This post discusses fun things to do in Krakow, Poland’s second-biggest city and a hub for culture, arts, and economics.
The train came to a halt around 6:00 a.m.
We waited and waited and then, waited a little bit more. Nobody seemed to be moving. In a haze, I came out from my little cabin, opened one of the main doors, and stick my head outside. In the distance, I saw a guy signaling me to get back in.
After taking the night train from Prague, the arrival time to Krakow was near. That is when a streak of fear hit me. I was not sure how I ended up on a train so far from home, in a country that was completely foreign to me where I knew (maybe) two words of the local language. And, did I mention it was 6:00 a.m., dark and cold?
The oppressing feeling started to melt away once we made it to the hotel. We were lucky since they already had a room ready for us. Once upstairs, I opened the window and got my first view of Old Town. Minutes after that, I heard the trumpet (more on that later). At that moment, I knew I was about to embark on an adventure I didn’t even think was possible in my wildest dreams. I was in Poland, a country I thought I would never visit.
Please note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link. Of course, this comes at no extra cost to you and helps me to keep offering solid information to readers.
Table of Contents
Context
Krakow, situated on the banks of the Vistula River, is Poland’s second-largest city and a center of culture, arts, and economy. The history of the city dates back to the Stone Age. It grew from a small settlement to being the capital of the Kingdom of Poland during the Middle Ages.
In recent history, after Poland was invaded by the Nazis, Krakow became the capital of the General Government under the rule of Hans Franz. This terrible period brought a lot of suffering to residents. The Jewish population was forced to live in a Ghetto and many were sent to extermination camps. Because of Nazi occupation, the city’s buildings and monuments escaped the war unscathed.
Joy came to the city when its archbishop was elevated to Pope (John Paul II) and the Old Town was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status.
Nowadays, visitors have the opportunity to visit this beautiful, vibrant city and learn about its rich history. I have put together a list of fun things to do in Krakow. I hope you end up with tons of ideas if you plan (or want) to visit!
Sightseeing Gear
Get ready for a day of sightseeing by bringing the right gear. Here is a list of the items I pack to explore cities and towns in Europe.
- Walking Shoes – Comfortable walking shoes are a must. I recommend investing in a good pair. My go-to brands are Clarks, Tevas, and Sketchers.
- Anti-Theft Bag – Keep your belongings safe by keeping them in an anti-theft bag. The ones manufactured by Travelon have a 5-points security system including an RFID blocking pocket. >>Check out their crossbody bag here If you prefer a backpack, this one is a good option
- Sweatshirt – A sweatshirt is a must to keep me warm during chilly mornings and nights. >Click to see an excellent option here
- Sun Block – Do not leave the house (or the car) without applying sunblock. I repeat, always wear sunblock when outdoors. >Buy sunblock here
- Lip Balm with Sunscreen – Protect your lips by applying a balm with sunscreen. >Get one of the best lip balms here
- Wide Brim Hat – A wide brim hat is a great way to protect your scalp, face, and neck. The ones manufactured by FURTALK come with an anti-UV function. >Buy this amazing hat here
- Hand Sanitizer – Do not forget to pack hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.
- Sunglasses – These are another must when it comes to protecting from the sun. A polarized, sporty pair works better outdoors. >Take a look at this wonderful pair
- Water Bottle – Do not forget to bring water! Keep yours cold by taking a beautiful Hydro Flask water bottle. >Check out the insane options here
- THERMOS Tumblers – I have been a fan of the THERMOS brand since I received a tumbler as a gift. The tumblers keep drinks hot for hours. >>Buy THERMOS insulated tumblers here
- Camera – I have never gotten used to taking pictures exclusively with my phone. I prefer to use the Sony Alpha a6000. It is compact and takes gorgeous pictures. >Buy Sony Camera here
- Tripod – A compact tripod to take your photos and videos to a different level. >>Check out this popular option here
- Portable Power Bank – It is a pain to keep phones charged on trips (more if you are taking pictures, posting on social media, and navigating). Having a power bank is a lifesaver. The Anker portable charger can charge a phone 5 times. >Buy this incredible power bank here
Things to Do in Krakow
Stroll the Main Square
Life in Krakow’s Old Town is centered around Rynek Glowny or the Main Square.
