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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

59 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Krakow, Poland

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!

33 Must-Visit Attractions in Krakow

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

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1. Market Square

2. Wawel Castle

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4. Barbican

Building, Museum

5. St Florian's Gate

6. Ko?ciuszko Mound

7. Florianska Street

Architectural Landmark

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

8. The Sukiennice

9. St Mary's Basilica

10. The Jewish Quarter

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

11. The Dragon's Den

Natural Feature

12. Vistulan Boulevards

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

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

13. Slowacki Chamber, Wieliczka Salt Mines

14. Auschwitz-Birkenau

Memorial, Museum

15. Wawel Cathedral

Cathedral, Church

16. Cmentarz Rakowicki

17. Ojców National Park

Forest, Park, Ruins

19. Plac Bohaterów Getta

20. Market Hall Unitarg

Market, Polish

21. Oskar Schindler’s Factory

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

Museum, Shop

24. Lost Souls Alley

25. lovers' bridge.

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

26. Wódka Café Bar

Bar, Cafe, Beer, Polish, Coffee

27. Pharmacy Museum

28. Rynek Underground

Market, Museum

Galeria Plakatu

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

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

29. Alchemia

Bar, Polish

30. Shop for antiques at Plac Nowy

31. church of corpus christi.

Church, Monastery

Additional words by Eliza Marin.

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Home » 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

• 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!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Agness and Cez

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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

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Table of Contents

Why visit Krakow

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

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

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

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

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

How to get to Krakow

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

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

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

How to get around Krakow

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

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

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Things to do in Krakow

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

Visit Wawel Hill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explore Dragon’s Den

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

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

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

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

Enjoy the Main Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit the Cloth Hall

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

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

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

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

Go up the Town Hall Tower

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

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

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

Admire the beauty of St. Mary’s Basilica

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

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

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

Go underground

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

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

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

Find the hidden passage

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

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

Wander around the Old Town

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

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

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

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

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

Visit more beautiful churches

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

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

Visit Museums

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy Planty Park

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

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

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

See the remnants of the fortifications

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

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

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

See one of the most important theaters in Poland

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

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

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

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

Visit the Jagiellonian University

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

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

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

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

Admire the art-nouveau architecture

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

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

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

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

Explore Kazimierz district

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit synagogues

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

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

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

Visit Jewish Cemeteries

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

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

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

Try street food in Kazimierz

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cross the Vistula river via Father Bernatek Footbridge

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

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

Explore Podgorze district

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

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

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

• Hidden Krakow Bike Tour
• Jewish Ghetto Guided Tour

Visit Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory

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

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

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

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

Visit Liban Quarry

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

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

Visit the site of Kraków-Plaszow concentration camp

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

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

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

Stop by at Plac Bohaterow Getta

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

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

Admire the panorama from one of the mounds

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

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

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

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

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

Relax at the green oasis of Zakrzowek

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

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

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

Enjoy the vibrant atmsphere of Forum Przestrzenie

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

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

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

Admire the 20th-century architecture

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

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

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

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

Explore Nowa Huta district

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

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

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

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

Find great street art

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

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

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

Shop at Stary Kleparz

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

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

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

Wander along the Vistula River

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

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

Relax in one of many cafes

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

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

Try delicious Polish food

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

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

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

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

Go for day trips

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

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

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

Here are some of the recommended tours from Krakow:

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

Final thoughts on visiting Krakow

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

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

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

Travel Resources

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

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

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

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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/

20 things to know before visiting Kraków

Aug 14, 2022 • 10 min read

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

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

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

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

Pack for the right season and for all occasions

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

Stay in the best neighborhoods for sightseeing

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

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

Book tickets for popular attractions in advance

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

Pack your ISIC card and consider getting a Kraków Card

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

Make reservations for Kraków’s best restaurants ahead of time

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

Acquire some zloty in advance

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

Have some loose change ready for public toilets

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

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

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

Tip at least 10% in restaurants

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

Dress up for nightclubs

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

Strike up conversations with locals

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

Remember that Kraków’s churches are not museums

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

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

Avoid inadvertently breaking the law

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

Be aware of local attitudes towards the LGBTIQ+ community

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

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

Do drink the tap water…maybe

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

Dial the foreigner-friendly lines in case of emergency

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

Use a private clinic in the case of a medical emergency

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

Avoid bar scams

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

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

Dodge dodgy currency exchanges

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

Steer clear of unlicensed taxis

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

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56 Crazy and Unusual Things to Do in Krakow (Updated 2024)

Pretty much everyone has heard of Krakow, but the vast majority of people either see Krakow as merely a base for visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps, or as a cheap boozy holiday destination, without realising that there are actually tonnes of things to do in Krakow besides these things. Even after I’d spent months in this magical city, I still never ran out of cool and unusual things to do in Krakow (and there are still so many things I didn’t get around to!). Now, before we begin, I should warn you that this is a long post, and I mean LONG, so I recommend getting a drink and a snack as you read, because 9000 words is NO JOKE (although it does make me confident that you will not find a more comprehensive list of things to do in Krakow on the entire internet, so you’re welcome.).

Table of Contents

Why should you visit Krakow?

Is Krakow worth visiting? Absolutely. Krakow is a real cultural hub of Poland, with over 50 art galleries and museums, the largest market square in Europe, one of the oldest universities in the world and stunning Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. It is also home to sights such as Wawel Castle and St. Mary’s Basilica, as well as over 40 parks and of course, hearty Polish cuisine . What’s more, Krakow is the perfect place to base yourself if you want to explore more of Poland, with tonnes of day trips that you can take to the surrounding areas (Tatra Mountains anyone?).

In this post, I’ll be breaking down every single thing that I recommend doing while you’re in Krakow, from the standard tourist sights to the best Krakow nightlife, best cafes in Krakow, and so much more. If you’re here because you’re looking for strange and unusual things to do in Krakow that other guides don’t mention, you’re in the right place – there are tonnes of crazy things to do in Krakow that most tourists never get to hear about, but I’m going to share them all with you today. If you make it all the way to the end and want to know some of the boring logistical information about planning a trip to Krakow then fear not because I’ll also be including some frequently asked questions including how to get to Krakow, where to stay in Krakow, when to visit, how much things cost and other useful bits of information. Are you ready? Then let’s get into it.

56 Fun and Unusual Things to Do in Krakow 2023

The main things to do in krakow, st. mary’s basilica.

It is impossible to visit Krakow and not see St. Mary’s Basilica. Located in the main Market Square in the heart of the Old Town, St. Mary’s Basilica is a Gothic style church that was rebuilt in the 14th century after Tartar raids in the 13th century left it a heap of rubble, and it is one of the main Krakow attractions. It is possible to climb the watchtower and enjoy phenomenal views over Krakow Old Town, and you can also enter the church and marvel over the stained glass windows and wooden altarpiece. Fun fact: Every hour, on the hour, the city’s famous bugle call is played from the watchtower, breaking off mid-melody in honour of the mythical trumpeter who was shot in the neck while warning the city of Mongol invaders!

St Mary’s Basilica Opening Times and Fees

The church is open from 11:30 – 18:00 and 14:00 – 18:00 on a Sunday. Admission is 15 PLN for adults, 8 PLN for children between 8 – 18. Kids under 8 go free. The church’s Bugle Tower is also open seasonally for visitors (no children under 8), but a separate ticket is required – 20/12 PLN. These tickets cannot be bought in advance and usually sell out early in the morning, so try and be there as early as possible. The Bugle Tower is open from March to December. Tickets can be purchased from inside a separate building across from the side entrance of the church. See the website for more detailed information.

Wawel Castle

Another one of the major attractions in Krakow is the magnificent Wawel Castle. Overlooking the Vistula River, Wawel Castle is the most important buildings in Poland as it witnessed the formation of Poland as a state! Wawel Castle complex is comprised of several buildings of Romanesque, Renaissance and Gothic architecture and most of the exhibitions are contained in the castle and the cathedral. Highlights include the State Rooms, the jewels in the Crown Treasury and the Royal Crypts, as well as the open courtyards. You can enter the complex and explore the castle grounds for free but a tour of the insides requires a ticket. As there are only a limited number of tickets available each day, it is advisable to arrive early, or book your tickets in advance .

Wawel Cathedral

Inside the grounds of Wawel Castle is Wawel Cathedral, and buried within its tombs are some of Poland’s most important people. You can actually enter the cathedral itself for free, but you will need a ticket to visit the paid sites, which include the Pope John Paul II Museum, the crypt, some small chapels, and the Sigismund Bell Tower.

Krakow Old Town

One of the easiest yet best things to do in Krakow is to simply wander around the Old Town. Krakow Old Town is home to both the oldest university in Poland, and the largest medieval square in Europe! As you meander though the cobbled streets admiring the old houses, churches and monasteries, allow yourself to be transported back in time and imagine what life was like hundreds of years ago in Krakow. Florianska Street is one of the most popular walking streets in Krakow and is full of souvenir shops, jewellery stores and the more touristy bars. When you begin to feel tired, just head to the main market square (RYNEK GLÓWNY) and buy a cold drink from one of the many bars and restaurants dotted around.

Church of St. Peter and Paul and St. Andrew’s Church

The St. Peter and Paul’s Church is lined with Baroque statues of 11 of the apostles (all except Judas), and it is truly a sight to behold. It is also possible to enter the church to admire the Baroque interior and venture into the crypts beneath. Just past the Church of Saints Peter and Paul is St. Andrew’s Church, a Romanesque structure that was erected between 1079 and 1098, making it one of the oldest churches in Krakow. It has a pretty yet unassuming exterior, in sharp contrast to the striking Peter and Paul’s Church. Spooky fact: It is said that sometimes a mysterious figure of an old woman deep in prayer appears in the choir of the church. This is Sister Cassilda, a nun who died leaving a debt she had incurred with a merchant to help her poor relatives. She retained peace after her death only when she managed to convince a rich aristocrat to pay her debt, and she promised to pray for them forevermore. This church is only open during services.

Go shopping in the Cloth Hall

When visiting Krakow, it is impossible to miss the iconic Cloth Hall. Located right in the centre of the main square, Krakow’s Cloth Hall is truly a sight to behold. This 700-year old structure is basically a really old shopping mall, but it feels like so much more. As you stroll through the Cloth Hall, stop and take a look at the various souvenirs on offer. You can buy some really nice amber jewellery in Poland, and the Cloth Hall has amber jewellery by the bucket load.

St. Joseph’s Church

This Neo-Gothic church is definitely one of Krakow’s most beautiful buildings, complete with gargoyles and imposing sculptures of saints. Some people even say that it looks like the Disney Castle! Entrance is only allowed for mass but it is definitely worth walking by to admire the outside.

Planty Park

Planty Park wraps around Krakow Old Town like a moat (which was what it actually used to be!) and while there isn’t much to do here per se, it’s a nice alternative to walking along the main road, and it’s a lovely green space with lots of benches to sit and watch the world go by.

Stroll along the Vistula River

On a sunny day, one of the most popular things to do in Krakow for locals and tourists alike is to find a spot on one of the grassy banks by the Vistula River and sunbathe or have a picnic. There are many restaurant and café boats docked along the river which make a lovely spot for lunch, or you can enjoy a slow cruise down the river yourself , taking in the sights of Krakow from the water. If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Krakow, an evening river cruise with wine is also an option. The Father Bernatek Footbridge , complete with 9 crazy acrobatic sculptures by Jerzy Kędziora is also not to be missed.

Take part in a Free Walking Tour!

Free Walking Tours are my favourite way to explore a new city and Krakow has a tonne of them. I’ve taken both the Krakow Old Town Free Walking Tour and the Jewish District Free Walking Tour and learnt SO much about Krakow on both of them. Because there are so many companies offering Free Walking Tours in Krakow, it would be impossible for me to list all of the times and meeting points here but a quick Google search will bring up tonnes of results! Of course, ‘Free’ Walking Tours are actually tip-based and this is how the tour guide makes their money so please bring along some cash to leave a tip at the end. I recommend leaving a minimum of 5 EUR (remember that the guide will have to give a couple of euros to the company so leaving any less won’t really benefit them). If you prefer paid walking tours that can be booked in advance, this is a great option .

Barbican and St Florian’s Gate

Standing on the edge of Krakow’s Old Town is the Barbican, which used to be a strong medieval defence for the city. A drawbridge that went from the Barbican over the city moat was the only way into the old town. Across from the Barbican is St. Florian’s Gate, which is now the main entry into the Old Town.

UNUSUAL Things to Do in Krakow

Visit a pinball museum.

