Krakow has long charmed both visitors and locals with its unique atmosphere. The former capital of Poland is a city where history blends with modern life, and every alley holds a story from past centuries. In 2025 the city’s offerings are richer than ever — alongside well-known monuments you’ll find new attractions, exhibitions and events that make exploring Krakow a real adventure. This guide was created to help you discover the most important places and plan an unforgettable visit.
In the sections that follow you’ll find descriptions of the classic monuments of the Old Town and Wawel, the vibrant neighborhoods of Kazimierz and Podgórze, the modernist Nowa Huta, and numerous 2025 additions. There is also information on unusual sites, an events calendar and practical tips to make sightseeing easier. Get ready for a fascinating journey through a city where every stone has a story and a lively contemporary cultural scene is always bustling.
Start your Krakow visit in the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), the largest medieval square in Europe, is the true heart of the city. The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), once a trading hall, now delights with stalls selling amber, jewelry and local souvenirs; its upper floor houses the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art. Every hour a trumpet call plays from the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica, and from the Town Hall Tower terrace you get a panorama of tiled roofs and townhouses. A visit to the Rynek’s Underground Museum is well worth your time — a modern exhibition that reveals the medieval roots of the city.
To the south of the Market rises Wawel Hill with the Royal Castle and Cathedral. For centuries the castle served as a royal residence and still impresses with its Renaissance courtyard, royal chambers, treasury and armory. In 2025 Wawel offers new guided routes enhanced with augmented reality apps that help recreate life at the court. Below the hill is the legendary Dragon’s Cave (Smocza Jama), and the metal dragon on the Vistula bank breathes fire every few minutes. A new highlight is the underground Międzymurze route, running between defensive walls; it reveals medieval remnants and multimedia presentations in areas previously inaccessible.
When visiting Wawel don’t miss the Cathedral, where Polish kings were crowned and many notable figures are buried. Modern audio guides and mobile apps enrich the experience, allowing you to listen to stories about kings, national heroes and the mysteries of Wawel Hill.
Kazimierz, the former Jewish quarter, is today one of Krakow’s most atmospheric areas. Narrow streets around Szeroka hide synagogues such as the Old Synagogue and the Remuh Synagogue, as well as bookstores, galleries and cozy cafés. Evenings in Kazimierz come alive with klezmer music and cuisine that blends Jewish traditions with Polish flavors. On the neighboring Podgórze side be sure to visit Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory museum, which tells the story of World War II in this region, and the Ghetto Heroes Square that commemorates the tragic fate of ghetto residents.
Across the Vistula lies Nowa Huta — a district designed in the socialist era as an “ideal city.” Today it’s a fascinating example of modernist urbanism, with wide avenues, 1950s apartment blocks and a distinctive atmosphere. Visit the Central Square (Plac Centralny), see the Ark of the Lord Church (Kościół Arki Pana) and stroll through green parks. Guided tours of Nowa Huta reveal the history of socialist experiments and share anecdotes about everyday life in this unique district.
Kazimierz and Podgórze are lively cultural hubs, hosting events such as the Jewish Culture Festival and street parades. Nowa Huta is also becoming a place for new artistic initiatives, festivals and themed walks that highlight its lesser-known side.
2025 brought several new attractions and exhibitions to Krakow that are worth adding to your itinerary. On Wawel the underground Międzymurze route opened — a display running between layers of defensive walls. Visitors can admire medieval relics and fortifications and walk above the natural cave known as the Dragon’s Cave. The route includes multimedia projections that make the history more accessible and engaging.
On the grounds of the former Płaszów concentration camp there is an outdoor exhibition titled “KL Płaszów. A place after, a place without,” which presents the site’s history and pays tribute to the victims. The exhibition consists of several outdoor information stations and archaeological viewing points. A guided walk across the camp area is recommended to better understand its past and significance.
The Museum of Engineering and Technology opened the exhibition “City. Technosensitivity,” showing how engineering thinking shaped Krakow’s development — from early urban concepts through industrial revolutions to contemporary visions. The exhibition offers more than five hundred exhibits and interactive stations where visitors can conduct experiments. In the Wyspiański branch of the National Museum you can see “Gardens of Sculptresses,” an exhibition dedicated to the work of Polish women sculptors, paired with the museum’s open garden spaces.
Spring 2025 has been rich in artistic events. Cracow Art Week KRAKERS showcases contemporary art in many galleries and spaces, offering workshops and meetings with creators. Near Krakow at Alvernia Planet an interactive show, “Harry Potter: The Exhibition,” opened, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the world of magic with original props and multimedia installations. This variety shows that in 2025 Krakow emphasizes not only history but also new forms of culture and entertainment.
