Sightseeing
Kraków is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. There’s something for everyone, from famous sites like the Wawel Castle, Cloth Hall, and stunning churches to its bustling markets, cobblestone streets, and cozy cafes.
Let’s look at the top sightseeing spots in Kraków and what you can do while you’re there:
Visit Wawel Castle
If you’re looking for historical attractions with plenty to explore in Kraków, no sightseeing trip is complete without visiting Wawel Castle. This castle bears great historical significance for Poland and dates back to 1000 AD when it was home to Poland’s royalty. It has since been used by several rulers and was even laid siege by Swedish forces in the 17th century.
The Wawel Castle consists of three main sections: Edifice, Cathedral, and Burgrave. The Edifice houses the Royal Private Apartments and Treasury inside its walls, while the Cathedral is renowned for its splendid architecture and interior decorations. Additionally, a selection of artifacts can be found onsite at the fascinating museum.
If you venture further into the Burgrave section, you will find several underground passages that once served as secret detention chambers or safety measures during the war. One popular attraction at this location is Smocza Jama (Dragon’s Den), which consists of numerous rooms shrouded in mystery and grandeur, complete with sculptures depicting legendary writhing dragons from Polish folklore.
Whether visiting Kraków for business or pleasure, why not take some time away from your usual travel itinerary and explore this historic castle? With something for everyone to enjoy, there will surely be plenty of fascinating sights to take in during your stay!
Explore the Main Market Square
Kraków’s Main Market Square, or Rynek Główny, is perhaps the most iconic spot in the city. As Europe’s largest medieval town square, it has seen significant historical events and vibrant daily life since its formation in 1257. The 200 meters by 200 meters plaza offers something for everyone as they wander through its stalls and cobblestoned pathways. Beautiful buildings such as the Cloth Hall – an open-air market filled with Polish artisans – and the Gothic-style St. Mary’s Basilica surround this magical space, creating an atmosphere akin to a fairytale.
Apart from dining at one of the many cafes or restaurants along the border of Rynek Główny, there are more attractions nearby that are worth a visit. First, stop by Sukiennice (The Cloth Hall), founded in 1310 and one of Krakow’s oldest structures, where you can find exquisite tapestries and textile goods made by local artists. Next, stroll through Wawel Castle just south of Rynek Główny — its walls house centuries of fascinating history, including architecture from its founding by King Casimir III in 1320 to modern-day renovations. For a dose of culture, Rynek Underground offers guided tours showcasing the area’s rich past with original foundations underneath several protective layers that have survived both world wars and invasions. Finally, kickstart your adventure at Kraków Barbican – a fortified gateway between medieval Krakow and outside territories near Planty Park east of Rynek Główny — which is architecturally stunning despite losing its central gate tower during Swedish incursions in 1702-04.
Check out the Old Town
Visiting Kraków’s Old Town is an absolute must for all travelers. With its preserved medieval structures, cobbled streets, and impressive churches, it is an unforgettable experience.
Start exploring Rynek Glówny (Main Square), the heart of the old town and one of Europe’s largest medieval market squares. Then, visit the beautiful Gothic church of St Mary’s basilica, go up to the Tower of Wawel Castle for panoramic views over the city, and explore traces of Jewish culture at the Remuh Synagogue. Plenty of galleries, museums, and other monuments are scattered throughout this charming part of town, an absolute joy to explore on foot!
Culture and History
Kraków, Poland, is a city full of culture and history. From its fascinating museums and galleries to the colorful streets and alleyways, visiting Kraków will surely be an unforgettable experience.
Here are some of the best sights that visitors can experience to learn about the culture and history of Kraków:
Take a Tour of Schindler’s Factory
Schindler’s Factory is one of Kraków’s top tourist attractions, offering visitors a chance to experience and interactively learn about history. Located in the heart of Kazimierz, the area of the former Kraków Ghetto, this museum details the life of Oskar Schindler, who saved over one thousand Jews from concentration and death camps during WWII.
