Things to do and see in Krakow

Length of visiting: depending on how much you want to see
Price: depending on what you want to do and what to eat and drink

Explore the City Center of Krakow

Prepare yourself for a lot of walking as Krakow’s City Center has a lot to offer. Starting from Wawel (the Polish King’s Castle – symbol of the city), you can walk to many famous places like Sukiennice, Planty Park, and old military fortifications. In the middle of this noisy and outgoing district, you will find the biggest (40,000 m²) old market square in Europe. When you get tired of walking you can always take a rickshaw!

Address: Bulwar Czerwieński 3, Wawel Marina
Opening hours: anytime you want
Length of visiting: from 30 minutes to 4 hours
Price: From 12PLN to 45PLN discounted ticket and 15 PLN to 50 PLN normal ticket
Internet: Link

See Krakow by boat

If you’re looking for an interesting experiences, you’re not afraid of water and you want to see the city of Krakow from a different perspective, you should try a cruise across the Vistula River. From the deck of the ship, you will be able to see such memorable places like Wawel Castle, the Kazimierz district, and the Camaldolese Hermit Monastery. Hesitate no more and get on the boat!

Address: Krakow, ul. Maryewskiego (Podgórze)
Opening hours: anytime you want
Length of visiting: depending on how fit you are and how long you want to stay on the top
Price: free of charge

Climb on Cracus’s Mound

It’s a small hill located in the Podgórze district of Krakow. The legends assume that it’s the resting place of prince Krakus – the legendary Polish ruler, the founder of Krakow. It’s located pretty close to the city centre (3 km away) and it’s a great place to chill out a bit. Formed in the seventh century it’s 16 metres high and has at an altitude of 271 metres, with the base diameter of 60 metres. If you like to get tired you’ll be happy as getting to the top takes both time and energy.

Address: part of the Krakow Old Town
Opening hours: 24/7
Length of visiting: unrestricted
Price: free of charge – unless you spend time in one of the pubs or restaurants

Sightsee Kazimierz District

Considered by many as the main centre of cultural life, Kazimierz is also a place for all of you who are interested in active exploring and visiting historic spots. This district is mostly famous because of the historic Jewish district (north-eastern part) and the place where religions and cultures mix with each other, creating a unique blend. Don’t forget to see the town hall at Wolnica Square or one of the many synagogues at Szeroka Street. You might also be interested in a collection of industrial architecture on Wawrzynca street, also known as Saint Lawrence’s Holy Quarter.

Address: Krakow, al. Waszyngtona 1 (Zwierzyniec)
Opening hours: between 9:30am to 4pm (during winter) or to 11pm (during summer)
Length of visiting: depending on how fit you are and how long you want to stay on the top
Price: discounted ticket: 9 PLN, normal ticket 11 PLN
Internet: Link

See the panorama of Krakow from Tadeusz Kosciuszko’s Mound

Remember the Krakus Mound? The Kosciuszko Mound would be the same if it wasn’t much, much bigger. Dedicated to Polish national hero Tadeusz Kosciuszko, it is located on the highest point of Sikornik’s hill. Erected in 1823, the mound has a base diameter of 80 m and an altitude of 34.1 m, in other words, it gives you a great chance to view the panorama of Krakow (Wawel looks pretty small while standing on the top!).

Address: Krakow, ul.Dobrego Pasterza 126
Opening hours: 8am – 10pm (every day)
Length of visiting: depending on a ticket
Price: check out price list on the website
Internet: Link

Have fun and rest in the Krakow’s Aquapark

Krakow’s Aquapark is the biggest indoor water park in Poland. If you love water, you will certainly love this place! Among many attractions, you can find are swimming lanes, shower massages, climbing walls, wild springs, countercurrents, a rapid river, tube slides, a water sports area, a sauna complex, Jacuzzi hot tubes or a wellness club. But let’s not forget about the children! There are plenty of attractions for them as well.

