Back to ExplorePlan a trip
Krakow, Poland

Destination Guide

Krakow

Poland

Best things to do in Krakow

37 curated attractions in Krakow, Poland. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

May - September

Average temp

9°C/48°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Generally safe

About Krakow

Krakow is Poland's cultural capital, famous for its medieval core and university scene. The historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features the Cloth Hall as a focal point, surrounded by a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. The city is home to numerous institutions, art galleries, and cafes, making it a lively place for both locals and tourists. Students from the nearby Jagiellonian University add a youthful energy to the cobblestone streets, and the city's rich history is visible in landmarks such as Wawel Castle and the Kazimierz district. People come for the historical sites, arts scene, and easily accessible day trips to the Tatra Mountains.

Who it's for

Ideal for history buffs, art lovers, and those who appreciate an active student atmosphere. Those looking for the glitz of a big city or a beach destination may find it lacking. It's also not the best choice if you dislike crowds, as the centre can be busy, especially during festivals.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The main square to Wawel Castle is a pleasant fifteen-minute walk
  • Public transport includes trams and buses that are generally reliable
  • The airport is about twenty minutes from the city centre by taxi
  • The city's layout is compact, so expect to walk more than you planned
Tadeusz Kościuszko Mound

Tadeusz Kościuszko Mound

Monuments & memorials
Kazimierz

Kazimierz

Cultural
Krakow Barbican

Krakow Barbican

Forts & citadels
Krakow's Historic Old Town

Krakow's Historic Old Town

Old towns & historic quarters
Planty Park

Planty Park

City parks
Kazimierz Jewish Quarter

Kazimierz Jewish Quarter

Streets & neighbourhoods
Krakow Pinball Museum

Krakow Pinball Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
St. Francis of Assisi Church

St. Francis of Assisi Church

Churches & cathedrals
Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow (MOCAK)

Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow (MOCAK)

Art museums & galleries
St. Florian's Gate

St. Florian's Gate

Forts & citadels
Princes Czartoryski Library

Princes Czartoryski Library

Historic libraries & universities
Błonia Park

Błonia Park

City parks
Nowa Huta

Nowa Huta

Streets & neighbourhoods
Bonarka City Center

Bonarka City Center

Malls & department stores
Krakus Mound

Krakus Mound

Scenic viewpoints
Tyniec Abbey

Tyniec Abbey

Monasteries
Krakow Zoo

Krakow Zoo

Zoos
Pieskowa Skała Castle

Pieskowa Skała Castle

Castles & palaces
Podgórze District

Podgórze District

Streets & neighbourhoods
Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University

Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University

Botanical gardens
Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology

Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology

Art museums & galleries
Tatra Mountains

Tatra Mountains

Mountains & volcanoes
Wawel Dragon Statue

Wawel Dragon Statue

Fountains, statues & public art
Krakow Philharmonic

Krakow Philharmonic

Concert halls
Czartoryski Museum

Czartoryski Museum

Art museums & galleries
Park Krakowski

Park Krakowski

City parks
Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)

Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)

Squares & plazas
St. Mary's Basilica

St. Mary's Basilica

Churches & cathedrals
Church of St. Adalbert

Church of St. Adalbert

Churches & cathedrals
Wawel Royal Castle

Wawel Royal Castle

Castles & palaces
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

Churches & cathedrals
Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)

Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)

Shopping streets & districts
Wieliczka Salt Mine

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Caves & cenotes
Schindler's Factory Museum

Schindler's Factory Museum

History museums
National Museum in Krakow

National Museum in Krakow

Art museums & galleries
Jagiellonian University

Jagiellonian University

Historic libraries & universities
Polonia Wax Museum

Polonia Wax Museum

Arts and Entertainment Venues

Where to eat in Krakow

The places worth planning a meal around.

Bunny Cafe

Bunny Cafe

Cafe, Dessert · $5–$15

★ 4.3 · 3,755 reviews

Judah Food Truck Square

Judah Food Truck Square

Israeli Street Food · $10–$15

★ 4.6 · 2,234 reviews

Chimney Cake Bakery

Chimney Cake Bakery

Hungarian, Bakery · $5–$15

★ 4.7 · 1,915 reviews

Travel Tools

Check visa for PolandEstimate costs for KrakowCompare Krakow with another cityPacking list for Krakow

AI Travel Planner

Planning a trip to Krakow?

Get a personalized itinerary built around your travel personality — with optimized routes, hidden gems, and insider tips.

Take the quiz — it's free →