Kraków is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Poland. As the former capital of the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kraków is full of fascinating attractions that give you a glimpse into its rich history and culture.
| # | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Old Town Exploration | Explore the medieval streets and historical architecture. |
| 2 | Wawel Hill & Castle Visit | Discover the historic castle and hill. |
| 3 | Jewish Heritage in Kazimierz | Learn about Kraków’s Jewish district and history. |
| 4 | Auschwitz-Birkenau Trip | Reflect at this significant WWII memorial site. |
| 5 | Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour | Tour the underground salt mine. |
| 6 | Planty Park Stroll | Enjoy greenery in this serene park. |
| 7 | Cloth Hall Market Shopping | Shop at the historic market hall. |
| 8 | Kraków Food Tour | Experience local culinary delights. |
| 9 | Juliusz Słowacki Theatre Show | Attend a cultural performance. |
| 10 | Bike Ride in Green Spaces | Cycle through Kraków’s natural areas. |
| 11 | Podgórze District Nightlife | Enjoy nightlife in this trendy area. |
| 12 | Tatra Mountains Day Trip | Explore the natural beauty of the Tatras. |
| 13 | Historic Churches Tour | Visit Kraków’s ancient churches. |
| 14 | Polish Vodka and Beer Tasting | Taste traditional Polish drinks. |
| 15 | Amber Jewelry Shopping | Shop for unique amber jewelry. |
In 2024, Kraków will continue to charm visitors with its medieval Old Town, royal sights, Jewish heritage, lively restaurants and bars, and proximity to stunning natural areas. Whether you’re interested in museums, architecture, food, or outdoor adventures, Kraków has something for you.
To help you make the most of your visit in 2024, here are the top 15 things to do in Kraków, Poland:
Wander Around Kraków’s Medieval Old Town
Name and Location: Kraków Old Town, Kraków
History and Significance: Kraków’s historic center contains Europe’s largest medieval town square and many well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. It’s an atmospheric area to explore.
What to Expect: Wander pedestrian streets like Grodzka and Kanonicza to see historic churches, buildings, towers, monuments, museums, shops, restaurants, and cafés.
Visitor Information: The Old Town is compact and walkable. Major landmarks include the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica, Jagiellonian University, and medieval city walls.
The charming medieval heart of Kraków, with its cobblestone streets, soaring church spires, and stately townhouses, is a delight to explore on foot. The historic Old Town is centered around the Main Market Square, the largest medieval square in Europe.
Lined with restaurants under colored umbrellas, the Main Market Square buzzes with life. Make sure to see landmarks like St. Mary’s Basilica, with its famous wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss, and the Gothic Cloth Hall that houses souvenir shops in its ground floor arcades.
As you walk around the Old Town, pop into little cafes, admire street musicians as they perform, and soak up the fairytale atmosphere. This is definitely one of the top things to experience in Kraków.
Wawel Hill & Wawel Castle
Name and Location: Wawel Hill & Castle, Wawel 5, Kraków
History and Significance: This historic complex was the seat of power for Polish kings. It contains the Renaissance Wawel Castle and Wawel Cathedral, which held royal coronations.
What to Expect: Walk the grounds to see castle architecture, visit the royal state rooms, and see Cathedral tombs and sacral art. Museums, gardens, and hillside views make it a must-see.
Visitor Information: Wawel Hill museums are open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Admission fees apply for the Castle State Rooms and Cathedral Museums.
On a hilltop overlooking the Vistula River sits Wawel Castle, the former residence of Polish royalty dating back to the 16th century. Walking up Wawel Hill to explore the castle grounds and buildings feels like stepping into Poland’s grand history.
You can take a guided tour of the State Rooms, lavishly decorated with Italian-inspired Renaissance designs and tapestries, to see how kings once lived. The Cathedral on the castle grounds is the resting place of famous Poles, like the national poet Adam Mickiewicz, and houses Sigismund’s Bell, one of the country’s largest bells.
Make sure to walk along the castle walls for panoramic views over Kraków and see the fire-breathing bronze dragon statue, which is a city symbol. Visiting regal Wawel Hill is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Kraków.
Discover Kraków’s Jewish Heritage in Kazimierz
Name and Location: Kazimierz, Kraków
History and Significance: This historic Jewish district has many surviving synagogues, cemeteries, and monuments reflecting its prominence as a center of Jewish culture before WWII.
