Kraków, one of Poland’s oldest and most beautiful cities, is rich in history, culture, and charm. Known for its medieval architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kraków has become a must-visit destination for travelers from all over the world. Whether you’re interested in history, art, food, or outdoor adventures, there is something in Kraków for every type of traveler. This comprehensive guide will help you explore the top things to do in Kraków and make the most of your visit to this stunning Polish city.

Things to Do in Krakow

1. Visit the Historic Wawel Castle

Wawel Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the Vistula River, is one of Kraków’s most iconic landmarks. This grand royal residence dates back to the 14th century and served as the residence of Polish kings for centuries.

• Wawel Cathedral: Located within the castle complex, the Wawel Cathedral is a significant religious site where Polish kings were crowned and buried. Don’t miss the chance to climb the bell tower for a panoramic view of the city.
• State Rooms & Crown Treasury: Explore the lavish royal chambers, as well as the Crown Treasury, which houses some of Poland’s most valuable artifacts.
• Dragon’s Den: Beneath the castle, you can visit the famous Dragon’s Den. According to legend, a dragon once lived here, and you can see the statue of the dragon that “breathed fire” after being fed a sheep.

A visit to Wawel Castle gives you a deep dive into Poland’s royal history and stunning architecture, making it a must-see attraction in Kraków.

2. Explore the Old Town (Stare Miasto)

Kraków’s Old Town, or Stare Miasto, is one of the best-preserved medieval town centers in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wandering through its cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter historical buildings, charming squares, and picturesque churches.

• Main Market Square (Rynek Główny): This central square is one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe and is lined with colorful buildings, cafes, and street performers. Here, you’ll also find the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), a historic market hall that now houses shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.
• St. Mary’s Basilica: Located on the edge of the Market Square, this stunning Gothic church is famous for its intricate altarpiece and the hourly trumpet call from its tower, which marks the legendary trumpet signal once interrupted by an arrow.
• Town Hall Tower: A symbol of Kraków’s rich history, the Town Hall Tower offers a fantastic view of the Old Town and is home to the historical Town Hall Museum.

A walk through the Old Town allows you to take in Kraków’s charm, from the impressive architecture to the lively street atmosphere.

3. Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

One of the most significant and somber historical sites in Poland, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is located about 1.5 hours from Kraków. This former Nazi concentration camp is a place of remembrance for the millions who perished here during World War II.

• Auschwitz I: The main camp features exhibits that explore the history of the camp and the atrocities that occurred there.
• Auschwitz II – Birkenau: A short distance away, Birkenau is the larger of the two camps and is where most of the killings took place. The train tracks that lead into the camp are a powerful reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust.
• Guided Tours: To fully understand the history of Auschwitz, it’s highly recommended to take a guided tour, which provides valuable context and insight into this painful chapter of history.

Visiting Auschwitz is an emotional and educational experience that offers a sobering look at the atrocities of the Holocaust and is an essential part of understanding Poland’s history.

4. Stroll Through the Kazimierz District

The Kazimierz District is one of Kraków’s most vibrant and historically rich neighborhoods. Known as the old Jewish quarter, Kazimierz has undergone a revitalization in recent years and is now a hub for arts, culture, and nightlife.

• Remuh Synagogue & Cemetery: One of the oldest Jewish sites in Kraków, the Remuh Synagogue and its cemetery provide a glimpse into the Jewish heritage of the city.
• Jewish History Tour: Explore the area’s rich Jewish history with a guided tour that takes you through the many synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, and former Jewish homes.
• Vibrant Cafes & Bars: Kazimierz is known for its trendy cafes, eclectic bars, and bohemian atmosphere. After a day of sightseeing, enjoy a drink at one of the district’s many cozy spots.

Kazimierz is a fascinating district where you can immerse yourself in Kraków’s Jewish history while enjoying the modern energy of the area.