Type: monumental/attraction
Address: the heart of the city
Opening hours: 24/7
Length of visiting: depending on your time and your strength!
Price: you decide 🙂

Sightsee the Old Market Square

The Main Square which is, of course, the main market square of the Old Town is also the largest medieval town square in Europe – it’s roughly 40,000 m²! There are always a lot of people walking around, sitting at the cafes, playing instruments in the square through day and night. But it’s not only a place of art and culture but also a symbol of Polish history. Don’t forget to see places like Sukiennice, the Town Hall Tower, and St. Mary’s Basilica. – it’s totally worth it.

Type: church
Address: Krakow, Main Market Square
Opening hours: 11.30am – 18pm (Monday – Saturday), 14am – 18pm (Sunday)
Length of visiting: unrestricted
Price: 3-6PLN

Visit St. Mary’s Basilica

St. Mary’s Basilica (Bazylika Mariacka) is one of the most famous Polish churches. It was built in XIV and XV centuries in the Gothic style and its architecture is truly breathtaking. St. Mary’s Basilica is also known for its high towers, which we also recommend for visiting. It is located on the corner of the main market square so you will not have problems in finding it.

Type: castle, cathedral
Address: Krakow, Wawel 5
Opening hours: 9.30am – 5pm
Length of visiting: unrestricted
Price: 9-18PLN

Get the feel for Polish royalty

Wawel Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral are priorities while visiting Krakow. The Royal Castle is located on Wawel Hill, next to the Vistula river, making it a great observation point. But the biggest attraction is of course the dragon who belches fire! But if you want to visit Wawel Royal Castle, we recommend you do that in the morning because there is a limited number of tickets.

Type: fortification/museum
Address: Krakow, ul.Basztowa (Old Town)
Opening hours: 10am – 6pm (everyday), Only during summer period!
Length of visiting: depending on you
Price: 5 to 10 PLN, family 18 PLN

Visit the Barbican

This most northerly part of city fortification in Krakow is located next to the Old Town was built in the fifteenth century, and its main task was, of course, defending the city against invaders. Nowadays, it has a more peaceful role and is a branch of the Historical Museum of Krakow. It is used as a place for a variety of exhibitions, historical events like medieval tourneys or courtly dances or as an arena of combat sports. If you want to feel the spirit of medieval Krakow, now you know where to go.

Type: museum
Address: Krakow, Main Market Square
Opening hours: 10am – 8pm
Length of visiting: 2 hours
Price: 15-20PLN
Internet: www.podziemiarynku.com

Explore the Underground Museum

Krakow’s Underground Museum is right below the market square, although not many foreigners are aware of that since there are no traces of it. The Underground Museum is like a journey to the past. It is an archeological exhibition with interactive displays guiding you through the visit, where you may discover life in the medieval Krakow. But! You need to make reservations in advance!

Type: museum
Address: Krakow, ul.Lipowa 4
Opening hours: 10am – 8pm
Length of visiting: unrestricted
Price: around 20PLN

Witness Schindler’s List

You might have heard about Schindler from the movie entitled “Schindler’s List”. In Krakow, we have a museum housed in the former building of Oscar Schindler’s factory. While visiting we can learn a lot about the story of Schindler and the Jewish prisoners or about the history of World War II in general. The place is, however, not easy to find. That is why we recommend that you get acquainted with the address and use a map.

Type: gallery
Address: Krakow, Pl.Szczepański 3A
Opening hours: 11am – 6pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Length of visiting: unrestricted
Price: normal: 10 PLN, discounted: 5 PLN, family: 18 PLN

Expierence art in Bunkier Sztuki

If you are tired of traditional museums, Bunkier Sztuki – a gallery of contemporary art – is a perfect place for you. With its diversity in art, Bunkier includes many different collections of paintings, graphic art, sculptures, videos and installations in its exhibitions. And if you are lucky enough you can get to the attic using the narrow and really steep stairs (quite a challenge!) you can use a periscope to see Krakow as if you were on the roof.

