As Poles, we’ve visited Krakow multiple times over the last 20+ years. School trips, city breaks, holidays, business trips, fairs, festivals, visiting friends… We had quite a lot of opportunities to get to know Krakow pretty well. We can’t deny that this is one of the rare places in Poland that we enjoy coming back to. Actually… After Wrocław it’s our second favorite city in the country! It’s a beautiful place filled with rich history, fascinating culture, and mysteries. If you’re into charming old towns, delicious food, and big yet cozy cities with many green spaces, Krakow is a place for you. Let us show you many awesome things to do in Krakow, both well-known tourist attractions and some lesser-known gems. Get ready, as you’ll be spoiled by choice!
Note. We decided to divide this post into a few parts, mostly by areas in Krakow worth exploring. You’ll find sections about things to do in Old Town, Kazimierz, and Podgórze as well as a few words about Krakow mounds and beaches. There will also be a section with great places to visit near Krakow. As we know most people visit the city for 1,2, or 3 days, so at the end of the post we’ll also show you sample sightseeing itineraries for each.
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A few words about Krakow and its history
Krakow is the second biggest city in Poland located in the south part of the country, not far from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It’s the capital of Małopolska (eng. Lesser Poland Voivodeship), one out of 16 Polish administrative divisions. Krakow is a very popular travel destination among Polish people and also became somewhat of a trendy spot in Central Europe for international travelers. It’s situated on the Vistula River, the longest river in the country.
Krakow is one of the oldest cities in Poland. The first written record dates back to 965 when it was described by a Cordoban merchant as a rich town surrounded by forests, located at the crossroads of trade routes. Around 990, Mieszko I (the first acclaimed ruler of Poland) took Kraków from the Bohemians and incorporated into the holdings of the Piast dynasty.
In 1038 Krakow became the capital of Poland and stayed it until 1596 when King Zygmunt III Waza decided to move it from Krakow to Warsaw. However, the king’s decision wasn’t supported by any legal act and Kraków remained the official capital for the next hundreds of years. From 1795 to 1918, Krakow was part of the Austria-Hungary partition (you know the period when Poland didn’t exists on any maps).
Krakow, Poland FAQ
Krakow is best known for its charming old town and Wawel Royal Castle – both declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is home to the oldest Polish university (Jagiellonian University), Europe’s largest medieval town square, and many fascinating museums. There is also a mighty, fire-breathing dragon, some stand-out architecture, a bit too many churches, and tasty cuisine with pierogies and zapiekanki. Krakow blends the history with the cosmopolitan quite smoothly.
Krakow is a charming city that is definitely worth visiting. It’s a city where you’ll immerse yourself into history and interesting architecture, where you’ll see how old is intertwined with new and beautiful with shabby. Krakow is also a place where you’ll find a wide choice of great restaurants, pubs, and cafes serving delicious food (vegans/vegetarians will be in heaven!). Also, the city offers a wide variety of activities and you can believe us when we say that you won’t be bored there even for a moment.
Nothing prevents you from visiting Krakow any time of the year but in our opinion, the best time is in the spring. It’s a time when the weather finally is getting warmer and sunnier, when everything turns green and comes to life again after the winter. It’s also still off-season so it’ll be cheaper and less crowded. We advise against visiting Krakow during the winter months as the quality of air is just terrible (one of the worst in the whole world!) and you’ll be lucky to see a ray of sun. Summer months will be ok too, if you have nothing against huge crowds.
You can discover the most popular places in Krakow in two or three days as the city is quite compact and the main sites aren’t too far from each other. Actually, even during one day you’ll be able to see quite a large part of it! Although if you want to get to know it better, without rushing, we recommend staying for at least 5-7 days.
Krakow is a walkable city, and most of the main sites aren’t too far from each other but sometimes you’ll need to use public transport (bus/tram). But don’t worry as Krakow is really well connected so it shouldn’t be a problem at all. To check connections fast visit jakdojade website or download their app on the Play Store or AppStore. You can also rent a car, but we don’t recommend this option – in the city center, it’s quite difficult to find parking spots, especially free ones. If you don’t mind, you can also rent a bike or electric scooter and move around Krakow this way. You’ll find those all over the city without any problems.
Things to do in Krakow Old Town
Exploring the Old Town is unquestionably the number one thing to do in Krakow. It’s the area that once was surrounded by medieval fortifications and now is by the beautiful Planty Park. There you’ll find places of interest like Kraków market square, Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica, St. Florian’s Gate, Wawel Royal Castle, or Collegium Maius. Oh, and of course many restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. Let’s take a closer look.
Krakow Main Square
Krakow Main Square (pl. Rynek) is considered Europe’s largest medieval town square. It dates back to 1257 and since then it’s the commercial and cultural heart of the city. It’s surrounded by charming buildings and filled with important monuments like Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica, Town Hall Tower, and Adam Mickiewicz Monument. The square is also full of overpriced restaurants and cafes, and… pigeons (not joking!). There you’ll also probably spot characteristic horse carriages but please don’t use them if you care about animals.