5. Discover the Wieliczka Salt Mine

Located just outside of Kraków, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest salt mines in the world, operating for over 700 years. The mine offers a fascinating underground tour through its chambers, tunnels, and chapels carved entirely from salt.

• Chapel of St. Kinga: One of the highlights of the mine, this magnificent chapel is carved from salt and features stunning salt chandeliers and sculptures.
• Underground Museum: Learn about the history of the mine and the salt extraction process through exhibits spread out in different chambers.
• Health and Wellness: The salt mine also has therapeutic properties, and visitors can take advantage of its unique microclimate for health benefits.

Visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mine is an otherworldly experience that combines history, art, and science in an incredible underground setting.

6. Take a Boat Tour on the Vistula River

For a more relaxing way to see Kraków, hop on a boat tour along the Vistula River. These scenic boat trips offer views of the city’s landmarks from a different perspective, including Wawel Castle, the Jewish Quarter, and the picturesque riverbanks.

• Evening Cruises: Consider taking a sunset cruise for an even more magical experience, with the changing light adding a romantic touch to your visit.
• Kayaking: For the more adventurous, kayaking on the Vistula River is also a popular activity during the warmer months.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon or a romantic evening on the water, a boat tour on the Vistula River is a wonderful way to see the city.

7. Explore the Kraków Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)

Situated in the heart of the Main Market Square, the Kraków Cloth Hall is a beautiful Renaissance building that has been a center for trade since the 14th century. Today, it’s home to an array of stalls selling everything from traditional Polish handicrafts to jewelry, textiles, and souvenirs.

• Upstairs Museum: The top floor of the Cloth Hall houses the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art, where you can admire works by famous Polish artists.
• Souvenirs and Crafts: The ground floor is filled with shops offering locally-made goods, including handcrafted jewelry, wooden toys, and Polish pottery.

A visit to the Cloth Hall offers a glimpse into Kraków’s trading history while giving you the chance to pick up unique souvenirs.

8. Visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory

Oskar Schindler’s Factory is another significant historical site in Kraków, now transformed into a museum. The factory was made famous by the movie Schindler’s List, and it tells the story of how Schindler saved the lives of over a thousand Jewish workers during World War II.

• Exhibits: The museum showcases the history of Kraków during the Nazi occupation and the Holocaust. It also focuses on Schindler’s role in saving lives and the lives of the workers he employed.
• Interactive Displays: The exhibits use multimedia and artifacts to bring the history of Schindler and the war to life in an engaging way.

Visiting Schindler’s Factory is an emotional and educational experience that offers a deep understanding of World War II history in Kraków.

9. Relax in Planty Park

For a peaceful break from sightseeing, head to Planty Park, a lush green space that surrounds Kraków’s Old Town. This park is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic in a beautiful setting.

• Historic Charm: The park is built on the site of the medieval city walls and features scenic walking paths, fountains, and monuments.
• Quiet Escape: Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to relax or a shady place to take a rest, Planty Park offers a tranquil escape within the bustling city.

Planty Park is a great place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Kraków.

10. Taste Traditional Polish Cuisine

No trip to Kraków is complete without sampling traditional Polish food. The city is known for its hearty dishes and comfort food that will leave you feeling satisfied.

• Pierogi: Try Polish dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients, from meat to mushrooms to sweet fruit.
• Zapiekanka: A popular street food in Kraków, zapiekanka is an open-faced baguette topped with cheese, mushrooms, and various other toppings, then baked to perfection.
• Obwarzanek: Similar to bagels, this chewy bread ring is sold on street corners throughout Kraków and is perfect for a quick snack.
• Polish Vodka: Poland is known for its vodka, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants offering tastings of various types, including flavored vodkas.

