Best Things to Do and Places to See for Tourist in Kraków

September 24, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 4088 Views

Kraków, also written Cracow, is one of the oldest cities in Poland and is also the nation’s second-largest city. The city’s foundation dates far back to the 7th century. Among the best places to visit in Kraków are churches, castles, museums, and synagogues. The majority of historical things to see in Krakow are located in the Old Town area which is a UNESCO world heritage site. The city is most known for the holocaust tragedy that the town and its people suffered under the reign of Nazi Germany. One of the most visited Krakow attractions pertaining to the dark days of the holocaust is the Enamel Factory of Oskar Schindler popularized by Steven Spielberg’s film Schindler’s List. The factory and many other Krakow tourist attractions were portrayed in the film. There are guided walking tours of the filming locations of the films. It is one of the best things to do in Kraków, Poland.

Kazimierz was another major site of tragedy during the holocaust. It is one of the older districts of the city and there are quite a few things to see in Krakow located in Kazimierz. Besides historical places to visit in Kraków, the area is also known for artisan craft beer and nightlife. Major historical Kraków attractions to explore are Wieliczka Salt Mines, the oldest continuously operational salt mines in the world. The operations were closed in 2007 and the mines were converted into a museum. Another major historical tourist attraction among the best places to visit in Kraków is Wawel Castle. This castle features a mixture of Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Rococo styles of architecture. The castle is also one of the best museums and art galleries among things to see in Krakow.

European Union named Krakow the European Capital of Culture for the year 2000. You will see several excellent works of art, craft, culture, and history during Kraków sightseeing. Exploring art is among top things to do in Kraków. Some of the best places to go in Krakow to admire Polish and European art would be Wawel Castle, National Art Museum, Wawel Cathedral, Czartoryski Museum, European Culture Centre, and Archeological Museum. You can even dedicate part of the day to admiring art and craftsmanship in day-to-day items at Main Market Square and Cloth Hall. Shopping for traditional items to take back as souvenirs is among the most fun things to do in Kraków, Poland. As you are exploring shopping streets when you visit Krakow, you should also head for some delicious Polish cuisine. The cuisine, besides a delight for tastebuds, is also very colorful. It is a treat for the eye as well. You can enjoy shopping, eating, and Krakow sightseeing at Rynek Glowny Square. It is the largest city square in all of Europe. Many people being Krakow travel from the square itself. Many of the city tours and walks also begin at Glowny Square, some of them are among the free things to do in Krakow. You can also take a tour in a horse carriage to various Kraków tourist attractions from here.

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Table of Contents

Most Popular Places to Visit in Krakow in 5 Days

In this section we have created a 5 days trip itinerary to explore various tourist places and things to do in Krakow:

Day 1

1. Krakow Barbican

This fortified outpost was built in the 14th century and defended the city for ages. There are several Krakow attractions to check within the outpost. You would need 2 hours at the Barbican.

2. St. Florian’s Gate

Known as Brama Florianska in the Polish language, this gate is a popular attraction to visit in the old town district of the city. Though you don’t need more than 30 minutes at this gothic tower.

3. Czartoryski Museum (Muzeum Książąt Czartoryskich)

The museum was founded in 1796 and is one of the oldest in the city. It is one of the best places to visit in Krakow to see the history and heritage of Poland. You will need 2 hours to explore this museum.

I suggest you should book your ticket to the Czartoryski Museum in advance.

4. Town Hall Tower

Another popular Gothic building to see when you visit Krakow. This one was built in the 13th century, known for its 55 cm lean and Gothic architectural features. You don’t need more than 20 to 30 minutes at this place.

5. Main Square

The main square is also one of the best Krakow attractions for shopping. This square is considered the very heart of the city. You can easily put aside an hour exploring it.

6. Rynek Underground Museum

This museum was built after the discovery of tunnels under the city during an excavation in 2005. It is an interesting insight into the history of the city. You would need about an hour and a half at this museum.

I suggest you should book a guided tour of Rynek Underground Museum.

7. Cloth Hall

The cloth hall can be considered a mall of the renaissance period. It was very well known then and it is definitely one of the most well-known attractions to visit during Krakow sightseeing today as well. Owing to its cultural and historical significance, Cloth Hall is included among UNESCO World Heritage sites. You would need about an hour here.

8. St Mary’s Basilica

This basilica is also known as the Church of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven. This gothic church exhibits wonderful works of architecture. You would need about an hour to explore it.

Day 2

1. Planty Park

This 52-acre park encircles the old town district of Krakow. You would need an hour or more to explore all the 30 gardens of this park.