The Krakow Pinball Museum is actually more of a pinball bar. To enter, you just pay the 8 EUR fee and then you have unlimited access to over 80 retro pinball machines with themes from Star Wars to Ghost Busters and so much more! There’s a reasonably priced bar so you can get your pint and while away and entire day here (seriously, this is one of the best things to do in Krakow when it rains!). The Krakow Pinball Museum is definitely one of the most fun and unusual things to do in Krakow (in fact, the first time I went I played for so long that my forearms were sore for days – I need to get out more, I know). Krakow Pinball Museum is open from 2:00pm – 9:00pm every day. It stays open until 10:00pm on Fridays. You can also leave and re-enter after you’ve paid. Entry is 8 EUR for 1 hour or 12 EUR for the whole day. Find out more on their website.

Visit an Absinthe Bar

I won’t lie to you – the Absynt bar in Krakow is not necessarily going to be a pleasant experience (just ask my mother!), but it will certainly be an experience! Absynt describes itself as a place for ‘bold thoughts and good company,’ and prides itself on serving absinthe in the traditional way of burning a sugar cube into the drink before serving the flaming absinthe to nervous customers! We visited during the afternoon and it was empty, so the bartender took the time to ask us questions to figure out which drinks she should give us. With a menu of more than a dozen different types of Absinthe, not to mention Absinthe cocktails , this bar is not for the fainthearted but definitely one of the best crazy things to do in Krakow!

Explore The Former Jewish District

Kazimierz, also known as the Jewish District or Jewish Quarter, lies south of Krakow Old Town and was the centre of Jewish life in Krakow for over 500 years! During World War 2, Kazimierz was systematically destroyed and its citizens imprisoned, starved and forced to live in squalid conditions before being carted away to concentration camps and killed. In Kazimierz, you can visit old synagogues, wander down the cobbled street of Szeroka Street and see the monument dedicated to Jan Karski, and peer inside ul. Meiselsa , where you can see the passageway that was the backdrop for many scenes from Schindler’s List. You can also peruse the countless independent boutiques, coffee shops, romantic candlelit bars and award-winning restaurants (I’ll share all my recommendations later!). My favourite thing about Kazimierz is that every bar and café has its own unique vibe, making it one of the unique places to visit in Krakow!

Visit Ghetto Heroes Square

Ghetto Heroes Square ( Plac Bohaterów Getta ) used to be the main spot for socialising during the time of the Krakow Ghetto because it was such a large open space. However, it was also the place where families were torn apart, beaten, executed and dragged away to death camps. After all the residents of the ghetto had been deported to the camps, clothes, furniture and other personal belongings that the residents had been unable to take with them were strewn all over the square – this is the reason why today you will find a total of 70 metal chairs (33 large ones and 37 smaller ones, for the public to sit on), as a memorial dedicated to the victims of the Jewish Ghetto. The majority of the chairs are arranged in rows to represent the way that the residents of the ghetto had to stand during roll-calls. Three of them faced Lwowska Street, where a fragment of the original ghetto wall has been preserved, and a couple more face in the direction of the concentration camps where residents were taken and executed.

Enter the Dragon’s Den

I’m a sucker for a legend, and Polish legend has it that the caves and craggy chambers that form Wawel Hill were once inhabited by the Wawel Dragon! This dragon terrorised the town before eventually being defeated, and its lair was used as a brothel and tavern in medieval times before being turned into the tourist attraction that it is today! For a couple of bucks you can descend the steep staircase from Wawel grounds into the dimply lit caves that were once inhabited by the evil dragon. Emerging from the cave brings you face to face with a huge statue of the dragon that actually breathes fire every few minutes, much to the delight of local kids and tourists alike! The Dragon’s Den is open from April 23 until the end of October.

Situated in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, Plac Nowy may not be the prettiest part of Krakow, but it is always a hive of activity. In the centre is a circular concrete structure, the Okrąglak , which was used as a poultry slaughterhouse up until Nazi occupation. Now, it has a dozen hole-in-the-wall (literally) fast-food hatches serving up Krakow’s signature street food – zapiekanki (we’ll talk more about zapiekanki later!). Plac Nowy is also home to market stalls, whose goods change depending on the day of the week. On Saturdays you can expect to find antique (mostly junk) goods, Sundays are for clothes, and, most oddly, Friday mornings play host to a pigeon market (?!?) – I mean hey, you were looking for unique things to do in Krakow!

Krakow Street Art

There is a tonne of quirky and interesting street art to see in Krakow. Street art in Poland is very popular, with the kind of graphic art that it demands flourishing during Communism (you can go to the Poster Museum to see some cool graphic artwork by Krakow artists), and the city council have actually sponsored some of the larger murals you can find in the centre. The best places to see street art is in Kazimierz, and the Art Nouveau piece you see below was created by an Israeli group of street artists called Broken Fingaz , in 2014 to honour the memory of the Bosak Family, who lived in the area for 400 years before it was transformed into the Jewish Ghetto in 1941, and Irene Sendler, who risked everything by smuggling medicine and aid into the ghetto. You can find it at Plac Bawół 3 .

Try all the Polish Vodka

From Żubrówka , the mythical Bison Grass vodka (drink it straight or with apple juice), to flavoured Soplica vodka and the infamous Mad Dog shot ( Wściekły Pies ) with Tabasco and raspberry syrup, you certainly won’t get bored drinking vodka in Krakow. I never drink vodka outside of Poland – I can’t stand it – but trust me when I say that Polish vodka is something else (and I apologise to my Russian friends but it’s even better than Russian vodka). If you want to try a bit of everything, head to Wodka Café Bar in the old town and order a tray of 6 shots of your choice. My mum and I ordered cherry chocolate vodka, elderflower vodka, caramel vodka and some others, which I can’t remember (I wonder why…). Sampling flavoured vodkas is definitely one of the best things to do in Krakow at night .

Obwarzanek Museum

So as a museum, this technically should be in the ‘Museums’ section (duh), but as it is such an offbeat activity, I couldn’t not include it here! Obwarzanki are a beloved Krakow street food that you can buy on pretty much every street corner, and they are kinda similar to bagels! Yes, that’s right – Krakow has a bagel museum. In this whimsical museum (that is not really ) a museum, you will learn the 600-year history of the humble obwarzanka, and be taught how to make your very own, which you can take home with you. English workshops are pretty infrequent and you have to book in advance, so it’s best visiting the website for opening times and bookings.

Lost Souls Alley

What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Jump out of a plane? Wrestled an alligator? Well for me it’s paying a visit to Lost Souls Alley in Krakow. And just what is Lost Souls Alley? Well, Lost Souls Alley is part escape room, part interactive house of horrors where your worst fears are lying in wait around every corner. I first visited Lost Souls Alley 5 years ago when it was an unknown, backstreet venue that nobody knew about, but now it has almost 3000 positive Google reviews and is one of the most famous scary things to do in Krakow! Whether you dread coming face to face with Samara from The Ring, crazed farmers wielding chainsaws, demented clowns or pitch black rooms with unknown occupants, Lost Souls Alley will have something guaranteed to scare the bejesus (!) out of you. Lost Souls Alley is in a different league to places of its kind in the UK, and you can even choose whether you want to up the ante by adding more frights and even physical pain! According to the website, the ‘Red Version’ of the game, is geared towards people with ‘masochistic attitudes’ and promises that participants will ‘acquire sores, bruises and wounds,’ as well as ‘ very close, aggressive and unceasing physical contact with the staff and a psychical abuse in connection with an attempt to break the participant .’ I’m not sure that this version (Level 4) is for me – I almost had a heart attack and I only did Level 2! Make a reservation and find out more on their website .

Visit a Cat Café

Cat cafes are everywhere now, so I’m not sure visiting one can still be considered ‘unusual,’ but I’m still a sucker for cats so I visited this place as soon as I found out that it existed. Cat Café Kociarnia is free to enter, has a simple menu of cakes and snacks, and lots of very cute cats. Need I say more? You can find out more on their website .

Kościuszko Mound

Dedicated to freedom fighter Tadeusz Kościuszko, the Kościuszko Mound stands 34M high, and although climbing to the top is hard work, the panoramic views of Krakow are definitely worth it – you can even see as far as the Tatra mountains on a clear day!

Cybermachina Game Pub

One of my favourite things to do in Krakow when it rains is to pass the time at Cybermachina Game Pub . Cybermachina is a place by gamers, for gamers and it has every game imaginable, from old school Mortal Kombat to Guitar Hero, FIFA and more traditional board games, card games and table football. It is totally free to enter and play the games on offer at Cybermachina (of course it is expected to buy a drink) and the bar has a huge themed cocktail selection, craft beers and bar snacks. They also organise tournaments, ‘geek quizzes,’ cosplay parties, industry meetings and much more. Even though I wouldn’t consider myself a gamer (I do love Mortal Kombat though), I’ve had many a fun afternoon in Cybermachina, and I highly recommend it.

Liban Quarry

During Krakow’s Nazi occupation in WWII, Liban Quarry was used as a Nazi labour camp and when filming Schindler’s List, Steven Spielberg used it to film all of the scenes that took place in the Płaszów Concentration Camp (he didn’t want to film in the actual camp as a sign of respect). Today the site lies in overgrown abandon and it is undoubtedly one of the eeriest places to visit in Krakow. It is unclear which of the watchtowers, gravestones and barbed wire traces are remnants from the actual camp and which are leftovers from the movie set, but if you’re into abandoned places and urban escapism, visiting Liban Quarry should be top of your list. To get to Liban Quarry, follow the trail from  Krakus Mound  toward  Podgórze Cemetery .  

Drunk Cherry

Pijana Wiśnia translates to ‘Drunk Cherry’ and is the name of a tiny bar in Krakow Old Town that serves one drink and one drink only – a sweet cherry liqueur, which you can order hot or cold. If you walk through the bar, you will find a large garden area, with a great atmosphere and lots of people huddled around tiny tables clutching steaming paper cups (or drinking elegantly from crystal goblets) of this unusual drink. There are Pijana Wiśnia bars in most cities in Poland, and I also wrote about visiting the one in Lviv, Ukraine , where the chain began.

Zakrzówek Quarry

Zakrzówek is a former limestone quarry with crystal clear turquoise waters and it is the perfect place to have a stroll. Unfortunately, due to two deaths in the summer of 2019, it is now prohibited to swim in the quarry (it used to be a popular location for cliff jumping), and even the scuba diving lessons that used to take place there have ceased. However, swimming aside, the surrounding limestone bluffs and woods are a great place to go for a hike or have a summer BBQ!

Drink Butter Beer at the Harry Potter Café

Dziorawy Kociol (The Leaky Cauldron), is Krakow’s very own Harry Potter themed café. Located in the cellar of a beautiful old building, The Leaky Cauldron serves magic-themed cakes and non-alcoholic drinks (I tried the Butter Beer and it was nice, albeit very sweet). The rooms have low lighting, spooky sound effects and pictures of the HP characters on the walls. However, I have to admit that despite its thousands of excellent reviews, I was pretty underwhelmed by The Leaky Cauldron, and I would have been even more so had I queued to get in. Go there, make up your own mind, but don’t be expecting anything too special.

Funded by the Soviet Union, Nowa Huta is one of only two pre-planned Socialist Realism cities ever built and the goal for it was that it would represent a vision of a glorious Communist future. Nowa Huta was built in such close proximity to Krakow so that it would be a ‘proletarian paradise’ that would overshadow the old, bourgeois city of Krakow, but ironically, it actually ended up being an anti-communist hub! Visiting Nowa Huta is definitely one of the more unusual things to do in Krakow, and barely any tourists make it there. If you’re interested in Socialist Realist architecture and city planning then you should stick it on your list!

Lustrzany Labirynt

Just off the main market square, Lustrzany Labirynt is an amusement centre with a mirror maze, laser-tag game, laser shooting range and some VR games. I didn’t get around to going here when I visited, but I won’t lie – the Google reviews are very mixed. With that said, I did speak to someone that visited and they said it was a fun time, so you’ll just have to make up your own mind, I guess. Find out more on their website .

The Best Museums in Krakow

Schindler’s factory.

Schindler’s Factory is considered one of the best and most important museums in all of Poland, and definitely one of the most important places to visit in Krakow. Contrary to what you may have been told, the museum is not actually Schindler’s Factory per se. It is housed in the former administrative building of the factory, not any of the production buildings. The museum is also not dedicated to Oskar Schindler and his story, rather it is a day-by-day detailed account of Krakow during the war, with a permanent exhibition titled Kraków During Nazi Occupation 1939-1945 . Tickets to Schindler’s Factory for a self-guided tour can be purchased online or at the museum itself (though it is advisable to buy in advance because they are very limited). You can also book a guided tour of the museum if you want to delve a little deeper. Entrance to the museum is free on Mondays. Here you can find opening times for Schindler’s Factory Museum .

