Krakow (Kraków in Polish), Poland’s second-largest city, draws over 14 million visitors every year — and honestly, we’re not surprised. This city has it all, from the majestic Wawel Castle, where you might just meet the famous Wawel Dragon, to the main square Rynek Główny, the largest medieval square in Europe, which is always packed with people — and pigeons. 😃
If you want to soak up an authentic atmosphere, don’t skip the historic quarter of Kazimierz, which is a hipster paradise these days, or grab the legendary zapiekanka at Plac Nowy.
Unlike many other Polish cities, Krakow was lucky enough to escape the devastating destruction of World War II, which is why today we can admire its medieval squares, castles and fascinating Jewish history.
In December, the Christmas markets here are absolutely magical.
The full destination guide: Poland — guide and what to see
How long should you spend in Krakow?
We’ve hooked you, and now you’re wondering how long to spend in Krakow? We recommend giving Krakow at least 3 days, but if you want to enjoy it to the fullest, 5 days is ideal. That way you’ll not only cover the best spots but also soak up the atmosphere in the local hangouts.
Where to stay in Krakow?
We prefer to stay right in the center, because in the end it saves a lot of time (and time is money, right). You’ll find the best apartments, breakfast included, at K4 APARTHOTEL KRAKÓW. The Avium Old Town Apartments are also great. If you don’t mind hostels, you’ll find cheap accommodation right in the center at Greg&Tom Beer House Hostel.
26 things to do and see in Krakow, Poland
Kraków (Krakow) is a genuinely lovely city for wandering and exploring. Let’s take a look together at the most interesting activities, sights and places you shouldn’t miss on your visit.
1. Rynek Underground beneath the Cloth Hall
Beneath the famous Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) on the Main Square (Rynek Główny) you’ll find the Rynek Underground museum. This multimedia museum takes you back to medieval times, when the Cloth Hall served as a center of trade.
If you’d rather not queue for tickets and want a guided tour, check out GetYourGuide.
You’ll wander through reconstructed medieval market stalls and workshops, learning how trade worked in Krakow hundreds of years ago. The museum also displays original cobblestones and other artifacts uncovered during archaeological excavations in 2005.
The presentation is pretty modern and fun — there are even holograms.
2. St. Mary’s Basilica
St. Mary’s Basilica (Kościół Mariacki) is one of the most important Gothic buildings in Krakow. Its interior is literally packed with artistic treasures. What captivated us most was its blue ceiling dotted with golden stars.
Every day at 11:50 a.m., the main altar opens before your eyes. It’s the work of German sculptor Veit Stoss and ranks among the largest medieval works of art in Poland.
3. Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle is a symbol of Polish national identity — Polish kings were crowned here and are also buried here. It sits on Wawel Hill above the Vistula River, and its history dates back to the 16th century.
During World War II, the Nazi administration was based here, so it’s a miracle it wasn’t destroyed by the end of the war. Today the castle houses five separate museums. If you don’t have time to visit them all, definitely don’t miss the State Rooms and the Royal Private Apartments.
Tip: If you’d rather skip the queues, you can use GetYourGuide to buy tickets, just like we did.
4. Wawel Cathedral
Wawel Cathedral is one of the most important buildings in Poland. Kings and other prominent figures are buried here, including Polish president Lech Kaczyński, who died in a plane crash in 2010.
You definitely won’t miss the Sigismund Chapel, a true celebration of Renaissance art. A ticket to the cathedral also includes entry to the Royal Crypt and the tower, which offers a superb view.
5. The Ethnographic Museum
The Ethnographic Museum, housed in the former 16th-century town hall of Kazimierz, takes you into the world of the various cultures of the Krakow region, Podhale and Silesia. Its three floors feature reconstructed 19th-century Polish village houses, so you can see what rural life looked like back then. On Sundays, admission is free.
6. Schindler’s Factory
Schindler’s enamelware factory, where Oskar Schindler employed many of the 1,200 Jews he saved from the Nazis, is now a museum.
Here you’ll learn not only about Schindler’s deeds and the stories of those he saved, but also about life in Krakow during the Nazi occupation. On Mondays, admission is free.
7. The Leaky Cauldron – for Harry Potter fans
It seems Poles love Harry Potter almost as much as I do. 😃 It’s not just Wrocław that has a pub inspired by the wizarding world — Krakow has one too, where you can order a butterbeer. It’s called the Leaky Cauldron, DZIÓRAWY KOCIOŁ.
