So you're heading to Krakow? Good choice. Honestly, I lost count of how many times I've wandered those cobblestone streets, stumbled into random churches, or tried yet another zapiekanka stand. It's the kind of city that feels familiar even on your first visit. Forget those generic "top 10" lists regurgitated everywhere. This guide spills the real Krakow – the must-sees, the hidden courtyards, the pierogi spots worth the queue, and those things locals actually do on weekends. Planning your Krakow activities? You'll find everything here: opening hours that are actually current, ticket prices without the nasty surprises, bus numbers that get you there, plus a few things nobody tells you (like which museum cafes have the best cakes). Right, let's dive into the best things to do in Krakow.
Krakow's Heart & Soul: The Old Town Essentials
Look, the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) is unavoidable. And honestly? It deserves the hype. It's massive, buzzing, and downright beautiful. Arrive early though, like 8 AM early, if you want photos without ten thousand other tourists in them. The vibe changes completely.
Can't-Miss Icons
- St. Mary's Basilica (Kościół Mariacki): That trumpet call stopping mid-note? Chokes me up every time. Get inside. The wooden altarpiece by Veit Stoss is mind-blowing. Practical Stuff: Open Mon-Sat 11:30am-6pm, Sun 2pm-6pm (hours shift slightly off-season). Main nave: 10 PLN, Altarpiece: 15 PLN extra (worth it). Tip: Queue for the tower climb (239 steps!) opens at 9:15am. Get there by 9am if you dislike lines. View? Stunning.
- Cloth Hall (Sukiennice): Souvenir central downstairs, but head up to the 19th-Century Polish Art Gallery (National Museum branch). Surprising gem, often quiet. Open Tue-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-4pm (closed Mon). Tickets: 20 PLN regular, 12 PLN reduced. Free on Sundays!
- Town Hall Tower: Leaning slightly, packed with history. The climb is steep but shorter than St. Mary's. Open daily 10:30am-6pm (Apr-Oct), limited hours/wknds only Nov-Mar. Ticket: 16 PLN. Viewpoint covers the square perfectly.
Wandering side streets like Grodzka or Kanonicza feels like stepping back centuries. Pop into any open church door – St. Peter and Paul's has those creepy baroque statues outside, St. Francis' has stunning Art Nouveau interiors. Don't just rush through the square itself. That dragon statue by the river? A bit kitschy, sure, but kids love it.
| Old Town Attraction | Practical Info | Insider Tip | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Mary's Basilica (Main Nave) | Mon-Sat 11:30am-6pm, Sun 2pm-6pm (Check off-season!) | Hejnał trumpet call every hour from the taller tower | 10 PLN |
| Rynek Underground Museum | Mon 10am-4pm, Tue-Thu & Sun 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm (Closed 1st Tue/month) | Book timed tickets ONLINE well ahead! Especially weekends. | 28 PLN regular, 24 PLN reduced |
| Wawel Cathedral | Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 12:30pm-5pm (Apr-Oct); Close earlier Nov-Mar | Separate tickets needed for Royal Tombs, Sigismund Bell, Cathedral Museum. Bell climb = cramped but epic. | Cathedral: 14 PLN (Free Sun 12:30pm-4pm Apr-Oct). Tombs: 12 PLN, Bell: 12 PLN |
| Wawel Castle State Rooms | Varies by exhibit! Generally Tue-Fri 9:30am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm (Seasonal changes!) | Book ALL Wawel tickets online MONTHS ahead for summer. Seriously. | State Rooms: 32 PLN regular, Reduced 25 PLN |
Tackling Wawel Hill
Wawel Castle complex dominates the skyline. It's vast. Trying to see everything in one go is a recipe for burnout. Here's the lowdown:
- Book Tickets MONTHS Ahead Online: Especially April-October. The system is archaic. Popular slots (like the Royal Private Apartments) vanish fast. Official Website is your friend.