Measuring 200 square meters (or about 9 acres), Rynek Glowny is considered one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. Maybe the measurements in here do not make a lot of sense but believe me when I say this place is huge!
Because of its size, there is a lot going on. You will want to put on some comfy shoes and spend some time walking around and seeing the main buildings and monuments.
At the center of the square lies the Cloth Hall, a building once used as an importing and exporting center. The inside is full of stalls selling amber, lacework, wood carvings, rugs, and all sorts of souvenirs. The outside has many cafes where a nice break can be taken.
The Town Hall Tower is the only remaining part of the Old Krakow Town Hall. Very close to the tower, you will find a sculpture called “Eros Bendato” or, in colloquial terms, “The Head.” This quirky piece of art became a hit once it was placed on the Main Square (to the dismay of historians). On a visit, you will see kids (and adults, ahem) climbing inside it and sticking their heads through the eyes.
The Saint Mary’s Basilica is another gem of the square. This brick Gothic church has foundations dating back to the 13th century, a stunning ceiling, and a wooden carved altarpiece. Immigrants to the New World used St. Mary’s as a model for the churches in their communities. Visitors can ascend to the top of one of the towers.
Also, the square is home to the Church of St. Adalbert and the Adam Mickiewicz Monument. The monument was dedicated to this Polish poet on the 100th anniversary of his death.
Beyond the main structures, I loved the Main Square because it is a place full of colorful townhouses, restaurants, cafes, and people looking to connect with each other. I walked the entire perimeter each day of my stay. It was wonderful to walk around trying to take in the little details.
Listen to the Trumpet
If you are on Main Square at the correct time, you are going to hear a song played by a trumpeter. You are not crazy. As a matter of fact, you are enjoying one of Krakow’s more unique traditions.
Every hour on the hour, a traditional Polish anthem is played four times in succession from the highest tower of St. May’s Basilica.
Legend says a watchman at one of the church’s towers alerted the town of a Mongol invasion by playing the song. The city gates were closed before it was too late but an arrow killed the trumpeter before he was able to finish the song.
I enjoyed listening to the trumpet since I enjoy legends and similar stories.
See More of Old Town
We have discussed Main Square but this is only a part of the Old Town. Medieval Krakow was surrounded by a defensive wall with many towers and entrances. The wall is long gone but the “original” city is separated from the newer part of town by a green area known as “Planty.”
As you can imagine, there is a lot to see in Old Town. A map will help you to visit churches, the Slowacki Theatre, Jagiellonian University and remains of the defensive structure such as the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate.
If you are not inclined to follow maps, do not worry. You are going to enjoy walking around while discovering the charms of town. Ohh, and you are not going to get lost. Believe me, you are going to hit the Main Square sooner or later.
Enjoy Breakfast at One of the Main Square’s Cafes
Meals in Krakow are affordable. As a result, eating at the Main Square will not break the bank.
While sitting on an open-air terrace, you can enjoy a feast of cold cuts, smoked sausages, fresh fruits, hard-boiled eggs, cheeses, pastries, and different types of bread. Scrambled eggs or omelets are popular too.
I had the pleasure of having smoked salmon and trout. They were delicious! I can’t recommend enough setting apart some time to have a taste of the traditional breakfast.
Take a Free Tour
Free tours are available in many European cities. For those who are not familiar with the concept, certain companies offer “pay what you like” tours. They do not charge a fee upfront but you are expected to tip at the end. It is up to you how much you want to tip (I recommend tipping a reasonable amount based on what is suggested).
