Best Things to do in Krakow
30 Great Activities for Every Visitor (Updated 2024)
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.
Table of content:
- TOP things to do in Kraków
- Romantic things to do in Krakow
- Kids-friendly activities in Krakow
- Delicious places to visit
- Something for Music Fans
- COOL things to do in Krakow
- ACTIVE things to do in Krakow
- Unique places to see
- FUN things for young adults
See? You will find something for yourself for sure!
Ready to experience Krakow?
TOP things to do in Kraków
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
@urbexpl0rer
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.
The Wawel Royal Castle is one of Krakow top attractions, which is impressive both from the outside and from the inside. Inside you will find 71 exhibition halls holding thousands of valuable exhibits.
Among others, these include numerous paintings, famous tapestries, furniture, military collections as well as archaeological findings which were found on Wawel Hill.
You can buy yourself a Krakow City Pass, you can enter Wawel with it
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(2) Main Market Square
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.
The Main Market Square is one of the must-see places to visit in Krakow, especially since St. Mary's Church is just one of the many attractions you will find there. It is also worth visiting the underground multimedia exhibition.
It teaches the history of Krakow and is located next to the Krakow Cloth Hall. The Krakow Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is without a doubt worth a visit, especially if you want to buy original Polish handicrafts as a souvenir.
What's more, one of the things to do in Krakow at night is to stroll around the Main Market Square!
(3) Oskar Schindler’s factory
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.
The Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory Museum presents an exhibition regarding the time of the German Nazi occupation of Krakow during the years 1939-1945. The exhibition not only shows the history of the city, but also tells the story of its inhabitants – both Poles and Jews.
Facts about the course of World War II are intertwined here showing both everyday and private life – which definitely impresses visitors. If you are wondering how to get around Schindler Museum click the link.
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(4) Auschwitz – Birkenau Museum
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.
At the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, visitors can see many authentic items. There are over 150 buildings and about 300 ruins of the former concentration camp. Also, the fences, ramps and roads are original objects.
What is more the museum contains a large collection of personal objects that belonged to the prisoners – such as suitcases, shoes, glasses and pieces of clothing.
Undoubtedly, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is a place that you must visit during your stay in Krakow. Check our tours below!
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(5) Wieliczka Salt Mine
@ttornegard
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.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1978 and is undoubtedly one of the most important monuments in Poland. Tourists have a choice of several sightseeing options.
The most popular is the Tourist Route. It leads through over 20 of the most important (and most beautiful) underground chambers and has several kilometers of winding corridors.
If you are looking for more thrills and unforgettable attractions, we recommend choosing the Mining Route. Visiting this trail takes the form of an active trip, during which participants perform numerous practical tasks related to how salt was once mined.
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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 (15 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. It is worth emphasizing that the Krakow Botanical Garden is the oldest object of this type in Poland.
It is located a short distance from the Main Market Square, so you can go there for a romantic walk after visiting the Old Town or the Wawel Royal Castle.
If you need a moment of rest and relaxation among the greenery, a visit to the botanical garden is something you must do in Krakow.
(7) Kazimierz
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.
Kazimierz is the perfect place for a lazy walk, you can slowly stroll through the narrow streets, go to Vistula banks to gaze at the river, and finally, visit one of the iconic pubs or a charming cafe – there are definitely many romantic places in Kazimierz.
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 Vistula 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 Aviation Museum (€6,75)
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. The exhibition of the Polish Aviation Museum is quite large and is presented not only in the main building and in former airplane hangars, but also outside the buildings.
This solution allows for calm, free sightseeing combined with a walk.
What's more, it is worth emphasizing that one of the permanent exhibitions includes aircraft from the pioneer aviation period – so this is the perfect opportunity to tell your children about the beginnings of aviation.
You can buy yourself a Krakow City Pass, you can enter Wawel with it
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(10) Aquapark Krakow
- an open pass to Krakow Aquapark (~50 PLN)
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. When we think about things to do in Krakow with children, the Water Park immediately comes to mind. Especially because – as we mentioned earlier – this is not just a regular pool.
There are an enormous number of attractions and you can spend a wonderful day here, even when the weather is just so-so and the sun is hidden behind the clouds.
And needless to say, your kids will looove you
(11) Krakow ZOO
- A standard ticket (38 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. Wolski Forest is also a place where you can find several historical buildings including:
- the Independence Mound named after Józef Piłsudski
- the Camaldolese Monastery
- the Camaldolese hermitage.
You can plan your day to visit not only the zoo, but also other interesting places.
The most popular choices
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) U Babci Maliny
If you are looking to try Traditional Polish Cuisine - look no more! Just go to U Babci Maliny and you will have a pleasure to taste the best Polish dishes in Krakow.