Under the Eagle Pharmacy

When the Germans established Podgórze, the largest ghetto in Kraków, they advised the Poles to leave the district.  However, Tadeusz Pankiewicz, a Polish pharmacist and owner of the Under the Eagle Pharmacy refused to open another pharmacy on the non-Jewish side of town, and so Under the Eagle became the only pharmacy to remain open in the ghetto. Pankiewicz would often give free medication to the Jews, and his pharmacy also provided Jewish leaders with a safe meeting point. He also helped older Jewish people dye their hair to give them a younger appearance and save them from certain death, as well as giving sedatives to young children to help them remain hidden. The pharmacy remained open until 1967, and it has since been transformed into a museum which tells the story of Pankiewicz and the people he helped.

Opening times and fees

The Under the Eagle Pharmacy is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. It is open every other day from 10:00am – 5:00pm. Admission is 18 PLN.

Rynek Underground Museum

4 metres underneath the main market square, Rynek Underground is a museum that not many tourists actually know about. This hi-tech museum full of touchscreens and holograms allows visitors to explore the recently excavated medieval merchant stalls underneath what is now the main market square in Krakow, as well as detailing Krakow’s entire history. Tickets for Rynek Underground must be bought in advance, and you can do this via their website . Alternatively, you can book a 2 hour guided tour here .

Muzeum Iluzji Kraków

Muzeum Iluzji is the Krakow Museum of Illusions, and is one of the best things to do in Krakow when it rains. I visited there recently with my boyfriend, and we had a great time! Spanning over 2 floors, the museum has the traditional picture illusions, lots of interactive things to mess around with, crazy mirrors, an upside down bedroom, 2D room and much more. There are tonnes of cool photo ops, and you can easily spend an hour or 2 having fun with everything. It’s also one of the only museums in Krakow that is open on a Monday! Admission is 50 PLN.

Open since 2011 and nestled behind Schindler’s Factory, MOCAK is a contemporary art museum and it is unlike anything that I’ve ever been before. Now full disclosure: I’m immature and uncultured and I couldn’t help but giggle and make fun of some of the pieces, but the ridiculousness was all part of the fun – my personal favourite piece was a video of a Dachshund eating a hotdog… The exhibitions are ever-changing so it’s worth doing a bit of research before you go, but whether you’re an arty-farty or not, you’re sure to have quite the experience at MOCAK! For those on a budget, the museum is free on Thursdays. You can find the opening hours on the website .

Czartoryski Museum

The Princes Czartoryski Museum, usually abbreviated to simply Czartoryski Museum, is one of the oldest museums in Poland, and in it you will find everything from masterpieces of European painting to sculpture, applied arts, Egyptian artefacts, Far Eastern art, Polish historical memorabilia, priceless books and much more. Its prized piece is Da Vinci’s Lady With an Ermine, which is one of only 3 oil paintings that Leonardo Da Vinci created, and the most important of all Krakow’s 2.3 million registered artworks. Lady With an Ermine has a room in the museum all to herself, but if you want to go and see her in person, you’ll have to book online in advance.

Stained Glass Workshop and Museum

Definitely one of the more unusual things to do in Krakow, the Stained Glass Museum combines an active workshop with a ‘living museum.’ Built in 1906, the original interior and equipment have been preserved for visitors to admire, and the workshop is considered one of the best in Europe. Not only can visitors to the museum see the original projects from the Polish Art Nouveau period masters but also witness how stained glass windows come to life. A visit is always conducted by a guide who leads visitors through original workshop rooms.   Each tour takes approximately about 45 minutes, and English tours are every hour, on the hour. The cost of an English tour is 32 PLN.

Foodie Things to Do in Krakow

Try zapiekanki.

One rite of passage in Krakow is eating a zapiekanka (or  zapiekanki  plural). Zapiekanki are most popular in Krakow, kind of like a pizza bread (but way better). The classic zapiekanka is half a baguette with sauteed white mushrooms and grated cheese, toasted until the cheese melts, although now you can buy zapiekanki with pretty much any topping imaginable! You can buy zapiekanki ready-made at service stations and corner shops, but they are really nothing special. HOWEVER,  Plac Nowy in Kazimierz has turned zapikanki into an art form.  These zapiekanki are piping hot, made to order and worlds apart from the ones you can buy at gas stations. Perfect as a lunch on-the-go or messy drunk food, zapiekanki are the soul of Krakow and they only cost a couple of euros.

A Polish food and Vodka tour

On my most recent trip to Krakow, my mum and I went on a Polish food and vodka tour that I booked through GetYourGuide . This 3 hour evening tour was wonderful and featured Polish foods that were just ‘different’ enough to be interesting, but not scary enough to put anyone off their food altogether (I like Polish tripe soup, but I will admit that it isn’t for everyone). We visited a handful of bars and restaurants and tried local specialities, as well as 4 or 5 shots of various Polish vodkas, all punctuated by our tour guide’s interesting stories about what we were eating and drinking. Having spent a lot of time in Poland, I can definitely vouch for the quality of the food we tried and information we were given on this tour. Plus, we met some super nice people who we went on to continue the night with in a bar when the tour ended. If you’re interested, you can book your Polish food and vodka tour here . It’s worth pointing out that the tour I took is also significantly cheaper than all of the other Polish food tours I found, making it even better!

Hamsa Hummus & Happiness

Hamsa was one of the first restaurants I found in Krakow and you can bet I’ve been back several times since! Located in the heart of Kazimierz, Hamsa serves up modern Israeli cuisine and ‘positive vibes’ with slogans including ‘make hummus not war’ and ‘hummus and happiness.’ Priding themselves on using ecological sustainability, Hamsa promises to only use eco-friendly products and meat, and their menu includes a wide range of mezze hummus platters , Israeli shish kebabs, tagine , falafel and more. I recommend Hamsa as a lunch stop before exploring the rest of Kazimierz.

Find Michelin-Approved Restaurants

While there is only one Michelin- starred restaurant in Krakow ( Bottiglieria 1881 ), many Krakow restaurants have been featured in the official Michelin Guide, meaning they’re pretty damn good. Here is a full guide to the Michelin recommended restaurants in Krakow.

Lunch With a View at Metrum Restobistro

Metrum Restobistro is a student restaurant on the 6th floor of the Krakow Music Academy, situated right on the edge of Krakow Old Town. This delightful little café boasts two rooftop patios, giving incredible panoramic views over Krakow, with an indoor section that you can sit in during the winter months (the glass walls allowing you to still enjoy the view). The menu changes daily and you will usually see a few different dishes written down on the board behind the servers. For around 6 EUR you will get a soup starter, hearty main course and a fruit compote drink. The menu is written entirely in Polish and the staff don’t speak English, so if you don’t have Google Translate to hand then you may just have to point and hope for the best! However, I’ve never had a bad meal at Metrum Restobistro, and besides, the view is really what you’re there to see! Metrum Restobistro is only open to the public on weekends at present.

Massolit Books & Café

Call me a nerd, but Massolit Books & Café is one of my favourite places to while away an afternoon in Krakow. Massolit is an English-language independent book store and café located a few minutes away from Krakow Old Town and holds more than 20,000 titles in classic and contemporary literature and academic titles with large collections in Women’s Studies, Jewish Studies and Central/Eastern European History. With ladders enabling book worms to reach the highest shelves and cosy armchairs scattered around for those who want to curl up immediately and enjoy their new book with a coffee and cake, Massolit Books & Café is a literature lover’s paradise. Massolit Books & Café is also home to many English-language events including literary readings, book clubs, art exhibits and political discussions.

Visit a Prosecco and oyster bar!

Prosecco Oyster Bar in the Old Town of Krakow does exactly what it says on the tin – Prosecco and oysters! Me and Ethan stopped by and ordered a carafe of fizz and some oysters on ice, including some fancy French oysters which the server assured us were limited edition! We felt like it was a great pre-dinner spot, but if you want to stay for longer, they also have a selection of fried and grilled seafood. Oh, and did I mention there’s a gigantic pink bath tub full of oysters?! This is one of my new favourite places to eat in Krakow .

Krakow Nightlife

I actually have an entire blog post dedicated to Krakow nightlife , as well as one about the best things to do in Krakow at night , but if you’re short on time, here are my best picks:

As far as Krakow nightlife goes, Prozak 2.0 up there with the best clubs in town. Boasting top DJs and an underground maze of tunnels and hidden dancefloors, Prozak is not the place to go if you want a quiet night (and if you don’t want to lose your friends then forget it – once you descend the stairs and enter Prozak, you’re pretty much on your own). Embarrassingly, the first few times I went to Prozak I stayed in the bar on the first floor, believing that this was all that there was, and I had no idea that there was a whole underground world going on below me – this is why I’m not cool enough for nightclubs.

Krakow Pub Crawl

What’s the best way to see Krakow nightlife? On a pub crawl of course! The pub crawl that I have personally been on (time and time again) is the Greg and Tom pub crawl, which I used to lead myself when I volunteered at the hostel, but if you don’t want to stay at Greg and Tom Party Hostel , then there are plenty of other great pub crawls in Krakow, such as this one, which has tonnes of great reviews.

Alchemia is one of my favourite bars in Krakow, and the best bit is that you can go at any time of day or night and have a great time! With its rickety floorboards, flickering candles and antique furniture, Alchemia reminds me of a bar that you might find on Diagon Alley, and I have to hand it to them – they not only have the best hot chocolate in Krakow, but they have the best mulled wine as well, making it one of the more romantic things to do in Krakow. At night, Alchemia gets even better as the bohemian café transforms into a haven for jazz-lovers, students and academics alike, with couples and groups of friends huddled together around the tiny tables, their faces dancing in the candlelight. For music lovers, Alchemia’s cellar regularly hosts live music nights, so no matter what kind of evening you’re looking for, you will find it at Alchemia. If you enjoy Alchemia, you’ll also love Singer and Eszeweria , which have similar vibes. To see Alchemia’s programme, visit their website .

Pijalnia Wodki I Piwa

Pijalnia Wodki i Piwa are a chain of dingy bars famous around Poland for their cheap prices and no-frills vibe, and if you want the quintessential Krakow nightlife experience then this is where you should head! With the walls decorated in newspaper clippings (a hark back to Communism, when they couldn’t afford wallpaper), the cheapest drinks in town and small plates of traditional Polish food costing a couple of euros, Pijalnia is a haven for broke students, alcoholics and tourists alike. Pijalnia is almost always open, always brightly lit, always full of people and always fun.

Teatro Cubano

Teatro Cubano is a nightclub that has created a real Havana vibe in the heart of Krakow. Arrive early if you want to avoid the queues because Teatro Cubano is always packed. With fantastic Latin music, reasonably priced drinks and a great atmosphere, Teatro Cubano is always a great night, and whether you want to show off your dance moves in the opera-house style venue itself, enjoy sliders from the attached Papito’s bar or simply hang out in the alleyway strung with fairy lights, Teatro Cubano is the place to be.

Day trips from Krakow

Auschwitz and birkenau.

You cannot visit Krakow without taking a day to pay your respects and learn about the tragic history of the Auschwitz and Birkenau death camps. You can visit these camps either on your own, or with a guided tour . Having done both, I recommend opting for the guided tour as it works out at pretty much the same price when you take transport into consideration, and you get a much more in-depth understanding of the horrors that took place in these places.

One thing that I must stress when talking about visiting Auschwitz and Birkenau is that you have to behave respectfully while you’re there. Too many tourists take selfies and pose for pictures on the train tracks, walk around loudly laughing and joking, and wear inappropriate clothes, and it really isn’t cool.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Visited by more than one million tourists every year, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Poland and is a great day trip from Krakow. With 12 objects on the UNESCO World Cultural and National Heritage List, Wieliczka Salt Mine actually produced table salt until 2007, making it one of the world’s oldest functioning salt mines. Wieliczka Salt Mine is a goldmine of interesting things all underground and made entirely from salt. These include impressive statues carved from salt, a ballroom, chapel and even an underground lake! Admission to Wieliczka Salt Mine is via ticketed group tours only, and there are a few different kinds of tours to choose from. You can opt for the standard ‘Tourist Route,’ or be a little more specific and go for the ‘Miners’ Route’ or ‘Pilgrim’s Route.’

