Things to do in Krakow – 30 Great Activities for Every Visitor (2018)

Krakow is a fantastic place that caters to many tastes. Whether you’re visiting Krakow with your significant other, the entire family, or on your own, you can be sure to find plenty of things to fill your time in the city and make for a fantastic vacation.

Here’s an essential guide to help you plan a holiday you will remember for years to come.

We have something for you too, you’ll see 🙂

 

TOP things to do in Krakow

It doesn’t matter who you are and what you like – when visiting Krakow, there are just some things everyone should see.

(1) Wawel Castle and Cathedral

✅ A simple walk around (free)

✅ Guided tour of Wawel (30 €)

✅ Audio-guided tour of Cathedral (4.75 €)

Don’t miss out on the majestic  Wawel castle and cathedral. Located on a picturesque hill, this complex is the best place to learn about Polish history.

(2) Main Market Square

✅ A simple walk around (free)

✅ An entrance to St. Mary’s Basilica (3 €)

✅ A guided tour over Main Market Square (7.5 €)

All visitors to Krakow sooner or later end up on the Main Market Square too. Peak into St. Mary’s Basilica – it houses one of the most famous Medieval masterpieces, the wooden altar by Veit Stoss.

(3) Oskar Schindler’s factory

✅ A guided tour (20 €)

✅ An entrance ticket (in a package) (11 €)

The history buff will be delighted to visit the museum inside Oskar Schindler’s factory. You can visit Schindler’s preserved office and learn more about his heroism than you ever would from the Spielberg movie.

(4) Auschwitz – Birkenau Museum

✅ All the possibilities of visiting Auschwitz explained here 

✅ A guided organized tour (40 €)

Another must-see is the concentration camp in Auschwitz connected to the tragic times of the Nazi rule in Poland. It played an important role in the history of the Second World War and visiting the place serves as a form of commemoration of the many victims of the Nazi regime.

(5) Wieliczka Salt Mine

✅ An organized, guided tour (40 €)

✅ An entrance ticket (23.5 €)

Finally, another spot everyone should visit is Wieliczka Salt Mine located just outside of Krakow and offering an unforgettable sight of underground salt art and architectural design.

 

ROMANTIC things to do in Krakow

Krakow is an excellent destination for a romantic getaway, starting from the charming Main Market Square to delightful street musicians playing romantic melodies. You can get your significant other a fairy-tale ride in a horse-drawn carriage or an unforgettable candlelit dinner. If you are coming to Krakow to celebrate an anniversary or for a romantic weekend, you’re in the right place.

(6) Botanical Garden 

✅ A standard ticket (9 PLN)

Take a stroll at the  Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University. This 18th-century garden is located nearby the Old Town and welcomes visitors to explore almost 10 hectares square populated by thousands of impressive plants. Note that you can visit the gardens only from mid-April until mid-October.

(7) Kazimierz

✅ A walk around Kazimierz (free)

✅ Free Walking Toru of Kazimierz  (free)

Another fantastic activity for couples is a walk through the most enchanting district in Krakow,  the Jewish Kazimierz. One of the top attractions in the city, the area offers a network of narrow cobbled streets with plenty of artisan shops selling unique gifts and intimate cafés where you can taste fine wines and delicacies to make your time even more special. The charming character of the district combined with Yiddish culture makes for an incredibly romantic experience in Krakow.

Another idea for a special date?

(8) Boulevards of Krakow and Bernatka Foodbridge

✅ A walk by the Riverside (free)

✅ A walk through Bernatka Footbridge (free)

Take your significant other on a walk through the charming boulevards of Krakow where you can take in the breathtaking panorama of the city, share some cotton candy, and admire the illuminated Bernatka footbridge. 

You can also make sure your feelings are secured. Just hang a padlock and throw out the key into the Wisła River.

Does it work?

Well, couples that managed to stay together through the years swear by this method 😉

 

KIDS FRIENDLY things to do in Krakow

If you’re traveling to Krakow with kids, you can be sure that your young travel companions will find many delightful things to do in Krakow.

