If you’re planning a visit to Kraków, you’re in for an extraordinary experience. This historic city is filled with charm, rich stories, and an array of premium activities. Here’s your guide to the top things to do in Kraków, with special insights for discerning travelers.

Uncovering Kraków’s Best Experiences

1. Wander Through Old Town Kraków

Old Town Kraków is the heart of the city, where you’ll find iconic architecture, lively streets, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Start with a walk through the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), the largest medieval square in Europe. Here, you’ll see the beautiful Cloth Hall, filled with Polish crafts and souvenirs, and the renowned St. Mary’s Basilica. Every hour, you’ll hear the trumpet call from the basilica’s tower, a tradition dating back centuries.

The Old Town is also lined with elegant cafes and charming boutiques, making it an ideal spot to pause and soak in the ambiance. Exploring these cobbled streets lets you feel Kraków’s rich history with every step.

2. Discover Kraków’s Jewish Quarter: Kazimierz

Just a short walk from the Old Town, Kazimierz—Kraków’s Jewish Quarter—offers an entirely different vibe. Kazimierz is a place of deep cultural history mixed with a modern edge, known for its synagogues, colorful cafes, art galleries, and bustling squares.

Stroll through the narrow streets of Kazimierz and visit important sites like the Remuh Synagogue and its historic cemetery. This area was home to Kraków’s Jewish community for centuries, and today it’s a lively neighborhood where Jewish heritage is celebrated and honored. You’ll find trendy restaurants, artisan shops, and vibrant street art alongside traditional architecture, making Kazimierz a unique blend of past and present.

3. Explore Wawel Castle and Cathedral

One of the most prominent symbols of Polish history, Wawel Castle stands majestically on Wawel Hill overlooking the city. The castle’s unique mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture makes it an architectural marvel. Wawel Castle was once the residence of Polish royalty, and today it’s a museum that houses an impressive collection of art, tapestries, and royal treasures.

Don’t miss Wawel Cathedral, where many Polish kings were crowned and laid to rest. The cathedral, with its stunning altars, sculptures, and royal tombs, adds a regal touch to the Wawel complex. Climb the Sigismund Tower for an impressive view of the city and a glimpse of the famous Sigismund Bell.

4. Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine

A short drive from Kraków, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an underground marvel. This historic salt mine is famous for its incredible underground chambers, salt sculptures, and even chapels carved out of rock salt. Walking through Wieliczka feels like stepping into another world, with each chamber offering new surprises. The highlight is the Chapel of St. Kinga, an underground cathedral adorned with chandeliers, altars, and statues—all made from salt.

With winding corridors and breathtaking salt carvings, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a must-see destination that showcases Poland’s rich history of salt mining in an unforgettable way.

5. Pay Tribute at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

About an hour’s drive from Kraków, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum stands as a testament to the resilience of humanity and the memory of those who suffered during the Holocaust. Visiting Auschwitz is a powerful experience, allowing for reflection and a deeper understanding of World War II history.

As you walk through the original buildings, preserved barracks, and exhibits containing personal artifacts of the victims, the weight of history becomes palpable. This memorial is a place for remembrance, learning, and honoring the lives lost, making it one of the most impactful places to visit near Kraków.

6. Enjoy Kraków’s Street Food Delights

Kraków’s street food scene is vibrant and rich with Polish flavors. Start with obwarzanek, a traditional Polish bagel with a chewy texture and a hint of salt, often sold by vendors in Old Town Kraków. Another must-try is zapiekanka—an open-faced sandwich topped with mushrooms, cheese, and various toppings. You’ll often find zapiekanka stalls in Kazimierz’s Plac Nowy, where you can taste one with your choice of fresh ingredients.

For a full Polish experience, don’t miss pierogi, Polish dumplings with fillings like cheese and potato or minced meat, and kielbasa, the famous Polish sausage. These street food treats are easy to find and offer an authentic taste of Kraków’s culinary heritage.

7. Indulge in Fine Dining and Polish Cuisine

Kraków is home to a sophisticated dining scene with options for every palate. You can find high-end restaurants serving traditional Polish cuisine with a gourmet twist, such as Wierzynek, a historic restaurant known for its royal-inspired menu, or Pod Aniołami, which specializes in wood-fired dishes in a medieval setting.

If you’re interested in tasting local delicacies, start with bigos (a hearty stew with cabbage and meat), barszcz (beet soup), and żurek (sour rye soup). And, of course, a Polish meal is incomplete without a glass of Polish vodka or nalewka (fruit liqueur), known for its unique flavors.

8. Marvel at the Art in MOCAK

For contemporary art enthusiasts, MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków) is a fascinating stop. Located in the Podgórze district, MOCAK hosts an impressive collection of modern art from Polish and international artists. Its exhibitions delve into various aspects of modern life, tackling themes of identity, culture, and politics.

With changing exhibits throughout the year, there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re an art lover or simply curious, MOCAK offers an exciting contrast to the city’s historical sites and adds a modern twist to your Kraków itinerary.

9. Walk Along the Vistula River

The Vistula River runs through Kraków, offering scenic views and a peaceful setting away from the bustling city center. Walking along the Vistula River boulevards, you’ll see picturesque views of Wawel Castle and the city skyline. For a more unique experience, visit the Bernatka Footbridge, a pedestrian bridge adorned with “love locks” placed by couples from around the world. The footbridge is especially beautiful at night, illuminated by soft lighting.

During the warmer months, you can also enjoy a Vistula River cruise, which offers a relaxing way to see Kraków from the water. This is a wonderful option for those who want to enjoy Kraków’s scenery from a different perspective.

10. Take a Day Trip to Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains

If you’re looking to explore beyond Kraków, a day trip to Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains is a fantastic choice. Known as Poland’s “winter capital,” Zakopane is famous for its breathtaking mountain views, wooden architecture, and rich highlander culture. In winter, Zakopane becomes a hub for skiing and snowboarding, while in the summer, it’s perfect for hiking and mountain exploring.

Wander through Krupówki Street in Zakopane’s town center to shop for unique handmade crafts and taste the region’s signature smoked cheese, oscypek. Zakopane’s natural beauty and traditional charm offer a refreshing escape from the city.