What to Expect: Walking tours visit Remuh Synagogue and Cemetery, easeful Wolnica Square, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and other intact sites. Trendy bars and eateries fill the former Jewish quarter.
Visitor Information: Kazimierz is located just south of the Old Town. Its key sites are concentrated around ul. Szeroka. Guided tours recommended to understand context.
South of the Old Town lies the historic Jewish neighborhood of Kazimierz. This area was once a thriving and important center of Jewish life in Poland before World War II. While the Jewish community was tragically decimated during the Holocaust, Kazimierz remains an intriguing district to explore Jewish history and culture.
Visit synagogues like the Gothic Old Synagogue, now a museum presenting Jewish art and artifacts. Stop by the Remuh Synagogue and cemetery, where Rabbi Moses Isserles is still revered. Eat at one of the many Jewish restaurants serving up classics like kugel, gefilte fish, and matzo ball soup.
Kazimierz today also has a lively bar scene centered around its picturesque plaza, with ruin pubs and artsy cafes housed in abandoned courtyards. Seeing Poland’s Jewish heritage is one of the most important and meaningful things to do in Kraków.
Take a Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial
Name and Location: Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, Więźniów Oświęcimia 20, Oświęcim
History and Significance: Located 50 miles west of Kraków, Auschwitz was the largest Nazi concentration camp. Over 1 million people were killed here, mostly Jews. It is a stark reminder of the Holocaust.
What to Expect: Guided tours walk through the main camp’s brick barracks, guard towers, and exhibits containing victims’ personal items. Expect a somber, emotional experience.
Visitor Information: Daily tours should be booked in advance online. Visitors meet for tours at the Memorial visitor center. Private and group tours available.
A somber yet vital day trip from Kraków is visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, located about an hour away. Auschwitz was the largest Nazi concentration and death camp, where over 1 million prisoners were killed during the Holocaust.
Auschwitz I, the original camp, contains cell blocks, guard towers, and exhibitions displaying personal belongings of victims. Auschwitz II – Birkenau has the remains of gas chambers and rows of barracks surrounded by barbed wire fences. A free shuttle bus takes visitors between the two parts of the complex.
Going to Auschwitz is a profoundly moving experience as you confront the realities of the Holocaust and pay respects to those who suffered. While certainly not a “fun” activity, visiting this UNESCO site is one of the most important things you can do near Kraków.
Explore Wieliczka Salt Mine
Name and Location: Wieliczka Salt Mine, ul. Daniłowicza 10, Wieliczka
History and Significance: This vast underground salt mine operated for over 700 years until 2007. Its deep tunnels feature salt carvings and chapels, creating an eerie world.
What to Expect: Guided tours descend into the mine to view workings, equipment, and elaborate salt sculptures and chandeliers. The detailed craftsmanship is impressive.
Visitor Information: The mine is located 14km southeast of Kraków’s center. English tours run regularly. Book ahead online to avoid ticket lines.
Descending into the Wieliczka Salt Mine, located just outside Kraków, feels like entering an underground fairy-tale kingdom. This 700-year-old mine is an unbelievable site with statues, figures, and chapels intricately carved from salt rock.
Take the mine’s 350 wooden steps down into its depths to walk through cavernous corridors and see highlights like the Chapel of St. Kinga, entirely sculpted from salt including the altar and religious figures. There’s also an underground salt lake and the pickaxe marks of ancient miners are still visible.
End your visit by enjoying the healing microclimate in the mine’s sanatorium. Visiting this subterranean world of salt sculptures is easily one of the most unique things to do near Kraków.
Stroll Through Planty Park
Name and Location: Planty Park, Kraków Old Town
History and Significance: This scenic park was created in place of the city’s medieval fortifications, surrounding Kraków’s historic core with greenery. It’s popular for walking and recreation.
What to Expect: Stroll the tree-lined walking paths to discover statues, floral displays, fountains, and relax on park benches people-watching. It circles the Old Town.
Visitor Information: Planty Park is open daily year-round. Entry is free. As a greenbelt, it’s a nice break from the hardscapes of the Old Town.
Encircling Kraków’s Old Town is a scenic park called Planty, built in the 19th century after the city’s medieval walls were torn down. With lush trees, footpaths, and cafes set among the greenery, Planty is the perfect place for an easy stroll or jog.