How to enjoy it the most? In our opinion, just wander aimlessly around, get awed by Kraków Main Square beauty, and maybe even discover some not-so-famous gems, like Bielaka passage or Eros Bendato sculpture.
As expected, Kraków Main Square is also a place where various celebrations take place. There you might come across the annual New Year’s Eve party, Christmas and Easter markets, Lajkonik Procession, or Juwenalia Student Festival.
Cloth Hall
Cloth Hall building (pl. Sukiennice) is one of the brightest stars of the Kraków Main Square. The origins of this place date back to the 13th century, and for many years it was a major center of trade where merchants met to discuss business. Its golden age dates back to the 15th century when it was the import hub of a variety of exotic products like spices, silk, leather, or wax, while Kraków itself exported textiles and salt from the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Over the centuries Cloth Hall was rebuilt a few times and the majestic building we can admire today dates back to the late 19th century. Nowadays, the lower level of Cloth Hall still serves as a market but most of the items you’ll find there are tourist souvenirs.
On the upper floor, you’ll find a division of the Kraków National Museum that holds the largest permanent exhibit of 19th-century Polish paintings and sculptures. The outdoor part is home to a few cafes and restaurants.
But that’s not all! Beneath the Cloth Hall, you’ll find the Underground Museum which will take you on a journey back in time to the Middle ages and will let you dive into the atmosphere of the medieval Krakow market square. It’s a truly fascinating place and many say it’s one of the best things to do in Krakow! So if you have time and like such things – be sure to visit it.
The doors of the Cloth Hall are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9AM to 6-8PM (depending on the season).
Upper floor museum is open at the same hours as Cloth Hall. Entrance costs 32zł for a normal ticket and 19zł for a reduced one (December 2023). Entrance is free on Tuesdays. To learn more about current prices and opening hours visit mnk.pl website.
Underground Museum tickets can be bought in advance online – normal one costs 32zł, and 28zł reduced (December 2023). Entrance is free on Tuesdays. To learn more about the current prices and opening hours visit muzeumkrakowa.pl website.
St. Mary’s Basilica
One of the most popular things to do in Krakow old town is visiting St. Mary’s Basilica (pl. Bazylika Mariacka). It’s a Roman Catholic church dating back to the 14th century that features rich decorations and a wooden altarpiece carved by the famous Wit Stwosz. By many it’s considered as one of the best and mind-blowing examples of Polish Gothic architecture. We definitely prefer to admire it from the outside, as in our opinion its interior is one of the ugliest we’ve ever seen. But to each their own – be sure to see it by yourself and form your own opinion.
Entrance to St. Mary’s Basilica is paid and seeing its interior and altar costs 15zł for a normal donation-ticket and 8zł for reduced (December 2023). For an additional fee you can also climb the tower, but only at certain times a day and only from April to November. For current prices and opening hours please visit mariacki.com website.
If you don’t want to pay, you can go on a virtual walk through St. Mary’s Basilica on pajorama.eu website. It’s actually quite fun, with many sounds and explanations!
St. Mary’s Trumpet Call
An event that you can’t miss while in Krakow is to hear St. Mary’s Trumpet Call (pl. Hejnał Mariacki) played from one of the church watchtowers, the tallest one. It’s played live every hour, even at night, to the four corners of the world. First towards Wawel Royal Castle – for the kings, second to the Main Square – for the city authorities, third towards the Florian Gate – for tourists, and fourth towards the Small Market Square – for the fire brigade chief. If you wonder why the call stops abruptly – it’s to commemorate a 13th-century trumpeter who was shot in the throat while sounding the alarm before a Tatars attack on the city.
Another interesting fact about the trumpet call is that it has been broadcast daily at noon on Program I of the Polish Radio since 1927!
Town Hall Tower
Just a few steps from Cloth Hall you’ll find Town Hall Tower, the last standing part of Krakow Town Hall (pl. Ratusz) which was demolished in 1820 as part of the city plan to open up the main square. Until then, it was the most important building in the city, where the chancellery and treasury were located. It was also a place where city authorities received monarchs and other important personas. What’s more its basement once housed a city prison with a torture chamber and… some taverns!
Nowadays, you can visit Town Hall Tower to admire views over the Krakow Main Market Square from its highest point and learn a bit more about the city’s history as now the tower serves as a small museum. The only thing you’ll need to do is climb around 110 steps.
Entrance to Town Hall Tower costs 18zł for a normal ticket and 14zł for reduced (December 2023). For current prices and opening hours visit muzeumkrakowa.pl website.
St. Florian’s Gate & Florianska Street
St. Florian’s Gate (pl. Brama Florianska) is a medieval gate tower dating back to the 14th century. It was built as a part of the city fortification system against Tatar attacks and it became the main entry to the old town. What’s more, St. Florian’s Gate was, and is, part of the Royal Road (pl. Droga królewska), a road that leads through the city up to Wawel Castle and once was traversed by royal processions going to the Wawel on various occasions and celebrations.
