For centuries Krakow has fascinated visitors with its history, charming architecture and the atmosphere of a royal city. The former capital of Poland has preserved its medieval urban layout, and the Old Town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of cobbled streets, Renaissance townhouses and lively squares. The city attracts not only with monuments but also with a mood you can feel in the air - a mix of legends, literature and the modern energy of a student city.
The city on the Vistula is a meeting place of cultures and eras. Over the centuries kings, artists and scientists lived and worked here, and today their legacy can be discovered at every turn. Krakow combines dignified history with a rich cultural and culinary offer, which makes it ideal both for museum lovers and for those who enjoy exploring the city on foot without a fixed plan. This guide will help you plan a visit so you see both the must-see attractions and the lesser-known places locals love.
Start exploring Krakow from the heart of the city - the Main Market Square. It is the largest medieval market square in Poland, surrounded by beautiful townhouses. Here stands the Cloth Hall, a centuries-old trading place for souvenirs and crafts, and St. Mary’s Basilica with the famous altarpiece by Veit Stoss. Every hour a trumpet call is sounded from the basilica tower - its abrupt ending refers to the legend of a guard warning the city of a Tatar attack. Next to the square rises the Gothic Town Hall Tower - the remnant of the former seat of municipal authorities, offering great views over the roofs of the Old Town.
Another essential stop is Wawel Hill. On this limestone rise you will find the Royal Castle and the Cathedral. Polish monarchs were crowned and buried here, and the famous Sigismund Bell hangs in the cathedral tower. Visit the royal crypts, walk the castle courtyards, and then descend to the Dragon’s Den, where according to legend the Wawel Dragon once lived. The walk from Wawel along Grodzka Street leads back to the Market, passing Kanonicza Street with its Renaissance townhouses and museums. Also take a stroll through the Planty - the green belt encircling the Old Town, perfect for a restful break.
Outside the historic centre be sure to visit Kazimierz and Podgórze. For centuries Kazimierz was the heart of Jewish life in Krakow. Today it pulses with cafes, street art and historic synagogues. On Nowy Square try the local zapiekanka (open toasted sandwich), and at the Remuh Synagogue and cemetery feel the atmosphere of the former community. Across the Vistula lies Podgórze, where you can experience local life at the Podgórze Market, walk through Bednarski Park and climb Krakus Mound for panoramic views. Also visit the former Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory in Zabłocie to learn about the city’s World War II history.
On the map of important sights you will also find Nowa Huta - a socialist-realist district planned after the war as an ideal city. Walking across the Central Square, along the perfectly straight avenues and green housing estates, you will discover a different face of Krakow. Visit the Ark of the Lord church and explore cultural centres and art spaces created in former industrial halls. Nowa Huta shows that Krakow is not only centuries-old monuments but also an important part of postwar Polish history.
Krakow hides many spots that are not in standard guidebooks. One is the flooded Zakrzówek quarry - a turquoise lake formed in an old limestone pit. It’s an ideal place for a walk around the water, a picnic or a swim on warm days. Nearby are the Twardowski Rocks and the John Paul II Mound, both offering views over the city. Tram connections are easy, and a moment in nature lets you breathe away from the urban bustle.
Art lovers should visit the Stained Glass Museum, where you can see colourful compositions being made in a workshop that has operated for over a century. Another fascinating place is the Polish Aviation Museum at the former Rakowice-Czyżyny airfield, with an impressive collection of over two hundred aircraft. For atmospheric corners seek out the colourful steps on Tatrzańska Street in Podgórze, hidden monastic gardens in the centre, or rest in the Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden.
Among less obvious attractions are Rydlówka - the manor in Bronowice Małe known from Wyspiański’s play "Wesele" - and the Photography Museum located in a historic shooting range, where you can pose in a period photographer’s studio. For history enthusiasts there is the Liban Quarry, an abandoned site with a difficult past that was used in the film "Schindler’s List". Alternative Krakow also means cafes in old trams, murals in Nowa Huta and renovated artistic workshops. Discovering these places shows how varied the city of kings really is.
If you have only one day, focus on the main sights in the centre. Start the morning at Wawel - visit the cathedral and courtyards and descend to the Dragon’s Den. Then walk along Grodzka Street to the Main Market Square, stopping at Kanonicza on the way. At the square visit St. Mary’s Basilica, listen to the trumpet call and see the Cloth Hall, then relax with a coffee while people-watching. In the afternoon head to Kazimierz - visit the synagogues, try a zapiekanka at Nowy Square and finish the day with a walk along the river.
A weekend in Krakow allows deeper discovery. On the first day see the Old Town and Wawel; on the second explore Kazimierz and Podgórze, visiting Schindler’s Factory and climbing Krakus Mound. On the third day you can choose a trip beyond the centre - to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial, or for a nature walk around Zakrzówek and the Twardowski Rocks. This plan mixes history, culture and nature without overwhelming the senses.
If you have more time we recommend a three-day or even week-long stay. Then you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of each district, visit Nowa Huta, Collegium Maius, the Vistula boulevards or the botanical garden, and plan trips to nearby attractions such as Ojców National Park or Tyniec. Whatever the length of stay, it’s a good idea to explore on foot or by bike to really feel the city, and to take breaks for local specialties - from obwarzanki sold on the street to traditional pierogi in small eateries.
Krakow is best visited in spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant for walking and crowds are smaller. The centre is compact, so staying near the Old Town or Kazimierz will let you reach most sights on foot. If you arrive by train, the Main Railway Station is a few minutes from the Floriańska Gate, so you can start exploring immediately. Trams and buses connect farther districts, and tickets can be bought at ticket machines.
Wear comfortable shoes and carry a bottle of water - cobbled streets and winding staircases can be tiring. For lunch try local milk bars or restaurants serving Jewish and Galician cuisine. Sample an obwarzanek with sesame at the Market, a zapiekanka at Nowy Square and oscypek with cranberry at seasonal fairs. Book tickets in advance for popular attractions such as the Royal Chambers or Schindler’s Factory to avoid queues.
The city is generally safe, but as in any tourist destination be mindful of pickpockets. Respect sacred places - many churches require modest dress and quiet. If you plan to visit hidden monastic gardens or places with restricted access, check opening hours in advance. Nature spots inside the city, like Zakrzówek, can be unpredictable - follow signs and safety rules. With these tips your visit to Krakow will be both enjoyable and comfortable.
Is English widely spoken? In the main tourist areas you will find people speaking English in hotels, museums and many restaurants, but learning a few basic Polish phrases is appreciated.
Getting around - best options: The Old Town is very walkable. For farther districts use trams and buses; tickets are available at machines, mobile apps and kiosks. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are also available if needed.
Money and payments: Poland uses the złoty (PLN). Cards are widely accepted, but it’s useful to carry some cash for small stalls, markets and some street food vendors.
Opening hours: Many museums and attractions have seasonal hours and occasional closures. Check opening times in advance for places you really want to see, and reserve timed tickets when possible.
Health and safety: Carry basic medications and any prescriptions you need. Emergency number in Poland is 112. For nature spots, wear proper shoes and respect warning signs to stay safe.
