The Divine Mercy Sanctuary in Łagiewniki is not only an important place of worship but also a viewpoint worth remembering during a summer stay in Kraków. A viewing tower several dozen meters high rises above the complex and offers a panorama of the city and — on a very clear day — a distant outline of the Tatra Mountains. Going up to the platform lets you see Kraków from a different perspective: surrounding woods, the southern districts of the city and the distant historic silhouettes of the center are all visible.
For visitors who like to combine sightseeing with a short pause to enjoy calm views, a visit to Łagiewniki gives a double reward: a spiritual experience and a landscape treat in one. There are also simple food points run by the religious community where you can have a homemade meal after visiting.
If you plan to climb the tower in summer, choose early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest hours and to get the best light for photos. The tower has both stairs and an elevator, which makes access easier for people with limited fitness.
Kraków offers many places with breathtaking panoramas: church towers in the center (St. Mary’s Tower, the Town Hall Tower), mounds (Golgotha, Kościuszko Mound) and more modern restaurant terraces and rooftops. Łagiewniki stands out because it combines a wide view with the context of a pilgrimage site — it’s not only a city panorama but also a pilgrimage landscape and green surroundings.
Other viewpoints have their strengths: towers in the Old Town give close-up views of the historic street layout and the roofs of tenement houses, the mounds are excellent for sunsets, and restaurant rooftops offer comfort, service and the possibility to relax longer over a drink or a meal.
Sheraton Rooftop Terrace — an elegant terrace on a hotel floor with views of Wawel and the Vistula; a great spot for a sunset cocktail and comfortable even in hot weather thanks to its retractable roof.
Rubinstein Restaurant / Sky Bar — an intimate sky bar with a terrace and direct views of the historic center; ideal for a dinner with a Wawel panorama.
Zielone Tarasy — a restaurant praised for its wide panorama; often listed among places with views of the Beskids and, on very clear days, the Tatras.
Rooftops of the Academy of Music and the terraces near the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) — for those who want to see the Main Market Square and the roofs of townhouses and feel the Old Town atmosphere from a slightly different angle. Not all rooftop areas are always open to the public, so check opening hours in advance.
Check opening hours and the possibility of booking. Popular terraces and sky bars can be full in the evening, especially at weekends — reserving a table will save disappointment.
Dress lightly and bring water. In summer, stairs, platforms and open terraces can get hot; sunscreen and a hat will help.
Be prepared for changing weather. The view of the Tatras appears only with very good visibility — it depends on weather conditions and air quality.
Tickets for towers in the center often have timed slots. If you care about a specific time (for example sunrise or sunset), book in advance; for Łagiewniki check the platform’s availability before you go.
The Sanctuary has developed infrastructure for pilgrims: chapels, exhibitions, and small catering and guest rooms run by the religious community. It’s a convenient place for a short rest or a stop while exploring Kraków’s southern districts.
Getting there: Łagiewniki are well connected to the center by tram and bus; by car you can use parking near the sanctuary. In summer allow extra time for travel because of tourist traffic.
Around the sanctuary there are green spaces and walking paths, so it’s worth combining a tower visit with a short walk in the area, especially if you’re traveling with family.
Planning a rooftop visit “at the last minute” for a popular evening slot. How to avoid it: reserve a table or arrive before opening to secure a good spot.
Expecting a guaranteed view of the Tatras without checking the weather. How to avoid it: have a Plan B (another viewpoint, a museum, a café) for the same day or the next.
Unplanned expenses: tower entries and drinks on rooftops are often paid. How to avoid it: check approximate prices in advance and have cash or a card ready for entry or orders.
The tower at Łagiewniki is one of the highest viewpoints within the city limits — it offers a different experience than the center because it combines a panorama with the green space around the sanctuary.
Many restaurant rooftops operate on seasonal hours or host summer events — from brunches to evening concerts. If you’re looking for something special, check each venue’s program before you go.
Sometimes the least-known terraces provide the most interesting shots: viewing the city from the edges, with greenery in the foreground, can be more surprising than the classic Market Square photo.
Is access to the Łagiewniki tower paid? In practice access to the platform may be charged or organized as part of a tour — check directly before your visit.
Can you see the Tatras from Łagiewniki? On very clear days with clean air you can spot the Tatra range from the tower, but this only happens in favorable conditions.
Which rooftop do you recommend for a romantic dinner? Rubinstein Sky Bar and some hotel terraces (for example the Sheraton Rooftop Terrace) are often praised for atmosphere and views of Wawel.
Are terraces accessible with children and strollers? Many restaurant terraces are adapted (elevator available), but some towers are reachable only by stairs. Check elevator availability and the route before visiting.
If this text was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help them plan a perfect day in Kraków. I also recommend using the services of tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz, who will show you places less known to tourists and advise how to best plan visits around the sanctuary and to the city’s best rooftops. Contact details for the guide are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — consider booking a joint walk and discover Kraków from a perspective that will stay with you for a long time.