The tour begins with a guided journey through the original Museum Unterkunft that introduces Schindler’s life story and explores Jewish culture and customs. The next room reveals a collection of artifacts used by Nazi Germany and the Polish Underground State to help Jews survive during World War II. Throughout your tour, you will experience historical photographs and detailed exhibits detailing Schindler’s life story and its consequences for modern society.
The museum also houses a cinema, providing insightful film screenings about various aspects of Kraków during World War II and audio recordings from survivors telling their stories. At the end of your visit, you can browse several authentic displacement-era items, such as memorabilia from the past, in nearby exhibit areas that pay homage to Majdanek concentration camp victims, memorializing them for posterity.
Your time at Schindler’s Factory will be educational and thought-provoking as you pay tribute to those who have come before us while understanding our role in honoring history through knowledge sharing today.
Visit the Galicia Jewish Museum
Located in Kraków’s historic Kazimierz district, the Galicia Jewish Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Jews who resided in pre-WWII Poland’s Galicia region, which included large parts of southeastern Poland and northwestern Ukraine. The museum is arguably Europe’s most comprehensive facility for exploring Jewish culture and identity, offering detailed exhibits on Jewish life in Eastern Europe before World War II and Holocaust artifacts.
The museum features interactive presentations emphasizing the contributions of local Jews to their communities; engaging displays explain Yom Kippur rituals and other ceremonies. Documents, photos, film clips, religious objects, costumes, historical shows, and educational activities examine the daily life of Jewish families in the region before the Nazi occupation. In addition, visitors can explore nearby synagogues and artifacts from the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
Special highlights include:
- An orphan’s shirt from Łódź Ghetto (1941) presented by Polish artist Piotr Michałowski;
- A replica of a Seder plate
- Plaques from The Museum of Human Rights dedicated to Yankev Roize (1813–1878).
These artifacts offer visitors an intimate understanding of the diverse stories behind each person’s experience before and after World War II.
The museum continues its mission today by hosting events such as cooking classes with recipes from pre-war cookbooks and lectures on the historical implications of the Holocaust. Visitors can learn more about Polish Jewry through these special programs while connecting with a broader community devoted to preserving it.
Explore the Wieliczka Salt Mine
The Wieliczka Salt Mine should not be missed when visiting Kraków, Poland. It is located only 20 kilometers away from the city center; this natural wonder is one of the oldest operating salt mines in the world, having been in operation since the 13th century. Considered one of the significant landmarks of Europe, a tour through the Wieliczka Salt Mine offers visitors a unique chance to take a glimpse into history and experience what life was like in medieval times while learning about how salt has been harvested throughout centuries.
The star attraction of Wieliczka is its stunning underground lake which is 115 meters deep and carved out of rock salt. Spread over nine levels and reaching 333 meters underground, it offers an intriguing way to explore some fantastic features that human ingenuity has created. Marvel at extraordinary sculptures crafted from rock salt by miners throughout the years – including statues, chapels, and even entire ballrooms – all adorned with intricate details and impressive works of art created from natural materials alone. On your tour, you will also learn about traditional methods for extracting salt miners use over time and their primitive safety techniques during operations.
This unique experience will live long in your memory as you explore an awe-inspiring testament to human ingenuity while discovering more about Kraków’s culture and history!
Nature and Outdoors
Kraków, Poland, has a lot to offer for the nature lover. There is something for everyone, from walking, cycling, and horseback riding trails to several national parks. If you want something more adventurous, climbing and kayaking opportunities are also available.
This section will cover all of the best nature and outdoor activities to do while exploring Kraków:
Visit the Botanical Garden
Located in the Kraków city center, the Botanical Garden is spread across over 16 hectares and boasts about 9,000 different species of plants. The garden opened its doors in 1984. Since then, it has become a popular destination for those exploring its greenhouses or nature’s bounty among the woodlands, meadows, and gardens.
Visitors can quickly lose track of time while strolling between trees and flowers or taking a break on one of the many benches while admiring breathtaking sculptures. Hikers will also be pleased to know that there are around 3 kilometers of trails accessible in the Botanical Garden and a pond that can be enjoyed all year round.