Stop at the pavilions lining the park to view exhibits. Have a picnic on the grass or relax at an outdoor cafe with a cup of coffee. See if you can spot remnants of the old city walls built into benches or architecture around the park. Taking a break in Planty Park is a great way to unwind during your time in Kraków.
Browse the Cloth Hall’s Market Stalls
Name and Location: Cloth Hall, Rynek Główny 1, Kraków
History and Significance: This iconic Renaissance building has been the center of commerce in Kraków since its construction in the 1400s, selling goods like textiles and handicrafts.
What to Expect: Today the Cloth Hall houses market stalls, shops, and galleries selling Polish handicrafts, jewelry, decor, food, and souvenirs to tourists and locals alike.
Visitor Information: The Cloth Hall is open daily from 9am-9pm and located in the Main Market Square in Kraków’s historic center.
The iconic Renaissance Cloth Hall is one of the most recognizable buildings in Kraków’s Main Market Square. Constructed in the 14th century as a center of trade, today the Cloth Hall houses market stalls on the ground floor selling traditional Polish souvenirs.
Here you’ll find Polish pottery, woodwork, embroidered clothing, stone chess sets, and jewelry crafted with Baltic amber. There are also counters selling sweet obwarzanek (bagel-like rings), fruit preserves, and local snacks.
Even if you’re not looking to shop, browsing the stalls is fun way to pick up some unique Kraków keepsakes as you admire the Cloth Hall’s arched Gothic architecture overhead.
Take a Food Tour of Kraków’s Culinary Scene
Name and Location: Food tours in Kraków
History and Significance: Kraków’s culinary scene reflects its multicultural history, with dishes drawing Polish, Jewish, Austrian, and Hungarian influences. Unique food tours are a tasty way to sample it.
What to Expect: Tours combine walking between restaurants with learning about Polish food and history from an expert guide. Expect to try 4-6 signature dishes and drinks!
Visitor Information: Several companies like Eat Polska and Krakow Urban Adventures offer 3-5 hour small group food tours starting around 150 PLN per person.
One of the best ways to experience Kraków’s food scene is joining a guided culinary walking tour. On a food tour, you’ll visit local eateries, markets, and specialty shops guided by a knowledgeable leader.
Stroll through Kraków’s Old Town and Jewish Quarter while sampling authentic Polish dishes like pierogi dumplings, potato pancakes, smoked meats, and stuffed cabbage rolls. Pop into a hidden courtyard cafe for a sweet treat. Check out local markets overflowing with fresh produce and cheeses.
A food tour introduces you to Polish cuisine and Kraków’s best restaurants in a fun, social way. It’s a delicious way to get a taste of the city!
Catch a Show at Juliusz Słowacki Theatre
Name and Location: Juliusz Słowacki Theatre, pl. Świętego Ducha 1, Kraków
History and Significance: This historic venue first opened in 1893. It hosts theatre, opera, ballet, and philharmonic orchestra performances in an ornate, grand setting.
What to Expect: Visitors can experience superb Polish performing arts productions in the elaborate 496-seat theatre. English subtitles are sometimes available.
Visitor Information: Performance schedules and ticket prices/bookings are available on the theatre’s website. Backstage tours can also be arranged.
Culture lovers shouldn’t miss the chance to see a performance at one of Kraków’s stunning theatres. The Juliusz Słowacki Theatre, built in 1893, is renowned for its elegant neo-Renaissance architecture and excellent productions.
See an opera, drama, or ballet in the theater’s grand red and gold auditorium. If you time your Kraków trip right, you could watch a show during the annual Kraków Opera Summer Festival.
Visiting the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre lets you experience the arts while admiring a stunning 19th-century building. It’s a refined night out during your stay in regal Kraków.
Take a Bike Ride to Kraków’s Green Spaces
Name and Location: Biking in Kraków
History and Significance: Cycling is a great way to experience Kraków’s inviting green spaces like Las Wolski forest, the Planty, and riverfront trails. Bike rentals and tours are readily available.
What to Expect: Rent a bike or join a bike tour to see charming outdoor areas and parks beyond the crowded city center at your own pace.
Visitor Information: Bike rental shops are located across the city center. Guided tours start around 120 PLN. Helmets and locks are recommended.
Kraków has some fantastic green spaces perfect for an easy bike ride, whether you’re looking to cycle for an hour or spend an entire day outdoors. Take a bike from one of Kraków’s bike rental stations and hit the trails!
