Things to do in Krakow can feel overwhelming if you are unsure where to begin! Many travelers want to see the top landmarks, museums, and local spots without missing anything.
We have explored the city and created a complete guide to help you enjoy Krakow’s history, culture, and lively neighborhoods.
Here’s the plan:
- Visit must-see landmarks like Wawel Castle and St. Mary’s Basilica
- Explore museums and art at MOCAK and Schindler’s Factory
- Walk through Planty Park, Rynek Główny, and Kazimierz
Use this guide to see Krakow fully and enjoy every moment!
Must-See Attractions in Krakow
1. St. Mary’s Basilica
St. Mary’s Basilica stands in Kraków’s Main Market Square. This Gothic church was built in the 14th century and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Inside, visitors can see a 13-meter-high wooden altar and bright stained-glass windows. The colorful ceiling and detailed decorations make the church very impressive. It is also one of the best examples of the Polish Gothic style.
Every day at 5:30 PM, the altar’s panels close in a short ceremony, which many visitors enjoy watching.
The basilica is open daily from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Entrance for prayer is free through the main door, and tourists who wish to explore further can purchase a ticket at the side entrance.
2. Rynek Główny
Rynek Główny, also called the Main Square, is the center of Kraków’s Old Town. It was built in the 13th century and is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe.
The square is always busy and full of life. Visitors can walk through the Cloth Hall, where local vendors sell souvenirs and crafts. Food stalls, street performers, and even pigeons make it a lively spot.
Around the square, there are many cafés, bars, and restaurants. Sitting outside with a coffee is a relaxing way to enjoy the local atmosphere and watch people pass by.
3. Wawel Royal Castle
Wawel Royal Castle sits on Wawel Hill, next to the cathedral, overlooking the Vistula River. It is one of the largest castles in Poland and was once the center of the country’s culture and politics.
The castle has a long history and was damaged several times during attacks. Today, it is an interesting place to explore.
In the Hall of Deputies, part of the State Rooms, visitors can see a ceiling with 30 carved wooden heads. These heads show the stages of life from birth to death and are unusual and memorable for those who see them.
4. Wieliczka Salt Mine
Wieliczka Salt Mine is a unique place and a great half-day trip from Kraków. Salt was first discovered here in the 13th century, and the mine was used until 1996.
Visitors spend 2–3 hours walking through tunnels and halls, going down about 800 steps. Guides explain the work of the miners and how salt was collected.
Inside the mine, visitors can see statues and a large chapel made entirely of salt, including chandeliers made of salt. Tours are done in groups of about 40 people. The mine also uses lights and music, which many people enjoy.
The mine is about 20–30 minutes from Kraków. It is recommended to book tickets in advance to get a guide who speaks your language. Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the few places like it in the world and is worth visiting.
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5. Oskar Schindler’s Factory
Oskar Schindler’s Factory is a museum in Kraków that tells an important story from World War II. The museum is well known because of the film Schindler’s List, which is set in Kraków.
The museum focuses on Oskar Schindler, who owned an enamel factory. He saved about 1,200 Jewish people from being sent to nearby death camps by giving them work in his factory. The exhibition also shows life in Kraków during the Nazi occupation. Visitors learn about the hardships people faced, the discrimination against Jews, and the resistance efforts at that time.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance, as tours often fill up. The museum is moving and educational, helping visitors understand this important period in Kraków’s history.
6. Explore Kazimierz
Kazimierz, also called the Jewish Quarter, is a historic area of Kraków with a lively atmosphere. Today, it has bars, vintage shops, clubs, and restaurants serving food from different countries.
A visit to Plac Nowy is recommended. It is famous for Zapiekanka, a crispy baguette with melted cheese, mushrooms, and other toppings. The square also has cafés and a small flea market on Saturdays.
For hundreds of years, Jewish and Christian communities lived in Kazimierz. The eastern part was once the main Jewish district. Visitors can see the Galicia Jewish Museum, synagogues, kosher restaurants with live klezmer music, the Jewish cemetery, and the passageway featured in the film Schindler’s List.
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7. Planty Park
Planty Park is a circular park built on the site of the old Medieval city walls. It goes around Kraków’s Old Town and is a pleasant place for a relaxing walk. Summer is a nice time to visit, but autumn is especially beautiful when the leaves turn yellow and red.
The park is made of eight connected gardens, forming a circular walking path around the Old Town. It is ideal for a quiet walk or a short break from sightseeing.
Contemporary Art Scene in Krakow
8. MOCAK
MOCAK, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków, is located just outside the city center on land that was once part of Oskar Schindler’s factory.
The museum shows art from the last twenty years. Its goal is to support modern art and make it available to the public. The collection includes works by Polish and international artists. The building is modern and interesting, making it a good place to visit for anyone who likes contemporary art.
Things to Do in Krakow: A Recap
Things to do in Krakow offer options for all types of travelers. History lovers can visit Wawel Royal Castle and St. Mary’s Basilica, while museums such as Oskar Schindler’s Factory and MOCAK show the city’s past and modern culture.
Families can enjoy Planty Park for a relaxing walk or explore Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter, with its local food, music, and history.
Couples can stroll through Rynek Główny or spend quiet time in the city’s historic streets. Kraków’s mix of culture, history, and local life makes it a city that everyone can enjoy.