Wadowice – Birthplace of Pope John Paul II

Wadowice is an especially important place to visit if you are a Catholic, as you can visit Pope John Paul II’s family home, place of baptism and see where he went to high school. The apartment where he lived is on 7 Koscielna Street and has been turned into a museum where you can learn about the life of the late Pope. The train from Krakow to Wadowice takes around 90 minutes.

Zakopane is a a mountain town near the Slovak border where you can go skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer. If you’re more of a culture vulture, you can simply enjoy some traditional Oscypek smoked cheese with cranberries, washed down with a hot beer with cinnamon and some traditional highlander music in Zakopane town.

Tatra Mountain National Park

Considered the most Alpine of all National Parks in the country, Tatra Mountain National Park is a must for nature lovers, and adventure seekers will be pleased to learn that you can indulge in a spot of paragliding, skiing, mountain climbing, hiking, or cycling (whatever takes your fancy really). There is also ample wildlife here, including bears, wolves, lynxes and wildcats, so be sure to tread carefully!

Morskie Oko

Morskie Oko (or Eye of the Sea in English) is the largest lake in the Tatra Mountains and is Poland’s most famous lake. Nestled between the Tatra Mountain peaks, Morskie Oko lake is a sight to behold and for nature lovers it is a must-see. A great way of visiting Morskie Oko is to combine it with a trip to Zakopane, as the two are only 30km apart from one another. This tour on GetYourGuide combines a 4-hour hike around Morskie Oko with a trip to Zakopane, where you will take a trip up Gubalowka Mountain by funicular and spend time on the famous Krupowki Street, where traditional shops and taverns await you.

Ojców National Park

Ojców National Park is the perfect place to spend a day exploring abandoned castles and hidden caves, and the Ojców Castle is believed to have been a secret hideout for kings in days gone by! What’s more, Ojców National Park is just a 15 minute drive away from Krakow, which makes it a really easy place to day trip to.

Planning your trip to Krakow

I hope that I’ve managed to give you more than enough ways to pass the time in Poland’s cultural capital, but what about all of the other stuff? Chances are, if it’s your first time in Poland, you might be wondering what to expect. Well, fear not because in this next section I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know when planning a trip to Krakow! and so by the time you’ve finished this article you’ll be all set for your trip to Krakow!

How many days in Krakow?

Krakow is the kind of city where there are so many things to see and do that you could spend an almost infinite amount of time there. Personally, I think that 2 days in Krakow is not nearly enough time to experience this city. 3 days in Krakow is just about enough as it would allow you one day trip, one day exploring Krakow Old Town, and one day to discover the Jewish Quarter. In order to fully make the most of Krakow, 4 of 5 days is perfect in my opinion.

Best time to visit Krakow

Krakow is one of those rare places that is magical in both summer and winter. In the summertime the weather is beautiful, making afternoon cocktails in Krakow Market Square pretty much unavoidable, and sightseeing in the sunshine is also always good! That said, the Krakow Christmas Markets are simply enchanting and the entire city feels magical in the build up to Christmas. From children singing Christmas Carols to homemade gifts being sold in the market and cosy bars serving up hot mulled wine and hearty Polish food everywhere, Krakow at Christmas is a delight. If you do decide to visit Krakow in the winter (or even in the autumn, let’s be honest), prepare for it to be cold. Polish winters are fierce, and the temperature regularly drops below zero.

Where to stay in Krakow

Hostels in krakow.

Without a doubt, the Greg and Tom hostels are the best hostels in Krakow , especially if you’re a solo traveller looking to meet people and have fun. I’ve stayed there countless times as a guest and even volunteered there for a short while! Greg and Tom actually have three hostels in Krakow to suit every kind of holidaymaker: Greg and Tom Party Hostel is the place to be if you want to party (as the name suggests!). This intimate 40 bed hostel has themed pub crawls every single night and the staff and the staff there love to party even more than the guests do. Expect unlimited vodka included in your pub crawl ticket, lots of crazy drinking games and an ‘anything goes’ vibe. Greg and Tom Beer House Hostel also runs pub crawls every night but is a little different to the party hostel. It is much bigger and is located right in the middle of Krakow Old Town. Greg and Tom Beer House’s main draw is that is has free beer on tap! Greg and Tom Home Hostel is for those who want top quality without the crazy atmosphere. Greg and Tom Home Hostel is still super sociable but a little more chill and with the option of private rooms (the other hostels only have dorm rooms). Every single Greg and Tom Hostel offers free breakfast, daytime snacks and free dinner. This is FANTASTIC is you are on a budget and also provides a great opportunity to meet the other hostel guests. What’s more, because Greg and Tom own a restaurant, the food that they serve in the hostels comes straight from the restaurant and is top quality. Think pasta bake, pizza, burritos and lots of chicken! Breakfast includes sausages, bacon, eggs and more (not your standard jam and toast brekkie that most hostels provide!). To book your stay at Greg and Tom Party Hostel, click here. If you want to check out Greg and Tom Beer House Hostel, click here. If Greg and Tom Home Hostel sounds like something you’d enjoy, click right here. If hotels are more your jam then you can’t go wrong with Booking.com . Booking.com never charges any booking fees and guarantees you the best rates on the market.

Hotels in Krakow

My pick for budget accommodation in Krakow is the place I stayed with my mum on my most recent visit, Salve Station . Salve Station is a set of apartments that share a kitchen and bathroom. Rooms have a lovely mezzanine floor where the beds are, with a living space below, giving it a much roomier feel than if you just had a double room. The location is a few steps from the main entrance to the Old Town and check-in is 24/7.

My pick for a mid-range hotel in Krakow is Liebeskind Boutique Hotel , which is just 600m from the main market square and and modern but cosy rooms. You have the option of a continental or buffet breakfast and there is a 24-hour front desk.

If you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious for your stay in Krakow, you can’t go wrong with the 5-star Hotel Pod Różą , which is housed in a Renaissance Palace just off the main square. Hotel Pod Różą is the oldest hotel in Krakow and the rooms are traditionally decorated, with Italian fittings and underfloor heating. Wellness and spa access is included in the price of the room.

Getting to Krakow

Getting to Krakow from the UK is super easy given the number of direct flights offered from almost every major UK city from budget airlines. I always use Skyscanner to find the best prices. If you are flying into Krakow and would like to arrange an airport transfer, I recommend i’way. You can book your transfer here. You could also rent a car with Qeeq. I recommend using Qeeq. Click here for a $50 coupon off your car rental and FREE Covid-19 protection!   If you’re travelling to Krakow by bus from another European city, my go-to bus travel in Europe is always FlixBus . Flixbus is the most extensive bus network worldwide and all Flix buses have Wi-Fi, extra legroom, charging ports and the ability to modify your booking just 15 minutes before departure! Click here to book your Flixbus to Krakow. You can compare train and bus prices on Omio . In terms of getting around Krakow itself, the Bolt taxi app is a great call, and Uber is popular as well. The tram and bus system are also super easy and will take you pretty much anywhere in the centre (although Krakow is also a very walkable city, if you’re able).

Poland is a very affordable country to travel to, and Krakow is no exception. A pint of beer will typically cost less than 3 EUR, and a meal in a nice restaurant with wine is usually around 20 EUR pp.

Krakow is an incredible safe city, even for solo travellers and single women. As always keep your wits around you and don’t do anything you wouldn’t do back home. The one word of caution I will give is to avoid Krakow strip clubs, as they are known for scamming tourists .

Krakow is both an EU member state and part of the Schengen zone.

No, the currency in Poland is the Polish złoty and 1 złoty is the equivalent of about 20 euro cents.

Poland is located in Central Europe, not Eastern.

Drinking on the streets is illegal in Poland, and you can be fined if caught.

Yes, absolutely. It may be touristy, but that’s for a reason, and this small city has a hell of a lot to offer.

Krakow is around 13% cheaper than the city of Warsaw.

Both cities have a lot to offer, but Warsaw is a lot larger and is a working Polish city. Krakow has a lot more to offer tourists and has a more beautiful old town than Warsaw.

Helpful Polish phrases

Polish words are notoriously difficult to pronounce for Native English speakers, but it’s still worth memorising a few key phrases before you go to Poland. Although most people in Krakow speak English, locals are so used to people not bothering to try and communicate with them in Polish that they really appreciate it when you try and a few words will go a long way. Some helpful Polish phrases include: Dzień dobry – Good morning Dobry wieczór – Good evening Do widzenia – Goodbye Proszę – Please Dziękuję – Thank you Tak – Yes Nie – No Ile? – How much? Nie mówię po polsku – I don’t speak Polish Na zdrowie! – Cheers!

Krakow, Poland | Final Thoughts

So there we have it – the ultimate guide to visiting Krakow. I hope that in this guide to Krakow I have prepared you for a trip to one of the most magical cities in Europe and provided you with lots of food for thought when it comes to things to do. That’s about it for now, but as always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section below and I will get back to you!

If you liked this article and would like to support my work, please click the button above to donate a couple of bucks and buy me a coffee. The ad revenue that I receive on this website is minimal, so support from my readers enables me to keep creating content that you (hopefully!) love to read.

Disclaimer: Travelling Jezebel uses affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase on a site I am partnered with I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

7 thoughts on “56 crazy and unusual things to do in krakow (updated 2024)”.

I always thought of Krakow as the place to base yourself when visiting Auschwitz, but I was definitely wrong! Amazing guide! Saved for when I go -now that I know I need to leave a few days for the city 🙂

I’ve always heard great things about Krakow…and this post just reiterates everything else I’ve read. Hope to get there soon!

I’m considering a few places in Eastern Europe and never considered Krakow. It looks like a pretty awesome city and it is definitely on my bucket list now.

This is perfect timing, I am off to Kraków on Monday and scarily behind with my planning! These are some great recommendations, thank you 🙂

Aw I loved reading this! I’m from Poland but don’t live there anymore, but Krakow is my absolute favorite city there! You explained it so well and I’ve been to many of these places, but I also found new ones to go to next time I’m there. Thank you for this post!

Mariam bossbabechroniclesblog.com

Thank you so much for such an exhaustive post! Although you have me slightly worried! We’ve scheduled just 3 days in Krakow for 2020 and now I feel like I need to add another 3 onto that – I had no idea how much there was to do! I guess that’s the great thing about living somewhere you get to know all of the best things to do!

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The 11 best things to do in Kraków

Looking for great things to do in Kraków? This Polish city is great for drinking and even better for modern art.

Krakow’s chequered wartime history still provides an important reference point for modern life, but this city has also transformed itself into a lively and fashionable destination for those craving something a bit different.

For starters, Kraków’s modern art scene is second to none, but you can get a whole lot from simply wandering through the city and checking out its architecture. When it’s time to eat, drink and be merry, head to bohemian Kazimierz to spend time in its bars and restaurants, or hit up a food market on the weekend. Whatever your vibe, here are the best things to do in Krakow.

RECOMMENDED: 🏨 The best  hotels in Krakow 🏘️ The world's   coolest neighbourhoods 📸 The best   cities for culture   right now

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Best things to do in Kraków

1.  MOCAK

What is it?  The Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow , with a great acronym.

Why go?  The city’s hub of avant-garde and alternative art is a quite a spectacle, beginning with the eye-catching building itself, which was part of Oskar Schindler’s former factory. As well as showcasing a few well-known global names, the museum focuses on work from a huge range of Polish artists, including thought-provoking exhibitions examining challenging themes prevalent in post-war Polish society.

2.  Alchemia

What is it?  A brilliantly moody bar in the heart of Krakow’s former Jewish district.

Why go?  It’s one of the hippest, most atmospheric watering holes in the city, loved by locals. Its low-lit rooms are filled with old furniture, scruffy books, paintings, candles – Jim Jarmusch would feel at home writing scripts here. At night Alchemia turns into a seriously lively spot, sometimes with bands or DJs, other times just courtesy of Krakow’s cool kids getting their party on.

3.  Wander Kazimierz

What is it?  Krakow’s former Jewish district, now an energetic maze of the city’s best cafes, restaurants, bars, galleries and historical sites.   

Why go?  You could probably spend an entire Krakow trip in Kazimierz and not get bored. It’s teeming with all kinds of intimate spots to lose yourself in, from dive bars to upmarket restaurants to quirky galleries, set in all manner of fascinating and beautiful buildings. It’s also easy – and important – to take in the area’s historical context as a centre for Jewish life in Krakow.

4.  Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory

What is it?  A museum focused on Krakow during the Second World War, housed in part of the former factory used by Oskar Schindler, known for saving the lives of over 1,000 Jewish people during the war by employing them at the factory.

