Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the country. Its historical centre has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is Poland’s main cultural, artistic, university and tourist centre.
Despite the destruction of a large part of the city during World War II, one can still admire wonderful historical palaces, squares and churches as well as interesting museums housing collections of important works of art (the most famous of which is certainly Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Lady with an Ermine‘).
The city today is a leading cultural centre, with dozens of museums, theatres and a lively music scene ranging from classical music to jazz. Krakow is also known for its excellent cuisine and vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal destination for young travellers.
Situated on the banks of the Vistula River, Kraków ‘s city centre is home to the grand Market Square, one of Europe’s largest medieval squares surrounded by elegant palaces and dominated by the majestic St Mary’s Basilica, Wawel Castle and the Planty Gardens.
Kraków is also famous for its Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, once the centre of Jewish life in Poland, now reborn as a bohemian district full of cafés, art galleries and trendy clubs.
Krakow’s Old Town, Stare Miasto in Polish, is built around Rynek Glówny, the Principal Market Square, and along the Coronation Street, which runs from the Barbican to the Royal Castle of Wawel.
Rynek Glówny is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. Dating back to the 13th century, this impressive square is surrounded by colourful historical buildings and neoclassical palaces, as well as the famous Wierzynek Restaurant, St. Mary’s Basilica and the Town Hall Civic Tower, where the old 13th-century prisons and torture chamber are located.
In the centre of the square is the Cloth Market (Sukiennice), a Renaissance building that now houses souvenir stalls and a museum on the upper floor.
St Mary’s Basilica, also called Mariacki, was built in the Gothic style in the 14th century and with its characteristic asymmetrical towers dominates Krakow’s Market Square.
This majestic Gothic church from the 14th century is renowned for its impressive wooden altar, a masterpiece by Veit Stoss and considered the largest Gothic altar in the world. Another special feature of the basilica is the ‘hejnał mariacki’, a short trumpet melody played every hour from the highest tower, linked to a medieval legend.
Inside, visitors can admire beautiful Art Nouveau frescoes that add a modern touch to the medieval atmosphere. For lovers of panoramic views, the ascent to the tower offers a spectacular view of the city of Kraków.
Kraków Castle, built on Wawel Hill overlooking the city, is the city’s best known and most visited monument and was for centuries the residence of Polish kings and the symbol of state power.
It houses the Crown Treasury, the Armouries and a museum with interesting exhibitions. Inside the castle, you can visit the Royal Apartments, admiring the Flemish tapestries and period furnishings. Don’t miss the Chamber of Deputies with its extraordinary wooden ceiling decorated with carved heads.
The castle gardens offer beautiful views of the city and the Vistula River.
Below the castle is the legendary Dragon’s Cave. The Dragon’s Cave is located next to the banks of the Vistula River and, according to legend, was the home of the Dragon of Kraków. Inside, reached by a spiral staircase, there is a bronze statue of a Dragon. At the Kamienica Hipoliów there is also a museum telling the legend of the Dragon and the mentions of this mythological figure in Polish tradition.
On Wawel Hill, near the castle, is also the Cathedral.
The Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas, located on Wawel Hill, represents the spiritual heart of Poland. Its architecture is a fascinating mix of styles ranging from Romanesque to Baroque, testimony to the many changes it has undergone over the centuries. Inside, the cathedral holds the tombs of numerous Polish kings, national heroes and poets, offering a glimpse into the country’s history.
An architectural gem not to be missed is Sigismund’s Chapel with its golden dome, considered a masterpiece of the Polish Renaissance. Sigismund’s Bell, the largest historical bell in Poland, is another highlight. To complete the visit, the Royal Crypts under the cathedral offer a touching experience, allowing you to get up close to the most important figures in Polish history.
Kazimierz was once a separate city from Kraków. Since the 15th century and until World War II, it was inhabited by Kraków’s large Jewish community and was the main cultural centre of Polish Jews.
Kasimierz today is a lively and bohemian district of Kraków and is divided into two parts. To the west is the Christian area, with the Market Square (Wolnica), the Town Hall, the Gothic churches of St Catherine and Corpus Christi and the Baroque Church of St Stanislaus on the Rock (Skalka). In the eastern part are the most important Jewish monuments, such as the Old Synagogue, the Museum of Jewish History and the other synagogues: Remuh, Kupah and Isaac.
Nowy Square is the heart of the district, famous for its flea markets and kiosks selling zapiekanka, a typical Polish street food.
Kazimierz is also known for its many trendy bars and cafés, independent art galleries and vintage shops. The district hosts the annual Jewish Culture Festival, a major event celebrating the city’s rich Jewish heritage and it was here that director Steven Spielberg shot the famous film Schindler’s List in 1993.
The Basilica of Corpus Christi, located in the Kazimierz district, is one of the most impressive churches in Kraków. Built in the 14th century in the Gothic style, the church is notable for its massive tower and richly decorated Baroque interior.
