21 Best Things to Do in Krakow, Poland

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When it comes to things to do in Krakow, you’ll find everything from medieval castles and historic squares to trendy cafes, incredible food, and some of the most important historical sites in Europe. Honestly, Krakow completely stole my heart!

I personally didn’t love Warsaw. I’m still glad we visited, but it never really clicked for me. Krakow was the exact opposite. From the moment we arrived, I found myself wishing we had planned more time here.

Known for its beautifully preserved Old Town, Wawel Castle, and Rynek Główny—one of the largest medieval market squares in Europe—Krakow is often considered Poland’s cultural capital. It’s also the gateway to sites like Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, making it one of the most popular destinations in the country.

But beyond the famous landmarks, what I loved most was simply wandering. One minute you’re admiring historic churches and castle walls, and the next you’re tucked into a candlelit cafe in Kazimierz or sipping a cocktail in a hidden bar.

We only spent two days in Krakow, and I left wishing we had planned for more. It quickly became one of my favorite cities from our 2-week Europe trip, and it’s a place that made me excited to return and explore even more of Poland someday!

Things to Do in Krakow

1. Visit Wawel Castle

If there’s one landmark that defines Krakow, it’s Wawel Castle. Sitting on Wawel Hill overlooking the Vistula River, this castle served as the residence of Polish kings for centuries and remains one of the most important historical and cultural sites in the country.

Even if you don’t purchase tickets to tour the interior, the grounds alone are worth visiting. Walking through the courtyards, admiring the architecture, and taking in the views over the river gives you a glimpse into why this location was so significant throughout Polish history.

If you have more time, there are several ticketed sections you can visit, including the cathedral, royal gardens, and the Dragon’s Den. Because tickets are sold separately for different areas, you can customize your visit based on your interests.

One of my favorite things about Wawel Castle is that it doesn’t feel like a museum where you’re rushing from room to room. The entire hill feels like an attraction in itself, making it a great place to slow down and soak in the history of Krakow.

2. Watch Sunset from Krakus Mound

For one of the best views in Krakow, head to Krakus Mound! Located in the Podgórze district, this grassy hill offers panoramic views across the city skyline and is one of the most popular places to watch the sunset.

Unlike many viewpoints in Europe that require an admission ticket or a long climb up church towers, Krakus Mound is completely free to visit. The walk up is short and manageable, and once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with views stretching across Krakow’s rooftops, church spires, and historic neighborhoods.

You’ll find plenty of locals here as well, which always feels like a good sign. If you’re already exploring Kazimierz or Podgórze, it’s easy to add this to your itinerary. From Old Town, expect about a 45-minute walk to the top. Just be sure to give yourself enough time to arrive before sunset so you can enjoy the views and watch the city start to light up for the evening.

3. Take a Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau

Although we didn’t personally visit Auschwitz-Birkenau during this trip, it’s one of the most significant things to do while visiting Krakow and is absolutely on my list for next time.

Because we only had two days in Krakow, we decided to focus our time on exploring the city itself. Looking back, I don’t regret that decision because I completely fell in love with Krakow, but if you have additional time, visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is something many travelers consider an essential experience.

Located about an hour from Krakow, Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest concentration and extermination camp operated by Nazi Germany during World War II. Today, it serves as a memorial and museum dedicated to preserving the memory of the victims and educating future generations.

This isn’t a typical sightseeing attraction, and it’s not meant to be. Most visitors describe it as a powerful, emotional, and deeply moving experience that provides important historical context for understanding both Poland and World War II.

You can visit independently or join one of the many guided tours departing from Krakow. Most tours take approximately half a day and include transportation.

4. Krakow Barbican

One of the first landmarks you’ll likely come across while exploring Krakow’s Old Town is the Krakow Barbican. Built in the late 1400s, this circular fortress was once part of the city’s defensive system and helped protect Krakow from invaders. It’s actually one of the best-preserved medieval barbicans in Europe, which makes it pretty special even if you’re not a huge history person.

With its thick brick walls, towers, and moat, it looks like something straight out of a fairytale. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth stopping to admire and snap a few photos before continuing into Old Town.

5. St. Florian’s Gate

Just beyond the Barbican, you’ll find St. Florian’s Gate, one of the most recognizable landmarks in Krakow. For centuries, this was the main entrance into the city, welcoming merchants, royalty, and travelers arriving in Krakow. Today, it’s one of the few remaining sections of the original city walls and serves as a beautiful gateway into Old Town.

Take a moment to look up as you walk through—the tower rises nearly 115 feet above the street and has become one of the city’s most iconic symbols.

6. Floriańska Street

Once you pass through St. Florian’s Gate, you’ll find yourself on Floriańska Street, one of the most famous streets in Krakow. This lively pedestrian street stretches all the way to the Main Market Square and is lined with historic buildings, cafes, restaurants, shops, and little side streets worth exploring.