Why go?  Whatever your reasons for visiting Krakow, it’s essential to understand what happened to the city and the people there during wartime years. Oskar Schindler’s Factory gives an informed and accessible introduction to what went on and the indescribable hardships faced by Jewish people. Stories are told through photos, film, documents and a range of multimedia exhibitions.

5.  Jazz Club U Muniaka

What is it?  A basement jazz club with plenty of attitude.

Why go?  Krakow has a healthy jazz scene bubbling away under the surface and this marvellous little cellar is probably the finest place to experience it. Inside, U Muniaka  is all exposed brickwork and bunched-together tables, making for an atmospheric setting to soak up the wide-ranging modern jazz from mostly local artists. Fair warning: the venue has a bit of a rep for ‘abrupt’ service, but hey – you came here for the notes and the vibes, not to make friends, right?

6.  Vegab

What is it?  They may have a slightly awkward name (it's a play on veggie kebab), but Vegab is a great vegan alternative to the carnivorous kebab. 

Why go?  Delicious wraps worthy of curing any hangover – just ask the locals, Vegab is popular with them. Packed with vegan 'meat' and vegetables, these healthy kebabs are very filling and affordable. Plump for the 'Beirut', which contains hummus, tahini and ogorki kiszone (pickled cucumbers). Or the ‘Hamster’, which comes with coconut and peanut butter and tastes heaps better than it sounds.

7.  Wieliczka Salt Mine

What is it?  Yes, it’s a salt mine and yes, it’s also way more exciting than that sounds.

Why go?  Classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site, this vast subterranean wonder is located 15 miles outside of Krakow, but is well worth a visit. Wander through winding tunnels and gawp at the surreal, salty world before you, carved out by countless generations of miners. There’s a salt lake, the incredible Chapel of St Kinga and various sculptures carved by contemporary artists. Salt will never be more interesting than right here.

8.  Hummus Amamamusi

What is it?  A pocket-sized café serving up all kinds of artisan hummus goodness.

Why go?  There’s a lot of hummus in Krakow and this place does some of the best. Make sure you try Amamamusi ’s more unusual flavours, such as hemp, pumpkin, capers and various sweet varieties, including caramelised apple and smoked plum. The varied bread, pickles and salad to accompany are all top-notch as well. If you thought you were bored of hummus, head here and be reborn.

9.  Plac Nowy

What is it?  A ramshackle marketplace with regular flea markets, great bars and – crucially – food stalls.

Why go?  Eaten too many pierogi? Try Poland’s unofficial snack food, zapiekanka – a cross between an open sandwich and generously topped pizza bread. Plac Nowy’s many tiny food shacks serve arguably the best in the country (don’t expect high-end haute cuisine here – this is straight-up, glorious fast food). There are also Saturday and Sunday flea markets, plus great bars in the surrounding square. This is where locals come to snack, shop and drink.

10.  Milkbar Tomasza

What is it?  An old-school workers’ canteen given a modern revamp, but still serving up hearty, traditional Polish food.

Why go?  To try authentic, cheap Polish grub, cooked properly and served in a no-frills setting. There are several Milkbars  around Krakow, but Tomasza is one of the more accessible examples. This is a fine place to gorge on pierogi, those dangerously moreish boiled dumplings filled with anything from cheese to meat to vegetables.

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

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 16, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

READ ALSO: Krakow Travel Tips for First Visit

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

1. Krakow Old Town

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

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

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

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

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

2. Rynek Główny (Main Market Square)

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Sukiennice (Cloth Hall)

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

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

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

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

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

4. St Mary’s Basilica

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Rynek Underground Museum

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

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

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

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

6. Florianska Street and St. Florian’s Gate

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Vistula River Cruise

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

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

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

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

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

9. Vistula Boulevards

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

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

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

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

10. Jewish Quarter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. Schindler’s Factory

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. Saints Peter & Paul Church

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

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

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

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

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

13. Jagiellonian University

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

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

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

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

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

14. Planty Park

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

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

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

15. Traditional Food & Folk Shows

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

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

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

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

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

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

16. Wieliczka Salt Mine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LEARN MORE: How to Visit Wielczka Salt Mine

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

17. Auschwitz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LEARN MORE: Visiting Auschwitz Concentration Camp

18. Zakopane

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

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

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

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

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

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

19. Energylandia

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

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

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

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

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

More places to visit in Krakow if you have time

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

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

Where to stay

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

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

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

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

Map of the main tourist attractions in Krakow

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

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

READ ALSO: Krakow Itinerary for 2-3 Days

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

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

Have a great trip!

READ ALSO: Tips & Info for Visiting Krakow

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

More travel inspiration for European cities:

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

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

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Tuesday 5th of March 2024

well informed,thank you,more in my bucket list

Glad to help, Mark. Have a great trip!

• PLAN YOUR TRIP
• THINGS TO DO AND SEE

Things to Do in Krakow: 45 Places You Just Can’t Miss

Krakow is undoubtedly one of the most authentic and picturesque cities in Poland, a real gem able to surprise and amaze travelers.

Its lively atmosphere, the small typical restaurants where you can taste excellent food and good beer, and the many traces of its troubled past and its culture, make this city able to delight even the most experienced travelers. But what are the best things to do in Krakow?

What you will find in this guide about the best things to do and see in Krakow:

Top 10 Attractions and Things to See in Krakow

• Top 15 Things to Do in Krakow

Top 10 Places to Visit near Krakow

Top 5 typical foods to try in krakow, top 5 best guided tours you shouldn’t miss in krakow.

Krakow was for many centuries the most important city in Poland. During its heyday, between the 1300s and 1600s, it was the seat of the royal court of Casimir III the Great , and has become one of the most beautiful and flourishing medieval cities.

Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , the first in the world to obtain this recognition, and preserves almost intact the old market square , the royal castle on Wawel Hill and the Kazimierz district, which for centuries was home of one of the largest and most important Jewish communities in Europe.

After the tragic events of World War II , Krakow and Poland came under the influence of the Soviet Union and experienced communism until 1990.

Today it is a lively and trendy city, a destination for travelers from all over the world, attracted by the many things to do in Krakow, including 2 other must-see UNESCO sites : the Wieliczka and Bochnia Salt Mines and the tragic site of Auschwitz concentration camp.

Krakow Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)

The huge Krakow Main Market Square , is a main point of reference for visitors: it measures 200 x 200 meters , making it the largest medieval square in Europe , and is located right in the heart of Stare Miasto (the historic center).

From here begin the two main streets of Krakow, Ulica Florianska (towards the Krakow Barbican and the Central Railway Station) and Ulica Grodzka (towards the Royal Wawel Castle) which together form the so-called Royal Route .

Krakow Main Market Square dates back to the 14th century when it was crowded with merchants, cattle sellers and farmers. Today it is the heart of the city, surrounded by ancient and charming town houses, each with its own story to tell. A walking tour with a local guide is undoubtedly the best way to visit this UNESCO-listed square .

The square is lined with cafes, pubs and restaurants, and it buzzes with life at any time of day or night. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the Krakow Christmas Markets held here between the first days of December and the first days of January, when the square is filled with stalls and kiosks serving delicious grilled meat, soups and irresistible typical street food specialties.

In the middle of the square is the ancient Krakow Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) , once a textile market, today it houses souvenir shops and an art gallery. You will also see a lonely tower, the Town Hall Tower (Wieża ratuszowa) , the only remnant of the old town hall: you can climb to the top for a nice view of the square.

St. Mary’s Basilica , with its Gothic towers, is one of the symbols of the city and overlooks the square. Don’t miss the trumpet player who every hour plays St. Mary’s Trumpet Call (Hejnał mariacki) , an ancient five-note hymn belonging to the Polish tradition, from the tallest tower of St. Mary’s Basilica.

Wawel Royal Castle

Wawel Royal Castle was the residence of the Polish kings for many centuries and is located on top of Wawel Hill , with magnificent views of the Vistula River and the city.

Wawel Royal Castle is a huge complex of buildings and fortifications dating back to the 16th century. You can visit over 71 enchanting rooms, divided into 5 different sections, such as the Crown Treasury and Armory , the State Rooms and the Royal Private Apartments .

You will be able to see the ancient charm of the rooms where the most important people of the time were received, fine paintings, ancient tapestries and jewels and collections of oriental art.

The first palatial building you come across after entering the gate is Wawel Cathedral , and it is the place where Polish kings were crowned and its underground crypts hide the tombs of kings and their families.

It is also possible to visit the Wawel Dragon’s Den , caves where there are the fossil remains of a dragon (in reality it could be a whale, or something like that) and a statue with a dragon that breathes real fire.

The best way to visit Wawel Royal Castle is on a private guided tour , as there are so many stories and anecdotes to learn. But if visiting castles isn’t your thing, it is definitely worth going up Wawel Hill to see (for free) the royal courtyard and gardens , from which you can get a nice view of the Vistula.

Kazimierz: the old Jewish quarter of Krakow

One of the unmissable things to do in Krakow is a nice stroll through the narrow streets of Kazimierz , the old Jewish quarter.

The village of Kazimierz was founded by King Casimir III the Great in the 14th century, and one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe settled here in the following centuries.

With the invasion by Nazi Germany, most of Krakow’s Jews were forced to move away from the city while those who remained, about 15,000, were forced to move to the ghetto, created in 1941 in the nearby village of Podgórze , which today is the district located exactly on the opposite bank of the Vistula.

The Krakow Ghetto was actually a sorting place for Jews to extermination camps. It was finally liquidated in 1943, with the killing of almost all of its inhabitants. Today it is still possible to see a small section of the ghetto wall , the main square (where there is a monument to the holocaust) and the Eagle Pharmacy of Dr. Tadeusz Pankiewicz , a Pole who helped many Jews and whose story is told in the book “The Krakow Ghetto Pharmacy”.

Today Kazimiers is one of the liveliest districts, full of restaurants serving delicious Polish Jewish specialties, pubs and shops, most of them around Szeroka Street , an old market square that is currently one of the most picturesque spots in Krakow.

In nearby Plac Nowy you will find an authentic local market, where you can taste delicious “zapiekanki” and also there are dozens of excellent eateries, beer houses and trendy places. This is also where locals, students and tourists love to spend the evening.

It is also worth visiting the ancient synagogues of Kazimierz, such as the Old Synagogue , the Remuh Synagogue (with the Old Jewish Cemetery where some tombstones date back to the 16th century) and the Tempel Synagogue .

Kazimierz has so many hidden gems to discover and tons of stories to be told. For this it could be a great idea to join one of the FREE walking tours , a pleasant 2-hour walk led by excellent local guides .

Auschwitz and Birkenau

No visit to Krakow is complete without visiting Auschwitz . The largest and most atrocious Nazi concentration camp is only 1 hour from the city center, and anyone should visit it at least once in their lifetime.

The Auschwitz Concentration Camp consisted of 3 main camps:

• Auschwitz I : with dozens of blocks that can be visited, the gas chambers, crematoria and various structures still well preserved.
• Auschwitz II , also called Birkenau : the real extermination camp, today appears as a huge expanse of wooden barracks, and here you can also see the infamous railway entrance gate and the ruins of the crematoria.
• Auschwitz III , also called Monowitz : today it cannot be visited because practically nothing remains of it.

You can visit Auschwitz and Birkenau , reaching the village of Oświęcim by bus, train or with the guided tours that depart from Krakow .

It is definitely worth going there with the guide, because they are really experienced and know how to tell very well the history of the camp and all the anecdotes of the survivors.

There is a lot to see and there are many stories to hear: it would be advisable to reserve a full day for the visit. The ticket reservation for Auschwitz must be done online well in advance . You can, however, check the availability of guided tours from Krakow , which include round-trip transport and visiting Auscwhitz and Birkenau with an official guide (available in several languages).

Wieliczka Salt Mines

One of the things to see in Krakow that you absolutely cannot miss are the Wieliczka Salt Mines , located just 12 km from the city center.

Active since the Middle Ages, these mines have been continuously expanded since the 13th century, to become the largest industry in Poland, together with the nearby Bochnia Salt Mines .

The importance of Krakow’s mines was enormous for Poland as salt was once considered to be very valuable, and this was crucial to the thriving development of the city and its economy.

The Wieliczka Salt Mines have been exploited for over 750 years, and consist of over 300 km of tunnels , over 3,000 caves, underground lakes and huge halls arranged over 9 levels, the deepest at 327 meters underground .

Over the centuries miners have decorated the rooms in which they spent most of their time, creating a masterpiece that is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The rooms are full of sculptures and creations made in salt and rock.

The visit route winds along a couple of kilometers, walking in the large tunnels dug by miners many centuries ago.

