Kraków, a city where history and modernity blend, is waiting for you. You will surely enjoy strolling through the cobblestone streets of Old Town, surrounded by centuries-old architecture. At the same time, the animated energy of bustling cafes and live music fills the air. Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Kraków, a magical city!
Photo by Gabriella Bortolussi on Unsplash
Top Things to Do in Kraków, Poland
Explore the Historic Heart of Kraków
Rynek Główny is the heart of Kraków! Did you know that it’s the most significant medieval square in Europe? Always buzzing with street performers, cozy cafes, and historical landmarks. You’ll find the Cloth Hall, for souvenirs, and the St. Mary’s Basilica. Plus, you can explore historic sites, enjoy local food, and the square hosts concerts, shows, and occasional rallies. So, it serves as a meeting point for locals and tourists, with museums and churches nearby.
Browse Around Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)
The Cloth Hall, or Sukiennice if you want to sound like a local, is a cool building in Krakow’s Main Market Square. It was the place to be for traders, bringing merchants together from all over Eastern Europe. Which was mostly about cloth, but you could also find spices, silk, and salt. After the fire in the 1500s, it was rebuilt in a fancy Renaissance style. Currently, it’s packed with stalls selling crafts, souvenirs, and art galleries, including the 19th Century Polish Art Gallery. It’s a great place to wander around and find a unique souvenir to take home.
Photo by Janusz Mitura
Peek Into the Underground Market Square Museum
Exploring the city’s medieval past is one of the best things to do in Kraków. If you want to dig into Krakow’s history, head to the Rynek Underground Museum, hidden right beneath the Main Market Square. You can see the remains of old market stalls, workshops, and a cemetery. Also has historical objects, plus multimedia exhibits that bring the past to life. You can take a guided tour to learn even more, and the entrance is free on Tuesdays!
Step Into Kraków’s Royal Past
Check Out Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle was the residence of Polish kings for centuries and a symbol of statehood. The castle now houses a museum with art collections, tapestries, and historical artifacts. Choose from the Crown Treasury, Armoury, State Rooms, or Royal Apartments; entry to each requires a ticket. And if you didn’t know, Wawel Cathedral, within the complex, serves as the burial site for Polish monarchs. The grounds are open daily from 6 AM to dusk.
Photo by Tomasz Zielonka on Unsplash
Explore Wawel Cathedral
Wawel Cathedral is an important historical and religious location in Poland. Royal coronations and funerals occurred here, and crypts contain tombs of Polish monarchs and national leaders. Notable features include the Sigismund Bell, Poland’s largest historic bell, and the Sigismund Chapel. You can explore chapels and crypts, or climb to see the bell, part of the Wawel Royal Castle complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Dive Into Kraków’s Jewish Heritage
Swing By Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)
Kazimierz, Kraków’s historic Jewish Quarter, is a district filled with history and culture. Since 1335, it became a center for Jewish life after Jews were relocated there. Some landmarks include Szeroka Street, home to the Old Synagogue and Remuh Synagogue, as well as Jewish cemeteries. Now, you can find kosher restaurants, cafes, and art galleries, or join cultural events like the annual Jewish Culture Festival. Explore synagogues, museums like the Galicia Jewish Museum, and the local specialties, like zapiekanki are delicious!
Look Around Podgórze
On the right bank of the Vistula River is Podgórze. This district is known for its historical sites, including the Krakus Mound and the 11th-century St. Benedict Church. During WWII, Podgórze was the site of the Kraków Ghetto and home to Oskar Schindler’s factory. Here you can explore Krakow’s past and impressive monuments that will leave you amazed.
Pay Tribute to History
Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial & Museum
Just 70 kilometers from Kraków is the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. In the museum, you will see in detail artifacts, documents, and prisoner artwork that will educate you about the Holocaust, a sad period in history. You will be surprised by the Nazi concentration and extermination camps where more than 1.1 million people died during World War II. Explore barracks, gas chamber ruins, crematoria, and exhibits displaying the personal belongings of victims.
Photo by Viliam Kudelka
Discover Kraków’s Cultural & Artistic Side
Scope Out Czartoryski Museum
The Czartoryski Museum in Kraków is one of Poland’s oldest and most significant museums. Your eyes will be treated to some of the most stunning artworks here. Don’t miss the museum’s centerpiece: Leonardo da Vinci’s “Lady with an Ermine”, one of four female portraits by the artist. Other highlights include Rembrandt’s “Landscape with the Good Samaritan”, military memorabilia from the Battle of Vienna, Chopin’s death mask, and urns containing the remains of Copernicus and Jan Kochanowski. Lose yourself in the 21 halls, and explore from medieval art to 17th-century works.
Wander Through the National Museum
One of the most important things you can do in Kraków is to know its past and culture. Therefore, you need to go to the National Museum of Kraków, one of the most important museums in Poland. Inside, Thousands of art objects await you, including paintings, sculptures, and Polish decorative arts. The collection ranges from classical archaeology to modern art, but the highlight is Polish art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Tuesdays are the best day for you to go, admission is free!
Witness Kraków’s Stunning Architecture
Pass Through the Barbican
Walking through the Kraków Barbican is like stepping back in time, another of the things to do in your Kraków itinerary. Since the late 15th century, this circular fortress protected the city’s northern gate against invaders. Its thick brick walls, seven watchtowers, and surrounding moat make it an impressive construction that will leave you surprised. And not only that! Inside is the museum, where you can see how Krakow was defended centuries ago and the city’s medieval past.
Photo by Tomasz Anusiewicz on Unsplash
Discover Kraków Underground & Beyond
Go Down to Wieliczka Salt Mine
Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, another great place to visit in Kraków. Explore this ancient mine, a testament to centuries of salt mining history. It’s incredible how it evolved into an underground network with nine levels and over 2,000 chambers. The salt-carved Chapel of Saint Kinga, statues sculpted by miners and subway lakes will catch your attention. Consider joining a guided tour to walk through 4 kilometers of tunnels and learn about the history and cultural significance of the salt mine.
Relax in Kraków’s Green Spaces
Cruise Around Planty Park
If you need a getaway from the city’s bustle, Planty Park is the perfect green space to relax. Its extensive 4 kilometers are filled with small gardens of many styles, monuments, and fountains. And that’s not all! It also includes more than 20 statues of historical figures such as Nicolaus Copernicus and Jan Matejko. A scenic route for walking, cycling, or enjoying the surroundings is waiting for you. The best part is that the park is accessible 24 hours and admission is free!
Tips for Visitors in Kraków, Poland
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Airport Transfers: Kraków’s airport is about 11 kilometers from the city center. Consider your possible options: booking a transfer in a taxi, using public transport, or renting a car.
Accommodation: Staying in the historical center provides easy access to main attractions like the Jewish Quarter and Old Town.
Guided Tours: Opt for guided tours to explore Kraków’s historical sites, such as Heroes’ Square and Wawel Cathedral.
Walking: Kraków is compact and easily explored on foot. Walking tours are a great way to experience the city’s sights and secrets.
Local Cuisine: Try traditional Polish dishes and explore the mix of Slavic, Turkish, Jewish, and French flavors in local markets and restaurants.
Seasonal Considerations: If visiting in winter, bring waterproof shoes as pavements can be slippery.