With its vast array of plants, flowers, and sculptures – not to mention great walking paths – the Botanical Garden will surely provide any visitor with significant relaxation and revitalization in Kraków!
Take a Walk along the Vistula River
A must-do while in the city, take a leisurely walk along the impressive Vistula River that snakes through the heart of Kraków. The river banks are lined with numerous parklands, perfect for long and relaxing strolls that grant the opportunity to discover some of the city’s hidden gems.
With the incredible growth in outdoor activities such as cycling and kayaking, this natural gem provides a range of activities throughout the year, regardless of the season. Other things to do along the paths here could include:
- Visiting Wawel Hill.
- Taking a ride on one of its many ferries.
- Simply watching as people fishing unfolds before your eyes.
A day spent at Vistula River will surely be one unforgettable experience you can never forget!
Explore the Wolski Forest
The Wolski Forest (Las Wolski) is one of the most accessible and enjoyable nature reserves in Kraków, Poland. Here you can explore winding paths full of natural beauty, observe numerous species of wild birds and animals, and enjoy a breathtaking panorama over a nearby lake. The forest also holds historical value – visitors may come across the ruins of ancient buildings such as barracks and even hidden underground fortifications dating back to World War II.
Whether you want to experience the serenity of nature or embark on an educational adventure through history, Las Wolski is an excellent choice for a day outdoors; here’s what it has to offer:
- Relax in woodland trails: Hike or bike along paths between deciduous trees, with vibrant heather and Bilberry bushes adding color to green carpets of moss. The lake allows for fantastic views from high points in the forest as well as supplying beautiful sunsets for boats making their way around the margins.
- Observe wildlife: Bird-watching enthusiasts will delight at seeing various species at home in their habitat — wintering gannets when the snow outside makes Eagle-owls or Tawny owls sightings all that more possible. Animal life isn’t limited to avians; roe deer mingle with rabbits and foxes, among other creatures that reside within Las Wolski year-round.
- Discover historic sites: As you make your way through the forest, keep an eye out for ruins left behind by previous occupants, such as Austrian military bases, campsites from WW2, and bunkers from powerful industrialists from earlier centuries show off simpler times past where Kraków wasn’t yet fashionably modernized as it is today!
Shopping
Kraków, the charming capital of Poland, offers visitors an impressive variety of shopping experiences. From luxury department stores to quaint boutiques and unique local crafts to vintage and antique shops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So whether you’re an avid shopper or just looking for memorable gifts, this city offers much.
Keep reading to learn more about the shopping opportunities in Kraków.
Visit the Galeria Krakowska
Galeria Krakowska is the largest shopping mall in Kraków and one of the most popular places to visit and shop for clothing, consumer electronics, jewelry, toys, and more. It is located in the city’s center near Old Town Square, with easy access via public transport.
The mall houses over 250 shops ranging from international brands to local favorites and over 30 restaurants and cafés offering various cuisines. You can also enjoy events like fashion shows and live music performances throughout the week. The mall has many attractions, such as an interactive water park on Level 3. With a nine-screen multiplex cinema located on level 4 and other entertainment areas available, you’ll find there’s something for everyone to do at Galeria Krakowska:
- The interactive water park is located on Level 3.
- Nine-screen multiplex cinema located on Level 4.
- Other entertainment areas are available.
Explore the Cloth Hall
The Cloth Hall is one of Kraków’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see if you visit the city. Dating back to the 13th century, this square stone building was once part of the medieval center of Kraków’s commerce.
Today, it is home to various souvenirs and artisan crafts across Poland. Pop into its many stalls to find handmade jewelry, intricate leather handicrafts, traditional Polish pottery, and much more. It’s a great way to grab some unique souvenirs or gifts for friends and family at home. You can even purchase traditional Polish clothing, such as colorful felt hats, shawls, or cozy hand-knit sweaters from local artisans.