2. Wawel Cathedral & Museum

The cathedral is one of the oldest monuments in the city. This is the place where the coronation of monarchs takes place. You will need an hour and a half to explore this Cathedral and its museum.

I suggest you should book a guided tour of Wavel Cathedral & Museum.

3. Wawel Castle

This castle is one of the most popular Krakow attractions. The castle is known for its gothic architecture and its role in the history of the nation. You would need at least 2 hours to explore the castle.

I suggest you must book your ticket to Wawel Castle with skip the line option.

4. Manggha Museum of Japanese Art & Technology

This museum is considered to originate from the well-known Polish filmmaker Andrzej Wajda. You will need an hour to explore the various exhibits or art, culture and technology at this museum.

5. Skalka

This church is built in the gothic style of architecture popularly seen in many of places to visit in Krakow. It is considered to be the oldest place of worship in the city and has a significant history in its stones. You will need at least an hour here.

6. Ethnographic Museum

This museum is also known as the Seweryn Udziela Museum of Ethnography. A visit to this Krakow attraction provides great insight into the lives and culture of the people. You would need an hour and a half to explore this museum.

You can also book your ticket to Ethnographic Museum in advance.

Day 3

1. Jewish District (Kazimierz)

This is the area of Krakow with perhaps the most unfortunate part of history associated with it. You would need about 2 hours to explore this district and its history.

I suggest you should take a guided tour of the Jewish District to understand more about Jewish History in Krakow

2. Museum of Municipal Engineering

This museum is built in an old tram depot and is an interesting place to visit in Krakow, especially if you are an engineer. You will need an hour at this museum of city engineering.

I suggest you should get your ticket to Municipal Engineering Museum in advance.

3. High Synagogue

Once upon a time, this used to be the tallest building in the city, hence the name. It is still a fascinating Krakow tourist attraction. You won’t need more than 30 minutes here as there aren’t any museum-like exhibits. All you have for Krakow sightseeing here is the building.

4. Remuh Synagogue & Cemetery

This synagogue and the cemetery next to it were built by a well-known Polish rabbi named Moses Isserles. You would need about an hour to see both places.

5. Old Synagogue

This one is included among things to do in Krakow because it is the oldest synagogue in the country and among the oldest in Europe. You would need about 30 minutes to explore it.

6. Galicia Jewish Museum

The museum honors the Jewish people who suffered during Holocaust. The museum also exhibits the culture and traditions of the Jewish community of Poland. It is among the top historical things to do in Krakow. You will need an hour to explore this museum.

I suggest you should book your ticket to Galicia Jewish Museum in advance.

7. Pharmacy under the Eagle (Apteka Pod Orłem)

Also known as Apteka Pod Orlem, this museum used to be a pharmacy during the German occupation of Poland. You will need an hour at this museum.

8. Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory

Owing to the film The Schindler’s List, this factory has become one of the most popular places to visit in Krakow. You will need about an hour and a half at this factory to learn its history.

I suggest you should book a guided tour of Oskar Schindler’s Factory.

Day 4

1. Wieliczka Salt Mine (Kopalnia soli Wieliczka)

These mines are among UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritages. These mines are a historical monument and very unique among Krakow tourist attractions. You will need 4 to 5 hours to explore these mines.

I suggest you should book a guided tour of Wieliczka Salt Mine with a skip-the-line option.

2. Sanctuary of Divine Mercy

This church attracts several visitors and worshipers every year. The church includes the convent of revered Nun Faustyna Kowalska. You would need about an hour at this church.

I suggest you should book a guided tour of Sanctuary of Divine Mercy with a skip-the-line option.

3. Krakus Mound

The mound has several superlatives associated with it, such as being the oldest man-made structure in Krakow and the highest mound in Krakow. You would need an hour at this mound.

I suggest you should book a Mound Tour from Krakow and it covers multiple Mound in Krakow.

Day 5

1. Kosciuszko Mound

This is the modern brother of Krakus Mound built in honor of Tadeusz Kosciuszko, a national leader. You would need 1 hour at this place.

2. National Museum (Muzeum Narodowe w Krakowie)

Learn in-depth about the history and culture of Poland and its people at the National Museum of Poland. This is the largest museum in the country, so you would need about 2 hours to explore it.

I suggest you should book a ticket to National Museum in Krakow in advance.

3. Collegium Maius

This building is 650 years old and is a part of the Jagiellonian University. You will need an hour to explore it.

4. Church of St. Francis of Assisi (Franciscan Church)

This church complex was home to Pope John Paul II during his time in Krakow. It is among the religiously significant places to visit in Krakow. You would need about an hour here.