8. Wieliczka Salt Mine
A short drive from the city (12 km) lies a huge underground complex where salt was mined for more than 700 years. Today it hides galleries, a chapel, restaurants and labyrinthine chambers. It’s an extremely popular trip, not just for foreign tourists but for Poles too.
That’s exactly why it’s a good idea to book your ticket in advance through GetYourGuide. And I’d recommend setting aside half a day for it.
9. Try at least one of 100 kinds of vodka
Not afraid of a bit of hard liquor? Krakow is famous for its vodka. It’s very cheap here, and you can sample all sorts of flavors — from the classic to various fruity variations. We recommend visiting the Wodka Café Bar, where you can choose from more than 100 kinds of vodka. Pair it with traditional Polish snacks — steak tartare or smalec (lard spread).
10. A cruise on the Vistula River
See Krakow from a different perspective on a cruise along the Vistula River. Cruises usually run from April to September, and you can choose whether you want just 30 minutes or several hours.
Some will take you all the way to the Benedictine abbey in Tyniec, about 12 km west of Krakow. If you prefer something more active, you can rent a kayak and explore the river on your own.
Tip: If you’re traveling as a couple, I’d recommend booking an evening cruise through GetYourGuide — super romantic.
11. Visit the MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art
Right next to Schindler’s Factory you’ll find the absolutely superb MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art, showcasing works by contemporary artists from Poland and around the world. Besides its regularly changing temporary exhibitions, you can also see a permanent collection of more than 300 works of art. On Thursdays, you can view the permanent exhibition for free.
12. Planty Park
Planty Park is a green park that surrounds Krakow’s historic center on the spot where the city walls once stood. In summer it’s a lovely place to escape the heat. You can start or end at the 14th-century Florian Gate and the 15th-century Barbican fortress. Along the way you’ll also see the statue of Pope John Paul II, who was born in Poland.
13. Street art in Kazimierz
Kazimierz, Krakow’s historic Jewish quarter, is now full of street art. This district is home to plenty of amazing murals and artworks that give this part of town its unique character.
You can explore Kazimierz on your own or join an organized walk that takes you to the most interesting pieces of street art. Kazimierz is also a great place to discover local cafés, restaurants and bars.
14. The Kościuszko Mound
The Kościuszko Mound is a man-made hill built in honor of Polish national hero Tadeusz Kościuszko in 1823.
There’s a beautiful view of Krakow and the Vistula from here. If you’re lucky with clear weather, you can even glimpse the Tatra Mountains, more than 100 km away. Near the mound stands a fortress with an exhibition dedicated to Kościuszko and his life.
15. Go for a hike in the Wolski Forest
Just a few kilometers west of the Kościuszko Mound lies the Wolski Forest, a protected area full of hiking and cycling trails. When it snows, people even come here for cross-country skiing.
At the top of the forest sits the Piłsudski Mound, offering a stunning view of the surroundings. Around the forest you’ll also find the Krakow Zoo and Przegorzały Castle, which looks like it was built in the Middle Ages but actually dates back to the 1920s.
16. The Old Synagogue in Kazimierz
The Old Synagogue in Kazimierz is the oldest surviving synagogue in Poland and today serves as a museum of Jewish culture. Definitely stop by to admire the beautiful vaults and the exhibition that brings the life and traditions of Krakow’s Jewish community to life. The synagogue is open every day, and on Mondays admission is free.
17. Zakrzówek Park
If you head to Krakow in summer, cool off at Zakrzówek Park, where you’ll find a gorgeous water reservoir created in a former quarry.
18. Rynek Główny
Rynek Główny, Krakow’s main square, is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. It’s surrounded by stunning Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance buildings. Every hour, a trumpet call rings out from the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica — a tradition dating back to the 14th century.
In December, there are wonderful Christmas markets here too.
19. The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) – Krakow’s market hall
The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is one of the iconic buildings on Rynek Główny. This Renaissance structure originally served as a center of the cloth trade, but today you’ll find all sorts of stalls with souvenirs, jewelry and handmade goods inside. On the upper floor there’s the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art, where you can admire paintings and sculptures by famous Polish artists.
20. Climb the Town Hall Tower
The only surviving part of Krakow’s medieval town hall is its 70-meter-tall tower. Don’t miss it — enjoy the view of the main square and the rooftops of the historic center from the top. On the way up you can visit a small museum with historic photos and a model of the original town hall.
21. Try a zapiekanka
What exactly is it? It’s a halved baguette topped with mushrooms (pieczarki) and cheese as the base. Then you can add whatever you fancy: bacon, sausage, tomatoes, corn, pickles, onion or even ham. And to finish? A dressing! You can usually pick garlic, ketchup or something spicier.