Although it has grown over the years, this bustling marketplace still has notable medieval features, such as towers on each side of its entrance dating back to the late 15th century. On Sundays in winter, expect to find an outdoor Christmas market here – with stands selling mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and pierogis!
For those looking for refreshments after some retail therapy, there are plenty of pubs in historic buildings around Cloth Hall where you can sample local beers like Żywiec and Okocim while admiring Kraków’s 16th-century architecture outside your window!
Visit the Florian Gate
The Florian Gate is a historic gateway in the old town of Kraków, Poland. It was built as one of the original entrances to the Old Town and stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in the city today.
The gate is named after St. Florian, a Roman soldier who lived in the early 4th century and was martyred around 303 AD. The gate is on top of an old mound and hosts a beautiful St. Florian statue erected in 1774. However, it was constructed even further in 1607 when it served as a symbol for visiting dignitaries entering Kraków for trade purposes or diplomatic visits.
Today, visitors to Kraków can walk through the gate, viewing its incredible architecture and artwork from both sides as they pass through into Old Town Kraków and explore its rich history along with some great shopping opportunities nearby, ranging from souvenir shops to high-end retailers. There are also several traditional restaurants surrounding the Florian Gate where one can enjoy some traditional Polish cuisine while watching locals interact daily with tourists worldwide.
Nightlife
Kraków is one of the most popular cities in Poland, and it has a great nightlife scene to boot. Whether you’re looking for a lively evening out or a cozy night out with friends, Kraków has plenty of places to choose.
This section will explore some of the best clubs, bars, and pubs in the city, as well as some of the more unique and exciting nightlife spots to check out:
Visit the Old Town’s Pubs and Bars
Kraków’s Old Town is a vibrant nightlife destination for tourists and locals alike. Outdoor cafes, pubs, and bars line the streets – providing an excellent opportunity to experience traditional Polish culture and meet new people. Whether looking for a classic beer or something exotic, Kraków’s Old Town has something to suit everyone’s taste.
Many of the drink spots in the Old Town have been open since long before Poland regained its independence in 1989. They offer a range of classic to specialty beers on tap or bottled, along with Polish liqueurs like Lubelska and firewater vodka. Prices are generally very reasonable, and drinks can be enjoyed indoors and on alfresco.
These pubs often stay open late into the night in Kraków’s bustling historical district – some even staying open until 6 am! As a result, there is no shortage of entertainment at these establishments – from live music to DJs playing all your favorite hits, giving you plenty of options when it comes to partying down till dawn.
Check out the Local Clubs
Kraków is home to some great clubs, many of which you can find in the city center. So whether you’re looking for an intimate venue with wonderfully chilled vibes or a bustling nightclub playing the latest techno and house music, Kraków has something for everyone.
Some popular spots include Canal Club (a stylish cinema-club hybrid located just by the river), Przegorzałki (a trendy underground bar playing a mix of classic and commercial hits), Fabryka Trzciny (one of Europe’s most iconic venues boasting electro-acoustic gigs and parties) and many more.
Live performances are also popular in Kraków. Most evenings, numerous bars in the city’s vibrant pedestrian area host different events, such as stand-up comedy shows and live concerts featuring local and international artists. Local jazz hotspots include Jazz Club U Muniaka (an acclaimed spot to hear groovy piano melodies) or Alchemia (a classic bar known for its unique jazz programs). Whatever your preference, you’ll never be short on options for experiencing Kraków nightlife!
Take in a Show at the Kraków Opera House
The Kraków Opera House is one of the country’s most majestic and beautifully constructed theaters, offering a sumptuous interior, state-of-the-art acoustics, and an incredible program of various classical performances each season. Dating from 1904, the building’s neoclassical style adds charm to an evening out.
Choose from symphony concerts featuring the work of Wagner, Handel, and others or operatic performances of Puccini and Mozart works. Aside from the scheduled concerts, various ballet performances throughout the year bring to life energy and grace, with renowned dance companies from around Europe performing classical ballets and updated interpretations of dance classics.
The Kraków Opera House has something for everyone; guarantee your place at one of their special events by booking tickets.