You can visit wonderful halls, see the underground lake, reach the deepest point of the mine and visit the breathtaking Chapel of Saint Kinga , a real cathedral carved into the rock hundreds of meters underground, capable of accommodating up to 500 people.

You can visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines on a guided tour only (there are tours at different times of the day and different languages), and the visit is safe and comfortable (the halls and galleries are really large). There is even a restaurant where you can eat in the depths of the earth!

There are tours every day that depart from Krakow and include a guided tour and round-trip transport.

Stare Miasto (Krakow Old Town)

The picturesque Krakow Old Town (Stare Miasto, in Polish) is a true jewel of medieval and Renaissance architecture, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List .

It was once surrounded by mighty city walls and bastions (still partially visible and open to visitors). Most of the fortifications were demolished in the early 1800s at the behest of Franz I Emperor of Austro-Hungary, and where once the city walls were, today stands the Planty Park , the beautiful park that surrounds the old town with its 4 kilometers and more of lush green gardens.

Start your visit from St. Florian’s Gate , located near the Krakow Barbican , not so far from the Central Station. St. Florian’s Gate is an ancient city gate, dating back to the Middle Ages, and was the main access point to the city.

From here continue to Floriańska Street , along what is also called the Royal Route because it connects the main entrance of Krakow with the Wawel Royal Castle, and military parades and processions were held here.

Floriańska Street with its pastel-colored town houses is considered the main street in Krakow, and bustles with tourists, shops and street performers. This is also one of the main nightlife spots, full of bars, clubs and restaurants.

After visiting the Market Square , you can continue along Grodzka Street , which is practically the continuation of Floriańska Street and leads to Wawel Hill, the Vistula River and Kazimierz.

Don’t miss the chance to taste an obwarzanek , the typical snack of Krakow, you could even participate in a workshop to learn how to do it. You could join a Krakow Food Tour to discover the most authentic local food, visit farmers’ markets, fabulous bakeries and bakeries, explore local favorite places to eat and sample dozens of delicious regional specialties.

The best way to discover all the secrets of Krakow’s old town is to join one of the FREE walking tours with a local guide : they are held every morning and last about 2.5 hours. Book well in advance!

Oskar Schindler’s Factory

A movie you should see before going to Krakow is “ Schindler’s List “, a real masterpiece directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the true story of Oskar Schindler , a German entrepreneur who did his utmost to save over 1000 Jews from Nazi extermination.

During the German occupation of Krakow, Schindler had set up an enameled pot (and later ammunition) factory in a suburb adjacent to the ghetto and the Kazimierz district. In those years he saw the Nazi horrors, and decided to help the Jews.

He stopped hiring Poles, starting to use the abundant Jewish workforce from the nearby Kraków-Płaszów Concentration Camp , thus saving them from their cruel destiny. Over the years he compiled a list of his Jewish workers, in order to prevent their deportation, and made every effort to save as many lives as possible from extermination.

Today it is possible to visit Schindler’s Factory administration building, where you can see his office, his original list, and find out much more about his history.

In addition, Schindler’s Factory houses an interesting museum on the history of the Nazi occupation of Poland , where you can learn more about how the Jews of the ghetto lived, how people lived in Krakow in those years, and see the reconstructions of a typical ghetto apartment or a cellars where Jews were hidden.

There are great guided tours every day, but remember to book ahead as availability is quite limited. If you are a history buff, then you should check out this tour with an expert guide , which besides Schindler’s Factory also allows you to visit and learn much more about the Kraków-Płaszów Concentration Camp and the most significant places in the ghetto.

Leave the busy Krakow Old Town for a while, and enjoy an unforgettable and authentic experience discovering the city’s recent communist past, a little offbeat, but absolutely one of the best things to do in Krakow.

Go to Nowa Huta , whose name means New Steelworks , a neighborhood built in the early 1950s at the behest of Stalin, who wanted Poland to have a strong and huge steel industry.

Nowa Huta is a huge planned city, built by Soviet architects who managed to design a jewel of socialist realism, the regime’s official architectural style.

It is built around what were once among the largest steelworks in the world, and which, despite the will of the regime, became a den of rebels of the “Solidarność” movement, which played an important role in the collapse of communism.

Today, the working-class neighborhood of Nowa Huta still retains the charm of the old days , and you can visit underground nuclear bunkers , apartments and restaurants where time seems to have stood still.

But remember to go there with a local expert guide , this is the real experience! The tours start in Krakow, you will board your time machine, an authentic Polish car from the old days , and your passionate guide (member of a non-profit cultural association of Nowa Huta) will take you to discover the wonders of the Workers’ Paradise!

Krakow Museums and Exhibitions

Krakow boasts an interesting artistic and cultural heritage, dozens of museums, concert halls and exhibitions. The most famous museum in Krakow is probably the Czartoryski Museum , which houses Leonardo Da Vinci’s renowned painting Lady with an Ermine .

Also of interest is the Polish National Museum , which boasts a large collection of works by Polish artists, weapons, uniforms and archaeological finds. For contemporary art lovers, a visit to the MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow , located right next to Schindler’s Factory Museum is worthwhile.

Manggha is a museum dedicated entirely to Japanese art, while nostalgic people will love the Pinball Museum , dedicated to the game that has thrilled generations (and yes, you can play it for free). Also interesting is the Aviation Museum , where you can see hundreds of old military planes and helicopters (mainly from World War I and II and the Soviet Union).

Also very popular is the new museum which is located just below the Market Square, the Underground Museum , where you can discover the history of the square and the city. A few steps away you can also visit the Collegium Maius , the historical seat of the Jagiellonian University , one of the oldest in the world (Copernicus studied here). About half an hour’s walk from the center is the small Gestapo Museum , where you can see the old cells and find out more about what used to be the Gestapo headquarters in Krakow.

Most of Krakow’s museums are quite small and can be visited with little time. With the City Pass Krakow Card you can enter over 40 museums for free and enjoy free unlimited rides on Krakow’s buses and trams .

Here you will find the guide to the 25 best museums to see in Krakow .

Krakow Churches

Krakow has an ancient religious tradition, and here Christians and Jews lived side by side peacefully for many centuries.

So, among the things to see in Krakow, its beautiful churches and ancient synagogues cannot be missed. St Mary’s Basilica located right on Krakow’s Main Market Square is a Gothic masterpiece, defined as the eighth wonder of the world by Pablo Picasso, but the small and delightful St. Barbara’s Church , located a short distance away, is also worth a visit.

The tiny Church of St. Adalbert located right in the middle of the Market Square was built over 1000 years ago, and from the same period is also the Church of St. Andrew , a beautiful fortified church, which in the past was one of the most important in Krakow, also due to its defensive role in case of enemy attacks.

Along the Grodzka street you can visit two other important churches in Krakow, the sixteenth-century Saints Peter and Paul Church and the beautiful Church of St. Francis of Assisi , part of a Franciscan monastery, which preserves precious artistic stained glass windows in Art Nouveau style and a beautiful gothic cloister.

In the Kazimierz district, don’t miss the majestic St. Catherine Church , dating from the 14th century, and the Corpus Christi Basilica , a Gothic masterpiece founded by King Casimir III the Great in 1335.

Top 10 Things to Do in Krakow

Discover the wonders of krakow’s old town on a free walking tour.

Discovering the most hidden gems of the Old Town , which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , is definitely a must-do in Krakow. And the best and most fun way is definitely to join a free walking tour . Local guides, usually students or Krakow residents, will show you the most interesting and authentic side of the city , and give you a nice overview of all the main attractions.

You can join two types of free walking tours in Krakow (both are worthwhile):

• Free walking tour of Krakow’s Old Town
• Free walking tour of Kazimierz and the Jewish Quarter

It might also be fun to join a bike tour or explore the city on a guided Segway tour . If, on the other hand, you are in a rather large group of travelers, then you could opt for a nice private tour .

☞ Read our guide to the Best Free Tours in Krakow

Take an evening tour to discover the legends and mysteries of Krakow

As the sun goes down, the Old Town has a mysterious charm, and holds dozens of ancient legends and creepy stories of serial killers and ghosts.

To discover them take part in one of the evening walking tours , the local expert guides lead small groups to visit the city from a different perspective, telling ancient legends, anecdotes and mysteries that really happened. You will discover a side of Krakow that is decidedly exciting, and that you would hardly be able to discover in any other way.

Discover the best of authentic local food

Polish cuisine is a surprising mix of simplicity and tradition and boasts hundreds of regional specialties made with the finest locally grown ingredients . Among the most famous dishes of Polish cuisine are pierogi , but locals love soups , meat and vegetable specialties and many other things that you will hardly find on tourist menus.

Also you should try the desserts from the renowned Polish pastry, as well as the delicious cakes and donuts. Krakow’s food culture is one of the most authentic and interesting in Europe, as are its most famous drinks : excellent beers and vodkas .

When in Krakow you should explore the local food culture to the fullest, sample as many specialties as possible and learn more about Polish cuisine. An excellent choice could be to participate in a Krakow Food Tour : a walking tour among the farmers’ markets, bakeries, pastry shops, stalls and the most authentic restaurants in the city, which will allow you to taste dozens of the best local specialties.

☞ Here you will find a comprehensive guide to the best Krakow Food Tours .

Enjoy a traditional dinner (with unlimited food and drinks)

Krakow is full of good restaurants and, especially during the Christmas season, it also boasts an excellent range of local street food.

But if you want to have a truly memorable experience, then you could book a table at Karczma Skansen Smaków , a beautiful traditional restaurant located on Lake Kryspinów , in a village just outside Krakow. Here every night is the traditional dinner, enlivened by musicians and folk dances.

Better come very hungry, because dinner includes soups, a main course of meat and an unlimited buffet of many different typical specialties . You will also enjoy unlimited drinks , including wine and beer.

This traditional wooden restaurant is located along the banks of a pond, and if you book a table online you can enjoy free return transport from Krakow city center to the restaurant. It is recommended to book ahead of time, as it is quite popular.

Visit the birthplace of Pope John Paul II

Krakow was also made famous by the great Pope John Paul II , whose name was Karol Wojtyła , born in 1920 in Wadowice , a town located about 50 km from Krakow.

If you want to learn more about his life and visit the places where he was born, you can book a private day tour to Wadowice . You will depart from Krakow (round-trip transport is included) and a professional guide will show you the most significant sights of Wadowice , such as Karol Wojtyła’s birthplace, the Museum of John Paul II , and the church where little Karol was baptized.

After tasting John Paul II’s favorite cake (the delicious kremowka ) you will continue your tour to the important sanctuary of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska , a UNESCO World Heritage Site . You will be able to visit the beautiful basilica and the ancient convent, surrounded by a breathtaking natural landscape.

Later, you can visit another place that was very dear to John Paul II, the small town of Lagiewniki , where you can visit the Divine Mercy Monastery , one of the most famous shrines in Poland.

You will be able to visit the chapel that houses the miraculous painting of Merciful Jesus and, guided by a nun of the monastery, you will learn a lot about the life of Sister Faustina Kowalska , canonized as a saint in 2000 by Pope John Paul II, and who is venerated here.

Visit to the Shrine of the Black Madonna of Czestochowa

Alternatively, you could choose this private tour which after visiting Wadowice allows you to visit the town of Czestochowa , where the famous Jasna Gora monastery is located, visited by over 4 million people a year. This sanctuary built in the 14th century at the behest of Louis I of Hungary, is inhabited by Pauline monks, who here venerate the famous Black Madonna of Czestochowa .

Discover wonderful UNESCO Wooden Churches

The Malopolska countryside, the region around Krakow, hides some true gems: old wooden churches surrounded by enchanting bucolic landscapes.

There are now over a hundred of these small picturesque wooden churches (125 Catholic churches and 49 Orthodox churches), of which 6 have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

You can visit some of the most beautiful by booking a guided tour from Krakow , which allows you to visit dozens of tiny villages where time seems to have stopped, such as Lipnica Murowana where St. Leonard’s Church is located, built at the end of the 15th century and which it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will also visit St. Michael Archangel’s Church in Binarowa , Saints Philip and James Church in Sękowa and the Orthodox Protection of Our Most Holy Lady Church in Owczary , excellent examples of wooden Gothic architecture, all recognized by UNESCO .

If you prefer to travel on your own , you could hire a car and explore other churches and villages. The entire tourist route is over 1000 km long!

Get on top of the Kościuszko Mound to enjoy the city view

Among the weirdest things to do in Krakow, there is a visit to the various mounds that can be found around the city.