The road between St. Florian’s Gate and St. Mary’s Basilica is called Florianska Street and is one of the most important and busiest streets in Krakow. Besides crowds, restaurants, bars, and small shops you’ll find interesting places like Jan Matejko House or Pharmacy Museum. It’s also a nice spot for a great photo of basilica.
One more thing! Right next to the gate, you’ll find a square, Zaułek Książąt Czartoryskich, which usually is filled with many artists selling their beautiful artworks. There’s also a museum (one of the oldest museums in Poland!), The Princes Czartoryski Museum (pl. Muzeum Książąt Czartoryskich), with many artworks and handicrafts, including a famous painting by Leonardo Da Vinci – Lady with an Ermine. To learn more about museums visit mnk.pl website.
Krakow Barbican
A long time ago, Krakow could boast of considerable fortifications around the old town and Barbican (pl. Barbakan Krakowski) was an important part of it. This fortified gateway was built in the late 15th century as an outer defense perimeter connected to the city walls, for defensive purposes of course.
Nowadays, Barbican is a part of Krakow’s Historical Museum where you can learn about the development of city fortifications. Entrance ticket costs 16zł for a normal ticket and 12zł for a reduced one (December 2023). To learn more about current prices and opening hours visit muzeumkrakowa.pl website.
Wawel Royal Castle
Visiting Wawel Royal Castle (pl. Zamek Królewski na Wawelu) is another must-have thing to do in Krakow. It sits on Wawel Hill, on the Vistula River banks. The castle dates back to the 14th century (when King Kazimierz III Wielki ordered its construction) and played both defensive and residential roles. For centuries it was the residence of the kings of Poland. Thanks to numerous fires, looting and wars, over the years it was expanded, rebuilt and renovated many times. Due to that fact, now we can observe a mix of many architectural styles there.
Interesting fact. During German occupation during World War II, Wawel Castle served as the residence and office of Governor-General Hans Frank.
Nowadays, Wawel Royal Castle houses several permanent and temporary exhibitions. Among permanent exhibitions, you’ll find State Rooms, Crown Treasury, Armoury, Art of the Orient: Ottoman Turkish Tents, The Lost Wawel, and Wawel Underground. To learn more about each permanent exhibition to choose the best ones for your interests please visit wawel.krakow.pl website.
Entrance to Wawel Royal Castle exhibitions is paid and tickets can be bought online in advance (recommended option). There is a separate ticket for each exhibition and of course, they all vary in price. You should also know that most exhibitions are booked for specific hour so it’ll be advised to plan and book in advance the desired exhibitions and respective times. To check out all current prices and opening hours please visit wawel.krakow.pl website. To buy online tickets visit ebilet.wawel.krakow.pl website.
Also, be sure to wander around Wawel Hill and admire the city, Vistula River, and their surroundings from different angles (it’s totally free!). Even if your time in Krakow is limited, don’t hesitate to visit the hill just to see the castle, cathedral, and views from outside with your own eyes – it’s totally worth it!
Wawel Cathedral
Wawel Royal Castle isn’t the only highlight of Wawel Hill – the second one is the imposing Wawel Cathedral (pl. Katedra Wawelska). This Catholic church dates back to the 14th century and actually is the fourth religious building on the site. For hundreds of years, Wawel Cathedral served as the coronation and burial site of Polish kings and members of their families, as well as chiefs or political leaders. Among popular more recent names you might be familiar with are Tadeusz Kościuszko, Józef Piłsudski, Adam Mickiewicz, Juliusz Słowacki, or even one of the latest Polish presidents – Lech Kaczyński, who died in a plane crash in Smolensk in 2010.
Inside Wawel Cathedral you can explore the Royal Tombs, Sigismund’s Bell (pl. Dzwon Zygmunta – the most famous Polish bell), Cathedral Museum, and the Archdiocesan Museum. All are included in one entrance ticket. Normal ticket costs 23zł, reduced one 16zł (December 2023). For current prices and opening hours visit katedra-wawelska.pl website. You can also buy tickets online in advance.
Dragon’s Den
There’s one more thing to do on Wawel Hill – explore Dragon’s Den (pl. Smocza Jama). Yes, you’ve read right! You might not know that but… according to the legend under the castle hill once lived a dragon that terrorized the city! But thankfully a brave young shoemaker Dratewka outsmarted it by feeding it with a lamb stuffed with sulfur. The dragon ate it, became very thirsty, turned to the Vistula River, and drank until he burst…
Ok, we’ll be honest here – it’s nothing special but if you travel with kids they’ll probably love it. Entrance to Dragon’s Den costs 10zł (December 2023) so it’s quite overpriced for 10 minutes of potential fun. Dragon’s Den can be visited only from April to November. To learn more about current prices and opening hours visit wawel.krakow.pl website.
In front of the Dragon’s Den exit, a metal dragon sculpture that breathes fire every 3 minutes will be waiting for you. Prepare yourself and be brave! If you don’t want to see the den and are interested only in the dragon, you don’t need to buy a ticket. The dragon is available for free, straight from Vistula boulevards.