The zapiekanka was born in the 1970s as a cheap, quick grab-and-go meal. Today it’s an inseparable part of Polish cuisine. And where to try it? The most famous zapiekanki in Krakow are at Plac Nowy (New Square) in the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz.
Zapiekanki are available almost everywhere, from little stalls to bigger bistros. Sizes usually range from 25 cm to 50 cm, so you can grab a small snack or go straight for a proper lunch.
22. Visit the Apteka pod Orłem pharmacy
On the other side of the Vistula in Podgórze stands the Apteka pod Orłem pharmacy. This wasn’t just any ordinary pharmacy — it was a place that played a key role during World War II.
During the Nazi occupation it was the only pharmacy in the Krakow ghetto, and its owner, Tadeusz Pankiewicz, did everything he could to help the Jews imprisoned there. The Under the Eagle pharmacy became a symbol of courage, and people remember it as a place where the fight was for humanity itself.
Today the pharmacy houses a museum that shows what daily reality in the ghetto looked like and everything Pankiewicz did to help those who had it the hardest. The exhibition is full of photos, objects from the occupation and documents that tell stories of pain, but also of courage.
23. Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta)
Ghetto Heroes Square in Krakow is one of the most powerful memorials to the tragic history of World War II. It lies in the former Krakow ghetto in the Podgórze district, where the city’s Jewish residents were imprisoned and persecuted during the Nazi occupation.
Today the square commemorates their fates through 70 metal chairs scattered across it. Each of these empty chairs symbolizes the fate of the people who were deported from the ghetto and murdered in concentration camps.
The square was the place in the ghetto where residents were gathered, often before being transported to their deaths. Nearby you’ll find the Under the Eagle pharmacy (Apteka Pod Orłem).
Map of points of interest for your phone
24. The Barbican
Krakow’s Barbican is one of the most significant medieval fortifications in Central Europe and a real rarity in Poland. This massive Gothic circular bastion was built at the end of the 15th century as part of the city walls to protect the main entrance to the city, St. Florian’s Gate. Its seven towers, thick brick walls and 130 embrasures made it a nearly impregnable fortress that even withstood Ottoman attacks.
Today the Barbican serves as a historic monument and a popular venue for cultural events and exhibitions. On a visit you can walk through the original passageways, admire the defensive features and imagine the role the fortress played in Krakow’s history.
25. Collegium Maius
Collegium Maius, the oldest building of the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, is a true gem of Polish academic history. Built in the 14th century, this Gothic masterpiece served as the university’s main building and educated students, including such figures as Nicolaus Copernicus.
Today Collegium Maius is home to the university museum, which displays rare collections of historic books, globes and scientific artifacts. There’s also a replica of Copernicus’s observatory. One of the main attractions is the astronomical clock in the courtyard.
26. Auschwitz
From Krakow it’s only a short trip to Auschwitz — an emotionally demanding but hugely important visit for understanding history. Auschwitz, one of the first concentration camps, is a reminder of all the horrors that prisoners had to endure here.
Nearby is also Birkenau, a place created with the aim of the genocide of the Jewish people. Buses and trains run here regularly from Krakow, and you can also book a tour through GetYourGuide.
💡 Tip from Lukáš: I visited Auschwitz on an organized tour from Krakow (Lucie didn’t come — it’s an emotionally very heavy place). I remember how, at the end of the day on the way back, I just sat in silence, thinking that everyone should visit at least once, to appreciate life more. What those people went through I wouldn’t wish on anyone — and at the same time, I can’t comprehend that anyone was capable of doing something like this to other people. It’s not a relaxing trip, but it’s an important one.
👉 I’ve also written a separate article with my own experiences: Auschwitz-Birkenau: Visiting with respect — where you’ll find practical info on tickets, transport from Krakow, what to wear and what to expect from the visit.
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Krakow when it rains?
Visit the local markets and the MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art.
Where to go on a day trip from Krakow?
The most popular day trip from Krakow is to the Auschwitz concentration camp.
What to taste in Krakow?
Definitely try the famous zapiekanka, a halved baguette with cheese, mushrooms and other delicious toppings of your choice.
What other places in Poland are worth visiting?
You definitely shouldn’t miss Wrocław and Zakopane.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
🚗 Car rental on the roadVerified rental cars in PolandSearch with the DiscoverCars comparison engine — it compares prices from dozens of local and international rental companies, and most bookings come with free cancellation.
Compare car prices in Poland →Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
