend, it once helped protect the monastery from a military siege!

Some excursions also include trips to Wadowice , the historic little town that’s best known as the birthplace of Pope John Paul II.

• Czestochowa day trips from Krakow

24 – Get some fresh air along the Dunajec River

One of the most underrated activities in Krakow, spending some time along the Dunajec River — a haven for hikers, white water rafters, and nature lovers — is an absolute gem for anyone who wants to get away from it all.

With sparkling blue water and gorgeous greenery along the banks, high-thrills rafting tours are is sure to take your breath away.

After your interlude in nature, stop by Niedzica Castle for a dose of culture! This splendid 14th-century structure looks like it was plucked out of a fairytale, and it’s packed with enough historical tidbits to keep any learner happy.

After admiring the gorgeous exteriors, step inside to see an impressive showcase of items dating from the 1500s to the 1800s.

You can also peek into some of the original rooms, including a torture chamber!

• Dunajec River tours

25 – Put a locker on the Father Bernatek Footbridge

Opened in 2010, this now iconic part of the urban landscape attracts pedestrians and cyclists alike with its highly aesthetic appeal — which, however, is often overshadowed by the vibrant watering holes in the area, with tourists flocking to pub crawls after sunset.

Designed by local architect Andrzej Getter, the bridge re-connects two popular Krakow neighborhoods that were separated for over 80 years.

Feeling romantic? Then feel free to participate in the tradition of attaching an engraved padlock to the bridge’s railing before throwing the key in the Wisla River Below.

26 – Fly high at the Polish Aviation Museum

Housed impressively in an old airport, the Polish Aviation Museum is the perfect spot for any budding Mavericks and future pilots!

With an impressive collection of diverse aircraft (over 300!), aviation buffs can marvel at some of the unique parts of Polish history — from the last Russian flying boat in the world to the Polish PZL 130 Orlik (used during the Soviet era), the old-school Albatros B.II, and even gliders and helicopters, there’s plenty on offer to keep you entertained for at least a couple hours.

• Polish Aviation Museum tickets

27 – Venture into the Tatra Mountains

As your vehicle climbs ever higher, you’ll soon see why the Tatra Mountains are such a beloved outdoor destination!

Hiking is an excellent option in the warmer months, with a nice mix of trails and some spectacular scenery.

And in the winter, you can get even more adventurous with some dog-sledding , where you and your canine team will embark on a thrilling adventure across the snowy terrain.

No matter which season you visit, your jaunt into the Polish wilderness is sure to be a memorable one!

• Tatra Mountains day trips

28 – Tear it up on a quad bike tour

If you’re even a little bit of an adrenaline junkie, you’ll no doubt consider this experience one of the more exciting things to do in Krakow.

After a professional instructor gives all of the tips and tricks needed to get your gear on and tear it up offroad outside the city proper, you’ll be kicking up dirt clouds or mud puddles as you explore the wooded hills of the Polish countryside in no time.

• quad tours in Krakow

29 – Get some zen at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi

The serene and inspiring Church of St. Francis (with Monastery of the Franciscan Order) is a sprawling Roman Catholic complex that boasts a decorated history tracking all the way back to the thirteenth century.

While the facade is nice, no doubt, the interior steals the show: its inner walls are decorated with several magnificent stained glass windows designed by Polish national, Stanisław Wyspiański.

As expected, guests of this facility are asked to respect the sacred nature of the place by following a few simple guidelines like remaining quiet.

To fully appreciate its history, guided tours are available with English-speaking guides.

30 – Unleash your inner foodie with a Krakow Food Tour

Who’s hungry?

For those who love nothing more than stuffing their faces with local cuisine, a guided tour of famous Krakow eateries is high priority.

Enjoy the taste of an authentic Polish kiełbasa, experience mouthwatering pierogi, mountain-style oscypek cheese, and a favorite pastry known as Pope’s Cake.

You’ll not only delve into all kinds of meats, cheeses, soups, bread, and sweets, but tours usually also include a Polish vodka tasting to wash it all down.

The best part? You’ll be skipping the overpriced tourist-trap restaurants and heading right for places the locals frequent!

• food tours in Krakow

31 – Try some electric scooter tours

For a fun alternative to normal sightseeing excursions, book an electric scooter tour!

These zippy, eco-friendly vehicles are perfect for exploring the city’s unique sites and iconic spots, accompanied by an enthusiastic guide.

Weave through the streets of the Jewish Quarter, or zip past the beautiful outlines of local castles – all while reducing your carbon footprint!

Whether you’re rolling past the magnificent buildings of Old Town or cruising between eateries on a food tour, you’ll find plenty of adventure on two wheels!

• e-scooter tours in Krakow

32 – Test your wits in a scavenger game

If you’ve always wanted to star in your very own Amazing Race, now’s your chance! What better way to learn all about fascinating local history and legends than through a real-life treasure hunt?

As you explore the cobbled streets of Krakow’s Old Town and discover iconic landmarks like St Florian’s Gate and Wawel Royal Castle, you’ll be forced to search for clues and solve puzzles before time runs out — a wonderful and unique activity for the whole family.

• scavenger games in Krakow

33 – Get a new perspective on WWII at the Eagle Pharmacy Museum

Along with the Hipolit House and a host of others, Eagle Pharmacy Museum is also one of the 17 branches of the Museum of Krakow.

Right next to the Jewish District, this museum is housed in a charming old pharmacy that served Polish Jews during the occupation and doubled as a place where the afflicted could meet in secret without persecution.

Still containing much of its original equipment, and with plenty of fascinating displays on show, it’s well worth checking out if you want to learn more about how medicine played its part during the Second World War.

• Eagle Pharmacy Museum tickets

34 – Admire the art at Muzeum Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego Collegium Maius

A must-visit for science buffs, located in the oldest collegiate building in Poland (built way back in the fourteenth century), the mighty Jagiellonian University Museum houses several historic and artistic university collections.

You’ll not only see intricate artworks, bold sculptures, and antique furniture, but also a diverse collection of wholly unique scientific instruments like astrolabes, globes, sundials, telescopes, vacuum pumps, and microscopes.

35 – See the many castles of the Eagle’s Nest Trail

A classic, the Eagle’s Nest Trail is a scenic and popular way to get more of an insight into Polish wilderness, culture, and history.

Lengthy but worth it, you can expect to enjoy magnificent views over the mountains of Poland’s south-western region as well as some interesting castles along the way — all with a simple entry fee paid at any one of three access points.