Vistula River Boulevards
Under Wawel Castle, between the Dębnicki and Grunwaldzki bridges, you’ll find the most popular boulevard in Kraków – Czerwieński boulevard. It’s a place loved both by locals and visitors, perfect for a relaxing break with great views. Along it don’t miss spots like Avenue of Stars, the Wawel Dragon sculpture (take a good look at it and spot how many heads it has!), and the Dog Dżok statue.
From there, you can also choose to go on a leisurely cruise on the Vistula River. It’s a great way to see Krakow from a different perspective!
For awesome photos over Wawel Hill, we recommend going to either Dębnicki or Grunwaldzki Bridge.
Jagiellonian University – Collegium Maius
Collegium Maius is the oldest building of the Jagiellonian University, dating back to the 14th century. It’s most famous for its characteristic arcaded courtyard, which can be seen for free. If you’ll be there before 9AM, 11AM, 1PM, 3PM or 5PM be sure to stay for a musical clock performance with a procession of historical figures related to the University’s history, circling around to music pieces composed by Jan of Lublin and the instrumental version of the academic song, Gaudeamus Igitur. It’s a very unique thing to do in Krakow!
Interesting fact. Jagiellonian University is the oldest higher education institution in Poland and one of the oldest in Europe! It was founded in 1364 by King Kazimierz III Wielki.
In Collegium Maius you’ll also find a museum with a collection of items related to the history of the university. There you’ll see for example a collection of astronomical instruments (including those used by Nicolaus Copernicus!) or the Jagiellonian Globe (which is one of the oldest globes with the name of the American continent).
Entrance to the Collegium Maius museum costs 17zł for a normal ticket and 10zł for reduced one (December 2023). For current prices and opening hours visit maius.uj.edu.pl website.
While there, be sure to check out Nicolaus Copernicus statue which is located just a few steps from the building. As you might expect, he’s one of the most famous alumni of the University. After all, not everybody can stop the Sun and move the Earth!
Planty
If you’re in need of a green space, direct your step to Planty City Park which surrounds Kraków’s old town. It was created between 1822 and 1830 on the site of the demolished fortifications surrounding the city. Planty Park is approximately 4 km long and filled with gardens, walkways, benches, trees, and monuments. Visiting it’s a perfect getaway from all the hustle and bustle of Krakow center.
Krakow old town streets
While exploring all the popular attractions in Krakow old town, don’t forget to get lost in its labyrinth of streets and take a look into less touristy corners. Maybe you’ll discover some hidden gems that will resonate with you? Who knows!
We definitely recommend visiting Mały Rynek which is located just behind Krakow Main Square, as well as Kanonicza and Grodzka streets. These two streets run parallel to each other (although Grodzka is much longer) and both finally lead to Wawel Castle. They are filled with beautifully restored buildings, churches, and museums. On Grodzka Street you’ll also find numerous restaurants, cafes, and small shops which results in the fact that it’s usually busier than Kanonicza Street.
Near Grodzka Street be sure to stop for a minute at Maria Magdalena Square and take a good look at Saints Peter and Paul Church (pl. Kościół św. Piotra i Pawła). In our opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful churches in Krakow, at least from the outside. If you wish, you can visit it for free (which is actually hard to believe!).
Other things to do in Krakow old town
Here are some more suggestions of things to do in Krakow’s old town or in very close proximity. Museums, churches, food… Let’s take a quick look!
Let’s start with a thing that many love most – food. While in Krakow old town be sure to try Krakow specialty – obwarzanek krakowski. It’s a braided ring-shaped bread that is sprinkled with salt and sesame or poppy seeds. You can find small mobile carts selling them in many places around the city like the main square, Vistula River boulevards, or Grodzka Street. Don’t miss this delicious Polish quick bite! Oh, and if this is your first time in Poland or you’ve never tried pierogi before – you should in one of many pierogarnias!
If you love going to the museums, here are some more propositions. In addition to those already mentioned above, among Krakow’s streets you will find museums such as:
- National Museum (pl. Muzeum Narodowe) featuring modern and historical Polish artworks and artifacts
- Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology (pl. Muzeum Sztuki i Techniki Japońskiej Manggha) focused entirely on Japanese heritage, culture, and art
- Archaeological Museum (pl. Muzeum Archeologiczne) with antiquities from Ancient Egypt, Lesser Poland region and the Pacific (and a wonderful gardens)
- Pharmacy Museum (pl. Muzeum Farmacji) with interesting displays of artifacts from pharmaceutical history
- Museum of Illusions (pl. Muzeum Iluzji) is a place where eye-catching illusions meet scientific inventions and arts
- Pinball Museum is a super fun place with restored pinball and arcade machines available to play all day long
Love churches? Here are some more you might like: Holy Trinity Church (pl. Holy Trinity Church), Church of St. Francis of Assisi (pl. Bazylika Franciszkanów św. Franciszka z Asyżu), Church of St. Anne (pl. Kościół św. Anny) or Church of St. Wojciech (pl. Kościół Świętego Wojciecha).
