Things to Do in Krakow | Must-Visit Landmarks and Historical Attractions

Krakow is a true tourist paradise. It is the second-largest city in Poland and absolutely steeped in culture and history. Some of the finest examples of Old World architecture can be found here, including Wawel Castle and Cloth Hall. You’ll also find interesting museums, like Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, and unique, offbeat attractions like the Wieliczka Salt Mine. There is something in this city for every type of traveler, and enough attractions and landmarks to fill your itinerary. If you want to make sure you see all of the city’s most significant sites during your trip, then here are the top things to do in Krakow that you just can’t miss.

1. Start your adventure in MAIN MARKET SQUARE

The center of Krakow‘s medieval Old Town, Main Market Square is the hub of activity in the city. It covers an area of 40,000 square feet, making it one of the largest public squares in all of Europe. The overall look of Main Market Square has changed little since it was designed in 1257, allowing you to – in a sense – step back in time. While many of the other attractions on this list are located within the square, it is an important landmark in and of itself and easily one of the top places in Krakow to visit.

Marvel at the medieval architecture as you enjoy a coffee or a refreshing Polish beer and watch the crowds go by. The square is home to a plethora of cafes, restaurants, pubs, hotels, clubs, museums, historical landmarks, and more! In the warmer months, the businesses set out tables and umbrellas where you can relax in the shade, while in the winter, Main Market Square is the site of the city’s charming Christmas markets. Many city tours start and end here, and numerous public celebrations throughout the year take place at the square as well.

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2. Go souvenir shopping in CLOTH HALL

Cloth Hall is one of the most recognizable icons of Krakow and the central feature of Main Market Square. The original building dates back to the 12th century and the construction of the square. It quickly became one of the city’s most prestigious institutions, serving as the center for international commercial trade and providing the residents with goods like silk, spices, and leather. The name comes from the fact that it was the only place in Krakow where cloth merchants could sell their wares. A 16th-century renovation increased the number of stalls and transformed Cloth Hall into a jewel of renaissance architecture.

Today, Cloth Hall is one of the best places in Krakow to shop for gifts and souvenirs. There are dozens of stalls located on the main floor selling all sorts of goods and trinkets, including jewelry, wood carvings, handicrafts, decor, rugs, and, of course, cloth! The upper floor of Cloth Hall is actually a museum that houses a permanent collection of Polish paintings and sculptures from the 19th century. Once you’re all done shopping, you can head upstairs to take in some culture and history as well.

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3. Discover the beautiful ST. MARY’S BASILLICA

St. Mary’s Basilica is a stunning brick church located in the eastern corner of Main Market Square. Originally built in the 13th century and then rebuilt in the 14th century after it was destroyed by the Tartars, it stands today as a wonderful example of Polish Gothic architecture. It actually served as an architectural model for many Polish churches that were built abroad. The most striking feature of the church is its two towers, each a different height. The highlight of the interior is an intricately carved, painted, and gilded wooden altarpiece, which depicts many famous biblical scenes.

When visiting St. Mary’s Basilica , it is recommended that you aim to be there on the hour, when trumpets sound from the taller of the two towers. There is a small entrance fee to go inside the basilica and another small fee if you wish to climb the taller tower. Up top, there is an observation deck that offers fantastic views of Main Market Square and Cloth Hall. Note that the tower is only open to tourists during the summer months.

Check In to Holiday Inn Krakow City Centre, Step Out to St. Mary’s Basilica

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4. Experience Krakow culture at WAWEL CASTLE

Wawel Castle is one of the most significant cultural sites not only in Krakow but in all of Poland. It is located directly south of Main Market Square, right on the river. The construction of Wawel Castle was commissioned by King Casimir III the Great in the 14th century. Due to a history of many different rulers and construction periods, the architecture of the castle is an eclectic but beautiful mix of medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The numerous buildings that make up the castle complex are centered on an Italian-style courtyard.

Not only is Wawel Castle an important historic site but it is also one of Poland’s premier art museums. Inside, you will find a large selection of Italian Renaissance paintings, sculptures, ceramics, arms and armor, period furniture, and an extensive collection of tapestries. It is recommended that you allow at least a couple of hours to explore the entire castle complex, as it is quite large but very much worth your time. A visit to Wawel Castle should be at the very top of your list of things to do in Krakow.

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5. Explore the historic district of KAZIMIERZ

After Main Market Square and its surrounding landmarks, the Kazimierz neighborhood of Krakow should be next on your list of must-visit areas in the city. It is a historic Jewish district built around the Old Synagogue, which was constructed in the 15th century. Up until the 19th century, Kazimierz remained its own independent city with a rich Jewish culture. Today, it is completely subsumed by Krakow, but the Jewish character of the neighborhood remains. It is located within easy walking distance of the city center.

Modern Kazimierz is a hip and lively creative center full of art galleries, coffee shops, bars, pubs, museums, and more. It is also the site of the largest Jewish culture festival in Europe, which takes place every year at the end of June. Shopping and dining are popular activities here as well, especially at the vintage flea market and the numerous restaurants serving traditional Israeli fare. It’s easy to spend an entire day exploring Kazimierz, so make sure you leave enough room in your itinerary to take in everything that this neighborhood has to offer.