While each tour might differ slightly, you will explore some 25 medieval palaces and fortresses, called “Eagles Nests” referring to their countryside’s limestone cliffs construction.

• Eagle’s Nest Trail tours

36 – Go spelunking at Dragon’s Den

One for the adventure lovers, there are no excuses not to explore Dragon’s Den , a legendary cave on the western slope of Krakow’s Wawel Hill.

Formed over 25 million years ago, the cave is full of eerie crawl spaces, murky caverns, rock projections, and mysterious niches and fissures.

While exploring, expect a friendly guide to fill you in on all the history of the cave and its use since its discovery.

37 – Try out some beer tastings

Delicious and decadent, beer tastings are the perfect way to explore the city in-depth.

The craft beer scene has been booming in recent years, and these tours offer a wonderful opportunity to taste some of the unique creations of local breweries.

And if you want to take your experience to the next level, you can also book dinner at a brewery, and complement your beverages with hearty local favorites like ham hocks and soup.

Sip your way through the city – you might even find a new favorite beverage!

• beer tasting in Krakow

38 – Immerse yourself in history at Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory

When you enter this museum dedicated to the Krakow experiences of World War II, you’re entering the historic building that once served as an enamel factory owned and operated by the famed and heroic Oskar Schindler (as seen in the film Schindler’s List).

Rich in information and full of stories to tell, the museum is one of the 17 branches of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow; other noteworthy branches include the Town Hall Tower, the Podgorze Museum, the Zwierzyniec House, and Eagle Pharmacy Museum.

• Schindler’s Factory tours

39 – Step inside the famous Corpus Christi Basilica

This vast and beautiful basilica is one of the best examples in Poland of Gothic and Baroque-blended architecture, notable for its ornate altars, imposing pillars, and stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes — as such, it’s become one of the most popular things to do in Krakow.

Undeniably one of its main features is its organ collection, featuring a main instrument built in 1958 containing elements from an original 1770s organ — even the church itself is almost 700 years old.

40 – Jump out of your skin at Lost Souls Alley

If you’re looking for things to do in Krakow when you need a break from museums and Renaissance architecture, why not try this combination haunted house and escape room?

A unique experience fit for the bravest of travelers, at Lost Souls Alley you and a group will navigate through creepy rooms full of macabre clues and work together to make your way to the end of this frighteningly fun experience.

41 – Hang with hyenas at Krakow Zoo

A wonderful day trip suitable for kids and adults alike, Krakow Zoo is located in the sprawling Wolski Forest, a beautiful forest park littered with popular walking trails and lush vegetation.

The family-friendly zoo is home to over 1,500 animals representing about 270 species, with wild animals spanning every class and family imaginable — red pandas, snow leopards, Indian Elephants, pygmy hippos, Rothschild’s giraffes, ruffed and ringed lemurs, great condors, Humboldt penguins… the list goes on.

Plus, with daily feeding shows, educational presentations, and plenty of opportunities to feed the animals yourself (for a small fee), there is so much for visitors of all ages to do.

• see price and reviews

42 – Get terrifically tipsy on a wine-tasting tour!

One of the most popular things to do in Krakow for thirsty travelers is to celebrate the fact that you’re on vacation with a wine tour and tasting!

A country that doesn’t mind a sip or two, Poland boasts over 300 hectares and counting of registered vineyards, and Krakow loves to show them off.

With a range of tours available (with a designated driver provided), you can always find private vineyard tastings, evening wine cruises, and wine-aplenty piano concerts.

• wine tasting tours in Krakow

43 – Master the national dish with a Polish Pierogi Cooking Class

Want to learn how to make your own version of the world-famous Polish potato dumplings?Then look no further than an intimate cooking class hosted in the home of a sweet and friendly local.

Apron on and spatula in hand, your host will share their own story and explore the rich history and culture behind Poland’s national dish. Then, following a hands-on lesson of traditional fillings (think meat or vegetables) and cooking techniques, you’ll eat what you make together over shots of vodka or glasses of wine!

• cooking classes in Krakow

44 – Button-mash at the Krakow Pinball Museum

We’ll admit it, the term “museum” is used loosely pretty here; nearly 100 pinball machines and other classic arcade games are available for you to play to your heart’s content at this gamer’s paradise .

To keep things simple, all gameplay is included in the admission price, and you can even grab a drink at the bar.

Full of nostalgia and fun for all ages, you’ll flip your flippers over this exclusive collection of vintage pinball machines highlighted by all-star classic titles like Indiana Jones, The Addams Family, Medieval Madness, and Attack From Mars!

45 – Explore the Barbican Museum

Another branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow, the Barbican is a palatial fortified outpost and one of the few remaining relics of the complex network of defense barriers that once surrounded the city.

Built in an enchanting Gothic style just before the turn of the 16th century, the Barbican now serves as a beloved tourist attraction and museum that celebrates the understated history and architecture of the fortification system.

46 – Climb the Kościuszko Mound

The Kościuszko Mound , named after the hero of Poland’s national uprising against Russia in the early 1800s (lieutenant-general Tadeusz Kościuszko), is a site for some amazing photo ops over Kraków.

So long as you’ve packed decent walking boots, visitors can climb the 1,070-foot serpentine path to the top and take in gorgeous panoramic views of the Vistula River below.

47 – See where east meet west at the Manggha Centre

Straddling the banks of the Vistula River, this hidden treasure of Krakow is a stunning building with an equally beautiful purpose.

Manggha was founded in 1994, dedicated to showcasing the mutual cultural relations between Poland and Japan; highlighting how Japanese art has influenced many famous Polish artists over the years.

The impressive collection includes (take a deep breath) Japanese, Korean, and Polish paintings, plus raw sculptures, bizarre installations, archival photographs, enchanting watercolors, and plenty of unique masks and costumes.

48 – Spend the afternoon at the National Museum

History buffs, take note!

The National Museum, the biggest museum in Poland, contains everything you’d want to know about the Poland of old under one roof. With priceless art collections, wonderful traditional homewares, and Polish military relics, there is sure to be something for everyone at this popular 130-year-old attraction.

With tickets less than $10, it’s definitely worth the stop!

• National Museum tickets

49 – See an original Da Vinci at The Princes Czartoryski Museum

A hidden gem of Polish culture, The Princes Czartoryski Museum has been welcoming visitors and art-lovers alike since it opened way back in 1878, home to some truly impressive collections of Renaissance items such as antiques, sculptures, tapestries, and paintings.

While two works by Rembrandt are always popular, the list of highlights is topped by Leonardo da Vinci’s beloved piece, The Lady with an Ermine.