It’s one of those places where I recommend slowing down rather than rushing through. Grab a coffee, pop into a few shops, admire the architecture, and enjoy the atmosphere.

7. Rynek Główny (Main Market Square)

At the heart of Old Town sits Rynek Główny, Krakow’s Main Market Square and one of the most impressive squares in Europe!

In fact, it’s the largest medieval market square in Europe and has been the center of city life since the 13th century. Historically, this was an important trading hub where merchants from across Europe gathered to buy and sell goods.

Today, it’s still the heart of Krakow. During the day you’ll find street performers, live music, flower vendors, markets, horse-drawn carriages, and plenty of people simply enjoying the atmosphere. There are also countless cafes and restaurants surrounding the square, making it a great place to take a break and do a little people-watching.

8. MNK Sukiennice (Cloth Hall)

Located right in the center of Rynek Główny, Sukiennice, or the Cloth Hall. The building originally served as a center for international trade, where merchants sold everything from textiles and spices to silk and other imported goods. Today, the ground floor is filled with souvenir stalls selling local crafts, jewelry, and amber.

On the upper level, you’ll find the MNK Sukiennice Museum, which houses a collection of 19th-century Polish art. Even if you don’t plan on visiting the museum itself, the building is worth admiring from the outside. Its distinctive architecture has become one of the defining features of Krakow’s Main Market Square.

9. St. Mary’s Basilica

Standing proudly over the Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica is one of the most iconic churches in Krakow. The church is instantly recognizable thanks to its two uneven towers, which have become one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.

One of the most unique traditions associated with St. Mary’s Basilica is the hourly trumpet call known as the Hejnał Mariacki. Every hour, a trumpeter plays from the taller tower, and the melody abruptly stops mid-note. According to legend, this commemorates a medieval watchman who was sounding the alarm during a Mongol invasion before being struck by an arrow.

If you have time, it’s worth stepping inside to admire the stunning interior, colorful ceilings, and intricate altarpiece. But even if you only see it from the square, it’s one of those landmarks that immediately makes you stop and look up.

10. Check Out Krakow’s Cafe Scene

One of the biggest surprises of Krakow for me was just how much I loved the cafe scene! I expected beautiful architecture and great food, but I didn’t expect to find so many cozy cafes where I immediately wanted to settle in for an hour or two.

A lot of the cafes here double as bars, which creates such a fun atmosphere throughout the day. I especially loved spending time in Kazimierz, where it felt like every street had another cafe, wine bar, or hidden courtyard waiting to be discovered.

A couple of my favorites were Cytat Cafe and Eszeweria, but check out my full list here!

11. Plac Nowy

Located in the heart of Kazimierz, Plac Nowy is one of the neighborhood’s main gathering spots. Today it’s surrounded by cafes, bars, and restaurants, but it’s perhaps best known for the circular building in the center, where you’ll find some of Krakow’s most famous zapiekanki.

On Sundays, the square transforms into a flea market where vendors sell everything from vintage clothing and antiques to old records and collectibles. If you’re visiting on a weekend and enjoy thrifting, it’s definitely worth stopping by.

12. Explore Kazimierz (The Jewish Quarter)

If I had to pick one neighborhood that made me fall in love with Krakow, it would be Kazimierz. Historically, this was the center of Jewish life in Krakow, and today it has become one of the city’s most interesting and vibrant areas.

You’ll find beautiful synagogues, historic buildings, street art, independent shops, incredible restaurants, cozy cafes, cocktail bars, and hidden courtyards around nearly every corner.

What I loved most was the energy. People weren’t rushing from attraction to attraction. Instead, they were lingering over coffee, meeting friends for drinks, enjoying long lunches, and simply spending time in the neighborhood.

It’s one of those places where I recommend having a loose plan and giving yourself time to wander. Some of my favorite memories from Krakow happened here without any itinerary at all.

13. Explore Old Town

Yes, the major attractions in Old Town are absolutely worth seeing. The Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall, St. Florian’s Gate, and the Barbican are all popular for a reason.

But one of my biggest pieces of advice is not to get so focused on checking off landmarks that you forget to enjoy everything in between. Some of my favorite moments in Krakow happened when we wandered off our planned route, ducked down a side street, popped into a random cafe, or stopped to admire a building that wasn’t on any list.

Of course, make time for the highlights, but don’t be afraid to put your phone away for a bit and simply wander. Krakow is one of those cities that rewards curiosity, and sometimes the places you’ll remember most aren’t the ones you planned to see.

14. Father Bernatek’s Bridge

If you’re heading to Krakus Mound for sunset, you’ll naturally pass a couple of notable landmarks along the way.