(9) The Museum of Aviation

✅ a ticket to the Museum (3.75 €)

Your kids will be amazed but all the machines presented in the Museum. Let me just add that there are many interactive and multimedia solutions implemented to make the visit truly unforgettable. A little one can really discover the world of airplanes. And believe us it’s truly amazing experience not only for tech-loving kids.

(10) Aquapark Krakow

✅ an open pass to the Aquapark (15.25 €)

Just look at those slides! Aquapark in one of the best swimming pools in Poland. What makes it so special are all the attractions available for kids and adults. It’s not only about swimming. It’s about fun in the water! You will not regret a day spent in this facility, for sure. And needless to say, your kids will looove you 🙂

(11) Krakow ZOO

✅ A standard ticket (18 PLN)

 If you visit Krakow in great weather, head straight to the  Krakow Zoo. It includes a great variety of animals both big and small, as well as a playground and a petting zoo your kids will just love. Children under three years of age can enter the Zoo for free. Krakow Zoo is located in the Wolski Forest at the edge of the city so you can combine the trip to the zoo with a fantastic day out filled with activities like walking and biking along the local trails.

 

DELICIOUS places to visit in Krakow

Foodies flocking to Krakow should definitely embark on one of the food tours offered by various providers all over the city. Foodie tours typically feature visits to four or five establishments so be prepared to get a full meal together with dessert during the course of the tour and arrive with an empty stomach.

(12) Food Crawl

✅ A standard ticket (20 €)

For example, Local Food Crawl offers an opportunity to taste some fantastic Polish dishes and learn how their history entangles with the lives of local inhabitants. It’s such a joy to discover the city through your taste buds 🙂

(13) Krakow Food & Craft Beer Tasting Tour

✅ A standard ticket (52 €)

Another interesting tour to consider is Krakow Food & Craft Beer Tasting Tour that last three hours and takes you through at least four local pubs and restaurants that offer quality food and craft beers. Note that these food tours are not pub crawls – they’re more about appreciating unique local flavors rather than getting drunk 🙂

(14) U Babci Maliny

✅ A standard meal  (23,00 PLN)

✅ A link to google maps: here

If you’re looking for a hidden spot that provides access to all the local delicacies,  U Babci Maliny will deliver to your fantasy. The hidden cellar restaurant can be reached through a courtyard entrance where you should expect to be greeted by a granny who will decide whether you get to enter this place. Once inside, be sure to try żurek, a delicious sour soup served in a bread bowl, and ‘placki po węgiersku’ – a gigantic plate of potato pancakes covered in mouthwatering goulash sauce, cheese, and sour cream.

You’ll love it, I’m sure!

Things to do in Krakow for MUSIC fans

Music lovers coming to Krakow will find many opportunities to enjoy their favorite art. In fact, Krakow is considered the music capital of Poland and is not only home to many theaters and music organizations, including the famous Opera Krakowska and Kraków Philharmonic Orchestra, but it also houses classical music festivals such as the renowned Misteria Paschalia and the Festival of Polish Music.

(15) Jazz in Krakow

✅ U Muniaka – Google Maps

✅ Awaria – Google Maps

If you love jazz, Krakow is the best place to explore in this part of Europe. The city lives and breathes live music in many locales and bars that cater to a wide range of music tastes, with jazz taking the first place.

Be sure to check out  U Muniak and Awaria. And if you’d like to learn more about the local music scene, have a look at this post for a complete list of live music bars in Krakow.

 

Things to do in Krakow for HISTORY lovers

History buffs will find many opportunities for exploration in Krakow 🙂

(16) Schindler’s Factory

✅ A guided tour (20 €)

✅ An entrance ticket (in a package) (11 €)

One of the most exciting places to visit is the museum located in Oskar Schindler’s factory. The fabled Schindler’s Factory of Enameled Vessels called Emalia was transformed into a modern museum dedicated to the wartime experiences of Krakow inhabitants during the Second World War Nazi occupation. Interestingly, the museum features a preserved office where Schindler used to work. And we are putting this facility for the second time in the article – it is THAT good, you cannot miss it. 

You will find the museum in the city’s industrial district Podgorze on the right bank of the Vistula River. It’s definitely worth a visit. The exhibitions combine multimedia arrangements with photos, documents, and artifacts to create an immersive experience all history lovers will appreciate.