50 – Feel the adrenaline with a shooting range experience

Fancy yourself a bit of a gunslinger? Then put your aim to the test at a shooting range!

Following the safety briefing, and under the guidance of excellent instructors, visitors are given the chance to test-fire a variety of weapons — from pistols and revolvers to a few beefier options.

• shooting range experience in Krakow

51 – Indulge at as many of the top Polish restaurants as possible

If adventurous travelers agree on anything it’s that you can’t say you’ve been somewhere if you haven’t tried the food. When in Krakow, savor the beef goulash at Czarna Kaczka (The Black Duck), enjoy pork tenderloin at Starka , melt pierogies in your mouth at Smakolyki , or splurge on the 7-course tasting menu at the eclectic, Michelin-starred Bottiglieria 1881 !

With so many great restaurants to choose from, all of which present as incredibly cheap compared to western Europe, you might as well plan on trying them all!

52 – Attend a mass at the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy

Although it can be a bit tricky to find, this enormous church in the southern suburbs is an important pilgrimage for both Catholics, with visitors of the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy having described having unique, spiritually rewarding experiences — not to mention its stunning chapel and shrines that were enough to inspire three Papal visits.

The basilica hosts masses in both English and Polish, and there’s even a moderately priced restaurant and a gift shop offering religious souvenirs.

53 – Get buzzed with a locally-led Polish vodka tasting!

Here’s one for the thirsty travelers; you can’t go to Poland without sampling the local vodka — that’s just how it is.

Polish vodka is best sampled at local haunts like Nadwislanska Resto & Vodka Bar, Wodka Cafe, or Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa — but, in all honestly, you’re never far away from a shot or two.

There are plenty of other amazing excursions that you can pair with your vodka tour, including food tastings.

The hearty flavors of traditional Polish meals and snacks pair perfectly with the drinks – and the extra calories will help you soak up some more alcohol!

• polish vodka tasting in Krakow

54 – Relax and unwind at Planty Park

One of the biggest parks in Krakow, the well-kept Planty Park should be at the top of your list of things to do if you’re after a picnic or casual stroll away from the tourist traps.

Far more than just some grass, this charming greenscape was once the moats, walls, and towers that acted as the city’s primary defense. Today, all of that has drastically changed into a quaint park with lovely walking paths and benches.

55 – Grab a front-row seat at the Chopin Concert Hall

Classical music aficionados and even the casual listener will be delighted to experience a live performance of the works of Poland’s most famous composer.

Tall glass of wine in hand, you’ll settle into a cozy setting, and listen as award-winning pianists bring the beloved virtuoso to life — it’s definitely a great way to experience one of the most important elements of Polish culture.

• Chopin concert in Krakow

56 – Amaze (or confuse) yourself at Krakil – Museum of Illusions

Can you believe your own eyes? There’s only one way to find out; at Krakil , a museum full of optical, physical, and historical illusions, you’ll be left wondering, “Is this magic?”

The whole family can enjoy the fascinating old mansion, with helpful staff around every corner to tell you about the history and inventions on display!

57 – Spend the evening at a folk-themed dinner show

Try as you might, you can’t get more of an authentic Polish experience than this all-you-can-eat dinner and folk show!

While feasting on pierogies, kielbasa, and other Polish delights in a 3-course dinner and buffet, you’ll be entertained by a professional dance group and accompanying musicians as they dazzle you with traditional Polish folk dancing set to lively and dynamic Polish music.

Don’t be surprised if the entertainers interact with you!

• dinners in Krakow

58 – Meet fellow partiers on a pub crawl!

For all the socialites, dancers, filters, and drinkers, the best way to meet people when you travel is to join a pub crawl (who could argue with a little liquid confidence, right?) and, luckily for galavanting partiers, Krakow has no shortage of them!

With so many lively bar crawls going on each night in the city center, with welcome shots, icebreaker games, open bars, and photographers included, it’s the ideal way to kickstart any trip.

• pub crawls in Krakow

59 – Enjoy the nightlife

From dusk until dawn, Krakow offers plenty of clubs to keep the party going!

Alchemia offers a varied, sophisticated lineup, with a particular focus on jazz.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Cybermachina Game Pub blends delicious, creative drinks with a quirky, video-game themed atmosphere.

Choice Club ’s excellent DJ sets and great beverages are only matched by its unique wood-accented interiors, which add a modern feel to the space.

And at Klub 30 , the party lasts all night, every night, dance floors, and music galore – all catering to guests age 25 and up!

How to get to Krakow?

Although Krakow is a little city (at least, compared to some of its western European counterparts), its airport, John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport, is a bit out of the way.

So why deal with the hassle of hiring a taxi or attempting to use the public transport system (in Polish, for that matter)? Take the hassle out of your trip — we recommend a pre-booked airport shuttle service for the simplest of arrivals and departures. Plus, if traveling as a group, it’s a great way to save on travel costs!

Where to stay in Krakow?

Radisson Blu Hotel Krakow is a short walk away from hotspots like the Royal Wawel Castle and the Main Market Square, but it also offers plenty of its own amenities, such as bike rentals and a beauty parlor.

And Sky Hotel Krakow combines a convenient centralized location with its own elegant style; when you’re not making your way past St. Mary’s Basilica and Lost Souls Alley, you can work out at the gym or kick back at the bar.

AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow is a perfect all-ages option, with a lovely garden, easy access to museums and sports stadiums, and a kids’ club for youngsters to blow off steam.

PURO Kraków Kazimierz welcomes guests with delicious breakfasts and a terrace for relaxing, and even a sauna to kick back in after a day of exploring castles and cultural institutions.

And the scenery at The Bridge Suites is top-notch, with great views of the river and the city that perfectly complement the avant-garde, artsy designs inside.

• Hotels in Krakow

Visiting Krakow on a budget?

If you’re on a budget, why not try a free walking tour ? These tours provide a great way to get familiar with a city’s history and culture!

Another popular choice for budget-savvy travelers is the Krakow Pass – the best way to see all of the main attractions in Krakow.

The pass includes free entry to up to 40 museums, theatre performances, churches and concerts, and plenty of discounts at bars and restaurants. It also gives you skip-the-line access to hot spots (like Wawel Castle, Schindler’s Factory) and it also includes unlimited access to the city’s public transport network!

Where to go next?

Just a few hours away, Warsaw is filled to the brim with art and culture, as well as a fascinating history that encompasses monarchies, World War II sites, and more.

