15+ Outstanding Places You Should Visit in Krakow Poland in 2026

Welcome to Krakow, one of Poland’s most beautiful and historic cities. If you plan a trip to this charming city, we can help you learn about the best places to visit in Krakow. As travelers who have spent many days exploring the nooks and crannies of Krakow, we can assure you that this city will leave an unforgettable impression on you.

We understand that if you are a first-time visitor to Krakow, you may be concerned about taking advantage of the best things to do and see. You may also be worried about only experiencing touristy activities and not getting an authentic taste of this beautiful city.

Let us help you. In this guide, we share with you the top places to visit in Krakow that will give you a well-rounded experience of this historic city. This post explores the many outstanding places to visit in Krakow, Poland, beyond the great Market Square. Read along to learn about where to go in Krakow and what to see in this fascinating city.

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An introduction to Krakow

Kraków is the 2nd largest city in Poland. Located on Poland’s longest river, the Wisła, this former capital of Poland dates back to the 7th century.  

It’s the center of a city with a rich history dating back to the 13th century, when attacking Tatars invaded the city and pierced the town crier’s throat with an arrow. A century later, Kraków was the nation’s capital and retained this designation until the 16th century.

Krakow’s dark history is reflected in the Jewish ghetto memorial and the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. However, amidst these dark times, Krakow also offers green spaces like Planty Park, providing a soothing atmosphere for contemplation and reflection.

The Old Town of Kraków earned the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1978. It was one of the first 12 sites granted this special recognition. The city attracts more than 13 million visitors annually who experience the many places of interest in Krakow, Poland.

Outstanding places to visit in Kraków

1. The Great Market Square (Rynek Główny)

The bustling heart of Krakow’s UNESCO-recognized Old Town, Market Square, has been the epicenter of activity since the Middle Ages. This lively square features bars nestled in historical cellars, charming on-street cafes, and an array of remarkable landmarks, including the Sukiennice, which is a Renaissance-style Cloth Hall, and the majestic Town Hall Tower.

Additional things to do and see in the market square include the Krakow National Museum, Rynek Underground, the Church of St. Adalbert, and enjoying a meal at Wierzynek, which has been serving diners since 1364.

Rynek Glowny, the largest medieval market square in Europe, is mesmerizing with exquisite architecture spanning the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. The square is enchanting, with outdoor cafe tables to savor the atmosphere and witness the rhythmic clatter of horse-drawn carriages over the cobblestones.

It’s no wonder that Krakow’s Christmas market is also set up here, as the square’s fairytale ambiance perfectly complements the festive season.

Don’t miss a special treat – every hour, a lone trumpeter stationed in one of St Mary’s Basilica towers plays the bugle call, a tradition that dates back to 1392.

Be sure to learn about the many great places to visit in the main square in our post 11+ Outstanding Places You Must See in Kraków Market Square. 

Book Krakow’s Market Square Guided Tour with visit to St. Mary Church

2. Wawel Castle

After the great Krakow market square, perhaps the most significant place you’ll want to visit in Krakow is Wawel Royal Castle (Zamek Królewski na Wawelu).  It is close to the market square, at the south end of the old town.  

This castle was home to the Polish monarchy, one of the largest royal castles in Europe.  Over the decades, numerous elements enhanced the structure, so you’ll see a mix of architectural styles.  The castle overlooks the Vistula River – a lovely spot for a castle.  

Book Old Town Krakow & Wawel Castle Walking Tour
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3. Wawel Cathedral

There is a cathedral on the grounds of Wawel Castle, and it is free to enter. Some regard it as the most important building in all of Poland. This was where coronations took place for nearly every Polish king and queen.  

When you enter Wawel Cathedral, you’ll see a collection of enormous bones hanging on the entrance’s left side.  We’ll get to those in our next section.

In the middle of the cathedral is the tomb of the former Bishop of Kraków, Saint Stanislaw.  Inside are 18 chapels, each as ornate as you can imagine in an important cathedral.

 This cathedral was where Karol Wojtyla served as archbishop before becoming Pope John Paul II.  Monarchs from the 12th to 13th centuries are buried here. 

Be prepared for a no-photo rule inside the cathedral or elsewhere on the inside places of the castle grounds.

The Legend of the Krakow Dragon

Wawel Cathedral is the resting place for many deceased members of Polish royalty. However, Wawel also has several bones that are not human and are said to be all that remains of a dragon who once terrorized the area.  This dragon’s name is Smok Wawelski or, in English, the Wawel Dragon.