- Must-Dos: The Cathedral (final resting place of kings, atmosphere is intense), the Sigismund Bell climb (tight squeeze, claustrophobics beware!), Dragon's Den (short cave walk, kids adore it, entrance near the river).
- Choose Your Castle Exhibit: State Rooms (opulent), Royal Private Apartments (more personal, often requires booking further ahead), Crown Treasury (shiny things). You won't do all unless you're a history buff.
- Free Stuff: Walking the gorgeous grounds and courtyards. Views over the Vistula are free and fantastic. The dragon breathes fire (seasonal, usually every few minutes)!
The queues for the Dragon's Den look terrifying midday. Go first thing or late afternoon. Honestly, it's a quick walk through a cave, but the legend is fun.
Journey into History: Kazimierz & Podgórze
Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter, isn't just history – it's Krakow's beating creative heart now. By day, explore synagogues and museums. By night, it buzzes with the best bars and quirky cafes. Podgórze, across the river, holds the heavy history of the WWII Jewish Ghetto and Schindler's Factory.
Top Experiences in Kazimierz & Podgórze
Explore Plac Nowy & Eat Zapiekanka: The circular market building is the zapiekanka epicenter. "Endzior" stall is legendary. Choose toppings (mushroom & cheese is classic), pay cash (around 12-18 PLN), eat hot on the street. Messy perfection.
Oskar Schindler's Factory Museum: Less about Schindler, more about Krakow's brutal WWII occupation. Powerful, immersive, harrowing. Open: Mon 10am-2pm (free entry but limited tickets!), Tue-Sun 10am-6pm*. Tickets: 32 PLN regular, 28 PLN reduced. BOOK ONLINE WEEKS AHEAD. Timed entry strictly enforced. (*Closed first Tue of month). Tram #3, #9, #19, #24, #50 to "Plac Bohaterów Getta".
Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta): Empty chairs memorial. Haunting, especially when quiet. Walk from here towards Schindler's or up to the Ghetto Wall fragment.
Tempel Synagogue & Remuh Cemetery: Synagogue services still held. The adjacent cemetery, with its centuries-old tilted tombstones, is incredibly atmospheric. Entry usually combined: 15 PLN. Modest dress required (shawls provided).
Wander Eagle's Pharmacy (Podgórze): Tadeusz Pankiewicz's pharmacy was a lifeline in the Ghetto. Small museum tells his story. Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Ticket: 12 PLN. Often overlooked, deeply moving.
Kazimierz cafes are life. Try Cheder Cafe (Jewish-themed, great coffee, sometimes crowded), Charlotte (gorgeous courtyard, fancy cakes), or Mleczarnia (bohemian vibe, terrace). Podgórze has a grittier charm – Łaźnia Nowa is a cool cultural center with events, and Cafe Gruba Buła near Schindler's does solid lunches.
Essential Day Trips from Krakow
Two major sites demand a day trip. Both require planning.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
This isn't sightseeing; it's pilgrimage. It hits hard. My first visit was on a grey November day, and the silence was crushing. Prepare emotionally.
- Booking is MANDATORY: Official Website ONLY. Book MONTHS in advance (especially April-Oct, early morning slots go first). Individuals: Book "Tour for individuals without an educator" (free entry, walk yourself) OR a guided tour (~85-90 PLN). Guided tours are often the only option available at peak times.
- Getting There: Bus: Most reliable. "Lajkonik" buses run frequently from Krakow MDA bus station (adjacent to Kraków Główny train station). Buy tickets (~15 PLN one way, ~30 PLN return) at MDA or online via Lajkonik website. Takes ~1.5 hrs. Drops at Auschwitz I main gate. Train: To Oświęcim station, then local bus or 20-25 min walk to Auschwitz I entrance. Less convenient. Tours: Many operators offer transport + guide packages from Krakow (from ~150 PLN). Convenient, but pricier.