Magical experience
Any Harry Potter fans here? We’ve got something for you too! There are two cafes in Krakow with a very magical atmosphere – Dziórawy Kocioł (eng. The Leaky Cauldron) and Ministerstwo Tajemnic (eng. Department of Mysteries). They are located very close to each other, on Grodzka and Kanonicza Streets, so nothing stops you from visiting both!
We especially recommend Dziórawy Kocioł. There is often a 20-30 minute queue leading to it but in our opinion, their magical desserts and drinks are totally worth it (and this is said by people who rarely decide to stand in any queue!).
Things to do in Kazimierz district in Krakow
Kazimierz district is another fascinating historical area in Krakow. It was established in the 14th century and until the 19th century, when it was incorporated into Krakow, it was an independent city. Since the end of the 15th century, its northeastern part was inhabited by Jews and for many centuries Kazimierz was a place where Jewish and Polish cultures coexisted in peace.
Everything changed during World War II, in 1941. First, the Nazis relocated most of the Jews living in Krakow to Lubelskie Voivodeship. Later they created a ghetto in the Podgórze district and forced the remaining Jewish community (around 17k people) to move there. The liquidation of the ghetto in March 1943 led to the annihilation of practically the entire Jewish community. Most of the rare survivors decided to leave Poland for Israel, where they were looking for new hope and a new, better life.
Today, visiting Kazimierz is one of the best things to do in Krakow. Over the years, despite its sad history, it became an important area of cultural life. As you’ll see in a moment, it’s totally different from the old town. It has its own unique, laid-back vibe. Just dive into its atmosphere and get carried away among fascinating streets and charming corners. Usually, it’s also less crowded than the old town, so that’s another huge advantage for some!
Besides some important historical points of interest (which you will learn about soon), Kazimierz is full of independent galleries, interesting street art, small shops, cafes, and restaurants serving delicious food. In our opinion, there is no better place in Krakow to eat well and in relative peace, and lower prices.
Synagogues in Kazimierz
Once, there were dozens of synagogues in Kazimierz, but during War War II many Jewish monuments were devastated or used as warehouses or stables. Thankfully, 7 of them survived and were restored in the following years. Nowadays, only two of them are still active temples (Remu & Tempel synagogues).
Old Synagogue (pl. Stara Synagoga) is probably the most popular one. It’s the oldest synagogue in Krakow, dating back to the 15th century. Until the start of World War II, it was the center of the Jewish religious life in Krakow. Now, houses a museum in which you can learn about Jewish history, culture, and heritage. To learn more about prices and opening hours visit muzeumkrakowa.pl website.
Remuh Synagogue (pl. Synagoga Remuh) dates back to the 16th century and is one of two still active synagogues where services are regularly held. Behind it, you’ll find Remah Cemetery (pl. Cmentarz Remuh) with tombstones dating back even to the 16th century. It was in use until 1800 when a new and bigger cemetery was created on nearby Miodowa Street. Remuh Synagogue can be visited – to learn more about prices and opening hours visit gwzkrakow.pl website.
Tempel Synagogue (pl. Synagoga Tempel) is the third synagogue in Kazimierz worth mentioning. It’s a fairly new building, built in the 19th century in a Neo-Romanesque style. It’s still active and hosts many celebrations of Jewish holidays and other important events. Tempel Synagogue is also open to the public – to learn more about prices and opening hours visit gwzkrakow.pl website.
Other still-standing synagogues in Kazimierz:
- Kupa Synagogue (pl. Synagoga Kupa)
- Izaak Synagogue (pl. Synagoga Izaaka)
- High Synagogue (pl. Synagoga Wysoka)
- Popper Synagogue (pl. Synagoga Poppera)
Kazimierz streets & squares
As we’ve already mentioned, Kazimierz has its own unique vibe and the best way to experience it is simply by aimlessly wandering among its streets and squares. Stop in small independent shops and galleries selling beautiful handmade items and buy unique souvenirs from Krakow there. Admire street art – sometimes nice, sometimes not so much. Order a delicious meal in one of many restaurants or cafes.
Talking about food… Be sure to direct your steps to Plac Nowy Square and buy zapiekanka. It’s probably the most popular Polish street food made of one half of a baguette with various toppings like cheese, champignons, tomato sauce… Simply speaking, zapiekanka is literally a Polish twist on pizza. And almost everyone in Poland knows that the best ones can be bought in Kazimierz!
Oh, and if you crave ice creams, be sure to visit Good Lood Kazimierz ice cream shop. Their ice creams are amazing and we vouch for it!
What streets and squares you can’t miss while in Kazimierz? Mostowa Street, Świętego Wawrzyńca Street, Józefa Street, Szeroka Street, and Wolnica square.
If you’re into visiting Catholic churches, among Kazimierz street you’ll find two quite popular one: Corpus Christi Basilica (pl. Bazylika Bożego Ciała) and Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel (pl. Bazylika św. Michała Archanioła).