Although Krakow is famous for its most popular landmarks, it’s worth setting aside time to discover less obvious places. The Living Bagel Museum (Żywe Muzeum Obwarzanka) is an interactive attraction where you can make a traditional Krakow obwarzanek yourself and learn the story behind this snack. Families enjoy the Stanisław Lem Garden of Experiments — an outdoor science park where play teaches physics laws. Another interesting stop is the Museum of Municipal Engineering, which displays historic trams and technical devices.
For walkers, Krakow’s mounds (kopce) are a rewarding excursion. The Kościuszko Mound offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding area, and hosts a museum dedicated to the leader of the uprising. The Krakus Mound in Podgórze is wrapped in legend about the city’s mythical founder and makes a great picnic spot with a view of the Vistula. It’s also worth exploring Nowa Huta to see urban design unusual for Poland and to hear stories from local residents.
Those looking for indoor fun will find varied entertainment options. The House of Attractions — a central leisure complex — features mirror mazes, virtual reality, escape rooms and illusion museums. It’s ideal for families, couples and groups of friends who want to experience the city differently. If you prefer tranquility, visit the Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden or take a boat trip on the Vistula to admire Krakow’s skyline from the water.
Krakow is known for its rich events calendar that draws visitors from around the world. June is a special month — it hosts the Great Dragon Parade, when colorful, fire-breathing dragons sail along the Vistula and streets glow with vibrant installations. At the same time you can see the Lajkonik procession, a folkloric parade tied to the legend of a Tatar raid. The Summer Festival of the Krakow Opera offers opera lovers grand arias performed on the courtyard of Wawel Castle.
The 2025 calendar also includes Cracow Art Week KRAKERS, which presents contemporary art, plus numerous food festivals and book fairs. In autumn don’t miss GlassFest — a festival of science and technology with workshops and demonstrations related to ceramics and building materials. Concerts, theater productions and exhibitions take place year-round, so even frequent visitors will find something new.
Taking part in local events gives deeper insight into Krakow’s culture and traditions. Whether your interests lie in art, music or sport, you’ll find something to enjoy. Check official city event calendars and museum pages to avoid missing notable happenings.
A few simple tips make planning your Krakow visit easier. Many museums offer free entry days — for example, check the opening policies of Oskar Schindler’s Factory and National Museum branches, which sometimes run free admission for specific exhibitions on certain days. It’s wise to book tickets in advance for popular attractions like Wawel Royal Castle or the Rynek Underground to avoid queues.
Getting around Krakow is easiest on foot, supplemented by public transport or city bikes for longer distances. The Old Town and Kazimierz have narrow streets, so cars can be inconvenient. If you plan trips outside the city — to Wieliczka Salt Mine, Ojców National Park or Zakopane — consider organized excursions or train connections. Comfortable shoes are a must: cobbled streets and hills can be demanding.
Krakow is family-friendly and caters to diverse interests. Playgrounds, parks, interactive museums and themed events mean children are rarely bored. To taste local cuisine try obwarzanek (Krakow bagel), zapiekanka from Plac Nowy in Kazimierz, and traditional Jewish dishes in Kazimierz’s restaurants. Reserve accommodation in a convenient location — near the center or with good tram connections.
Krakow in 2025 is a city of contrasts and opportunities. On one hand it amazes with the monuments of the Old Town and Wawel; on the other it keeps expanding with modern attractions and exhibitions. Atmospheric neighborhoods like Kazimierz, Podgórze and Nowa Huta reveal different faces of the city, while numerous festivals and events give each month its own character. Don’t be afraid to stray from well-trodden paths to discover hidden treasures and unusual places.
This guide aims to help you plan a trip tailored to your interests. Whether you travel with family, friends or alone, Krakow will offer you history, culture and entertainment. Return often — each visit lets you discover something new. We wish you a wonderful trip and unforgettable experiences!
Best time to visit: Spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds; June is lively with festivals but busier.
Getting around: Walk in the center; use trams and buses for longer distances. City bikes are useful for short trips.
Language: Polish is official, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Carry a phrasebook or translation app for off-the-beaten-path places.
Money and payments: Poland uses the złoty (PLN). Cards are accepted widely, but keep some cash for small stalls and markets.
Safety: Krakow is generally safe for tourists; stay aware of pickpockets in crowded areas and keep valuables secure.
Opening hours: Museums and attractions may have seasonal hours — check opening times and book tickets for popular sites in advance.
Accessibility: Many main museums and sights have step-free access, but older streets and some historic buildings can be challenging for wheelchair users — check individual sites before visiting.