- Timing: Minimum 3.5 hours, realistically 5-6+. Auschwitz I then shuttle bus to Birkenau (Auschwitz II). Wear VERY comfortable shoes. Pack water/snacks (limited options there). Photos allowed except in specific buildings (marked). Be respectful, solemn.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Underground marvel. Think enormous carved chapels, saline lakes, statues – all made of salt, 135 meters down. Impressive engineering feat. Can feel touristy in peak season.
- Booking Essential: Official Website. Book ahead, especially for English tours. "Tourist Route" is the main one.
- Getting There: Bus 304: Runs frequently from Krakow (stop near Galeria Krakowska, look for "Wieliczka Kopalnia Soli" direction). ~30-40 mins. Buy ticket on bus (contactless card or exact cash ~5 PLN). Drops right outside. Train: Slower, less frequent, station is further from mine entrance.
- The Tour: Guided tours only (included in ticket). ~2.5-3 hours, involves ~800 steps down (lift back up). Cool temperature (14°C/57°F year-round). Stairs can be tough for some. The Chapel of St. Kinga is breathtaking. Ticket: ~150 PLN regular adult (price varies slightly by season/time).
- Alternative: The "Miners' Route" is more hands-on (wearing overalls, using tools, smaller groups). More expensive, book even further ahead.
Both sites are popular things to do near Krakow, but they couldn't be more different. Choose based on your interests and emotional bandwidth.
Beyond the Classics: Unusual Things to Do in Krakow
Want to escape the main drag?
- Cricoteka Museum (Podgórze): Avant-garde theatre museum perched on the river. Architecture alone is worth it. Views from the cafe terrace are stellar. Open Tue-Sun 11am-7pm. Ticket: 20 PLN.
- Pinball Museum (Kazimierz): PAY ONCE, PLAY ALL DAY. Dozens of vintage pinball machines and arcade games. Pure nostalgic fun. Open daily 12pm-8pm? (Double-check!). Ticket: ~35 PLN (unlimited play).
- Kościuszko Mound (West Krakow): Panoramic city views, especially nice at sunset. More of a park vibe. Walk up or take the little funicular. Open daily (hours vary seasonally). Ticket: ~20 PLN for mound entrance. Trams #1, #2, #6 stop nearby ("Salwator").
- Polish Aviation Museum (Czyżyny): Seriously impressive collection of planes (including rare WWI/II) in an old airfield setting. Aviation geeks will be in heaven. Open Tue-Sun 9am-5pm (winter), 9am-7pm (summer). Ticket: 27 PLN regular. Tram #4, #10, #52 ("Muzeum Lotnictwa").
- Vistula Boulevards Walk/Bike: Paths along the river, great for strolling, cycling, people-watching. Watch locals kayaking in summer. Rent bikes easily (Nextbike app works). Free!
That "Lost Souls Alley" haunted house? It gets rave reviews for being genuinely scary. Not my thing (I'm a wimp), but friends loved it. Book ahead.
The Delicious Side: Krakow Food & Drink Experiences
Krakow isn't just museums. Eating is an essential activity!