The interior of the church is a triumph of gilded stucco, frescoes and Baroque altars. Particularly remarkable is the high altar, a Baroque masterpiece that rises to the ceiling.
The basilica is also famous for its exceptional acoustics, making it a popular venue for classical and sacred music concerts. During your visit, pay attention to the boat-shaped pulpit, a unique work of art symbolising the Church as an ark of salvation.
Schindler’s Factory, made famous by Steven Spielberg’s film ‘Schindler’s List’, is now a museum telling the story of Krakow during the Nazi occupation. The museum offers a powerful immersive experience, recreating the atmosphere of Krakow during World War II through photographs, documents and multimedia installations.
The permanent exhibition, entitled ‘Krakow under Nazi Occupation 1939-1945’, tells not only the story of Oskar Schindler and the Jews he saved, but also the everyday life of the citizens of Krakow during that dark period. It is a touching and educational experience, essential for understanding the recent history of the city.
The National Museum in Krakow (Czartoryski Muzuem) is one of the most important art museums in Poland. Its extensive collection includes Polish and international works of art from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Among the most famous pieces in the collection is Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Lady with an Ermine‘, a world-famous Renaissance masterpiece. The museum also houses a rich collection of 19th-century Polish art, including works by Jan Matejko and Rembrandt.
In addition to painting, the museum boasts collections of sculpture, decorative arts, numismatics and oriental art. The exhibitions are well curated and offer an excellent overview of Polish art and its evolution in the European context.
The Basilica of St Francis of Assisi is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Kraków. Founded in the 13th century, the church is famous for its extraordinary Art Nouveau interior, created in the early 20th century by the painter Stanisław Wyspiański.
The stained glass windows and floral murals create a unique and atmospheric atmosphere, very different from that of other medieval churches in the city. Particularly remarkable is the ‘God the Father – Creation’ stained glass window, a modern work of art in a Gothic context.
The basilica also houses a beautiful cloister and a museum of sacred art. It is a quiet and contemplative place, far from the tourist crowds, offering an interesting contrast between ancient and modern.
Planty Park is a large urban park surrounding the historical centre of Kraków. Created in the 19th century on the grounds of the demolished old city walls, the Planty forms a green ring around the Old Town.
With its tree-lined avenues, fountains, statues and flowery areas, the park is an ideal place for a relaxing walk or picnic. It is especially beautiful in spring, when the trees are in bloom, and in autumn, when the leaves change colour.
The Planty is also a great landmark for finding your way around the city: following the park, you can easily circumnavigate the entire Old Town, passing by many of Krakow’s main monuments and attractions.
Floriana Gate, built in the 14th century in the Gothic style, is the only original gate of Kraków’s ancient fortifications that has survived to this day. The south façade is adorned by an 18th-century bas-relief of St Florian and the north wall by an eagle sculpted by Zygmunt Langman. From the Florian Gate begins the Royal Route, where parades and processions start, passing through the Main Market Square and arriving at the Royal Castle of Wawel.
The Barbican is a fortification defending the Floriana Gate built in 1498 along the Royal Route. The bastion boasts 7 Gothic-style towers and its walls are three metres thick.
Grodzka, part of the historic Royal Route, is a lively street that embodies the essence of Kraków. This picturesque street offers a perfect mix of history and atmosphere, with buildings representing different architectural periods, from the Renaissance to the Baroque.
Strolling along Grodzka, visitors can admire important sights such as the Church of St Peter and Paul and the Church of St Andrew, immersing themselves in the unique atmosphere of the Old Town. The street is also a great place for shopping and sampling traditional Polish cuisine in the numerous restaurants and cafés.
Particularly atmospheric in the evening, when lantern lights create a romantic atmosphere, Grodzka offers an authentic experience of Cracow life.
The Collegium Maius is the historical seat of the former University of Kraków. Inside is the university museum, which houses research instruments and valuable books. In the courtyard is a 15th-century arcade.
Discover Kraków through the eyes of expert guides who will take you on a tour of the city's hidden treasures. Participating in a guided visit or a free tour will allow you to capture the true essence of Kraków.
The free tours are a viable alternative to traditional guided tours. They work like this: participation is free and at the end of the visit you can leave a tip at your discretion. Below you will find our favourite free tour, otherwise you can see the full list by visiting this page.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
It may seem strange on the surface, but the two main attractions for which thousands of visitors come to Kraków are not in the city. In fact, Kraków is the ideal base from which to visit the Auschwitz concentration camp and the Wieliczka salt mines.
About 60 kilometres from Kraków, near the town of Oswiecim, are the Auschwitz concentration camps. Built during the Nazi occupation of the Second World War for what was “the final solution of the Jewish question”, Auschwitz has now been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a place dedicated to the memory of the victims, approximately one and a half million. A visit not to forget.