Wroclaw , dubbed the “Venice of Poland,” boasts idyllic canals and numerous bridges. Visit the vibrant Market Square with its historic Old Town Hall and seek out the city’s unique dwarf statues.

From the towering St. Mary’s Church to the picturesque Motława River waterfront, the list of things to do in Gdańsk is as rich as its storied past.

Or head to the Czech Republic for a taste of Prague , filled with plenty of fashion, architecture, and unique museums to keep all kinds of visitors engaged.

In Hungary, the charming city of Budapest offers everything from natural baths to world-class clubbing, along with some excellent sports and world-class cuisine.

Meanwhile, Austria greets you with Vienna , where opera, Ferris wheels, dancing horses, and surreal art projects all happily coexist.

And in Slovakia, you can enjoy the underrated city of Bratislava , with its galleries, striking buildings, and rich culture.

There are also some wonderful multi-day trips that you can take with Krakow as a home base; whether you’re absorbing history at Auschwitz or exploring the Christmas markets, it’s a wonderful way to delve deeper into Polish culture.

Final thoughts

A city filled with its own unique charms and quirks, Poland’s capital really has something for everyone!

And whether you’re exploring castles, hiking through mountains, diving into art, or throwing back some shots at the club, you’ll never run out of things to do in Krakow.

So pack your adventuring shoes and come see this terrific place for yourself!

As always, happy travels!

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• 2 Days in Kraków

Of all Poland’s cities, Kraków is the most popular destination for foreign tourists, and not without good reason! Aside from boasting a rich heritage of monumental architecture and a fascinating history, it is home to a wealth of gourmet gems. Join us for a culinary adventure!

2 Days in: Kraków Poland

Of course, the most touristy cities can be tricky for food-loving travellers. Where tourists crowd, the restaurants sometimes turns out to be generic and unoriginal, falling into stereotypes and clichés. Kraków could have fallen into this trap, but luckily – against all odds – it has not. Despite being a city steeped in history, Kraków has become a playground for young talent and culinary innovators. They have brought a breath of fresh air and creativity to the city’s gastronomy scene, as you are about to see for yourself. Kraków is an easy sell – an imposing royal castle overlooking the smooth mirror of the Vistula River; striking buildings flanking the picturesque Main Square – the ever-vibrant heart of the city; nostalgic Kazimierz – for centuries a hub of Jewish life; and verdant Planty, a park that is conducive to a relaxing stroll around the Old Town… Meanwhile, its restaurants and cafés alone are reason enough to visit the city.

Morning: Breakfast fit for a (plant) king – or queen

Lunch: Mediterranean sun in Kraków

Afternoon: Bar pit stops

Kraków is not a city to be in a rush and its plethora of cafés and bars invites you to take it slowly and soak up every minute. If you are curious to try out Polish wines (did you know there are more than 500 wineries in Poland?), then why not stroll over to Dzikie Wino Wine Bar after lunch? This charming wine bar in the very centre of the Old Town is housed in the historical rooms of a 16C townhouse and – in good weather – spills out onto its quaint patio. “Dzikie Wino” means “Wild Wine” and, as the name suggests, it sells low-intervention wines from boutique producers around Europe, but it also stocks a good deal of wine made in Poland. Many Polish winemakers work with so-called hybrid grapes that are often more resilient to harsh climate conditions but also have their own unique flavour profiles: wine enthusiasts, take note! If you would rather enjoy a cup of coffee than an aperitivo at this juncture, head to Somnium Cafe Bar for your shot of classic espresso or a refreshing concoction of espresso and fizzy tonic water.

Dinner with Copernicus

This same historical building on Kanoniczna Street is home to Hotel Copernicus , the eponymous five-star boutique hotel, recommended by the MICHELIN Guide as the place to stay when in Kraków. The room design is a perfect blend of the original architecture of the building and contemporary style and comfort. Classical wooden furniture is teamed with frescoes on the walls, and sleek, modern details, for a truly special setting for your city break stay.

Day 2 

Morning: across the river.

After a hearty breakfast, you will be ready to explore Kraków’s cultural scene. One of the most highly recommended spots in the city is the National Museum in Kraków with its terrific collection of 20C Polish paintings and sculptures; another is Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology , located in a waved-shaped building, mimicking the river passing just next to it. From there, you can walk to the Podgórze neighbourhood, which in the last few years has undergone significant and positive changes, becoming livelier and increasing its profile in such a way as to counterbalance the always busy Old Town. If you are ready for a snack, try local artisanal bakery Piekarnia Miejska , known for its sensational sourdough bread but also its delightful sweet buns with seasonal fruit or pistachios and sea salt flakes. A few minutes’ walk from the bakery, you come to Rynek Podgórski. Around this triangular-shaped square, there are restaurants and bars of various genres where you can have a drink before heading for lunch.

Lunch: A variety of flavours by the Vistula

For something a bit different, it is worth taking a taxi to Molam – a Thai restaurant awarded a Bib Gourmand . Its colourful interior and open kitchen will instantly transport you to a fun and festive atmosphere of South East Asia and whet your appetite with its ever-evolving menu. Showcasing dishes from all regions of Thailand, it often incorporates local seasonal ingredients such as asparagus, fava beans and kohlrabi into its recipes. For the perfect complement to the vibrant food, choose one of the signature cocktails, available with or without alcohol.

Now could be a good time to do some souvenir shopping. For something that will remind you of your Kraków trip, head to Leon & Miko , a pottery workshop where you can purchase original, handmade pieces, from cups to vases. Returning to Kazimierz, consider visiting Lulua, a niche perfumery. Peruse the wide selection of hard-to-get fragrances in an atmospheric space with well-trained staff on hand. If you are into wine or coffee, visiting such a perfumery can be a good way to train your senses and consolidate your knowledge of aromas. And of course, you can buy a beautiful scent to take home as a vivid sensory reminder of your time here.

Dinner: Two-star feast

Find the Best Spots on the Map

Address book.

Hotel Copernicus, Kanonicza 16, Kraków, Poland Hotel Warzauer, Warszauera 10, Kraków, Poland

Bottiglieria 1881, Bocheńska 5, Kraków, Poland Copernicus, Kanonicza 16, Kraków, Poland Farina, św. Marka 16, Kraków, Poland Molam, Rajska 3/4, Kraków, Poland ZaKładka, Józefińska 2, Kraków, Poland

Dzikie Wino Wine Bar, Rynek Główny 27, Kraków, Poland Fornir, Długa 12, Kraków, Poland

Leon & Miko, Podbrzezie 6, Kraków, Poland Lulua, Józefa 22, Kraków, Poland Manggha Museum of Art and Technology, Marii Konopnickiej 26, Kraków, Poland Miejska, Kalwaryjska 26/II, Kraków, Poland National Museum, al. 3 Maja 1, Kraków, Poland Somnium Cafe Bar, Beera Meiselsa 5, Kraków, Poland Zaczyn, Tadeusza Kościuszki 27, Kraków, Poland

See as well:

Our full restaurant selection in kraków our full hotel selection in kraków, read as well: restaurant farina – french sun and polish flavours inside poland’s first ever two star restaurant.