Museums in Kazimierz
There is also something for museum lovers, besides one in the Old Synagogue. You can choose to visit the Galicia Jewish Museum (pl. Żydowskie Muzeum Galicja) which honors Holocaust victims and celebrates Jewish culture, the Museum of Engineering and Technology (pl. Muzeum Inżynierii i Techniki) where you’ll learn about the development of Polish public transport, or Ethnographic Museum (pl. Muzeum Etnograficzne) with exhibits on Polish history and culture.
As you can see now, In Kazimierz you’ll be spoiled by the number of possible things to do at every step. It’s a place where you can easily spend one whole day.
Father Bernatek’s Bridge
After exploring Kazimierz, head towards Father Bernatek’s Bridge (pl. Kładka Ojca Bernatka) which connects it with Podgorze district. It’s a modern and pedestrian/bike-only bridge that was built in 2010. What’s more interesting about it is its decoration with hanging sculptures of acrobats. Very unique sight!
For a few years, Father Bernatek’s Bridge was also considered as a love bridge and lovers hung locks on it as a declaration of their love. But we’ve read that the city decided to remove them so chances are high that you won’t see many of them anymore.
Things to do in Podgórze district in Krakow
Podgórze district has a dark and sad history. It’s a place where in 1941 Nazis created a ghetto and forced the remaining Krakow Jewish community to move there and live in inhumane conditions. In 1943 the ghetto was liquidated and thousands of Jews died. Nowadays nothing left of this dark time in history but a few monuments and museums.
Ghetto Heroes Square
Ghetto Heroes Square (pl. Plac Bohaterów Getta) is a symbolic place located in Podgorze, commemorating the tragic past. There you’ll see dozens of empty iron chairs that symbolize what remained of the Jews. This is supposed to be one of the most moving places in Krakow but to be honest, thanks to all the surroundings it just isn’t.
While there, you can also visit Apteka pod Orłem (eng. Pharmacy under the Eagle) to buy some medicine. Joking, joking! Once this building indeed was a pharmacy, the only one allowed in the ghetto. An interesting fact is that the owner of the pharmacy voluntarily moved into the ghetto and provided shelter and medicines for its residents.
Now the pharmacy building serves as a museum where you can learn about the history of the Podgórze Jewish Ghetto. Entrance costs 18zł for a normal ticket and 14zł for reduced one (December 2023). Entrance is free on Wednesdays. To learn more about current prices and opening hours visit muzemkrakowa.pl website.
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory
Not in Podgorze, but literally just a few steps from it, you’ll find one more popular thing to do in Krakow connected to Jewish history – the former Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (pl. Fabryka ‘Emalia’ Oskara Schindlera). Who was Oskar Schindler? He was a German businessman who saved nearly 1200 Jews from being transported to the camps.
In case you’re wondering – yes, it’s the same Oscar Schindler as one from the Steven Spielberg award-winning “Schindler’s List” movie!
Nowadays, inside the renovated, former administrative office of Schindler, you’ll see a permanent exhibition about Kraków under Nazi occupation 1939-1945. It tells the history of Krakow and its inhabitants during wartime, Jews forced to live in a ghetto, and Oskar Schindler himself.
Entrance to Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory costs 32zł for a normal ticket and 28zł for reduced one (December 2023). Entrance is free on Mondays. To learn more about current prices and opening hours visit muzemkrakowa.pl website.
St. Joseph’s Church
At one end of peaceful Podgórski Market Square (pl. Rynek Podgórski) stands yet another beautiful Catholic church. St. Joseph’s Church (pl. Sanktuarium Świętego Józefa w Krakowie) was built in the early 20th century in Gothic style. It’s best known for its imposing brick facade and 80m high bell tower. It’s free to visit. In our opinion, it’s the most beautiful church in Kraków, definitely worth visiting.
Wojciech Bednarski Park
Just behind St. Joseph’s Church, you’ll find a green oasis in Podgorze district – Wojciech Bednarski Park (pl. Park imienia Wojciecha Bednarskiego). It’s a perfect place to take some time out and just chill in a peaceful environment without hordes of tourists.
Krakow mounds & beaches
Kosciuszko Mound
There are 5 mounds in Krakow and Kosciuszko Mound (pl. Kopiec Kościuszki) is definitely the most popular one even if it’s also the youngest one! It’s located about 5km outside the city center and is 32 meters high. Kosciuszko Mound was built between 1820 and 1823 to commemorate a Polish military here, Tadeusz Kościuszko. It’s surrounded by the military complex which was built during the Third Partitions of Poland in 1854.
Nowadays next to the mound, there is a museum with exhibits about Kosciuszko, a hotel, and a restaurant. From the top of the mound, you can admire wonderful views over Krakow and its surroundings. It’s a great thing to do in Krakow, don’t miss it!
Entrance to Kosciuszko Mound costs 24zł for a normal ticket and 18zł for a reduced one (December 2023). To learn more about current prices and opening hours visit kopieckosciuszki.pl website. You can reach the mound by car, bus, bike or on foot.
Krakus Mound
Krakus mound (pl. Kopiec Krakusa) is the oldest mound in Krakow located near Podgorze district. It was probably built somewhere around the 7th or 8th century. According to medieval records, it’s also believed to be a resting place of Kraków’s legendary founder, King Krak (although no trace of any grave was found during archeological works) Even if it’s only 16m high, it offers nice views over the Krakow city and its surroundings. Krakus Mound can be visited for free.