(17) Royal Route

✅ More information here

✅ A DIY walk totally free

Another delightful experience Krakow offers to history lovers is the Royal Road, which begins at the northern end of the Old Town and continues south through the center toward the bottom of Wawel Hill, the location of the old royal residence, the Wawel Castle.

(18) Archeological Museum

✅ An entrance ticket (2.5 €)

✅ Google Maps link here

 

ACTIVE things to do in Krakow

Do you like to fill holidays with exciting activities that give you an instant adrenaline boost?

Krakow is an excellent destination for fans of active leisure!

(19) Biking

✅ More information here

✅ €8.25 for 1 day

✅ or: €22.50 for 3 days

First, Krakow is an excellent city for biking and its year-round bike share service. Today called  Wavelo, the system provides hundreds of public bikes gathered in stations scattered around the city. Tourists can get a special one-day subscription for visitors. It’s just great if you plan to bike around the city, so choose a 3-day option, and you’ll get so much riding time that can be split into as many trips as you want. That type of rental is way cheaper than other bike rental services.

(20) Mounds

✅ Kopiec Kościuszki: ticket (3.5 €)+ Google Maps

✅ Kopic Piłsudkiego (free): Google Maps

✅ Kopiec Wandy (free): Google Maps

✅ Kopiec Krakusa (free):  Google Maps

Looking for a great place for a jog or brisk walk?

Nothing works better than  Kopce (Mounds). Krakow offers many parks and green areas, but Kopce is really special, and it makes Krakow a record city in terms of the age and number of surviving mounds.

The oldest mounds are of Krakus and Wanda. However, the most popular mound is dedicated to Tadeusz Kosciuszko. The youngest and smallest mound bears the name of John Paul II. Apparently, the site was also home to a sixth mound located in the park surrounding a nearby palace. According to legend, the mound was dedicated to Esther, the lover of King Kazimierz the Great who, having heard about his betrayal, jumped out of the window straight into the pond. Today, the place is occupied by training ground of WKS Wawel. The entire area is definitely worth a visit if what you have in mind is a day full of physical activity.

 

UNIQUE things to do in Krakow

There are many things, that you can only find in Krakow. We handpicked the best ones so you don’t have to stress about picking the rights things to see.

Something old, something new – basically something for everybody.

(21) Veit Stoss’ altar

✅ An entrance to St. Mary’s Basilica (3 €)

Krakow is a city filled with art to the brim. Medieval masterpieces grace its many churches and museums. One of the most striking examples is the grand altarpiece located in the  St. Mary’s Basilica. Sculpted by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz), one of the most renowned sculptors of the Gothic era.

(22) Lady with an Ermine

✅ An entrance ticket for the exposition  (5 €)

Another significant masterpiece is one of Leonardo da Vinci’s works,  ‘Lady with an Ermine’. You will find it in the Czartoryski Museum and you can learn more about in our blog post covering all the mysteries around Lady with an Ermine.

(23) MOCAK

✅ An entrance ticket  (3.5 €)

✅ A Google Maps link here

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow is definitely a must see. It was established in 2010 and quickly became a famous cultural venue and a key spot on the Krakow’s art map. The building was designed by Claudio Nardi, and today it houses one of the most impressive collections of art created during the last 20 years.

(24) Bunkier Sztuki

✅ An entrance ticket  (12 PLN)

✅ A Google Maps link here

Another essential place for contemporary art is  Bunkier Sztuki (Bunker of Art). Established in 1965 – today one of the most important art collections in Poland.

(25) Poster Gallery

✅ A Google Maps link here

Krakow is a real gem for those who love graphic art. Polish poster design is known all over the world for its high artistic quality.

 If you’re interested in that type of art, Krakow’s Poster Gallery is a must see. Interestingly, the poster art flourished under the communist regime, and you can still see the typical aesthetics of these posters all over the country in commercial signs.

(26) Street art

✅ complete list of the most exciting murals

Street art is also becoming big in Krakow. Even though the city still lags behind Warsaw, Wroclaw or Katowice which are established urban art hubs in Poland, Krakow witnessed some new art during the last few years. Many businesses and restaurants ask street artists to help them in advertising, and even the local authorities invite street artists to contribute to the city’s urban landscape.