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6. Climb to the top of KOŚCIUSZKU MOUND

While most of Krakow‘s main landmarks are architectural, Kościuszko Mound west of the city center is a large, man-made hill. It was built in 1823 to commemorate Tadeusz Kościuszko, the leader of a Polish uprising against the incursion of foreign powers. The base of the mound is surrounded by red-brick fortifications, and the hill itself is kept nicely manicured. One of the most interesting things about Kościuszko Mound is that it was modeled after four much older pagan mounds that surround the city. It was created out of dirt brought from all over the country.

There is a series of cobblestone pathways that wind their way up Kościuszko Mound and will take you all the way up to the top, which sits at 1,070 feet above sea level. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the entire city and fantastic views of Wawel Castle and St. Mary’s Basilica in particular. The best time to climb Kościuszko Mound is during periods of clear weather so that you are guaranteed a good view. On completely cloudless days, you may even be able to see as far as the distant peaks of the Tatra Mountains to the south.

Check In to Niebieski Art Hotel & Spa, Step Out to Kościuszko Mound

7. Sign up for a tour of OSKAR SCHINDLER’S ENAMEL FACTORY

Popularized in the Steven Spielberg 1993 film “Schindler’s List,” the story of Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory is one of courage and hope during the darkest time in Poland’s history. Oskar Schindler was a businessman who, during World War II, employed over 1,000 Jewish people at his factory to save them from the concentration camps. Because the factory made ammunition shells among its other enamelware and metal products, it was deemed an integral part of the war effort and allowed to stay open. The factory remained in continual use after the war until 2002, when it eventually closed down.

Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory re-opened again in 2010 as a museum, and today it houses a permanent exhibition about the Nazi occupation of Krakow between 1939 and 1945. Archival photos, film, documents, recordings, and period artifacts guide visitors through several exhibits about life under the occupation and about the underground resistance movement. Note that the museum recommends the information is not appropriate for children under 14 years of age. Though the subject matter can be difficult, it is certainly one of the most interesting and important museum exhibitions in the city.

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8. Enjoy the outdoors in PLANTY PARK

Planty Park is a lovely green space that encircles the center of Krakow and provides a relaxing, natural escape from the bustling streets. One of the most interesting things about this park is that it was built in the footprint of the old moat that used to surround the medieval city. Tall trees provide a sense of seclusion and help the park feel quieter, while flowerbeds bloom with beautiful colors and pleasant scents during the summer months. Planty Park offers wide pathways to accommodate all sorts of activities, including walking, bicycling, and rollerblading. There are also plenty of benches to sit and enjoy some fresh air, as well as cafes where you can grab a drink.

The circular, weaving walking route in Planty Park is only 2.5 miles in length, making it a relatively easy stroll. As you make your way along through the park, you’ll pass through a series of gardens, each with their own unique flowers, fountains, and monuments. Make sure you keep your eyes open for the numerous statues of prominent Polish historical figures, including Nicolaus Copernicus. Most of the defensive structures that once stood in the area of Planty Park have long been torn down, but a large fortification known as the Barbican still remains.

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9. Visit the impressive medieval BARBICAN

The fortifications surrounding Krakow once consisted of multiple gatehouses, but the Barbican is the only one that stands to this day. Located north of Main Market Square, the impressive, red-brick building was constructed in the late 15th century to help fend off foreign invaders. It was once connected to the city walls but now stands on its own as one of the finest examples of medieval military engineering. The structure consists of an inner courtyard, seven tall turrets, over 100 arrowslits for archers, and almost 10-foot thick walls. Of interest to note is that the Barbican was modeled after Arabic – not European – defensive design.

Today, the Barbican is operated by The Historical Museum of the City of Krakow and serves as a very popular tourist attraction. You can sign up to take a tour of the interior and learn a bit more about the development of Krakow‘s historic fortifications. Various theater productions are held here on a regular basis, including jousting re-enactments and period dancing. It is also home to numerous permanent exhibitions.

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10. Head underground into the WIELICZKA SALT MINE

The Wieliczka Salt Mine was a working mine for hundreds of years until production ceased in 2007. One of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 and a Historic Monument of Poland in 1994. Today, the mine draws over a million tourists every year due to its rich history, culture, and art. Wieliczka Salt Mine is about a 20-minute drive from the city center in the town of Wieliczka, but it’s worth the trip if you have the room in your itinerary.

The journey into the mine begins by descending several long flights of steps that take you deep under the ground. You will then be led through a maze of tunnels and through several large chambers and chapels that make up only a small portion of the mine’s total footprint. The most impressive stop along the way is the St. Kinga’s Chapel, a breathtaking underground cathedral constructed entirely of salt, including all of the statues and chandeliers. There is also a subterranean salt lake located 443 feet underground. Once the tour is finished, an elevator will return you to the surface.

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11. Take a day trip to the AUSCHWITZ-BIRKENAU MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is the site of two former Nazi concentration camps. Though not a typical tourist attraction, it is a popular day trip from Krakow for its historical significance. It is located about 40 miles west of the city in the town of Oświęcim. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is dedicated to the memory of all the victims of the camps, and the museum performs important Holocaust research. The size and scope of the site are difficult to comprehend before you see it for yourself.

If you do plan on visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum while in Krakow, then you should book your tour well in advance online. Tour options vary in length, and you can choose to go with or without an educator, depending on your preferences. Be aware that, due to the nature of the site, it is not recommended for children under the age of 14. For older visitors, however, a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum can be a poignant and moving experience. It is suggested that you set aside at least three and a half hours to properly take it all in.

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