The complex is divided into three concentration camps. Auschwitz I is the original camp and the smallest of the three. Auschwitz-Birkenau, about three kilometres away from the first, is the largest and most crowded camp, with over one hundred thousand prisoners, and inside it are four gas chambers and the crematoria. Camp Auschwitz III, at the Bune Werke industrial complex, was the main labour and exploitation camp for prisoners. During the visit you can also access education centres and some dedicated libraries.
The Wieliczka Salt Mines are one of the most popular attractions in the region and definitely worth a visit. This underground labyrinth of tunnels and chambers, excavated over 700 years, is a masterpiece of mining engineering. The mine, declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, is over 320 metres deep with galleries exceeding 300 kilometres.
The tour takes you through salt-carved chambers, stairways, tunnels and underground lakes. The highlight is the Chapel of St Kinga, a veritable underground cathedral carved entirely out of salt, including the chandeliers.
About 110 km south of Kraków lies Zakopane, the winter capital of Poland. Located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is a popular winter sports destination, but offers year-round attractions. The city is famous for its local-style wooden architecture and lively mountain culture.
From Zakopane, you can explore the Tatra National Park, with its spectacular mountains, alpine lakes and hiking trails. In winter, the area offers excellent ski slopes, while in summer it is perfect for hiking and climbing.
Zakopane can be reached by car in about 2 hours from Kraków, or by frequent buses and trains.
Pieskowa Skała Castle is a splendid example of Polish Renaissance architecture, located about 30 km from Kraków. Built in the 14th century and remodelled in the 16th, the castle stands on a limestone cliff in the Ojców National Park.
The castle houses a branch of the National Museum in Kraków with a collection of period art and furnishings. The castle gardens offer beautiful views of the Prądnik Valley and the famous ‘Mace of Hercules’ rock formation.
The castle is easily accessible by car or by organised tours from Kraków.
Ojców National Park, the smallest national park in Poland, is located just 24 km from Kraków. This park offers picturesque landscapes with limestone rock formations, caves, medieval castles and rich biodiversity. It is an ideal place for hiking, picnicking and enjoying nature.
Among the main attractions are the Pieskowa Skała Castle, a Renaissance fortress perched on a cliff, and the famous rock formation known as ‘Hercules’ Mace’. The park is easily accessible by car or tourist bus from Kraków.
Choosing where to stay in Kraków is very easy given the great offer that Poland’s most visited city has to offer.
Stare Miasto (Old Town) is the historical heart of Krakow and the most popular area for tourists. You will find a wide choice of luxury hotels, boutique hotels and flats for rent.
The Old Town is the ideal place for all those who want to wake up in the medieval heart of the city. Tending to be more expensive for obvious reasons, there are, however, many mid-range options available in the Old Town.
The Kazimierz district is ideal for those seeking a more bohemian and lively atmosphere. This former Jewish area is now the centre of Krakow’s nightlife, with numerous bars, restaurants and clubs. Here you will find designer hotels, trendy hostels and flats for rent at generally more affordable prices than in the Old Town.
For those who prefer a quieter but still central area, the Kleparz district, just north of the Old Town, is a good option. This residential area offers a more local atmosphere and more affordable prices, while being only a 10-15 minute walk from the Market Square. Here you will find a good selection of rental flats and mid-range hotels.
The centre of Krakow’s Old Town is ideal for buying typically local souvenirs, such as Polish vodka, textiles, amber jewellery and handicrafts. The alleys around the Main Market Square, and the Royal Route from Ulica Grodzka and ulica Florianska, are the main shopping streets: there are the best boutiques, jewellers and art galleries in Kraków.
In Kazimierz, two flea markets are held at weekends: on Saturday mornings on Plac Nowy and on Sundays inside the Hala Targowa, the market hall, on ulica Gregórzecka. Sukiennice, on the other hand, is the historical market near Rynek Glowny, where you can buy everything at very affordable prices.
The main shopping centres are the Krakowska Gallery near the railway station and Krakow Plaza, with more than 100 shops.
Krakow can be easily reached by plane thanks to numerous airlines with direct flights.
Krakow-Balice International Airport (KRK), about 11 kilometres from the city centre, is in fact well connected with numerous flights provided by the low-cost airlines Ryanair and Wizzair.
The quickest and cheapest way to reach the city centre from the airport is by train, which takes about 20 minutes to reach Kraków Główny (Kraków Główny) central station with departures every 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take bus 208, but the journey takes about 45 minutes.
Kraków is also well connected to the Polish and European railway network. Kraków Central Station (Kraków Główny) is located in the city centre and is easily accessible on foot or by public transport. There are direct connections with many Polish cities, including Warsaw (about 2.5 hours), and with several European capitals such as Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest.
What's the weather at Kraków? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Kraków for the next few days.
Kraków is located in southern Poland, about 300 km south of the capital Warsaw. It is also about 100 km from the border with the Czech Republic to the west and a similar distance from the border with Slovakia to the south.
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