Illustration Image :  Dish at Bottiglieria 1881 © Bottiglieria 1881

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The MICHELIN Guide Poland Expands to the Pomorskie Region

The expansion includes the tri-cities of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot. The full restaurant selection for The MICHELIN Guide Poland will be announced on Thursday 20th June 2024.

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Incredible Places to Visit Near Krakow ...just when you thought you've seen it all!

Krakow  is an extraordinary city to visit. With its beautiful buildings, interesting museums and the great atmosphere it is definitely an essential while  visiting Poland . But what if you’ve already seen everything that the city offers? Does it mean that you have to be at a loose end? Of course not! There are so many  amazing places near Krakow worth visiting !

• amazing  towns 
• beautiful  castles
• incredible  natural monuments and sights

Are you ready to start your trip?

Towns near Krakow

There are so many  beautiful towns  less than an hour away from Krakow.

Explore their amazing architecture, fun attractions and one of a kind atmosphere!

Just about  an hour away from Krakow  lies a beautiful city of  Tarnow . With its  extremely well-preserved Old Town, one of the prettiest market squares in Lesser Poland  and unique buildings, Tarnow is incredibly worth seeing.

It also has a rich  Jewish history , which is plainly visible while walking around the pretty little streets of this town.

Make sure you see  The Old Synagogue Bimah, Strzelecki Park  and  Tarnow Cathedral  –  you won’t regret it!

Bimah of the Old Synagogue in Tarnow – the only part left after the war (source: dariusz79 – Flog)

Strzelecki Park – look how green and amazing! (source: Tarnów ON-LINE)

How far from Krakow?

• 83 kilometers
• 1 hour 12 minutes

It’s a very important place in Lesser Poland.  Wadowice  is a  hometown of Karol Wojtyla , later  Pope John Paul II . You can visit his home, see how he lived before he became a priest.

You should also see the  Town Museum , which features an interactive, multimedia exhibition on the pope’s life and Wadowice at the time of his childhood.

Finally, go to  Kawiarnia Mieszczańska  and taste kremówka – local and the pope’s favorite delicacy!

The exterior of the House of John Paul II (source: Polska The Times)

Market Square and the church in Wadowice at night

• 52 kilometers

Ready for a pop of color? Go to  Zalipie  – the most colorful village in Poland ! See painted cottages, painted houses, painted church, painted everything!

So colorful! (source: malopolska.pl)

Admire the most creative  flower patterns , listen to interesting stories and see the way people lived a few decades ago.

Indulge in the  colorful fairytale  and take a lot of pictures!

If you want to know some more about this amazing village, we have a great  post about Zalipie  that will tell you everything you need to know to go there.

• 116 kilometers
• 1 hour 30 minutes

Are you curious how Polish villages looked  in the nineteenth century ? Now you have a chance to see it for yourself! See  Lanckorona , a village known for its well preserved 19th-century wooden houses in its center.

The houses are beautiful and surely take you to the past. You should also make sure to see the ruins of  Lanckorona Castle , in which many of important historical events happened.

Little wooden houses make you feel like you’re in the nineteenth century //source: IRART

Ruins of Lanckorona Castle (source: naszezamki.pl)

• 37 kilometers

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska

Is one of the most popular places to visit near Krakow.  Kalwaria Zebrzydowska  is an important Catholic and spiritual center in Poland. Go and admire its special atmosphere and architecture.

With its immense  Bernardine Monastery , which contains impressive  16th- and 17th-century paintings  in its cloister, small shrines all around the town and paths of prayer, it is the perfect place to  meditate and clear one’s mind .

Bernardine Monastery in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska (source: veturo.pl)

The interior of the church – look how rich and beautiful it looks! (source: ricardo1- flog)

• 40 kilometers

If you are wondering about things to do around Krakow, you should definitely take a look at  Zator ‘s attractions! Not only does it have a beautiful market square with a town hall, but it has a special attraction –  Energylandia Amusement Park .

It is a huge complex with an enormous area of  26 hectares , which includes  over 30 various  modern and advanced devices, roller coasters, you name it!

Nothing but fun! (source: Youtube)

Ready to have some fun?

• 56 kilometers
• 1 hour 8 minutes

Castles near Krakow

Old, stunning, immense. When looking for places to see near Krakow, the most fascinating places of interest are castles. There are so many of them in the Krakow area!

Ready to feel the spirit of old-time Poland?

Pieskowa Skała Castle

A Renaissance castle located on a limestone cliff in  the valley of river Prądnik . It was built in the first half of the fourteenth century.  The Pieskowa Skala Castle  is one of the best-known examples of a defensive Polish architecture.

Let it charm you with its gardens, courtyard an one of a kind atmosphere!

It’s like a fairytale! (source: Polskie szlaki)

• 29 kilometers

The Royal Castle in Niepołomice

This gothic castle in  Niepołomice  was built in the fourteenth century and then rebuilt in the sixteenth century. This huge building called 'the second Wawel'  was the residence of most Polish kings and queens. It is known for its Italian gardens.

Visit the castle and listen to amazing stories about the events that took place here and changed Polish history!

You can feel the atmosphere of a medieval court! (source: groupon)

• 24 kilometers

The Ogrodzieniec Castle

I bet you’ll be amazed by this great building.  The Ogrodzieniec Castle , built in the eleventh century is an example of  incredible medieval architecture .

Its stark-looking walls take you to medieval Poland.

Make sure you see this fairytale-like castle and  feel the magic !

Isn’t it gorgeous?

• 64 kilometers
• 1 hour 20 minutes

The Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec

Founded in the 11th century it has been repeatedly transformed and expanded, notably in the 15th and 17th centuries.  The Abbey  is situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the  Vistula River . The place can be accesed free with our Krakow Museum Pass!

So magically located! (source: Magiczny Kraków)

See the everyday life of the monks, listen to  Gregorian chants , sung daily by the monks in the church and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

• 15 kilometers

Krakow nature

Now something for  nature lovers . If you’re looking for  interesting sights near Krakow , you’re lucky! There are so many wonderful places where you can admire nature, breath fresh air and take a break from the city life.