The Kraków Błonia, a large green meadow near Wawel Castle, is a great place to pedal around and people watch. Bike along the Wisła River, with its scenic paths and cafes with outdoor seating. For more nature, head to Las Wolski forest on Kraków’s western edge, with hiking and biking trails that crisscross the woods.
Cycling is a fun, healthy way to explore Kraków beyond the busy Old Town and see more local life in its green spaces.
Party in Kraków’s Hip Podgórze District
Name and Location: Podgórze, Kraków
History and Significance: This up-and-coming district has trendy restaurants, bars, street art, and nightlife along the Jewish quarter. It attracts hip locals and visitors.
What to Expect: The vibrant area around Plac Nowy square offers lively pubs, unique boutiques, gritty galleries, and casual eateries to discover day and night.
Visitor Information: Podgórze is located across the Vistula River from Kraków’s center. It’s walkable from Kazimierz or can be reached by tram.
Head across the river to Kraków’s Podgórze neighborhood for some of the city’s best nightlife. The hip district has become known for its alternative bars, funky cafes, street art, and lively music clubs.
Dance the night away at indie music venues like Alchemia and Harris Piano Jazz Bar. Bar hop to unique spots like the candlelit Spółdzielnia Ogniwo and toilet-themed PiwPaw pub. End the night sampling vodka shots at the Soviet-themed Propaganda bar.
Podgórze emerges as one of Kraków’s most exciting nightlife areas with its unconventional and artsy hangouts – perfect for a fun night out!
Take a Day Trip to the Tatra Mountains
Name and Location: Tatra Mountains from Kraków
History and Significance: The breathtaking Tatra Mountains with scenic hiking trails are an easy day trip from Kraków, located about 90km south.
What to Expect: Join a group tour or travel independently by train or bus. Top destinations are stunning Zakopane town and trails through the mountain landscape.
Visitor Information: Organized tours allow easier transit. Independently, direct buses reach Zakopane in around 2 hours from Kraków.
If you have more time in southern Poland, take a day trip from Kraków to the nearby Tatra Mountains. The Tatras, part of the Carpathian range, offer breathtaking Alpine-like scenery with snowy peaks, pine forests, and crystal lakes.
Base yourself in the charming mountain resort town of Zakopane. Take the cable car up Gubałówka mountain for sweeping highland views. Hike around picturesque Morskie Oko lake. Sample oscypek, the Tatra’s famously smoked cheese, and enjoy mountain dishes like goulash.
Visiting this pristine mountain landscape makes for an unforgettable day trip or overnight from your time in Kraków.
Marvel at Kraków’s Historic Churches
Name and Location: Historic churches of Kraków
History and Significance: Kraków’s Old Town contains many magnificent historic churches, most built in Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. They hold impressive works of religious art.
What to Expect: Notable churches include St. Mary’s Basilica on the Main Square, St. Peter and Paul Church, and Saints Peter and Paul Church. Interiors are elaborate.
Visitor Information: Churches are dispersed throughout the Old Town and can be freely visited. Modest attire recommended. No flash photography.
In addition to giant medieval houses of worship like St. Mary’s Basilica, Kraków is filled with beautiful historic churches around almost every corner. Take some time to pop into these architectural gems as you explore different neighborhoods.
Some stunning churches not to miss are St. Peter and Paul’s with its baroque interior, the neo-Gothic Holy Cross Church, the Romanesque St. Andrew’s, and the tiny medieval St. Adalbert’s.
Admiring the soaring domes, colorful frescoes, elaborate stonework, and sparkling chandeliers found in Kraków’s many churches is an awe-inspiring experience for any visitor.
Drink Polish Vodka and Beer
Name and Location: Vodka and beer tasting in Kraków
History and Significance: Sampling Polish vodkas, beers, and liqueurs is a fun way to experience alcohol culture in Kraków. Local brands have produced these spirits for centuries.
What to Expect: Tastings introduce Polish-made vodka in clear and flavored styles along with lagers, porters, IPAs, and ales from craft breweries. Palate cleansers and bar snacks provided.
Visitor Information: Small group tasting tours can be booked through most tour companies or direct with specialty operators like Krakow Tasting for around 100-150 PLN per person.