Their origin is shrouded in mystery. The oldest, Krakus Mound , dates back to prehistoric times, and its original purpose remains a mystery. You can visit it with an easy walk from the Podgórze district. If the sky is clear you may have a breathtaking view over the city!

The most famous of these cone-shaped mounds is the 326-meter-high Kościuszko Mound , built by the people of Krakow in 1823 in honor of the Polish national hero Tadeusz Kościuszko.

In the mid-19th century the Austrians built a fortified citadel at the base of the Kościuszko Mound. The entire complex is enclosed by fortified walls and also boasts a beautiful church, the neo-Gothic Blessed Bronisława Chapel . Today it is a good spot to enjoy a nice view of the city and to spend time outdoors.

A few kilometers away, reachable with a short walk from the Krakow Zoo , you can visit Piłsudski’s Mound , built in 1934 to celebrate the re-establishment of Poland’s independence, and named after Marshal Józef Piłsudski. This mound was built with soil from World War I battlefields where the Poles fought.

Learn how to make pierogi: cooking class in a local family home

If you love food and cuisine, this is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Krakow.

A cooking class with locals , in your host’s family home, to learn how to cook the famous pierogi just like the locals do. Your host will take you with him to the local market, where you will learn about the best ingredients and the most delicious typical specialties, as well as learn how to buy ingredients in Polish.

Once you arrive at your host’s house, you will cook delicious traditional pierogi together, and you will be able to discover many things about Polish culture . Of course you will then enjoy a hearty and delicious lunch , and you can taste pierogi, as well as various local snacks and regional beer . It will be like cooking with your Polish grandmother!

Take a tasting tour to taste the best Polish vodka

Vodka is the Polish national drink , and its history goes back a long way. Even today, the question is whether vodka was invented in Russia or Poland, and a good way to find out would be to go on a fun tasting tour .

The tasting tours have nothing to do with a pub crawl, they are a cultural and fun experience at the same time, and you can learn a lot about the history of vodka, the different types and methods of production and much more.

The tour is a pleasant walk in some of Krakow Old Town’s best places where you can taste 7 different types of excellent local vodka , accompanied by snacks and the ubiquitous pierogi (great for working off the vodka!). Absolutely a must!

Sample renowned Polish beers on a guided tasting tour

Besides vodka, the favorite drink of the Poles is undoubtedly beer. Around Krakow are some of the best breweries and microbreweries in Poland, so a good beer tasting is a must.

Tasting tours are held every evening in the Kazimierz district, and consist of a nice walk led by an expert local guide. You’ll visit some of the best breweries in Krakow, and enjoy 11 excellent regional craft beers , as well as local appetizers.

Explore the wonderful Tyniec Abbey and the countryside around Krakow by bicycle

The ancient Tyniec Abbey , founded in 1044, is located about 14 km from Krakow , well connected by a cycle path and country roads surrounded by nature.

This wonderful Benedictine abbey is located on a hill, along the Vistula River, and is one of the oldest in Poland. It is located along one of the most important ancient routes of pilgrims and merchants traveling through Poland and the historical regions of Bohemia and Moravia .

If you want to enjoy it to the fullest, you should go there by bike : guided bike tours last around 4 hours and depart from Krakow’s Old Town. Bike, helmet and local guide included.

If cycling isn’t your thing, then you could hire a car and go on your own, or book a private tour .

Try odd hobbies from the locals, like firing powerful weapons at the shooting range or throwing axes

Among the things to do in Krakow that are very popular with the locals, the shooting range experience is something you will hardly be able to do elsewhere.

What makes it so unique? Well, here you can fire real weapons from the Red Army , like the PPŠ-41, Tokarev TT-33 and the famous AK47 Kalashnikov . Or the powerful weapons of the US military , such as the M16 , M4 and a sniper rifle .

You can also try other very powerful weapons, such as the CZ Scorpion Evo 3 machine gun , James Bond’s Walther PPK, the Israeli IMI Uzi and the iconic Magnum. All under the supervision of an expert instructor, for 3 hours of total fun . You can check out our guide to the best shooting range experiences in Krakow here .

While if you want to feel just like a Viking, you might want to try ax throwing ! A very fun activity, especially if you are a group of friends! It could also be a fun thing to do in Krakow in case of rain.

Attend a piano recital at the Chopin Concert Hall

For classical music fans, a trip to Poland is also a unique opportunity to learn more about the most famous Polish musician, Fryderyk Chopin .

At the Chopin Concert Hall , located in the heart of Stare Miasto , every evening you can attend piano concerts where talented local pianists perform some of Chopin’s greatest piano compositions.

Have a fun night out on a crazy pub and club crawl

Krakow nightlife can be insanely great! In recent years it has established itself as a popular destination among young people, thanks to the many things to do, the relaxed lifestyle, and the rather affordable cost of living.

If you want to fully experience Krakow’s nightlife and meet lots of people from all over the world, then you should definitely go to a pub crawl !

The pub crawl is basically a guided tour of some of Krakow’s best bars, pubs and clubs . You have 1 hour of unlimited drinks in the first venue, just to fuel a little, and then you will move to other bars and clubs, where you will have a free welcome shot and free VIP entry (so without having to queue to enter). The last place you will visit is a famous club, where you can enjoy many more hours of crazy fun!

☞ THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST KRAKOW PUB CRAWL

Spend a relaxing day at the Chocholow Thermal Baths

If you want to spend a day in total relaxation just like the locals love to do, you may go to Chocholow Thermal Baths , located about 100 km south of Krakow.

This large spa is set in a wonderful natural setting. The village of Chochołów , with its traditional wooden houses, is located along the border with Slovakia , at the foot of the Tatra Mountains , probably the most beautiful nature park and ski resort in Poland.

The Chocholow Thermal Baths boast over 30 heated pools , both indoor and outdoor, saunas and relaxation areas. You can go there both in winter and in summer, in winter it is wonderful to bathe in warm water surrounded by a wonderful snowy landscape.

To get to the Chocholow Thermal Baths you will have approximately 2 hours of driving through the wonderful landscapes of this beautiful region. You could rent a car and drive there on your own , or book an all-inclusive experience , with round-trip transportation from Krakow.

Tyskie Brewery in Tychy

Tyskie is one of the best-known Polish beer brands, and is one of the oldest breweries in the region, founded in Tychy in 1629.

Tychy is a nice town located about 80 km from Krakow , not very far from Katowice , in one of the most beautiful parts of Silesia. Its main attraction is the Tyskie Brewing Museum , where you can visit the ancient brewery and discover the secrets that have made it legendary.

You can visit the Tyskie Brewing Museum by renting a car and driving to Tychy or on a guided day tour from Krakow which will also allow you to visit the nearby wonderful Pszczyna Castle .

Trail of the Eagle’s Nests

The Trail of the Eagle’s Nests is a tourist trail that crosses the breathtaking landscape between Krakow and Częstochowa , along the ancient border between the Małopolska region (also known as Lesser Poland) and Silesia , once belonging to the Kingdom of Bohemia .

Here you can see 25 medieval castles , built in the 14th century at the behest of King Casimir the Great. Today some of these are just ruins, but others have been well restored and can be visited.

The most beautiful is Pieskowa Skała Castle , which is also called Little Wawel, due to its resemblance to the Royal Castle in Krakow. It is well preserved and its wonderful interiors and gardens can be visited.

Very impressive is the Ogrodzieniec Castle , where the Netflix series “ The Witcher ” was filmed. Also worth seeing are Rabsztyn Castle , Mirów Castle and the reconstructed Korzkiew and Bobolice castles.

Along the way, don’t miss the chance to take a look at the Bledow Desert , the only desert in Europe!

There are guided day tours that depart from Krakow and allow you to visit all the most beautiful castles and also include a short visit to the Bledow Desert.

Moszna Castle and Plawniowice Palace

The castles of Moszna and Plawniowice are located over 130 km from Krakow , in the surroundings of Katowice , but they are undoubtedly the most beautiful palaces in the region, and if you have enough time they are worth a visit.

Moszna Castle has been recognized as one of the most beautiful castles in the world, although it is actually more of a palace than a fortress. Built in the 17th century it was the residence of a wealthy local family.

The Pławniowice Palace is located in the middle of a beautiful park, in a village located along the banks of a pretty pond. It was built in the second half of the 19th century as the residence of a wealthy local family, who lived there until the end of WWII, when it was conquered by the Red Army.

It could be a nice stop on a road trip to southern Poland , or you could visit them on a comfortable guided day tour from Krakow .

Zalipie is a tiny rural village , located about 80km from Krakow . Its peculiarity is that it is considered the most beautiful village in Poland.

For centuries this ancient village has been characterized by the bright decorations of the houses, and today it appears to visitors as a graceful ensemble of colorful houses , with facades richly decorated with floral motifs.

Some of the most beautiful houses in Zalipie are now a museum, others house handicraft shops perfect for buying some truly original souvenirs. Guided day tours from Krakow lead to Zalipie and allow you to visit the most hidden gems of this beautiful village.

Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains

Zakopane is a delightful mountain town, located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains . Also known as “the winter capital of Poland”, Zakopane is a favorite city for locals to spend their winter holidays.

This paradise is worth a visit, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forests and lakes. The traditional wooden houses of Zakopane today house local craft shops , good restaurants and even some interesting museums.

Zakopane is located about 120 km from Krakow , and can be reached easily by car or on a guided day tour from Krakow .

For breathtaking views, take the cable car up to Gubałówka Hill . From Zakopane you could enjoy a half-day excursion to Morskie Oko , an impressive lake with turquoise waters. Or take the cable car that goes up to Kasprowy Wierch , a peak of over 1900 meters located on the border between Poland and Slovakia.

Slovakia is very close from here, and it can be nice to visit some of its most beautiful landscapes: on a day trip from Krakow you could see both Zakopane and the breathtaking Oravsky Castle .

Morskie Oko

Morskie Oko is known as “the most beautiful lake in Poland” and is a wonderful alpine lake nestled between the high peaks of the Tatra Mountains , right at the foot of Rysy, the highest mountain in Poland (2499 m).

Its crystal clear waters, which are a beautiful turquoise color on clear days, are a popular destination for thousands of hikers. According to local legends, there would be an underground channel that connects the lake directly with the sea, hence its name, which means eye of the sea. But it’s just a legend.

From Zakopane the Morskie Oko can be reached on foot in about 2 hours . The trail is about 9 km long and is quite easy and suitable for everyone. Guided tours depart from Krakow and include round-trip transport.

Dunajec Gorge and Niedzica Castle

The Dunajec Gorge is one of the most beautiful landscapes to see around Krakow: the Dunajec River runs through an unspoiled natural landscape, surrounded by tiny villages and fairy castles .

You can travel the tranquil waters of the river aboard a traditional wooden raft , passing through stunning gorges in the heart of Pieniny National Park .

Here you can also admire the picturesque Niedzica Castle , an ancient border outpost built in the 14th century overlooking Lake Czorsztyn .

There are day tours that depart from Krakow and allow you to enjoy the raft cruise and castle visit .

Bochnia Salt Mines (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Certainly less famous than the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mines , the Bochnia Salt Mines are undoubtedly one of the most interesting things to see in Krakow.

They are the oldest salt mines in Poland and date back to the 12th century . Similar to the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mines, these have been richly decorated by miners, who have created underground halls adorned with sculptures, chapels, churches and even a basketball court.

By visiting the Bochnia Salt Mines you can explore the secrets of this amazing masterpiece built in the heart of the earth, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.

The visit lasts about 3 and a half hours, and includes a part aboard an old miners’ train. Best of all, you can even cruise an underground lake by boat!

If this is your first time, and you have not yet seen the Wieliczka Salt Mines , then I recommend that you see the ones first, which are certainly more spectacular and impressive! If you have already visited Wieliczka then you could go deeper and visit the wonderful Bochnia Salt Mines .

There are guided tours that depart from Krakow and include a visit to the mine and round-trip transport .

Ojców National Park

Ojców National Park is the smallest of the Polish national parks, and is the ideal place to spend a day outdoors, surrounded by nature.

It is located about 20 km from Krakow , on a plateau dating back to the Jurassic period, covered with lush forests, huge limestone rock formations, suggestive ravines and over 400 caves , of which at least a couple of which are worth visiting, such as the Grota Lokietka .

In the park you can also visit a quaint little church on the water , the ruins of Ojców Castle and the wonderful Pieskowa Skała Castle , both located along the Trail of the Eagles Nes t route.

You can get there easily by car or with one of the convenient day tours from Krakow , which also include a guided tour of the castles .