Address: Old City Center
Opening hours: 24/7
Length of visiting: depends on your spot
Price: free entry, but then you spend as much as you want

Chill out at the Old Market Square

If your idea of getting to know a city is finding a pleasant spot to put your feet up, perhaps with glass of something nice, and watch the world go by then Krakow has lots to offer. In the summer the almost every inch of pavement in the city centre is filled with chairs and tables, giving you plenty of options as to your choice of view and choice of drink.

Address: right outside the Krakow Old Town
Opening hours: 24/7
Length of visiting: unrestricted
Price: free of charge!

Rest in Planty Park

Krakow city park (lots of green!) surrounding the old city. Founded in the nineteenth century with an area of 21 hectares and perimeter of 4 km it is a must-see place while visiting Krakow. Well, it’s hard to be missed as it surrounds the old city so it’s good to go there and have some time off during the sightseeing. Divided into 8 so-called gardens, the park itself or its neighborhood is full of the historical buildings and monuments such as Barbakan, St. Florian’s Gate, Krakow Philharmonic, Palace of Fine Arts and Wawel.

Address: Al.3 Maja
Opening hours: all the time
Length of visiting: unrestricted
Price: admission free

Recuperate in Blonia

Blonia is a 48 hectares meadow – a popular place for the organization of a variety of events such as concerts, competitions etc. It is a great place for jogging, cycling, skating, sunbathing, doing different exercises and generally being active. Who knows, maybe while jogging you will meet your true love? Blonia is also a destination for family walks and a perfect place to go out with your four-legged friend.

Address: Krakow, Al.3 Maja/ul.Reymonta
Opening hours: 6am – 10pm
Length of visiting: unrestricted
Price: admission free

Relax in Jordan’s Park

Jordan’s Park (or Jordan Garden), possibly the most beautiful park in Krakow, is loved by everyone. Younger children will find there a playground, small locomotive going around the park and plenty of space to use. For active people there are special areas for various sports like playing volleyball, basketball etc. Jordan Park is also the perfect place for family picnics. Come here and you’ll not want to leave!

Address: part of the Krakow Old Town
Opening hours: 24/7
Length of visiting: unrestricted
Price: as much you are willing to spend
Directions: by tram: 9,11,13,24,29,50 (Miodowa stop)

Eat, drink and party in Kazimierz

Kazimierz is a place where the biggest number of cigarettes is smoked and thousands of liters of alcohol are drunk. With its unique, artistic atmosphere Kazimierz is a place where people decide to spend their free time during a day and have a great time during a night. Kazimierz is also famous because of the historic Jewish district (north-eastern part). During summer there are many outdoor events and festivals which make this part of Krakow even more popular than the Old Market Square.

Address: Krakow, ul. Kopernika 27
Opening hours: 9am – 7pm (every day)
Length of visiting: unrestricted
Price: 3 to 6 PLN, family 12 PLN

Experience natural beauty in the Botanic Gardens

Botanic Gardens are a quiet place in the centre of Krakow where you can spend your time away from the hustle and bustle. It is gorgeous especially in the summer when all the plants are blooming. You can find there various kinds of trees or flowers, both exotic and local. The Botanic Gardens are perfect for long walks, meeting with friends (and girlfriends!) or simply for studying. There are plenty of alleys and benches so you will always find your own space.

Address: Krakow, ul.Wylom
Opening hours: all the time
Length of visiting: unrestricted
Price: admission free

Rejuvenate in Zakrzówek

Zakrzówek is a place where you can both relax and be active. It is a body of water made in an old quarry. It is generally unknown to most visitors. Standing on high rocks, you can see the whole, beautiful panorama of Krakow. It is a place where you can go jogging and do your daily exercises. If you are looking for something more, you can also dive in and explore underwater treasures! And in the evening you may have a bonfire or a barbecue with your friends – an unforgettable memory.