5. Archaeological Museum

This museum exhibits archaeological and geological artifacts and items. You will need one hour to explore it.

I suggest you should book a ticket to Archaeological Museum in Krakow in advance.

6. Church of Saints Peter & Paul

This church is among the most beautiful Krakow tourist attractions. It is the largest church of its kind in the city. You would need a good one hour to spend here and admire its interiors.

7. St. Andrew’s Church

This is a fortress church and is hence quite different in build and architecture from the rest of the churches in the city. It is still very aesthetically pleasing. You should reserve at least an hour for this church as well.

If you visit Krakow for more than 5 days, you should check out other attractions in the section below.

Things to do in Kraków

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Kraków

Wieliczka Salt Mines
Wawel Royal Castle
The Cloth Hall
St. Mary’s Basilica
St. Florian’s Gate
Krakow Barbican
Town Hall Tower
National Museum
Kosciuszko Mound
Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory
Collegium Maius University Museum
Old Synagogue
Smok Wawelski
Rynek Underground Museum
Princes Czartoryski Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art
Church of St. Wojciech
Saints Peter & Paul Church
Historical Museum of Krakow
Polish Aviation Museum
Adam Mickiewicz Monument
Eagle Pharmacy Museum
Galicia Jewish Museum
Remuh Synagogue
Benedictine Abbey
St. Andrew’s Church
Seweryn Udziela Ethnographic Museum
Church of St. Francis of Assisi
Pitsudski Mound
Cmentraz Rakowicki Cemetery
Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel
Zamek Ogrodzieniec Castle Ruins
Krakus Mound
Royal Sigismund Bell
Krzysztofory Palace
Castle Saltworks
Museum of Municipal Engineering
Krakow Pinball Museum
Wanda Mound
Church of St. Anne
Tempel Synagogue
St. Joseph’s Church
Krakow Archeological Museum
Joseph Mehoffer House
Corpus Christi Basilica
Niepotomice Castle
Izaak Synagogue
High Synagogue
Museum of Illusions
Grunwald Monument
Cathedral Museum
Remuh Cemetery
Korzkiew Castle
Jan Matejko House Museum
Jewish Square Synagogue
Hipolit House Museum
Holy Trinity Church
Church of St. Casimir the Prince

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Kraków

Ojcowski National Park
Smocza Jama Cave
Las Wolski
Lake Bagry
Zakrzowek Lake
Twardowski Rocks Park
Upper Cave Wierzchowska
Bednarski Park

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Kraków

Krakow Zoo
Lost Souls Alley
Krakow Water Park
Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden
Stained Glass Workshop & Museum
Manggha Center
History Land
Jordan Park
Bunkier Gallery of Contemporary Art
Krakow Opera

Shopping in Kraków

Old Kleparz Market
The Cloth Hall
Florianska Street
Galeria Krakowska
Bonarka City Center
Galeria Kazimierz
Kazimierz Street
Hala Targowa Flea Market

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure Things to Do in Kraków

Vistula River Boat Tour

Sightseeing in Kraków

Krakow Planty
Rynek Glowny Square
Krakow Main Square
Florianska Street
Plac Bohaterow Getta
Father Bernatek’s Bridge
Kazmierz District
Grodzka Street
Kanonicza Street
Ulica Szeroka Street
Vistulan Boulevards
Plac Mariacki
Krakow New Square
Szczepanski Square
Polish Airmen Park
Krakowskie Btonia

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Kraków

Pod Aniolami
Marmolada
Restauracja Wentzl
TrzyRybki
Kuchnia Polska Gaska
Nadwislanska
Pod Baranem
Jadlodajnia Wczoraj
Starka Restaurant
Wierzynek
Bal Restaurant
Miodova
Kogel Mogel
Cukiernia Dominikanska
Kuchnia U Doroty
Chlopskie Jadlo
U Babci Maliny
Bar Oko
Gospoda Koko
Camelot Cafe
Endzior
Wodka Bar
Andrus Food Truck
Oscypek
Obwarzanek Krakowski
Milkbar Tomasza
Stara Paczkarnia
Good Lood Ice Cream

Where to Stay in Kraków?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Kraków. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Kraków.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Krakow

How to Reach Kraków?