Must-Try Polish Dishes
| Dish | What It Is | Where to Find It (Examples) | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pierogi | Dumplings! Fillings: Ruskie (potato & cheese), Meat, Mushroom & Sauerkraut, Sweet (blueberry, strawberry). Boiled or fried. | Pierogi Mr Vincent (Kazimierz): Local fave, simple, delicious. Zapiecek (Old Town & Galeria): Chain, reliable, many fillings. | 25-40 PLN (10-15 pieces) |
| Żurek | Sour rye soup. Often served in bread bowl. May have sausage, boiled egg. Earthy, tangy, comforting. | Most traditional restaurants. Morskie Oko (Old Town): Touristy but atmospheric, good żurek. U Babci Maliny (Old Town): Solid traditional spot. | 15-25 PLN |
| Bigos | "Hunter's Stew". Sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, various meats/sausages. Slow-cooked, hearty. | Traditional restaurants like Chłopskie Jadło (chain, decent) or Kuchnia u Doroty (Kazimierz). | 30-45 PLN |
| Kiełbasa | Polish sausage. Grilled, boiled, in soups. Many regional types. | Street Grills: Look for simple stands ("kiełbasa z grilla"). Starka (Old Town): Restaurant focused on sausage & vodka. | 10-15 PLN (street), 25-40 PLN (restaurant) |
| Zapiekanka | Long, open-faced baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, often other things (kielbasa, veggies), baked, then ketchup/mayo. Drunk food glory. | Plac Nowy (Kazimierz): Zapiekanki stalls circling the central building. Endzior is famous. Zapiekanki u Stasi (Plac Nowy): Another top contender. | 12-20 PLN |
| Obwarzanek | Krakow's iconic street bread ring. Like a chewier bagel, often topped with poppyseed, sesame, salt. Sold from blue carts. | Blue Street Carts EVERYWHERE! Especially near tram stops, squares. | 2-3 PLN |
Drinking Spots: Beyond Vodka Shots
Krakow has amazing craft beer bars (Multi Qlti (Kazimierz) is tiny but legendary, Weźże Krafta (Podgórze) has great selection) and wine bars (Bistro Charlotte Wine Bar (Kazimierz)). Milk Bars (Bar Mleczny Centralny near Galeria) are communist-era canteens serving dirt-cheap, hearty Polish staples (cash only usually). Aim for lunchtime (12-3pm).
Vodka tasting? Sure, Wodka Cafe Bar (Old Town) does flights. But honestly, enjoying a Tyskie or Żywiec beer in a Kazimierz square on a summer evening is hard to beat.
My Personal Food Note: Avoid the tourist-trap restaurants right ON the Main Square terrace edges. Food is often mediocre and overpriced. Walk a block or two down side streets (Grodzka, Sienna) for better quality and value. Kazimierz generally has more exciting food options than the Old Town center.
Essential Krakow FAQs: Stuff You Actually Need to Know
Q: Is Krakow walkable?
A: Absolutely! The Old Town, Kazimierz, and Podgórze centers are best explored on foot. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable (cobblestones!). For longer distances (Wawel to Kazimierz, Schindler's Factory, airport) use trams. They're efficient.
Q: How do I use Krakow public transport?
A: Trams and buses are great. Tickets: Buy from machines at major stops (select English!), some kiosks (look for "MPK"), or via the Jakdojade app (highly recommended!). Tickets are time-based (20min, 40min, 60min, 90min, 24h). Validate ONCE when you board by tapping the ticket on the reader inside. Single journey 20min ticket: 6 PLN. 24-hour pass: 17 PLN. Jakdojade App plans routes, shows real-time trams, and lets you buy mobile tickets (validate virtually within the app). Essential. Trams #4, #13, #14, #24, #52 are particularly useful. Main hub: Kraków Główny station / Galeria Krakowska mall.
Q: What currency is used?
A: Polish Złoty (PLN, zł). While cards are widely accepted (sometimes contactless minimum spend ~20 PLN), ALWAYS carry some cash. Market stalls, smaller cafes/bars, milk bars, public toilet fees, zapiekanki, obwarzanki carts often take cash only.
Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: Spring (May-June) & Autumn (Sept-Oct): My favorites. Pleasant temps, fewer crowds than summer, cheaper than Christmas. Flowers in spring, lovely colours in autumn. Summer (July-Aug): Warmest, but BUSIEST and most expensive. Book EVERYTHING far in advance. Can be hot.Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold, potentially snowy. Magical Christmas markets (Rynek Glowny!). Fewer crowds, cozy atmosphere. Great for museums.
Q: Is Krakow safe?