The first is Father Bernatek’s Bridge, a pedestrian bridge connecting Kazimierz and Podgórze. As you cross, keep an eye out for the acrobatic sculptures suspended above the walkway. They’re designed to symbolize balance and add a fun, unexpected touch to the bridge. You’ll also get some nice views of the Vistula River from here.

A little farther along, you’ll come across St. Joseph’s Church. With its dramatic Gothic Revival architecture and towering spires, it’s hard to miss. Honestly, it looks like something straight out of a fairytale.

The church sits on Podgórski Market Square and is worth taking a moment to admire, even if you’re not planning to go inside.

15. Wieliczka Salt Mine

One of the most popular day trips from Krakow is the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Located about 30 minutes outside the city, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features underground tunnels, chambers, sculptures, chapels, and even chandeliers carved entirely from salt.

Again, during our trip, we didn’t prioritize day trips since our time was limited, but this is another Krakow activity that is at the top of my list for a future visit.

Most visitors spend several hours exploring the mine, and guided tours are required. Because it’s one of the most popular attractions in Poland, I’d recommend booking tickets in advance.

16. Take a Free Walking Tour

One of my favorite things to do in any city is take a free walking tour, and Krakow was no exception. Not only do you get a great overview of the city’s history and landmarks, but you also usually walk away with local recommendations for restaurants, bars, hidden spots, and things you might have otherwise missed.

Our guide was fantastic, and I learned so much more about Krakow than I would have just wandering around on my own. If you’re visiting for the first time, I’d highly recommend doing a walking tour on your first day. It gives you a much better understanding of the city and helps you decide which areas you want to spend more time exploring afterward.

Just keep in mind that while these tours are technically free, you should absolutely plan to tip your guide. Most companies will provide a suggested tip amount at the end of the tour, and it’s well deserved.

You’ll also want to reserve your spot in advance since group sizes are limited. There are several different tours available, including Old Town and Wawel Castle and Kazimierz-focused tours.

17. Try a Vodka Flight at Wodka Cafe Bar

You can’t visit Poland without trying the country’s most famous spirit! Poland has a long history of vodka production, and many people consider Polish vodka to be among the best in the world. While you’ll find vodka on menus all over Krakow, one of the most fun places to experience it is Wodka Cafe Bar in Kazimierz.

Instead of ordering a single shot, I recommend going for one of their vodka flights. It’s a great way to sample a variety of flavors and styles while learning a little more about Poland’s vodka culture. Some are smooth and traditional, while others are infused with flavors that can be surprisingly unique.

The bar itself has a cozy, laid-back atmosphere that fits perfectly with the vibe of Kazimierz. Even if vodka isn’t usually your drink of choice, I think it’s worth trying at least once while you’re in Krakow. (And yes, this is coming from someone who is usually ordering coffee instead.)

18. Schindler’s List Passage

Tucked away in Kazimierz, right by Wodka Cafe Bar, you’ll find Schindler’s List Passage. This small passageway was used as a filming location in Steven Spielberg’s movie Schindler’s List and has become a meaningful stop for visitors interested in the city’s history.

It’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there, but it’s worth seeking out while exploring Kazimierz. Standing there serves as another reminder of the complex history woven throughout Krakow and the Jewish Quarter.

19. Eat Your Way Through Krakow

One of the best things to do in Krakow is simply eat. We absolutely loved the food here! Of course, you have to try pierogi, Poland’s famous dumplings. We loved Pierogi Mr. Vincent, where we tried both traditional and beef-filled versions.

Another must is zapiekanka, the iconic Polish street food that’s essentially an open-faced baguette with endless topping combinations. We grabbed ours from one of the stands in Plac Nowy and quickly understood why it’s so popular.

We also loved Judah Food Market in Kazimierz, which has several food stalls serving everything from Polish classics to international options. We grabbed a Polish sausage loaded with sauerkraut and crispy onions, along with a baked potato piled high with sour cream, kraut, pickles, and other toppings. Both were delicious and made for the perfect casual lunch while exploring the neighborhood.

If you have a sweet tooth, don’t skip a paczek. These traditional Polish pastries are typically filled with jam, custard, or cream, and they’re incredibly popular throughout the country. We tried a pistachio one from Dobra Pączkarnia and wow… I’m still thinking about it. Soft, fluffy, filled with pistachio cream, and easily one of my favorite desserts from the trip!

And if you see the twisted bread rings that look like a cross between a pretzel and a bagel, grab one. They’re called obwarzanek krakowski and are one of Krakow’s most famous street foods. They’re inexpensive, delicious, and perfect when you need a quick snack while sightseeing.

20. Visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory Museum

If you’re interested in learning more about Krakow’s history during World War II, Oskar Schindler’s Factory Museum is one of the most highly rated museums in the city.