By Air

The easiest option for Krakow travel is John Paul II International Airport located about 12 km west of the city. It is the second-largest airport in the nation. You can get direct flights to visit Krakow from several European cities including Athens, Paris, Vienna, London, Lisbon, Brussels, Belfast, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Lyon, Milan, Naples, Geneva, Basel, Tel Aviv, Stuttgart, Dusseldorf, Helsinki, Madrid, New Castle, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Rome, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Stockholm and many more. You can also get flights for Krakow travel from cities in the United States Chicago and New York. FlyDubai serves flights from Dubai in UAE to visit Kraków. There are several options to fly to the city for the best places to visit in Kraków.

Once you reach John Paul II International Airport, you can take a train, bus, or cab for Krakow travel. As the journey from the airport is only 12 km, even the cabs are not that costly, unless you have a hotel in the old city or eastern part of the city. In which case you should opt for public transport as it is very cheap for all the best things to do in Krakow, Poland. You may also use cab-hailing apps to call a taxi to pick you up from the airport. The drivers at the airport tend to charge higher compared to the city. You can also walk a little further from the airport and catch a cab from outside the premises for activities in Krakow. You will immediately notice the price difference.

You can get public and private buses to reach your hotel or directly go for Krakow sightseeing. The buses connect to various things to see in Krakow. The most popular option is the bus running between the airport and the city center. You can hop on this bus and continue for Krakow’s tourist attractions from the city center. You can also catch a train to reach the city center before heading to places to go in Krakow. The trains run at 30-minute intervals from the airport and take you to the main train station.

By Road

The central train station for Krakow travel is called Dworzec Glowny PKP, situated just outside the old town area of the city. You can get direct trains to visit Krakow from Warsaw, Prague, Budapest, Vienna, and Lviv. The bus network for Kraków travel is a little more widespread with bus routes from France, UK, Russia, Italy, Baltic, Central Europe, Scandinavia and the Balkans. You can also get buses from domestic travel to visit Krakow.

If you are traveling by car or a personal vehicle, then use motorway A4 or S7 to visit Krakow. You can also embark on Krakow travel by routes 44, 75, 94, and 7. You will be able to cover some of the best places to visit in Krakow located at the outskirts of old town if you travel by route A4 or 94. There are also several fun things to do in Krakow, Poland located on the outskirts of the city. These Krakow tourist attractions are easily accessible from incoming highway routes as compared to the city.

By Water

Being a landlocked city, you don’t have a water body for Kraków travel. You can enjoy short boat cruise in the city among cool things to do in Krakow, Poland. But all routes for things to see in Krakow are land based.

Image Reference

Krakow Barbican – Dimitris Vetsikas / PixaBay
St. Florian’s Gate – Zygmunt Put / Wikimedia Commons
Czartoryski Museum (Muzeum Książąt Czartoryskich) – Mkos / Wikimedia Commons
Town Hall Tower – Maksym Kozlenko / Wikimedia Commons
Main Square – Konrad Krajewski / PixaBay
Rynek Underground – Steven Lek / Wikimedia Commons
Cloth Hall – teachandlearn / Flickr
St. Mary’s Basilica – max_gloin / PixaBay
Planty Park – Zygmunt Put / Wikimedia Commons
Wawel Cathedral and Museum – Allie_Caulfield / Flickr
Wawel Castle – Roman Polyanyk / PixaBay
Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology – Zygmunt Put / Wikimedia Commons
Skalka – Thomas / Flickr
Ethnographic Museum – Francisco Anzola / Flickr
Jewish District (Kazmierz) – Jorge Láscar / Flickr
Museum of Municipal Engineering – Ludvig14 / Wikimedia Commons
High Synagogue – Ludek / Wikimedia Commons
Remuh Synagogue and Cemetery – Jorge Láscar / Flickr
Old Synagogue – Jorge Láscar / Flickr
Galicia Jewish Museum – Zygmunt Put / Wikimedia Commons
Pharmacy under the Eagle (Apteka Pod Orłem) – Zygmunt Put / Wikimedia Commons
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory – Jennifer Boyer / Flickr
Wieliczka Salt Mine (Kopalnia soli Wieliczka) – Victor Wong / Flickr
Sanctuary of Divine Mercy – Zygmunt Put / Wikimedia Commons
Krakus Mound – marek7400 / Wikimedia Commons
Kosciuszko Mound – Mach240390 / Wikimedia Commons
National Museum (Muzeum Narodowe w Krakowie) – Kgbo / Wikimedia Commons
Collegium Maius – Allie_Caulfield / Flickr
Church of St. Francis of Assisi (Franciscan Church) – Zygmunt Put / Wikimedia Commons
Archaeological Museum – Simon Burchell / Wikimedia Commons
Church of Saints Peter and Paul – Jochen Bullerjahn / Flickr
St. Andrew’s Church – Zygmunt Put / Wikimedia Commons