Other Krakow mounds include Wanda Mound, Piłsudski Mound and John Paul II Mound but aren’t that interesting.
Beaches in Krakow
Krakow isn’t a coastal city but even despite that fact, it has its own beaches! Sure, visiting them isn’t the first thing you might think about but if you’ll be visiting Krakow in the summer months for a longer period of time you might find this section useful. Here’s a list of some most popular beaches in Krakow, fairly close to the city center:
- Plaża Bagry – 6km from city centre
- Przystań Brzegi – 15km from city centre
- Zalew Kryspinów – 13km from city centre
- Kąpielisko Zakrzówek – 5km from city centre
Best places to visit near Krakow
When you plan your trip to Krakow you can also try to squeeze in one or two day trips to your itinerary. History, nature, excitement, culture… And there is plenty to choose from! Here is a list of, in our opinion, the best places to visit near Kraków.
Auschwitz
Auschwitz is located about 70km from Krakow. We guess that it’s a place that needs no introduction but for those who don’t know it, it’s a former concentration camp that was created by Nazis during World War II. During less than 5 years of its existence, 1-1.5 million people died there, and the majority of them were Jews, approximately 1.35 million. Nowadays, Auschwitz is the symbol of the war’s cruelty that should never be repeated. It’s not an easy or pleasant trip but we believe that it should be done by everybody.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Wieliczka Salt Mine is located only about 15km from Krakow. It’s one of the oldest operating salt mines in the world where salt was mined continuously from the 13th century to 2007. In 1978 Wieliczka Salt Mine was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a truly beautiful place with many chambers, chapels, underground lakes, and even sculptures carved from salt.
Zakopane
Zakopane is located about 100km from Krakow. It’s a small scenic town surrounded by the glorious Tatra Mountains. For many Polish people, it’s a very popular destination all year round – in winter to practice winter sports and in summer for hiking. To be honest, for us it’s more about the mountain trails than the town itself. But it also has its charm with traditional houses and tasty regional food (don’t miss Oscypki!). In one day you can for example take a cable car to Kasprowy Wierch, visit Gubałówka, or go to Morskie Oko. If you love mountains, you’ll love the area and chances are high that you’ll visit for at least a few days.
Zalipie
Zalipie is located about 80km from Krakow. It’s a tiny rural Polish village famous for its colorfully painted houses, fences, well, and even a small church. It’s a very unique spot on the Polish map. We won’t lie when we say that this is the most colorful place in Poland! As the place is very tiny, you can connect your trip with a visit to nearby Tarnow city.
Ojców National Park
Ojców National Park (pl Ojcowski Park Narodowy) is located only about 20km from Kraków. Maybe it’s the smallest Polish National Park but definitely worth visiting. It’s a beautiful and peaceful green area with mountains, valleys, caves, and strange rock formations. There you’ll also find two castles (Ojców Castle and Pieskowa Skala Castle) and small churches. Just choose one of many trails and enjoy time in nature in one of the best places to visit near Krakow.
Energylandia
Energylandia is located 55km from Krakow. It’s the largest amusement park in Poland that offers many attractions for people of all ages. From mini carousels and theme parks to extreme zone with heart-pounding roller coasters… If you’re up for some fun, thrill and adrenaline rush – Energylandia will be a perfect place for you!
Krakow 1, 2 and 3 days travel itineraries
We know that most people visit Krakow for 1,2, or 3 days so we tried to create sample travel itineraries for these periods of time. We used our own experience and what we consider most important to see, what shouldn’t be missed. Like Krakow in a nutshell.
We know that everyone has different priorities and pace of sightseeing and what worked for us might not work for you. So please be understanding here and feel free to modify to your needs and interests!
1 day in Krakow
If you can spend only 1 day in Krakow you certainly can’t miss exploring the old town as it’s the most important part of the city. Start near St. Florian’s Gate and explore its surroundings. Then, via Florianska Street, head to Krakow’s main square and admire its beautiful buildings, visit Cloth Hall, hear the hejnał from St. Mary’s Basilica, and maybe even visit the Underground Museum. When you finish grab an obwarzanek in one of the mobile carts and head to Collegium Maius – hopefully just at the right time to see the musical clock!
From it, go to Grodzka Street and head to Wawel Hill where you’ll explore parts of the castle that might interest you and the cathedral. End your day by walking along Vistula Boulevards and admiring Wawel from one of the bridges during golden hour. And of course, don’t forget to take a break for dinner in one of Krakow’s many restaurants.
2 days in Krakow
On your second day in Krakow visit Kazimierz and Podgórze districts and discover Jewish history. Wander aimlessly along Kazimierz streets, admire street art, and breathe in its unique atmosphere. Visit museums and synagogues that might interest you. And don’t forget to grab zapiekanka on Plac Nowy Square and eat in one of Kazimierz’s famous restaurants! Then, cross the Vistula River via Father Bernatek’s Bridge and explore Podgorze. In our opinion, a great way to end day two is on Kosciuszko or Krak Mound, admiring the views as the sun sets.