What better way to bond with new Polish friends than over drinks! Kraków’s selection of nightlife venues, from bars hidden in old courtyards to fancy cocktail lounges, make it easy to sample two signatures of Polish drinking culture: vodka and beer.
Sip flavored Żubrówka vodkas like bison grass, vanilla, and cranberry. Try regional vodkas from across Poland and learn the differences in taste. Order vodka shots alongside bar snacks like herring or pickles.
Then cool off with a regional beer like wheat beer from Mielec or a Czech-style pilsner from Browar Stu Mostów. Na zdrowie – cheers!
Shop for Amber Jewelry
Name and Location: Amber shops in Kraków
History and Significance: Amber jewelry and decorative items are popular Polish souvenirs. Baltic amber is found along Poland’s coast. Authentic pieces date back millions of years.
What to Expect: Shops sell amber jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, and pendants as well as decorative amber figurines, beads, chess sets, and more. Prices range dramatically.
Visitor Information: Amber shops can be found across Kraków, especially in the Old Town. Reputable sellers offer certificates of authenticity.
Poland is nicknamed “the land of amber” for its large deposits of the golden fossilized tree resin along the Baltic coast. In Kraków’s old workshops, artisans craft beautiful jewelry from amber, like pendants, bracelets, and ornate chess sets.
Learn about the different amber types and colors as you browse jewelry stores around the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica. The Museum of Amber even arranges amber workshops where you can watch jewelers at work.
Bring a unique piece of Baltic amber jewelry home as the perfect Polish souvenir. From glittering amber earrings to prayer beads with amber beads, Kraków is a treasure trove for amber jewelry shopping.
Relax at a Historic Cafe
Name and Location: Historic cafés in Kraków
History and Significance: Kraków’s atmospheric historic cafés offer a glimpse into the city’s history. Many opened in the early 1900s and retain their elegant decor.
What to Expect: Cafés like Jama Michalika and U Szwejka serve coffee, pastries, liqueurs, and light meals in vintage interiors with occasional live music.
Visitor Information: Located in the Old Town. Opening hours vary, but most are open daily 10am-10pm. Expect premium prices – dining in these cafés is an experience.
Kraków’s historic cafes provide the perfect atmosphere to slow down and people watch over coffee and cake. Many of these cafes have been operating since the 19th or early 20th centuries, often with lavish decor and scrumptious dessert menus.
Enjoy the elegant ambiance of the Art Nouveau Jama Michalika cafe, opened in 1895. Sample 20 types of hot chocolate at Weimar Cafe, an opulent cafe opened in 1910. Feast on chocolatey szarlotka apple pie at classic Cafe Camelot.
Trying the sweet and rich specialties at one of Krakow’s atmospheric historic cafes is an indulgent delight during your stay. It’s the ideal way to recharge while surrounded by old-world charm.
Attend A Festival
Name and Location: Festivals in Kraków
History and Significance: Kraków hosts several lively annual cultural festivals, especially focused on music, food, and religious traditions. They showcase local customs.
What to Expect: Major festivals include Pierogi Festival, Jewish Culture Festival, Kraków Live Festival, and Christmas Market. Expect concerts, food, handicrafts, and activities.
Visitor Information: Events happen year-round at venues across the city. Check online event calendars. Hotel demand surges during festival times.
One of the best times to visit Kraków is during one of the city’s many annual festivals when there are extra performances, events, and excitement in the air.
Catch open-air concerts and theater at the Lajkonik Festival honoring Kraków’s medieval heritage in June. See historic reenactments and knights’ tournaments during the Days of Kraków festival in September. Watch hundreds of nativity scenes paraded through the streets in the Christmas Szopka Festival.
Attending a Krakow festival lets you experience the city at its liveliest, with celebrations of history and culture.
Conclusion
With regal history, captivating culture, and no shortage of things to do, Kraków is an unforgettable travel destination. Use this guide to help craft an itinerary while visiting this beautiful Polish city in 2024 that covers all the most compelling attractions and activities.
From the storybook medieval Old Town to moving historical sites and lively nightlife, Kraków will charm you with its irresistible Polish character. Get a taste of everything this jewel of a city has to offer, from its cuisine, arts, and architecture to its proud traditions and heritage.
With amazing day trips like the Tatra Mountains and Auschwitz also within reach, a visit to Kraków in 2024 provides experiences that will stay with you long after your Polish adventure. Let Kraków work its magic on you and make your 2024 trip one to remember!