The Old Town of Krakow is the city’s symbol and the place where many visitors begin their adventure in the Royal City. This historic district was one of the first sites in Poland inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and its urban layout still reflects medieval times. Walking the cobbled streets takes you through layers of history - from Romanesque through Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque and Art Nouveau. Every townhouse on the Main Market Square has a story to tell, and the hourly bugle call from the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica recalls old legends.
At the center of the Old Town stands Europe’s largest medieval square - the Main Market Square. It is framed by the Cloth Hall, the Town Hall Tower and St. Mary’s Basilica, creating a quintessential Krakow scene. The Cloth Hall has hosted stalls selling jewelry, amber and souvenirs for centuries, and an art gallery sits on the upper floor. Inside St. Mary’s Basilica you’ll find the famous altarpiece by Veit Stoss - a masterpiece of late Gothic art - and richly painted vaults. The square is always buzzing: street musicians, tourists feeding pigeons, horse-drawn carriages waiting for customers and the scent of freshly baked obwarzanki create an unforgettable atmosphere.
If you need a break from the bustle, turn into one of the side streets or stroll the Planty - the green ring that surrounds the Old Town. The Planty were created on the site of the former defensive walls and moats and now form a pleasant park dotted with benches and monuments. Don’t miss Kanonicza Street, where Renaissance palaces survive and where the house of Pope John Paul II can be seen. A walk through the Old Town is a journey across centuries, a taste of Krakow tradition and the perfect start to further discoveries.
Just a few steps from the Main Market Square rises the limestone hill of Wawel - a symbol of Polish statehood and one of the country’s most important historic sites. At its summit stand the Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral, where kings were crowned, prominent figures were buried and many national heroes rest today. The castle opens numerous chambers, the crown treasury and the armory, and interactive routes help visitors explore the history of the Piast and Jagiellonian dynasties. Be sure to visit the Renaissance arcades and climb a tower for a panoramic view of Krakow.
Wawel Cathedral is exceptional - within its walls are the graves of kings and national heroes and the famous Sigismund Bell. According to tradition, touching the bell is believed to bring a wish to come true, so visitors often form a short queue to do so. In the cathedral crypts you can see sarcophagi of figures such as Queen Jadwiga, Władysław Jagiełło, King John III Sobieski and Józef Piłsudski. Take time for a quiet visit to the cathedral to fully appreciate the monumental history written in stone.
Below Wawel Hill lies the Dragon’s Den - a cave linked to the legend of the Wawel Dragon. According to the tale, the beast terrorized locals until a clever shoemaker tricked it with a salt-filled sheep. The dragon drank from the Vistula and perished, and today you can descend into the cave to sense the atmosphere of this old story. At the exit stands a metal dragon statue that breathes fire every few minutes, delighting children and adults alike. Wawel and its surroundings combine history, legend and architectural beauty - a must-see on any visit.
After leaving Wawel, head to Kazimierz - the former Jewish quarter that is now one of Krakow’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. In the Middle Ages it was an independent town, later incorporated into Krakow and becoming a center of culture and trade. For centuries Jews and Christians lived side by side, creating a unique blend of traditions. Today you can visit many synagogues, including the Old Synagogue and the Remuh Synagogue with its cemetery, and explore characteristic tenement houses with arcades and quaint courtyards. Kazimierz is also known for picturesque streets, artistic murals and locations used in the filming of "Schindler’s List."
Kazimierz is also the city’s hub for nightlife and food. Plac Nowy is the district’s heart - here you can try the legendary zapiekanka from a street window, visit the market and find numerous bars. The area is packed with cafes and restaurants serving Jewish, Polish and international cuisine, and live music fills the streets in the evenings. Festivals of Jewish culture, klezmer concerts and other artistic events take place here year-round. While wandering you’ll find craft shops, art galleries and second-hand stores. The atmosphere attracts artists, students and visitors seeking authentic experiences.
Across the Vistula lies Podgórze - a district that has gone through a dramatic transformation in recent decades. During the occupation it contained the ghetto, and today it houses the modern Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory museum, which tells the city’s World War II story. Podgórze offers a calmer pace, green riverside boulevards and landmarks such as St. Joseph’s Church on the Podgórze Market and Krakus Mound, which provides a beautiful panorama of the city. A walk across Bernatek Footbridge easily connects Kazimierz and Podgórze, linking two worlds of history and contemporary life.
Nowa Huta is Krakow’s youngest district, built after the war as a model socialist city for steelworks workers. It was designed according to socialist-realist principles with wide avenues, monumental buildings and expansive squares. Although its origins were ideological, Nowa Huta today stands as an intriguing testimony to the architecture and urban planning of the 1950s and 60s. Worth seeing are Rondo Mogilskie and the central avenues, as well as the area known as the Central Square with its distinctive porticos.