I’m sure you have never seen things like these!

Ojcow National Park

Once you enter  Ojcow National Park , you will see  one of the most scenic views located near Krakow .

The area is rich in  tall limestone structures  that have adopted distinctive shapes not to be seen anywhere else.

The park invites you to indulge in its greenery!

If you want some more information, check out our  post about Ojcow National Park .

Don’t wait!

Truly nature’s miracle! (source: Polskie Szlaki)

Look at those rocks!

• 26 kilometers

Pradnik River Valley

If you’re interested in  geology , this is definitely a proposition for you. You can gain information about all kinds of rocks and eras.

But if geology isn’t really your thing, you still will be amazed by the  Pradnik River Valley , it looks totally unforgettable!

Beautiful valley

• 6 kilometers

King Lokietek Cave

Is said to have sheltered  King Władysław I Łokietek , for whom it was named. It is also the largest cave in  Ojcow National Park  area.

Definitely worth seeing!

Kind of spooky, isn’t it? (source: crazy nauka)

• 21 kilometers

The Devil Bridge in Czerna

Ruins of the bridge in  Czerna , built in the seventeenth century. Legend has it that once a year all devils, evil ghosts and witches meet here to have a debate.

It’s a great proposition for fans of spooky stories and also – nature lovers.

See any devils? (source: moto opinie)

• 31 kilometers

What are places near Krakow worth seeing?

As you can see, there is no need for you to sit bored in a hotel. There is so much to see and do around Krakow, many nice attractions, great sights.

Whether you’re a fan of history, nature or just good fun, you’ll surely find something for yourself!

Are you inspired to explore sights near Krakow? Or maybe you’ve been to these places?

Let us know in the comments! :)

I'm Kamila. I moved to Krakow to study English and German at Jagiellonian University, because I love everything that's connected with these languages. Writing for Discover Cracow and sharing what I know with the visitors makes me really glad and excited!

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15 Best Cities to Visit in Poland

P oland is a fascinating and beautiful European country. It’s a fusion of poignant history, incredible culture, and touches of modernity. Whether you’re a history buff, or you are just looking for the best places to explore in this Central European country, Poland’s unique charm and beauty are sure to captivate you. 

From the medieval streets of Krakow to the urban landscape of Warsaw and the coastal allure of Gdansk, we’ve laid out the best cities to visit in Poland. 

Prettiest and Best Cities to Visit in Poland

If you’re planning a trip to Poland and looking for the prettiest, most unique, and best cities to visit in Poland, these 15 cities each have their own distinct character and reasons to visit. 

Krakow is the most visited and arguably the most charming Polish city. 

Steeped in history, Krakow is worth visiting for at least 3 or 4 days. The UNESCO-listed Old Town and its lively Main Square invites you to wander among colorful facades or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets.

Take a moment to gaze at the peculiar Eros Bendato – one of the most famous statues in Europe , and marvel at the prominent St. Mary’s Basilica – one of the most notable European churches . 

Visit the famous Wawel Castle and its royal cathedral for a journey into Poland’s regal past. Then tour Krakow’s Jewish Quarter , a cultural hub with synagogues, World War II museums, and lively pubs for a look at the city’s most tragic era. 

Of course, no trip to Krakow is complete without touring the poignant Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum , located about an hour outside the city. It’s a sobering yet essential historical experience. 

For something unique, head to the Wieliczka Salt Mine tour , one of the oldest salt mines in the world. 

Because it is such a popular tourist destination in eastern Europe, Krakow is well-connected by air, and flying into Krakow John Paul II International Airport is a convenient option. Alternatively, the train from Warsaw to Krakow takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, offering a picturesque journey through the Polish countryside.

Each city has a story. Every building you see has a story. But, for Warsaw, the story of the great city in Poland is rebirth and remembrance. You see, Warsaw was obliterated during WWII. Almost every…single…building. During the rebuild, Poland wanted you to remember what the city was like before it was destroyed, while also pushing the concept of a new city that is looking towards the future. 

It took almost 40 years for the Polish capital to rebuild from the early 1940s. You won’t find a lot of romance in this town (go to Krakow for that), but there’s still beauty to be found in Old Town. 

Old Town is a testimonial of the citizens and their hope for survival and also the need to know what was taken from them 80 years ago. Warsaw is full of surprises .

Plan to spend at least 3-4 days in the capital of Poland, staying at a hotel like Polania Palace near the National Museum.

Start your journey in the meticulously reconstructed Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , where you can stroll through cobblestone streets, visit the Royal Castle, and enjoy charming cafes. Warsaw is also home to numerous museums, such as the Warsaw Uprising Museum and the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews , which provide deep insights into the city’s tumultuous past.

Visit the Palace of Culture and Science for panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. 

Getting to Warsaw is easy, as Warsaw Chopin Airport is well-connected internationally. From there, the city’s efficient public transportation system, including buses and the metro, makes it easy to navigate without a car.

Are you trying to escape the crowds in some of the more famous cities to visit in Poland, like Krakow and Warsaw – but still want to experience some Polish charm? Go to Poznan! With a population around 500,000, it’s a big city with a small feel , so if you have a day to spare and want to check out another one of the best cities to visit in Poland, you’ll love Poznan.

With its colorful square and beautiful architecture, you’ll walk away framing the pictures you took there.

Located in western Poland about halfway between Berlin and Warsaw you’ll want at least 1 or 2 days to appreciate Poznan. It’s easy to get to Poznan by train. The journey from Warsaw takes about 2 ½ hours while it’s about 3 ½  from Berlin.

As with most Polish cities, begin your exploration in the heart of Old Town Poznan , where the colorful facades and charming Market Square set a picturesque backdrop. The iconic Poznań Town Hall , with its two mechanical goats that butt heads at noon, is a must-see spectacle. 

Wander through the historic streets to discover landmarks like the Poznan Cathedral and the Imperial Castle .

For nightlife, head to the Stary Browar complex , which combines shopping, dining, and fun cultural experiences.

Lublin is one of the most underrated cities in Poland that definitely deserves your attention. 

Located only 170 km east of Warsaw, Lublin is a perfect day trip from the capital , but it’s worth spending at least a few days to enjoy the city to the fullest. There are so many amazing things to do in Lublin , including exploring the charming Old Town with its picturesque cobbled lanes and stunning Baroque churches , visiting the castle (originally from the 12th century), or admiring great street art. 