A: Generally very safe. Standard city precautions apply: Beware pickpockets in crowded tourist areas (Main Square, trams), don't flash valuables. Avoid overly pushy people offering "free" things or "cheap tours". Kazimierz/Old Town at night are lively and generally fine; stick to well-lit areas. Taxi scams exist: Use Uber/Bolt/Freenow apps or official taxi ranks (look for company name/number on door). Agree on approx price before getting in if no meter.
Q: How long do I need for Krakow?
A: Minimum 3 full days: Day 1 Old Town + Wawel, Day 2 Kazimierz + maybe Podgórze evening, Day 3 Auschwitz OR Salt Mine. 4-5 days is better to absorb it, do both day trips, and explore deeper. A week lets you truly relax and discover more hidden corners.
Q: Do people speak English?
A: Very widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, museums. Less so in smaller local shops or with older generations. Learning a few basic Polish phrases ("Dzień dobry" - Good day, "Dziękuję" - Thank you, "Przepraszam" - Excuse me/Sorry) is appreciated.
Q: What about visiting Auschwitz from Krakow? Is it feasible as a day trip?
A: Yes, it's the standard way. It takes a full day (5-7 hours including transport). Book transport and museum entry WAY in advance. Emotionally draining, but profoundly important.
Q: Are there any tourist scams to watch out for?
A: Common ones:
- "Free" Pub Crawls/Entry: Often involve pressure to buy overpriced drinks later.
- Currency Exchange Bureaus (Kantors): Avoid random ones, especially near the main square. Look for official ones with clear rates (buy/sell difference shouldn't be huge). Use ATMs (Bankomat) usually better rates.
- Taxis: As mentioned, use apps or official ranks. If hailing, ensure meter is on.
- Overpriced Restaurants on Main Square Terraces: Menu prices legally must be displayed outside – check before sitting.
Making Your Krakow Trip Smooth: Practical Tips
- Airport Transfer: Train: Frequent, cheap (~15 PLN, 20 mins) to Kraków Główny station. Buy ticket at airport machines. Easiest option. Bus 208: Also goes to main station (~5 PLN, ~45 mins). Taxis/Uber: ~80-120 PLN to center. Pre-booked shuttle ~60-80 PLN.
- Accommodation: Old Town & Kazimierz are most central. Kazimierz often slightly better value and vibey. Podgórze is quieter, great value, tram-connected. Avoid places too far from tram lines.
- Krakow Tourist Card: Worth crunching numbers. Offers free public transport and free/discounted entry to many museums. If you plan on hitting several paid museums quickly, it *might* pay off. Check current inclusions on official site.
- Free Walking Tours: Great intro! Several companies (Walkative, Free Walking Tour Krakow) offer tip-based tours covering Old Town, Jewish Krakow, Communist Krakow. Book ahead online usually required.
- SIM Cards: Easily bought at airport, kiosks (like Żabka), or malls. Providers: Orange, Play, T-Mobile, Plus. Prepaid starter packs with data cheap (e.g., 20 PLN for 10GB). Ensure phone is unlocked.
Seasonal Activities: Things to Do in Krakow Year-Round
Krakow changes with the seasons:
- Summer (June-Aug): Parks buzzing (Planty, Park Jordana), Vistula riverbanks full (kayaks, barges, picnics), open-air cafes everywhere. Lots of festivals. Heatwaves possible.
- Christmas (Late Nov - Dec): Magical! The Main Square Christmas market is huge and atmospheric. Mulled wine ("grzaniec"), oscypek cheese, crafts. Ice skating rinks pop up. Cold, potentially snowy – dress warmly!
- Easter (Spring): Beautiful religious processions (especially on Palm Sunday - colourful handmade palms). Markets on the Square.
- Autumn (Sept-Nov): Lovely colours in parks (Planty, Błonia meadow). Crisp air, fewer crowds. Great museum weather.
- Winter (Jan-Feb): Quieter, potentially snow-covered. Cozy cafes, excellent time for indoor activities (museums, theatres). Can be very cold.
Honestly, there aren't many bad times to experience things to do in Krakow. Just pack appropriately!