Visiting Nowa Huta is not just about architecture but also about community life. The housing estates are surrounded by parks, and among the concrete buildings you’ll find places of worship such as the Ark of the Lord - a church built brick by brick in a campaign by residents during the struggles to obtain permission for its construction. The district also hosts an old nuclear shelter that can be visited with a guide, and numerous milk bars and homestyle eateries where you can try traditional Polish dishes. Nowa Huta offers an alternative view of Krakow - a portrait of plans for an ideal workers’ city and the surviving traces of that era.
Combine a walk through Nowa Huta with nearby green areas - the Nowa Huta Meadows are a wildlife oasis and great for birdwatching, and the Nowa Huta Reservoir attracts anglers and water-sports fans. Close to the district are the Tyniec monastery and several mounds and parks. For those interested in social history and architecture, Nowa Huta is a must-visit - a district that shows a different, still vivid and inspiring side of the city.
Krakow is a great base for exploring many attractions in Lesser Poland. One of the most popular trips is a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, about 15 kilometers from the city center. This extraordinary underground world, listed by UNESCO, attracts visitors with a labyrinth of salt corridors, chambers and chapels carved from salt. Guided tours explain the history of mining, reveal salt lakes and the St. Kinga Chapel, and showcase salt sculptures. Wieliczka offers several routes - tourist and mining trails - and family programs, and there is also a health resort underground.
Another fascinating nearby site is Ojców National Park - Poland’s smallest national park but full of natural wonders. Its limestone rocks, caves and castle ruins create a fairytale landscape. You can visit Ojców Castle, the Łokietek Cave and the Dark Cave, and stroll the Prądnik Valley admiring rock formations like the Hercules’ Club. The park has many walking and cycling trails and is ideal for observing the unique flora and fauna of the Krakow-Częstochowa Upland.
Consider also a visit to the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau in Oświęcim. This memorial site is an important place for reflection on the history of the 20th century and the tragedy of the Holocaust. Tours are led by guides and include the Auschwitz I camp and the Birkenau camp. Although a difficult experience, many visitors consider the visit an essential part of a trip through Lesser Poland. For quieter options, explore nearby small towns such as Lanckorona, the pilgrimage site of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska or the castles along the Trail of the Eagles’ Nests. Each place adds another layer to the Krakow experience.
You can plan to see Krakow in one day, over a weekend or on a longer stay. If you only have one day, focus on the Old Town, Wawel and Kazimierz - this will let you experience the main sights without rushing. For a weekend, add Podgórze and a quick trip to Wieliczka. With a week you can include Nowa Huta, a visit to Ojców National Park and even a day trip to Zakopane. Prepare an itinerary in advance to avoid wasting time on transport.
Krakow is very walkable - most central attractions are close to each other and public transport (trams and buses) is convenient. Renting a bike or an electric scooter is a good idea for moving between neighborhoods. In summer try to sightsee early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat; in winter dress warmly and enjoy the holiday markets on the Main Market Square. Book tickets in advance for popular sites like Wawel Castle and the Wieliczka Salt Mine to skip long lines.
Try local flavors while you’re here. Street treats include the obwarzanek (a ring-shaped bread) and zapiekanka at Plac Nowy, while restaurants serve hearty local dishes like żurek or pierogi. Recommended places to eat and drink include traditional milk bars for an affordable, authentic meal, as well as cafés and specialty coffee shops in the Old Town and Kazimierz. Families may enjoy the Copernicus Science Centre, the Lwów Zoo in the Wolski Forest or the Water Park. Krakow rewards both spontaneous walks and well-planned trips - allow some time for improvisation and enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere.
When is the best time to visit? Spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is lively with festivals but busier. Winter has fewer tourists and charming Christmas markets but colder temperatures.
How do I get from the airport to the city center? Krakow’s John Paul II International Airport is well connected by taxi, ride-hailing services and an airport shuttle bus to the center. Trams and buses also link the city, but check schedules for late-night arrivals.
Do I need cash? Cards are widely accepted, but having some zloty for small stalls, markets and public transport is useful. Many small cafés and milk bars may prefer cash.
Are English speakers common? In tourist areas you will find many people who speak English, and signs at major attractions are usually available in English. Learning a few Polish phrases is appreciated by locals.
Where to find tourist information? The Main Market Square and the Krakow Tourist Information offices provide maps, event listings and practical advice. For tailored tours or specific accessibility needs, check with official tourism services.
Safety and etiquette - Krakow is generally safe for visitors. Keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded places and respect memorial sites and places of worship. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly.
