Just a few minutes from Krakow’s center lies a place that feels more like the Croatian coast than the middle of a major city. Zakrzówek, a former limestone quarry filled with turquoise water, is a favorite leisure spot for locals. Winding paths run along steep cliffs and there are many viewpoints from which to admire the lake. In summer an open swimming area draws swimmers and divers; in winter Zakrzówek becomes a peaceful place for walks surrounded by silence and greenery. It’s easy here to forget you’re in one of Poland’s largest cities.
Right next to Zakrzówek are the Twardowski Rocks — wooded hills and limestone outcrops that are a paradise for walkers and climbers. According to legend, the sorcerer Twardowski had his workshop here, and the dramatic landscape still sparks the imagination. From the tops of the rocks you get magnificent views of the city, and intimate trails invite picnics and short excursions. Nearby is also the John Paul II Mound, a lovely spot to watch the sunset over the Vistula. For anyone seeking contact with nature, Zakrzówek and the Twardowski Rocks are ideal places for a breather.
On the other side of the Vistula, in Podgórze, lies an extraordinary area: the Liban Quarry. Today the place looks abandoned, but it holds many layers of history. During the Nazi occupation there was a forced-labor camp here, and after the war the quarry served as a filming location for cinematic productions. Walking the site you can find remnants of railway tracks, concrete structures and traces of former buildings. The atmosphere of silence and reflection makes Liban Quarry not only a natural attraction but also a place of remembrance — visiting encourages reflection on the city’s history and lesser-known stories.
Krakow is famous for its mounds scattered across the city, though not all are as popular as Kościuszko or Krakus Mound. It’s worth climbing the John Paul II Mound in Łagiewniki or Wanda Mound in Nowa Huta. These smaller mounds offer beautiful views and are usually less crowded. Wanda Mound, linked to the legend of Prince Krak’s daughter, is one of the oldest sites of its kind in Poland. Reaching its summit gives you a moment of reflection and a chance to observe surrounding neighborhoods. Liban Quarry and Krakow’s mounds show the city’s wilder, more mysterious side.
Krakow is full of museums, but not all appear on the standard tourist list. The Stained Glass Museum is a place to experience the magic of light and color. Housed in a workshop over a century old, it still produces colored glass works. Visitors can often observe master craftsmen at work, learn how intricately decorated panes are made, and see pieces inspired by artists such as Wyspiański and Mehoffer. The museum proves that art can be both classic and hands-on.
The Polish Aviation Museum, located on the grounds of the former Rakowice-Czyżyny airport, is a treat for lovers of technical history. Its collection includes hundreds of planes, helicopters and other aircraft, some of which are unique survivors. Exhibitions trace the development of aviation from World War I to modern times. Additional attractions include flight simulators that let you feel like a pilot and interactive displays that explain the physical principles of flight. Visiting these museums reveals fascinating, lesser-known sides of Krakow.
In central Krakow, amid dense buildings and lively streets, there are small enclaves where you can escape the noise. Hidden monastery gardens, for example near Poselska Street or in the Kapucyńska area, are green sanctuaries open at selected times. Lavender beds, historic trees and aromatic herbs create a meditative atmosphere. Visiting such a garden feels like stepping back in time — for a brief moment you can imagine life behind monastery walls and enjoy quiet away from the bustle. When the city wakes, these gardens remain tranquil oases.
The Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden and the Archaeological Museum Garden are other places where plants take center stage. The botanical garden, Poland’s oldest, showcases thousands of species from around the world; narrow paths lead to greenhouses with tropical specimens, and ancient oaks recall earlier eras. The garden by the Archaeological Museum, at the foot of Wawel Hill, is perfect for strolling in the shade of historic walls. In summer evenings you may find intimate concerts or small events here, which add special charm. These green corners show that Krakow can surprise even in its most touristed areas.
The Vistula, queen of Polish rivers, flows through Krakow and creates a natural space for relaxation. A fun way to see the city is by water — river trams or kayaks let you admire Wawel, Kazimierz and Podgórze from the river’s perspective. In summer there are boat routes between points such as Dąbie and Salwator; for the active traveler, kayak and SUP rentals make it easy to explore river bends and riverside parks yourself. In the evenings, Forum Przestrzenie — a former hotel annex turned into a riverside cultural and gastronomic spot — hosts concerts and open-air film screenings, making the Vistula banks lively and pleasant.
Krakow is also known for atmospheric cafés and cocktail bars tucked into the nooks of the Old Town and Kazimierz. Bubble Toast on Plac Szczepański charms with pastel interiors and creative drinks, while spots like Massolit Books & Cafe and the café by the Bunkier Sztuki combine coffee with an artistic atmosphere. Families will find attractions such as the local Water Park, the GoJump trampoline park and the Ogród Doświadczeń im. Stanisława Lema (The Stanisław Lem Science Garden), where interactive exhibits encourage learning through play. Krakow’s alternative attractions guarantee something for everyone — whether you seek adrenaline, culture or just a peaceful place to rest.
For literature and art-history lovers, Krakow offers places connected to famous Polish artists and writers. Rydlówka, the former Tetmajer manor in Bronowice Małe made famous by Stanisław Wyspiański’s play The Wedding, has reopened after restoration. Inside you can see family mementos, period costumes and exhibits dedicated to the national drama. Visitors can also watch a short documentary about the manor’s history and its inhabitants. A walk through Rydlówka’s garden is a journey into Poland’s literary tradition.
Another unexpected spot is the Museum of the History of Photography, located in a historic shooting range in Wola Justowska. Its collection includes photographic equipment, portrait studies and rotating exhibitions that trace photography from the 19th century to the present. A special attraction is the chance to have your portrait taken in a studio styled like those from a hundred years ago. Art lovers should also visit stained-glass studios where panels for churches and secular buildings were made, and hidden galleries in Podgórze where street art meets old walls. Exploring Krakow’s literary and artistic paths uncovers not only beautiful places but also the stories of the people who created them.
Alternative Krakow is best explored on foot or by bike — this lets you move freely between lesser-known corners. Trams and buses heading toward Dębniki and Ruczaj make Zakrzówek and the Twardowski Rocks fairly easy to reach, and Rydlówka is accessible by tram to the Bronowice Małe loop followed by a short walk. Many attractions, like hidden monastery gardens or Liban Quarry, are open only at certain times or may require a guided visit — check opening hours and, when needed, reserve tickets in advance.
Bring a map or a navigation app because some places are tucked away in alleys and unmarked parks. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water — alternative sightseeing often involves longer walks and exploring green areas. If you plan to take photos, aim for early morning or late afternoon for softer light and smaller crowds. Always show respect at sites of historical memory and for residents’ privacy so your visit is pleasant for both you and the local community.
This guide was prepared for visitors by Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — friendly, practical tips to help you enjoy Krakow beyond the usual sights.