For the food lover, Kraków offers a rich culinary experience that is sure to delight your taste buds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Krakow

1. What are the must-see attractions in Kraków?

Kraków is home to many iconic sites that should be on every traveler’s list:

• Wawel Castle and Cathedral: A historical symbol of Poland’s royal heritage, located on Wawel Hill.
• Main Market Square (Rynek Główny): The heart of the Old Town, full of cafes, street performers, and landmarks like St. Mary’s Basilica.
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum: A sobering and important visit to one of the most significant Holocaust memorials.
• Kazimierz District: The historic Jewish quarter, now a trendy area full of cafes, galleries, and cultural experiences.
• Wieliczka Salt Mine: A UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a fascinating underground experience.

These landmarks are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the must-see attractions in Kraków.

2. How much time should I spend in Kraków?

The ideal length of your stay in Kraków depends on your interests, but generally:

• Short Stay (2-3 days): Perfect for a quick trip, where you can see the main attractions like Wawel Castle, the Old Town, and take a day trip to Auschwitz or the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
• Medium Stay (4-5 days): A great amount of time to explore the city more leisurely, including taking in museums, walking tours, and enjoying day trips to nearby places like Zakopane.
• Extended Stay (7+ days): With a week or more, you can enjoy Kraków at a slower pace and explore nearby towns, nature spots, and delve deeper into the city’s rich history and culture.

3. Is Kraków good for families with kids?

Yes! Kraków is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities for children:

• Wawel Castle: Kids will love exploring the castle’s courtyards and the mythical Dragon’s Den.
• Planty Park: A peaceful area for families to relax, picnic, or play. It surrounds the Old Town and is ideal for a family stroll.
• Kraków Zoo: Located in the beautiful Las Wolski forest, it’s a great spot to see native animals in a natural environment.
• Kraków’s Old Town: Take a leisurely walk with your kids through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, exploring the Market Square and enjoying street performances.

There are plenty of interactive museums and spaces for children to engage with, making Kraków an enjoyable destination for families.

4. Is Kraków a good destination for history lovers?

Absolutely! Kraków is a city steeped in history, and history lovers will find plenty to explore:

• Auschwitz-Birkenau: This World War II site is a must-see for those interested in Holocaust history.
• Oskar Schindler’s Factory: A museum dedicated to the story of Oskar Schindler and the Nazi occupation of Kraków.
• Kraków’s Old Town: The Old Town is full of medieval architecture, churches, and historical landmarks.
• Wawel Castle: Explore the royal history of Poland, including the Crown Treasury and State Rooms, as well as the Wawel Cathedral, which has hosted coronations for centuries.

Kraków’s combination of royal, Jewish, and wartime history offers a deep dive into Polish and European heritage.

5. What is the best time to visit Kraków?

Kraków can be visited year-round, but the best time to go depends on what you’re looking for:

• Summer (June to August): Warm weather makes it perfect for outdoor activities, walking tours, and sightseeing. This is the peak tourist season, so the city can get crowded.
• Spring (April to June): The weather is mild, and the city is less crowded. Spring brings blooming flowers, making it a lovely time to stroll through parks and gardens.
• Autumn (September to November): With fewer tourists and mild temperatures, fall is another great time to visit. The fall foliage adds beauty to the city’s landscapes.
• Winter (December to February): Winter in Kraków is magical, especially with the Christmas markets in the Main Market Square. The weather can be cold and snowy, but it’s a great time to visit for a cozy, festive atmosphere.

6. How can I get around Kraków?

Kraków has a well-developed transportation system, making it easy to get around the city:

• Walking: Kraków’s Old Town is compact and walkable, making it perfect for exploring on foot.
• Public Transport: Buses and trams are the most common forms of public transportation. Tickets are affordable, and you can easily navigate the system.
• Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis are readily available, as are rideshare services like Uber.
• Bikes: Kraków is also becoming increasingly bike-friendly, and there are bike rentals available throughout the city.

Conclusion

Kraków is a city that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, art, and modern attractions. Whether you’re walking through its medieval streets, reflecting on its past at historical sites like Auschwitz and Schindler’s Factory, or indulging in delicious Polish cuisine, there’s no shortage of things to do in this beautiful city.