3+ days Krakow
If you have more than 2 days in Krakow – great! Now that you’ve (hopefully) seen all the most important things in Krakow you have a few options and what you’ll choose will depend on your interests. You can either explore Krakow even more – for example, visit some more museums or churches for which there wasn’t enough time before or just stroll along city streets discovering some gems. Or you can go on a day trip and discover some great places near Krakow. The choice is yours!
How to get to Kraków, Poland?
Krakow is located about 300km from Warsaw, 270km from Wroclaw, and 80km from Katowice. The most convenient way to get to Krakow is by car, bus, or train.
Airports near Krakow
The closest airport to Krakow is located in Balice, a small village located only about 15km from the city center. The next closest ones are in Katowice (105km away), Rzeszów (165km away) and Wrocław/Warsaw (280km away). The easiest way to get from Krakow airport to the city center is to take a bus (line 209, 300 or 902 during the night). To check current timetable visit rozklady.mpk.krakow.pl website. You can also take a taxi (30-150zł). From other airports, you can take direct buses/buses+trains to Krakow. To learn more about connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
Where to park in Krakow?
If you choose to travel by car you need to know that cars are successively being pushed back from the city center and it isn’t very easy to find a parking place for a car. Your best option is probably to find accommodation with parking space and then travel by bus/tram in the city center. You can also reserve a spot in one of some underground/secured parking lots, like Parking Wawel. For a few hours we recommend leaving the car in Galeria Krakowska shopping mall.
To Krakow by bus
You can easily get to Krakow by bus, especially from other bigger cities. For example, the journey from Warsaw will take about 4h (€14-20), 1h from Katowice (€8-30) and 3.5h from Wroclaw (€13-29). To learn more about bus connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
To Krakow by train
You can also get to Krakow by train, as Poland is quite well connected by trains. However, we feel obligated to warn you that trains are often unreliable and delayed. To learn more about connections that might interest you visit PKP’s official website. For great train ticket deals visit the Trainline website.
Things To Do In Krakow, Poland – Summing up
Krakow is a very beautiful Polish city, isn’t it? No matter if you just want to aimlessly wander among Krakow streets, visit its museums and learn about history, pray in its many churches, or just do a rendez-vous in restaurants and cafes… Krakow is a place with countless things to do that will satisfy every traveler’s taste. Hope our Krakow travel guide helped you choose the best places to visit in the city. Enjoy your time and let us know if you fell in love with Krakow too!
Our opinion about Krakow
As we mentioned at the beginning, over the years we visited Krakow on many occasions and until today we really enjoy coming back there. Out of all the big Polish cities, after Wrocław, Krakow is the next one we know best. We like its vibe, importance, uniqueness, and… its food. Yeah! What we don’t like about Krakow? Well, it’s a big and usually busy city that can be overwhelming, especially during summer months and weekends. Pollution/smog is also a huge drawback but thankfully it’s noticeable almost exclusively during the autumn/winter months. Overall, we think it’s a must-see destination in Poland.
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Krakow?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Krakow:
Where to sleep in Krakow?
Aparthotel Stare Miasto
Aparthotel Stare Miasto in Krakow offers a delightful stay in the heart of the city's historic Old Town. The accommodation provides a blend of modern comfort and traditional charm, with well-appointed apartments that feature contemporary amenities. Its central location allows guests easy access to Krakow's iconic attractions, including the Main Market Square, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a convenient and memorable stay in this vibrant city.
Hotel Betmanowska (Adults Only)
Hotel Betmanowska in Krakow is a boutique accommodation situated in the heart of the city's historic district. With a prime location just steps away from the Main Market Square, guests can enjoy easy access to Krakow's cultural treasures and landmarks. The hotel boasts a blend of modern luxury and historic charm, providing a comfortable and stylish retreat for adult travelers exploring this enchanting city.
Well Well Aparthotel
Well Well Aparthotel in Krakow offers contemporary and stylish accommodation in the city center. Located near major attractions it provides a convenient base for exploring Krakow's rich history and culture. With well-appointed apartments featuring modern amenities, guests can enjoy a comfortable and flexible stay in this vibrant European city.
Hotel Indigo
Hotel Indigo combines modern luxury with historical charm. It's situated in a beautifully restored building in the city center. The hotel's design reflects the local neighborhood, with stylish interiors inspired by the nearby Wawel Castle and the city's cultural heritage. Guests can experience a blend of contemporary comfort and Polish tradition, making Hotel Indigo a unique and immersive choice for a stay in the heart of Krakow.
Lounge Apartments
Lounge Apartments in Krakow offer a comfortable and stylish stay in the heart of the city. With modern furnishings and thoughtful design, these apartments provide a home-like atmosphere for visitors. The convenient location allows easy access to Krakow's main attractions, making Lounge Apartments a great choice for travelers seeking both comfort and accessibility.
Accommodations photos source: booking.com