Lublin is known for its numerous cultural events , taking place here all year long, so if you are lucky, you can attend one of them during your trip. 

The best time to visit Lublin is between late spring and early autumn, but with its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful architecture, there is no wrong time to be here. If you have some extra days in your itinerary, it’s worth staying here a bit longer and exploring the surrounding region, too. 

The best way to get to Lublin is by train or bus from Warsaw; you can also fly directly here from a few destinations in Europe ( London , Dublin, Milan ).

Recommended by Kamila from My Wanderlust

Situated in north-central Poland on the banks of River Vistula , Torun is known for being a birthplace of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus and is also famous for its gingerbread , known locally as ‘pierniki’. You can visit the Gingerbread Museum , to learn more about it.

Torun is also a showcase of medieval Gothic architecture and its Old Town, earning a status of UNESCO World Heritage site . Don’t miss the Town Hall that offers fantastic views of the city and the stunning St. John’s Cathedral .

Torun is a city that is great to visit any time of the year, but two particularly excellent times are summer and around Christmastime when the city is adorned by festive lights and decorations. The nearest international airport is located in Bydgoszcz, and Torun is also well connected with cities like Gdansk and Warsaw. 

Stay at BP I Premium which boasts elegant apartments right in the old town. A two day stay will give you enough time to explore the city. 

By Mal of LetsTravelToMexicoCity

BOOK A HALF DAY TOUR OF TORUN

One of the best cities to visit in Poland is Wrocław. The Old Town is stunning and is filled with beautiful squares , a towering church, historic buildings, and museums. The Oder River flows through the city adding bridges and small islands to explore.

Perhaps one of the more unique things to do in Wrocław is seeking out the dwarf sculptures. There are over 350 dwarves hidden throughout the city . While they are playful and fun, the dwarves were a symbol of hope that emerged during the Soviet Communist Era.

It’s ideal to spend at least two full days in Wrocław discovering all the treasures that the city offers. Take a walking tour of Old Town , then venture out to discover other gentrified neighborhoods filled with art and day trips to mountainsides and castles .

Wrocław is fantastic to visit any time of the year. In the summer, spend time in the Botanical Gardens and watching the nightly Multimedia fountain show. During the holiday season, enjoy a cheery Christmas market .

Wrocław is well connected to the rest of Poland and is found in the Lower Silesian Region . It’s a short ride to Poznan and Krakow. Wrocław is also a short distance from Dresden, Germany and Prague, Czech Republic .

There are numerous places to stay in Wrocław. Budget travelers can stay at Hostel VICE CITY while those looking to stay in the heart of Old Town will love Art Hotel .

Recommended by Megan from Packing Up the Pieces

BOOK A 2-HOUR PRIVATE TOUR OF WROCLAW

Gdansk is without a doubt one of the prettiest cities in Poland and one of the most attractive cities in the entire world. From the historical cobblestone “ ulica Mariacka ” street, lined up with amber merchants, to the historical Dlugi Targ and the Motlawa river quaint waterfront, where past and present blend in a cityscape of exquisite beauty, this Baltic gem will cast its spell on you.

Gdansk is located in Northern Poland, in the mouth of the Motlawa river , on the Southern edge of the Baltic sea. It has an international airport located just 12 Km away from the city center and several daily train connections with Warsaw.

The best time to visit it is between May and September when temperatures are on average 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit). You can visit Gdansk Old Town and center in one day but there are plenty of things to do in Gdansk so my recommended stay is at least three days . You will enjoy rich historical experiences, take a cruise on a historical Polish boat , taste some Polish culinary wonders and be delighted with picturesque views.

In a prime location in Gdansk Radisson Hotel & Suites is located close to the Motlawa river waterfront and walking distance from all the main attractions in the city center.

Recommended by Pilar from TravelTheWorldpages

Located in central Poland, Łódź (pronounced “Woodge”) is a city steeped in history and industrial heritage. Once a thriving textile hub , Łódź has evolved into a lively metropolis with a meddling of historic architecture, artistic flair, and modern development. 

The city is renowned for its Film School , one of the oldest in the world, which produced some of the most influential European filmmakers, including Roman Polanski. 

Visitors to Lodz can explore the fascinating Manufaktura complex , a former industrial site transformed into a cultural and commercial space, offering shops, restaurants, and museums. 

Take a stroll down Piotrkowska Street, one of the longest commercial streets in Europe , which is lined with eclectic boutiques, cafes, and impressive architecture. 

If visiting during the warmer months, Łódź also boasts numerous parks, such as Łazienki Park , perfect for leisurely afternoons. 

And while most people visit Łódź during the warmer months from late spring to early autumn, if you visit during winter, particularly during Christmas time , you’ll find streets decorated in twinkling white lights and outdoor markets that encourages both locals and visitors alike to bundle up and explore.

BOOK A DAY TRIP TO LODZ FROM WARSAW

Bialystok, located in northeastern Poland, is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of street art, history, and natural beauty . The best way to reach Bialystok is by train or bus from major cities like Warsaw. The journey takes around two to three hours, depending on the mode of transportation.

When visiting Bialystok, make sure to book a walking tour to learn more about its historical landmarks, such as the Branicki Palace, which is often referred to as the “Polish Versailles.” This magnificent palace is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and is a must-visit attraction.

To fully experience the city, it is recommended to spend at least two to three days in Bialystok . This will allow you enough time to explore the main attractions, immerse yourself in the local culture, and even take day trips to nearby natural wonders, such as the Bialowieza Forest . 

For accommodation, Hotel Gołębiewski , located in the heart of the city is a highly recommended option. 

Recommended by Paulina from the UK Every Day

Olsztyn, nestled in the heart of Poland’s Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship , is a hidden gem offering a unique blend of history, nature, and affordability. Often overshadowed by more popular Polish destinations, Olsztyn is a tranquil city with a rich heritage and stunning landscapes.

Visitors to Olsztyn can take a guided walking tour to explore the historic Old Town , anchored by the Gothic Olsztyn Castle , providing a glimpse into the region’s medieval past. Stroll along the scenic waterfront of Lake Ukiel , rent a boat, or unwind in the lush city parks. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous lakes and forests surrounding Olsztyn, perfect for hiking or cycling.

With its budget-friendly atmosphere , Olsztyn is one of the cheapest places to live in Europe , making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking affordability without compromising on experiences. To truly immerse yourself in the local charm, plan to spend at least 2-3 days exploring the city and its surroundings.

The best way to reach Olsztyn is by train or car, with the city well-connected to major Polish hubs . The summer months, from May to September, offer pleasant weather, making it the best time to visit.