Street art is considered a legitimate artistic discipline that creates an interesting clash between Krakow’s historical landscape and the modern urban aesthetics.

Some of the most impressive murals are Ding Dong Dumb (Piwna 3a), Judah (Św Wawrzyńca 16), Bawol Square (Plac Bawół 3), and AGH mural (Czarnowiejska 50b).

 

Things to do in Krakow for YOUNG adults and students

Krakow during Nightime

The bustling streets of Krakow are full of students and young people. They come to the city to take advantage of everything it has to offer. Krakow is known for its fantastic nightlife for a reason. The city is home to countless clubs, bars, and pubs that cater to all kinds of tastes.

However, the heart of Krakow’s nightlife is the historic Jewish district,  Kazimierz. Brimming with bars and cafés, it’s definitely worth exploring both during the day and at night. So if you are wondering: What are some things to do in Krakow at night, here is your answer:

(27) Huki Muki

✅ Reviews

✅ Google Maps link here

Beer is great. You know what is even greater? Cheap beer. Is there something better than that? Yyyup! Chep beer and awesome Burger.

Do you need more encouragement to visit Huki Muki?

I don’t know so!

(28) Alchemia

✅ Reviews

✅ Google Maps link here

Visit one of the most famous establishments in Krakow, Alchemia. The time stopped here! Have a beer among decorations ranging from weird photographs to wax-stained tables that add to the district’s mystical character. Go downstairs to listen to a concert – these are organized here almost every night with all music genres covered.

(29) Eszeweria

✅ Reviews

✅ Google maps link here

I don’t think there is any place more unique than Eszeweria. Some visitors claim it’s a hipster bar, some – that it’s astonishingly romantic. There is only one thing you can do to find out for yourself what this place is really like: check it out for yourself.

Oh, and one more thing:

The entrance is very inconspicuous – don’t be fooled by it. The interior will surprise you.

(30) Forum Przestrzenie

✅ Reviews

✅ Google maps link here

Head over to Podgorze to check out  Forum Przestrzenie. Over the years considered nothing more than a Soviet-era hotel used mainly for banners and advertisements. Today the place transformed into one of Krakow’s trendiest spots.

The Soviet-style upper levels of the building, are closed to the general public, but the downstairs welcomes visitors during the night and day. You can check out local designer shops that found a home here. Hang out at the rocky beach during the summer among the locals lounging on beach chairs and ordered food and drinks from the bar inside. Needless to say, that place an amazing spot for enjoying a full view of the Wawel Castle.

And it’s also a place that hosts many different events. You can find local food festivals, film screenings or even public yoga classes. You can also rent a pair of skates and have fun on the artificial ice-skating rink. It is set up in front of the building during colder months. At night, Forum Przestrzenie transforms into an and exciting music venue where crowds dance until the morning hours. In fact, the spot is home to Krakow’s major music festivals like Unsound and hosts events like the 25th-anniversary celebration of a local record company, Warp Records.

*Did you get inspired?*

Visiting Krakow is always fun –no matter who you are and what you’re looking for

It goes without saying that Krakow is a city that caters to all types of visitors. And, it is pretty awesome!

Its romantic alleys and cobblestone streets are just perfect for an evening stroll with your significant other. Many attractions inside and outside the city make it an excellent spot for a family holiday.

Krakow is also the capital of art which comes in many shapes and sizes. It can delight all kinds of art lovers and music enthusiasts. Since Krakow wasn’t destroyed during the Second World War, it’s also an excellent spot for history buffs interested in exploring the story of Eastern Europe through Krakow’s architectural gems and insightful museums. Students and young people visiting Krakow will have an amazing time exploring its vibrant nightlife and enjoying the cafés and clubs during the daytime. Those who prefer active holidays will also be satisfied. Krakow is a welcoming city for bikers and provides its visitors with many opportunities for active leisure.

I hope you believe me that there are plenty of exciting things to do in Krakow!

 

Do you have any questions about Krakow’s attractions?

Or maybe there’s an activity you would recommend? Be sure to leave a comment; we’re always looking for suggestions and recommendations for top things to do in Krakow. We want to make our guides even more informative and ensure that our readers take full advantage of everything this fantastic city has to offer.