In Krakow, I took two tours. On one, we were taken around Old Town and on the second, we visited the Jewish Quarter. Both of these were excellent. Learning about the city from an expert on the topic will help you to appreciate even more the place you are visiting. My time in Krakow would not have been the same without the expert knowledge of the guides.
A company called Free Walking Tour offers daily free and paid tours. They have tours in English, Spanish and German.
Explore Wawel Castle
Do you believe in fairy tales? I hope you do because you are going to feel like you are inside one once you visit Wawel Castle.
The castle, as the name implies, is located in Wawel Hill, the place where Krakow was originally settled. It was built under the rule of King Casimir III the Great. For centuries, the castle became the residence of Polish royalty and a national symbol.
The castle is exceptional since it has a representation of most of the European architectural styles. Think about it as a mishap of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. The result is a conglomerate of lines and colors that seem to come from the mind of a creative genius.
Not only that, there are plant-covered buildings, brick towers, sentry boxes, and wonderful views of the Vistula River.
I am going to sound clichély but you should not leave Krakow without visiting this beauty.
Count the Dragons
Remember I told you about Wawel Castle being exceptional? Well, it even has a dragon’s den. Yes, you read that right.
According to folklore, a dragon (his name was Smok) used to live in a cave below Wawel Hill. To keep him happy, locals had to feed him cattle. If not, he threatened to eat humans. There are different stories describing who killed him (the king’s sons, a cobbler, etc.) but there seems to be agreement on how he died. Apparently, he was fed a sheep-filled with sulfur. The dragon exploded after ingesting water.
For a couple of bucks, you can see the cave where the dragon used to “live.” A sculpture commemorating Smok can be seen outside the caves. What is more, dragons are everywhere in Krakow. Try to keep count of how many you see.
Have a Meal at a Milk Bar
A milk bar is a cafeteria-like establishment selling traditional cuisine at rock bottom prices. They had their beginnings during the Communist era. Hence, get prepared to have a cultural experience like no other.
I visited Bar Mleczny, located close to the Main Square, and had an order of pierogies, two mains plates, two salads, and two drinks for less than 10 dollars. The fare was simple but I enjoyed it a lot. I felt like I was in my grandma’s kitchen.
Get a Dose of History at the Jewish Quarter
Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) was an independent city for many centuries. To understand this, we entered the district by crossing what is left of the wall that used to surround the city.
In the 13th century, Jews were allowed to worship and trade in the area. They lived in peace along with their Polish neighbors until the Nazis relocated their inhabitants to the ghetto (the Krakow Ghetto was NOT located in this quarter).
The history of the area is fascinating and moving. I recommend visiting with a guide (you can take a free tour). The things you hear about this place will keep you thinking for a long time.
Discover the Hipster Side of the Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter is full of incredible history but it has become one of Krakow’s main tourist attractions because of the hipster vibe that is felt in its many corners.
In the quarter you can find trendy restaurants, funky cafes (there is one with a Singer sewing machine at every table), colorful stores, street art, markets (like the one at Plac Nowy), and movie filming locations.
In addition, you can enjoy walks along the river, airy plazas, wine bars, and galleries. After experiencing this place, I wish I had more time in Krakow.
Enjoy a Traditional Dinner
The food in Krakow knocked me out of my socks! We had one delicious dish after another.
There are plenty of restaurants serving traditional fare in Old Town. We ate at U Babci Maliny (Raspberry Grandmother), a restaurant that was highly recommended by one of our guides. The place is full of kitsch (old posters of beauty queens, dusty curtains, heavy tablecloths) but the food is full of flavor.
At the moment, I cannot remember the name of the other restaurants we visited but it doesn’t matter since we tried dishes such as bigos, duck in cranberry sauce, crispy potato pancakes cover with a meat stew, and roasted veal.
I recommend reading a bit about Polish cuisine before visiting the country. Another food idea is to ask servers for recommendations.