There is nothing better after a long day of sightseeing. In this restaurant you can try many traditional Polish dishes – pierogi with various fillings, baked trout, pork chops or bigos. If you want to taste delicious Polish cuisine, be sure to visit the U Babci Maliny restaurant.
(13) Folk Show
Let us treat you as our dear guest and show you our famous hospitability. For sure we will not let you leave hungry, that's not optional. So don't even think of counting calories!
(13) Coffee in Krakow
Coffee is an essential part of life - don't you think? If you do, let me tell you where to have THE BEST coffee in Krakow. We did a little investigation and we prepared the entire blog post about it! Check it out and thank me later!
The Most ATMOSPHERIC Coffee Places in Krakow ('Cos Good Coffee is a Human Right!)
@socoffeekrakowwielopole
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
There are so many awesome jazz clubs that you should check out!
- U Muniaka
- Harris
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 Muniaka. 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.
COOL things to do in Krakow
(15) Zakrzówek
This is hands down one of the most picturesque places in Krakow. A true gem a little outside of the city center.
Just look at it! Zakrzówek is definitely one of the most interesting places that Krakow can be proud of. Plus it is on our list of Krakow must-see places! Zalew (lagoon) – which consists of two reservoirs was created in 1991 after flooding the old limestone quarry.
Currently, it is one of the favorite relaxation destinations of the Krakow inhabitants. Due to the amazing turquoise color of the water, is sometimes even called "little Croatia".
@fiollk
(16) Main Market Square Underground Museum
Maybe you are walking around Main Market Square. Maybe you looove it. Maybe you have no idea that there is a medieval world underneath it. Do you? It's interactive, it's modern, it's awesome!
@guilherme.dias_.lopes_
(17) Manggha Museum - Museum of Japanese Art and Technology
Any Japan-enthusiasts out here? Excited already? :)
It's a must-visit place in Krakow for any Eastern-culture-lover. Beautiful and unforgettable experience for anyone!
The Manggha Museum is definitely a place not only for Japanese culture and art lovers. The museum's collection includes many interesting items – such as wood engravings, collections of contemporary Japanese and Polish posters, photographs, fans, sculptures and kimonos.
@antena_es
Check out TOP 10 Museum in Cracow
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
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.
(20) Mounds
- Kopiec Kościuszki: ticket (~€3.5)
- Kopiec Piłsudkiego (free):
- Kopiec Wandy (free):
- Kopiec Krakusa (free):
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. When thinking of Krakow places to visit, the St. Mary's Church is a must-see.
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.
The altar is huge. It’s about 13 m high and 11 m wide. The height of the largest figures is almost 3 meters. Notice that there are over 200 figures included in the altar, and the entire work impresses with its multitude of details and craftsmanship.
(22) Lady with an Ermine
- An Attraction Pass for the exposition (and other museums)
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. Check our guided tour in english as well!
(23) MOCAK
- An entrance ticket (3.5 €)
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.
The Museum of Contemporary Art’s permanent collection includes works of artists from all over the world (including of course from Poland) – such as, Tomasz Bajer, Edward Dwurnik, Krištof Kintera, Ragnar Kjartansson, Lars Laumann, Bartek Materka, Beat Streuli and Krzysztof Wodiczko.
(24) Bunkier Sztuki
- An entrance ticket (12 PLN)
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
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.
@rivertatem
(26) Street art
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).
In Krakow, we can also find a mural associated with an important Polish literary author – Stanisław Lem. The large artwork can be seen at 24 Józefińska Street. The mural was inspired by the book Fables for Robots.
Interested in Street art? Great! There is so much more to discover!! Check out the dedicated blog post: Dweller’s Secret: Krakow Street Art Guide
Things to do in Krakow for YOUNG adults and students
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) Eszeweria
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.
(28) Forum Przestrzenie
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.
(29) "Pod Baranami" movie theatre
Best movie theater? Some say that even best movie cinama in Europe! It's a legendary place in Krakow. Kind of a place where ONLY good movies are presented. You cannot go wrong!
The cinema, Kino pod Baranami was founded in 1969 and is located in a historical palace on the Main Square. You should know, that in 2009 the cozy cinema was awarded with the distinction for the best program among all cinemas associated in the Europa Cinemas network.
Foreign films are presented here with the original soundtrack and Polish subtitles, so everyone can easily find something for themselves – and the atmosphere of the cinema definitely makes it worth visiting.
(29) Elvis Presley Monument
When you think about things to see in Krakow, you most likely don't think of anything related to Elvis Presley. Polish people must really love the King! Can you imagine that we actually have a Monument dedicated to Elvis Presley? How bizzarre is that! (kinda cool though! :)
Since 2005 in Krakow there is an obelisk dedicated to King Creole. It is located nearby the previously mentioned Zakrzówek, because in the 70s it was there that Elvis fans used to meet.
*Did you get inspired?*
Visiting Krakow is always fun –no matter who you are and what you’re looking for.
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.