For accommodation, consider staying at the Hotel HP Park , offering comfortable rooms and a convenient location. Spending a night in Olsztyn allows you to absorb the city’s serene ambiance fully.

Recommended by Trijit Mallick from Cheap Travel Trail

Located in the southern part of Poland, at the base of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is often referred to as the ‘Winter Capital’ of Poland , and it’s among the most beautiful winter wonderlands in the world .

With its impressive resorts, Zakopane is equally enticing in warmer months with opportunities for hiking, biking, and outdoor fun in the picturesque Tatra Mountains .

However, there is s omething extra special about visiting Zakopane in winter . Especially over the Christmas and New Year period.

The city’s unique wooden architecture gives it a picture-book vibe, even when strolling down vibrant Krupowki Street , wandering between market stalls or dining at one of the many restaurants offering up delicious Polish food.

There are many fun things to do in Zakopane with kids , such as riding the funicular up to the top of Gubalowka Mountain for stunning views. Or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snowy forest to visit one of Zakopane’s famous highlander villages and experience folk music, dancing and local crafts.

You can reach Zakopane by bus from Krakow, which takes just under 2 hours.

There are many accommodation options , including private home rentals for that authentic Zakopane experience. Staying at least 2 nights is recommended , however, you will find plenty to do for a longer stay.

Recommended by Holly Connors from Four Around The World

SHORT ON TIME? BOOK A DAY TRIP TO ZAKOPANE FROM KRAKOW

Located along the scenic banks of the Brda River in northern Poland, Bydgoszcz is a lovely city boasting well-preserved Art-Nouveau architecture , historical landmarks, and a quirky museum, to name a few. Due to its layout along the river’s bend and many footbridges, the city got its nickname “Little Venice “, a comparison to the city of Venice, Italy .

With plenty of things to do in Bydgoszcz , you can visit it as a day trip from Poznan or spend a relaxing weekend. The most convenient way to get here is by train from Poznan or Gdansk, which takes around 1:30 hours. However, with a well-connected train system, you can get to Bydgoszcz from almost every major Polish city. 

Bydgoszcz Old Town Square is also lined with colorful buildings, cafes, shops, and historic landmarks. Next door, Mill Island is a charming area for relaxing strolls along the river and admiring old granaries turned into museums. The prominent landmark here is the Rother’s Mill , which produced flour from the 19th century till the 1990s. Today, it is home to the cultural center, open to the public to visit its temporary exhibitions.

For those who love quirky places, the city is also home to the Museum of History of Soup and Dirt , where visitors learn about hygiene history and prepare handmade soap during their guided visit. It also serves as a unique souvenir to bring back with you. You’ll need to book the guided tour on their website in advance. 

Recommended by Baia at Red Fedora Diary

For a beautiful city to visit in Poland, your next destination to book should be to Gdynia. Gdynia is located in the Northern area of Poland, just north of Gdansk and North West of Warsaw. 

The most ideal way to get to Gdynia is to fly to the airport of Gdansk first and then take a direct local train. You can also consider visiting with a car rental such as during a road trip around Poland .

Many hotel accommodations provide parking, but it is also easy to use paid parking on the city streets.

Give yourself a few days minimum to explore the city, especially if you visit during Spring or Summer when it’s warm. Gdynia is a great place for exploring by foot , where you can explore the city known for its modernist style buildings. For a bite to eat, visit the restaurant Pierogarnia Mandu for the most delicious and most choice of local polish dumplings!

Since the port of Gdynia is quite large for boating, it’s also inviting for tourists to explore. You can also explore a military ORP Błyskawica destroyer ship and the Dar Pomorza fully-rigged sailing ship as well as the Polish National Maritime Museum . Furthermore, you can sign up for many water activities such as sailing, speedboat tours and wakeboarding. 

For the end of the warm day, head for a walk along the coast along the beach of Gdynia . It’s recommended to also take a blanket and some refreshments for a picnic on the beach. You’ll be joining all the locals during sunset, which can be cozy, fun and romantic! 

Recommended by Zoe from Together In Transit 

Located on the shores of the Baltic Sea, Sopot is a part of the tri-cities of Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot . This charming resort town is known for its lively atmosphere and stunning coastline.

With its iconic wooden pier stretching into the sea, Sopot is one of the best cities to visit in Poland. It’s recommended that you spend at least two days exploring Sopot to get a feel for its unique history and culture, as well as enjoy some coastal relaxation.

One of the main attractions within the city is the lively Monte Cassino Street , lined with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. The iconic Sopot Pier offers breathtaking sea views and is perfect for a leisurely stroll. For culture enthusiasts, the historic Crooked House is a must-see architectural marvel.

Sopot is conveniently located from the Gdansk Airport along with easy transport links to the town, as well. The summer months from June to August are ideal for a visit, offering pleasant weather for beach activities.

Consider staying at the Sheraton Sopot Hotel for a luxurious experience, centrally located near the pier and offering stunning sea views. Sopot, with its unique coastal charm, promises an unforgettable Polish retreat.

Recommended by Kasia from Perfect Day Somewhere

BOOK A 1-DAY TOUR TO SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF GDANSK, GDYNIA AND SOPOT

Kielce is not a large city, but its central location, beautiful surroundings and interesting monuments make the city worth visiting. It’s an ideal city for a weekend and its location almost halfway between Krakow and Warsaw means you can get there without any problems.

This city is interesting at any time of the year, but it is best to visit it in late spring, summer or early autumn. Kielce has an interesting center with the Market Square , which in warm months is bustling with the bustle of restaurant gardens, and the Castle Hill , which towers over the city. On the hill there is an extraordinary former bishop’s palace , whose architecture will satisfy even the most demanding tourists.

Kielce is located in the Świętokrzyskie UNESCO Geopark . In the city itself, there are 5 nature reserves that are related to the geological past. A good starting point for exploring is the Geoeducation Center , which will introduce you to the world from millions of years ago.

Kielce has an extensive hotel base. If you are looking for a place of good standard and location in the very center, check out the Grand Hotel located right next to the promenade.

Recommended by Jakub Juszyński from Tymrazem

Final thoughts on where to go in Poland

In conclusion, Poland is a treasure trove of beautiful, historic, and even modern places. Whether you are drawn to the medieval charm of Krakow, the cultural museums of Warsaw, or the maritime beauty of Gdańsk, each of these best cities to visit in Poland offer something unique and memorable.

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Do you have a question or comment about where to go in Poland? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts or questions about any of these best cities in Poland in the comments below.

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