Other Things to Do in Krakow
Here are other things to do in Krakow:
- Cart Rides – As you may have seen in my photos, cart rides are available at Main Square. I did not include the activity on my list of things to do because of previous (bad) experiences (have seen too many abused horses). Seems like the horses in Krakow are well cared for. I am mentioning the option in case you are interested
- Jewish Ghetto – This is a list of fun things to do in Krakow and therefore, it makes no sense to include such a horrible place like this on the list. The Ghetto’s area never prospered after the war. It is like nobody wants to live in a place where so many atrocities happened. You can visit Heroes Square where empty chairs represent the Jews who died during the Nazi occupation.
- Oskar Schindler’s Factory – The place that inspired Steven Spielberg’s movie is located in the same district as the Ghetto.
Day Trips from Krakow
The following places can be visited as day trips from Krakow:
- Auschwitz – the largest concentration camp complex where more than one million people lost their lives
- Wieliczka Salt Mine
- Zakopane
More European Cities
Have you visited Krakow? What fun things to do you recommend?
If you enjoyed this post, please share!
Pin me, please!
Carol says
Your description is fabulous – sounds like you could stay a month and never get tired of your surroundings. Thanks for the lovely tour.
image-in-ing: weekly photo linkup says
Beautiful place and great photos!
Thanks for linking up at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/01/homemade-bagels.html
Lady Fi says
Wonderful shots of the architecture!
Jesh StG says
I remembered it as one of the more friendly cities in the Eastern bloc (when it was under communism). Wow – this is another city- so many people on the streets, and everything painted nicely what a transformation! Thanks for visiting me:) Glad you could see some places you visited before:):)
Balboa park is early a gem for visitors – so many cultural things packed together!
Eileen says
Hello, what a beautiful city. Your photos are lovely, I felt like I was on a tour! Thanks for being my guide.
Enjoy your day and week ahead.
photo cache says
Total eye candy. We wish to hit all these beautiful Eastern European cities on a river cruise someday.
BTW, what season did you travel here?
Emma Raphael says
Fabulous post. I am visiting Krakow later this year, so it’s great to get more of an idea what it actually really looks like in my head! 🙂 #citytripping
Elizabeth says
I’m in the thick of planning a trip to Poland so your post is quite helpful. My kids will love the trumpeter and it seems like there is plenty of European Squares to run around (something they have come to enjoy!) I’ve pinned the post for closer examination as we plan. Thanks for sharing all these great finds. #CityTripping
Katherine says
I was on Twitter the other day and a tweet about Krakow caught my eye. Apparently it was the only city that this guy had gone back to three times in a year because he loved it so much. And I can see why, it’s so gorgeous! #CityTripping
California Globetrotter says
Thanks for sharing this thorough post! We’re going to be headed here in September after a wedding!! I can’t wait! Have wanted to visit since Oktoberfest 2007 when some Polish people wrote on my friends chest “Go to Krakow!” haha
Al says
It looks like a beautiful city to visit.
Sara says
My sister leads a writer’s conference in Krakow every summer for about a month. It’s one of her favorite places in the entire world, and she has the best stories about the people she’s met and encountered (apparently the Poles are very into poetry). One of my staff members went last summer and loved it, too… so I’m thinking this needs to be on our list. Your photos make it look so lovely. #citytripping
Diana says
Krakow looks so gorgeous. Will have to add it to my bucket list.
umiko says
Now, do I have to visit Krakow after reading your post? It’s so complete that I can tell people about this and that you can see in the city. 🙂 Well, of course I want to see it. I know where to go and what to expect after reading your post. Thank you so much. My husband went there for work long before we got married and he really loved the city. He hopes to take us there one day. I will sure use your post as one my reference.
Keri | Ladies What Travel says
I’ve fallen in love with Poland’s old cities – having visiting Warsaw, Lublin and Zamosc, Krakow is high on my list! Lovely guide to what’s on offer for visitors, thanks! K #citytripping
Leigh says
I’ve never really considered Poland as a vacation destination, so I don’t know much about it. Krakow looks fun and interesting and it seems like a destination worth considering!