The museum focuses less on Schindler himself and more on what life was like in Krakow during the Nazi occupation. Through photographs, artifacts, recreated rooms, and interactive exhibits, visitors get a much deeper understanding of the events that shaped the city and its people during this period.

Even if you’ve seen Schindler’s List, many travelers say the museum adds a completely different layer of context and understanding.

Tickets can sell out in advance, especially during peak travel season, so I’d recommend booking ahead if it’s something you’re interested in. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours here, as there’s quite a bit to see.

21. Visit a Speakeasy or Cocktail Bar

Krakow also has a surprisingly good cocktail scene, and if you enjoy creative drinks, I definitely recommend spending at least one evening exploring a few bars.

My favorite was Mercy Brown, a speakeasy tucked away in Old Town. The whole experience feels unique from the moment you sit down. Instead of a traditional drink menu, you’re handed a book filled with mood boards and images. You choose the one you’re most drawn to, and the bartenders create a cocktail inspired by it. It’s so interactive and creative.

Another spot I loved was Rumour Cocktail Bar. Every drink feels like its own little production, complete with creative presentations and stories behind the cocktails. It manages to feel elevated without being pretentious.

We usually like to bounce around and try as many places as possible, but both of these spots were so good that we ended up staying longer than planned and ordering another round before moving on.

Getting Around Krakow

Krakow is one of those cities that’s incredibly easy to explore. Most of the major attractions are clustered around Old Town, Kazimierz, and Podgórze, making it easy to get around on foot. In fact, some of my favorite moments in Krakow happened while simply wandering between destinations.

For places a little farther away, Krakow has an excellent tram system that runs throughout the city. We personally found ourselves walking most of the time and using Bolt (their version of Uber) whenever we wanted to save our feet. It was affordable, easy to use, and often cheaper than Uber.

For reference, our ride back to Old Town after sunset at Krakus Mound was only around $5.

Where to Stay in Krakow

For most first-time visitors, I recommend staying in Old Town. You’ll be within walking distance of many of the best things to do in Krakow, including the Main Market Square, Wawel Castle, countless restaurants, cafes, and cocktail bars.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with a slightly more local feel, Kazimierz is another great option. The Jewish Quarter ended up being one of my favorite parts of the city, and it’s packed with incredible restaurants, cafes, bars, and street art.

We stayed in Old Town and loved the convenience. Being able to walk almost everywhere made exploring the city incredibly easy.

If you’re looking for a hotel recommendation, Hotel Palladian is a great option in a central location. For something a little more upscale, Wyndham Grand Krakow Old Town is beautiful and puts you right in the heart of the action. We stayed at an amazing apartment in Old Town (shown below), but unfortunately, it’s no longer available.

Check out all available options for your dates here!

Tips for Visiting Krakow

• Wear comfortable shoes: Between Old Town, Kazimierz, Podgórze, and all the wandering you’ll inevitably do, you’ll likely walk much more than expected. These are my usual go-tos for travel, but for this trip, I wanted a pop of color and loved rocking these!
• Get an eSIM: We used Airalo throughout Poland and had no issues. Having data made navigating the city, calling Bolts, checking restaurant hours, and looking up recommendations incredibly easy.
• Cards are accepted almost everywhere: We rarely needed cash, but I still like keeping a small amount of Polish złoty on hand just in case you want to shop at some of the markets.
• Leave room for spontaneity: There are plenty of things to do in Krakow, but some of our favorite moments came from wandering into a cafe, finding a hidden courtyard, or lingering longer in Kazimierz than we originally planned.
• Give yourself more than a day if you can: I know not everyone has unlimited vacation time, but Krakow is one of those cities where an extra day or two goes a long way.
• Download Bolt: While Uber operates in Krakow, we consistently found Bolt to be the cheaper option and used it several times throughout our trip.
• Use Omio for transportation between cities: If you’re traveling around Poland or the Baltics, Omio makes it easy to compare trains and buses in one place.
• Consider Lux Express over FlixBus: We used both during our trip and generally preferred Lux Express. The seats were more comfortable, the buses felt newer, and the Wi-Fi was noticeably more reliable. The price difference was usually minimal.

Are you ready to experience some of the best things to do in Krakow?!

Out of all the cities we visited on our Europe trip, Krakow was one of the biggest surprises. Between the beautiful Old Town, incredible food, cozy cafes, fascinating history, and neighborhoods like Kazimierz, it quickly became one of my favorite cities in Europe!

While this guide covers many of the best things to do in Krakow, I honestly feel like I’ve only scratched the surface. I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Krakow! If you’ve visited and have a favorite spot I missed, let me know. I already know I’ll be back, and I’m always looking for an excuse to add another stop to the list.

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Europe blog posts:

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How to Spend 2 Days in Budapest

1-Day Vilnius, Lithuania Itinerary