Sandomierz is a pretty town located about 160 km from Krakow , overlooking the Vistula.

It was once called the Royal City of Sandomierz , and for many centuries it was one of the most important cities in Poland, comparable to Krakow or Wroclaw.

Visiting it you can admire the well-preserved old town , with a beautiful medieval market square , the Sandomierz Royal Castle , dating back to the 14th century and several churches. Also interesting is the small museum that allows you to take a look at the medieval underground .

Sandomierz is a nice destination for a day trip, you can get there by car or by booking a guided tour from Krakow . The area is also famous for its good wineries.

One of the main things to do in Krakow is to taste as many local specialties as possible, as this city is a food lover’s paradise!

If this is your first time in Poland, you should definitely try some iconic dishes of Polish cuisine , as well as some typical Krakow specialties.

Pierogi are probably the most famous specialty of Polish cuisine, and are a kind of stuffed dumplings , quite common in Eastern Europe (with different names).

There are several varieties, both sweet and savory, usually served with smoked bacon, lard and caramelized onion. The most popular variety is called Pierogi Ruskie (Russian style), filled with cream cheese, potatoes and herbs.

In Krakow there are restaurants that specialize in pierogi (pierogarnia) where you can taste different variations.

Obwarzanek is a type of donut-shaped bread, and is a typical Krakow specialty.

It is sold on the street from the early hours of the morning by street vendors. You can find them along the road and near the bus and train stations. Otherwise you can also find it in local bakeries and markets.

Oscypek is a delicious smoked sheep cheese, typical of Silesia and Małopolska, the region of Krakow.

It is obtained from a particular breed of mountain sheep , which lives only here, and is handcrafted by shepherds from the mountains around Krakow. For some of the best quality, pop into the local markets of the city.

Zapiekanka is the most popular Polish street food. It might look similar to pizza, but it’s actually a half baguette filled with melted cheese, mushrooms, ketchup and so on and so forth.

Placki Ziemniaczane (Potato Pancake)

Potato pancakes are one of the most popular dishes in the local cuisine. They are simple and tasty and are usually served with just a little sour cream, but there are more elaborate versions, such as those with meat sauce, goulash, or mushrooms on top.

In addition, the Polish cuisine boasts excellent soups , it is worth trying Żurek (rye flour, potatoes, legumes and meat), Barszcz (beet soup similar to Russian and Ukrainian borsch) and Zupa Pomidorowa (with tomato and sour cream). Also try some stews, such as Bigos (meat and sauerkraut).

Worth the trip: Eat in an old fashioned “Bar Mleczny” (Milk Bar)

In the old town there are many good restaurants where you can taste elaborate dishes, find waiters who speak several languages, and translated menus.

But if you want to have a truly authentic experience , then you should have lunch in a “ Bar Mleczny “, which translated means Milk Bar , a kind of canteens dating back to the years of communism. Here some local “grandmothers” are busy cooking the most classic Polish poor cuisine specialties. Simple dishes, cooked just like at home .

Some of these amazing places have survived to this day, serving cheap meals mainly to students, workers, poor people and travelers. Don’t expect to find translated menus or someone who speaks English. This is undoubtedly one of the most authentic things to do in Krakow.

These are 5 things to do in Krakow that you just can’t miss and that you can easily visit with one of the convenient day tours organized by expert local guides.

Guided Tour to Auschwitz

It would be advisable to dedicate the whole day to visiting Auschwitz and Birkenau . There are excellent guided tours from Krakow that include visiting with an official guide (in the language of your choice) and round-trip transport .

However, if you are short on time, there are also tours that allow you to easily visit Auschwitz, Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mines on the same day .

Guided Tour to the Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is undoubtedly one of the most amazing things to see in Krakow. The visit is suitable for everyone, it takes place with an official guide (in the language of your choice) and the tours start at set times.

Guided Tour to Nowa Huta (in an old vintage car)

Visiting the working-class district of Nowa Huta is one of the most unusual and interesting things to do in Krakow. The guided tour from Krakow that allows you to reach Nowa Huta aboard a vintage car is simply not to be missed !

Free Tours of Krakow’s Old Town

Free walking tours are an unmissable opportunity to see the city’s most hidden gems . Friendly local guides love to show the best of Krakow to visitors from all over the world. Tours run in several languages, do not miss the free walking tour of Stare Miasto (Old Town) and the free walking tour of Kazimierz (the old Jewish district) .

Spend at least one day exploring the surroundings of Krakow

No trip to Krakow is complete without having explored its beautiful surroundings. Very beautiful are the castles along the famous Trail of the Eagle’s Nests , which can be visited on a day trip from Krakow .

If you love the mountains you could take a day trip to Zakopane . Also popular is Wadowice , the birthplace of Pope John Paul II , which you can easily visit on a guided tour from Krakow .

Useful Tips for Your Trip to Krakow

Planning your trip to Krakow?  These are our in-depth guides with everything you need to know to plan an amazing trip to Krakow:

• Krakow Travel Guide: Things to do in and around Krakow
• All You Need to Know Before Going to Krakow (Best Tips for Planning Your Trip)

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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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The 10 best places to visit in Krakow

Written by Sam Van den Haute aka CheckOutSam

What to do in Krakow is a question that is both difficult and easy to answer. Until 1609 it was the capital of Poland and today it is the second largest city in the country. Located on the Vistula, this city has developed into one of the nicest destinations in Europe. It's no wonder that Krakow has quite some amazing tourist attractions, and that immediately makes it difficult to choose the best out of those. It's one of the only cities in Poland that wasn't destroyed during the Second World War and in 2000 it even was the European cultural capital. After visiting this beautiful city, these are the ten nicest things to do in Krakow in my opinion.

Hi, I'm Sam , the blogger behind CheckOutSam !

What will you read in this blog?

1. Auschwitz

Although this list is written in random order, you should absolutely visit Auschwitz when you’re visiting Krakow . It’s in fact a bit outside Krakow (about 70 km or 43 miles), but you can easily reach this creepy place by public transport. It doesn’t matter how many movies you have seen or how many books you have read about the Holocaust, it only really gets through when you walk around here. When you see the glasses, suitcases, hair and even ashes of the Jewish victims, you’ll body get chills spontaneously. Everyone should see Auschwitz at least once in their life to get a real picture of the horror that happened here.

Auschwitz-Birkenau is one of those day trips from Krakow that you really shouldn’t miss …

2. The Wieliczka salt mines

Again, this is not exactly in the center (13 km / 8 m outside), but together with Auschwitz, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the most popular half day or day trips from Krakow. More than 300 kilometers (186 miles)  of tunnels are spread over nine floors, with the deepest one being 327 meters or  almost 1000 feet underground. 22 of these rooms (up to a depth of 135 meters or 442 feet) are open to the public via a guided tour. In addition to genuine underground lakes, there are also a number of impressive chapels, of which the Saint Kinga Chapel is the crown jewel of the collection. Because of the size of these mines, there’s even a huge underground church! This unique attraction is almost impossible to miss. I advise you to buy your tickets online and in advance , because waiting lines can get long. Tickets are sold for €21 .

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is located close to Krakow and is anything but boring! There is even an underground church!

3. The Wawel Castle

This fairytale castle was the political and cultural heart of Poland during the sixteenth century and is thus a symbol of their national identity. Today it’s a beautiful museum with five different departments: The Royal Treasure and Arms Room, Oriental Art, Lost Wawel, State Rooms and the Royal Private Departments. Of these five, the last two are the most impressive. You pay a separate ticket for each department or one ticket for all of the different parts. Such a ticket costs €28 and includes a live guide .

There is so much to do in the castle of Wawel! You can easily spend a whole day in all the beautiful museums.

4. Oskar Schindler’s Factory

Anyone who has not yet seen Schindler’s List should do so immediately. And after you’ve watched this movie, you should go to Krakow to see his factory with your own eyes. This building now serves as an interactive museum that tells the wonderful story of this remarkable man. On top of that, it gives a nice picture of what the city looked like during the German occupation during the Second World War. This is one of the best places to visit in Krakow if you’re interested in World War Two and the impression it left on the city. Tickets for this interesting factory only cost €7,50 . If you want to have a guided tour as well, you pay €18 per person .

In the Factiry of Oskar Schindler you’ll not only find the desk of Schindler, but also a gigantic museum about the World War!

5. The St. Mary’s Church

The St. Mary’s Church in Krakow is very striking because it’s made out of bricsk, which makes it look very different than most other European churches. In addition, the two towers are different in length. According to a popular legend, they were built by two brothers who both wanted to build the highest tower. To definitely come out as the winner, one brother decided to kill the other. The knife that was used for this, is exhibited in the church. The St. Mary’s Church is located on the biggest square of the city and was built on the foundations of a church from the early thirteenth century. This building had to make way in 1355 for the construction of a new Gothic church, which has been called a basilica since 1962. Don’t forget to go inside as well, because there are some beautiful artworks that you can see.

The St. Mary’s church of Krakow. Without a doubt the eye-catcher of the Stare Miasto or the old city.

6. The Wawel Cathedral

Just like the Wawel castle that I’ve mentioned before, this cathedral is located on the Wawel Hill. Since this impressive structure emerged from nowhere in the fourteenth century, many kings were crowned and buried here. Chapels and royal crypts, including sarcophagi, are among the attractions. In addition, you’ll also find the largest historic bell in Poland, which is proudly hanging in the clock tower. From up here you also have an excellent view of the city. It’s not allowed to take pictures inside, but I promise you: your eyes will love every single thing here! Tickets cost €5 if you buy them there and €4,50 if you buy them online .

The exterior looks like a hotchpotch of all kinds of styles, but the interior… Wow!

7. Wierzynek

On the main square ( Rynek Główny) , you’ll find the legendary restaurant ‘Wierzynek’. In 1364 Mikołaj Wierzynek organized a party for the wedding of the granddaughter of the Polish king Casimir The Great. 653 years later, royal dishes are still served here at an extremely affordable price. Here both “normal” and exclusive dishes are served as slow food. Famous guests that already have visited this place include Kate Moss, Wentworth Miller, several Polish presidents, Jim Carrey, Fidel Castro and Charles de Gaulle. If you want to enjoy the best that Polish cuisine has to offer, you should definitely reserve a table on their website . Is everything booked already? No problem! The Polish cuisine is surprisingly tasty, and there are in fact a lot of great restaurants in this cozy town.

Thé Polish specialty? Pierogi of course!

8. Sukiennice

When you first admire  Rynek Główny , one of the first questions you’ll ask yourself is the following: “What’s that building in the middle of the market?” Now you finally know the answer because it is the Sukiennice, Krakow’s Cloth Hall. This used to be a flourishing trade center where salt from the Wieliczka salt mine was sold. Nowadays, salt has had to make way for souvenirs and artisan products. The first floor is decorated as a museum with an impressive collection of Polish paintings and sculptures from the nineteenth century. If this does’t interest you a lot, you should walk around the building in the evening, when it is beautifully lit.

The beautiful Sukkiennice! Also go take a look inside. Maybe you’ll find a bargain!

9. The Kościuszko mound

This burial mound is dedicated to the Polish (and American) war hero Tadeusz Kościuszko. The monument was founded shortly after his death. This brave man fought both for American and Polish independence and that eventually gave him this 34 meter (111 ft) high memorial. In his honor, they have also placed land of the Polish and American battlefields where he fought. Furthermore, you have a sublime view of the city from this location.

From the Kościuszko Mound you get a nice view over Krakow, but the monument itself is also… Interesting!

10. Stare Miasto

Even if the churches or other buildings tell you little to nothing, you still have to stroll around the Stare Miaso, or the Old City. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the finest and most extensive market squares of Europe. On top of that, it’s the perfect place for delicious dining (or lunch) in one of the many restaurants. Or perhaps it’s the perfect place to taste the delicious Polish vodka (Żubrówka)?!

Cozy streets, great restaurants, beautiful historic buildings, … You will fall in love with the old city of Krakow!

Krakow is without a doubt one of the nicest cities in Eastern Europe. You have plenty of cool, unique and even haunting attractions, making the city perfect for a city trip. Because of the many cozy bars and discotheques it’s also an excellent destination for a bachelor weekend. Either way, there are so many places to visit in Krakow that you can hardly get bored.

Tours and excursions in Krakow

Let yourself be taken to the most beautiful attractions in and around Krakow! Poland is not an expensive country, so tours and excursions aren’t very expensive. Curious about what you can book? Get inspired, or book your tickets online.

» All tours and excursions in Krakow

Related Post

Visit poland in one week, citytrip warsaw, getting from krakow to the salt mines of wieliczka + what to do and see.

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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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