Jennifer says
I was just in Krakow last November and enjoyed it event though I was only there for a short period of time and it was raining half the time. Your photos look great and it looks like the weather was great too. That dragon spits fire every half an hour or so I think.
steph says
Wow this is one place I would love to visit! I particularly love the architecture from your photos 🙂 lovely post!
Diana says
Thanks for sharing so much information – Krakow looks so beautiful. Your photos really showcase the architecture in the city. My daughter is supposed to visit this year with her friend – I will have to send her your post.
Val says
I would so love to visit here! Your pics are making me lust bad lol!
Val says
Also those vineyards look so inviting , such awesome imagery !Thank you for sharing
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
Wow..Krakow is beautiful! Poland has never really been on my radar but I keep seeing great posts including yours and it makes me want to visit. Beautiful photos, Ruth. The architecture looks amazing and I love the quirky things about it from the trumpet to the dragon. My kids would love to visit that castle.
Rosemary says
What a beautiful article with lots to see and do in Krakow. Reading this made me feel like I was there with you traveling. I’m totally inspired to visit at some point. The food, Jewish quarter would be my top two experiences not to miss. Will now add Poland to my travel plans. Thanks for the detailed guide!
Ufuoma says
Love the photos. I agree to taking free tours in cities- great to get a sense of the city and meet new people. Great round up of Krakow and I’ll certainly recommend.
Sharon Wagner says
That fruit looks so pretty. I wish I remembered to take more food photos. I usually just dive right in. Nice tour. As always!
Cathy (MummyTravels) says
Krakow is so beautiful and as it’s many years since I was there, it’s great to read more about the city today – I certainly don’t think the Jewish quarter was as hip back then. And somehow I missed the dragons altogether, what a wonderful legend. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Meaghan says
Last year I visited Warsaw for work, and I am increasingly disappointed I didn’t take a few more days to visit Krakow. I have friends who are originally from there and are always raving about the city. I think I need to return to Poland! And make my way to Krakow!
Barry says
I’m loving your photos of Poland and Rynek Glowny. I’m making plans at the moment to visit later this year and hoping to make it to Krakow.
Rachel Heller says
I’ve been thinking of going to Krakow in May. This will come in handy! I’m glad I saw this before booking the flight; I’ll need more days than I was planning!
Shona says
Poland has been on my list for some time and I hope to make it there in July. You’ve supplied some great information on Krakow. It looks like a very cool spot filled with history, great food and some funky establishments. I’ll use this post when planning my trip. 🙂
Samantha (Vibrant Yogini) says
This is great! My sister-in-law is Polish so this brings back many memories from visiting. Thank you 🙂
jill says
Adding another city to my list! Love the traditional look to the city and most importantly, good food!
Kat says
Excellent post, Ruth! Aside from the Old Quarter, I’m interested to explore the Jewish Quarter and now that you have shared about the hipster side of the Jewish Quarter, I’m intrigued! Hope to travel to Krakow and see other parts of Poland some day.
Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler) says
Krakow Poland sounds like such a beautiful place to visit. From the Cloth Hall to the Jewish Quarter and all the tasty food one could want to see. I have yet to visit Poland and this is a place I would love to see. Pinned this for later. #feetdotravel
Katherine says
Love the buildings! My Europe list just keeps growing! Looks like a great trip you had 🙂
Lisa says
Beautiful pictures! The food looks so good too!
Kathleen says
What a great trip. I love your pictures. My daughter just returned from 3 months in Poland. It was her second trip. She loves Krakow and the salt mine is one of her favorite places. She’s currently planning her next trip. Her boyfriend is Polish and lives there. Maybe I will get to go there someday.
Madhu says
This city looks Stunning.loved all the pics.thanks for Sharing an exhaustive list.very helpful.
Emily says
Where was this when I went to Krakow?! Amazing Guide. Thank you!
Sapna says
Awesome photographs and description. I always wanted to visit Poland, your picture inspired me even more. Thanks for such a detailed post.
Sharanya Iyer says
Love how detailed you’ve been on this post! Poland is definitely on my bucketlist! Bookmarked this for when I go!
Zoe says
Some amazing photos and things to do here! Maybe i’ll visit this year finally!
Tomas says
It’s a bit shame I live just a few hours by car from Krakow and I have never been there. I heard a lot about the beauty of this city. Thanks for your post and great pictures I am convinced I will finally visit Krakow this year. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Upeksha says
I’m headed to Krakowvin February, so very glad to have stumbled across your post. Pinning it gor later! #theweeklypostcard
Wendy says
I visited Krakow two years ago and I can highly recommend restaurant Pimiento. it’s an Argentinian restaurant. Great food and beautifully decorated. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Sharon says
Another inspiring post, Ruth! I would go for the castles especially. That dragon is unique! One reason I haven’t made it to Poland is that it is so far from California. Maybe someday . . .
Andrea Mayfield says
Such a great guide! Krakow looks so beautiful!
Lynne Nieman says
I continue to read posts that rave about Krakow! Nice photos and great post!
Angie (FeetDoTravel) says
Such a good post and a unique idea! Krakow is on my list of places to visit and of course I will visit Auschwitz, but it will be nice to have plenty of fun things to do to balance that out. Pinned, thank you so much for sharing. #feetdotravel
Edith says
Krakow Poland looks beautiful and your pictures are seriously so dreamy! Not sure which place I want to see most here, but I do want to go learn more about the dark history. I had a friend from Germany invite us to visit and cross over to Poland so I might have to say yes!
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
I love this post, Ruth! As much as I love all of the beautiful photos of the great architecture, and the stories and descriptions…I love the opening paragraphs. Those feelings of apprehension, fear, excitement and wonder…that’s exactly why we travel! Getting to see someplace we never before imagined we would. Seeing things we’ve only read about. Hearing the local legends. This is what we love about travel. And in Krakow! Wow – that is exciting. 🙂 Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard and #WeekendWanderlust.
Anda says
It’s intimidating to travel to a new place, especially when you are not sure you’ll be able to get by with English. Ever since my niece studied in Poland, I keep hearing how beautiful Krakow is. She kept inviting us when she was there, but we always had other engagements. Now I feel really sorry we didn’t go. There are so many places in Europe I wish I could see. This continent attracts me more than any other. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Jillian says
Stunning photos, as usual. Krakow sounds magical! I love the artwork of the dragon ‘the head!’
Kate and Kris says
We went to Krakow a couple of year ago on the way back to Ukraine. Loved it and your pictures are beautiful. We seem to have done the same walking tours. I think we did a ghost one too but that was paid. Glad you enjoyed it.
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) says
I’d love to visit it. Perhaps I manage to see it this year with my baby:)
David | Travelsewhere says
Great guide to Krakow Ruth. I really enjoyed my stop there when i visited and totally agree that the Free Walking Tours are a great way to see the city. I wish I had gotten that shot of Wawel Castle from across the river, perfect angle! This post makes me want to go back 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard
Anna says
Oh! Krakow is still on my travel bucket list! I went skiing with my parents to Zakopane as a child, and we´ve spent a day in Krakow, but I don´t remember the details and the city looks beautiful ! Would love to visit again! You´ve put together such a great and detailed post!
Travel Lexx says
I’ve wanted to check out Krakow for a really long time but still somehow haven’t got round to it – definitely something I want to do soon and your photos are beautiful! The Old Town looks amazing! The day trips would be fascinating too. I’ve heard really good things about Zakopane!
Tracy says
I haven’t been to Poland yet but it is somewhere we will definitely go once we are back in Europe- looks amazing!
Slawek says
Krakow is amazing city, Main square is lovely. High recommend for everyone who wants visit Poland.