Starting outside the castle, there is a dragon made of bronze that breathes fire every five minutes.  Beneath the castle, a dragon’s lair exhibit lets visitors explore the once-upon-a-time home of the legendary dragon.

So, let’s take a moment and tell you one of the stories of the Wawel Dragon. The legendary beast lived in a den under Wawel Hill and terrorized the people of King Krak’s town. Some say the dragon demanded ransoms of cattle. Others say the dragon only devoured virgins – requiring one every month. Living under this terror, nobody could get rid of the dragon.  

That is, until a young cobbler named Krak came up with a plan.  He put a bait of sulfur inside a dead sheep, leaving the snack for the dragon to eat.  The dragon took the bait, became violently ill, and went to drink water from the Vistula River.  But since water cannot extinguish burning sulfur, the gases caused the dragon to explore. 

The townsfolk rejoiced. The shoemaker received a great reward, married a princess, became King, and built a castle over the dragon’s cave.  The townspeople named the city in his honor.

Today, the sculpture of the beast can be seen by the Vistula River near the Dragon’s Den at the foot of Wawel Hill.

And the story is more than just a myth.  There are such real bones at Wawel, and these are the ones we mentioned that hang just outside Wawel Cathedral., but they are thought to be the fossilized bones of a whale or mammoth.  Still, some believe the bones have a magical property and protected the city from destruction during the centuries of Polish partition and WWII.

Whatever their origin, they have been at Wawel for centuries.

4. City Tour

If you want the help of a local in deciding what to visit in Krakow, a tour is an excellent way to see the city.  We booked a golf cart tour that took us around parts of the town one afternoon.  

Krakow By Golf Cart Private Tour 
Rated 5-stars on Viator

Most city tours will highlight the Old Town, the Kazimierz district, the Jewish Ghetto of WWII, Schindler’s Factory, several Catholic churches, Jewish synagogues, Podgorski Market, and street art.

5. Kazimierz District – The Former Jewish Quarter

This area is located south of Old Town and was the central area of Jewish life for over 500 years until its destruction during WWII.  The area did not receive nurturing during the following communist era and fell into further ruin.

Today, the district has rebounded and is a bustling bohemian area filled with historical sites, art galleries, and cafes.  If you want to visit a place in Europe that provides a sense of the pre-war Jewish culture, this is the place to visit.

Jewish Synagogues

Your tour may also take you to several Jewish Synagogues in Krakow. While entrance to most Catholic churches is free, you may be asked for payment to enter the synagogues.

Book Krakow Jewish Quarter Kazimierz & Schindler’s Factory Guided Tour
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6. Catholic Churches of Krakow and Saint Michael Basilica

We stopped in front of a few Catholic churches, which we could enter and visit.

Among these were the Saint Michael the Archangel and Saint Stanislaus the Bishop and Martyr Basilica, known as Skałka, which means “a small rock” in Polish. The church stands where Saint Stanislaus of Szczepanow was slain as King Boleslaw II the Bold ordered in 1079.  Upon this edict, the king was exiled.  The church has been part of a monastic community since 1472, and it is one of the most famous sanctuaries in Poland.

Interestingly, every elected King of Poland had since made a pilgrimage to Skalka on the eve of his coronation as penance for the disgraceful action of Boleslaw II.

Many distinguished Poles are buried in this basilica, including.

• Karol Szymanowski (1882–1937), composer and pianist
• Czesław Miłosz (1911–2004), poet and essayist, Nobel Prize recipient

Outside the basilica, a fountain dispenses water from which pilgrims drink.  There is also the open-air Altar of the Three Millenia outside with seven statues of important Polish historical figures, including:

• Augustyn Kordecki (1603–1673), before the Jasna Góra Monastery during the Siege of Jasna Góra
• Jadwiga of Poland (1374-1399), the first female monarch of the Kingdom of Poland
• Stanislaus of Szczepanów (1030-1079), bishop of Kraków and martyr
• Pope John Paul II (1920-2005), archbishop of Kraków, elected Pope in 1978
• Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938) was a nun whose mystical revelations inspired the Divine Mercy devotion

Six of the seven are venerated as saints in the Catholic Church.

7. National Museum in Krakow

The National Museum in Krakow features extensive collections and three permanent exhibits west of the market square area.  These include:

• 20th-century collection of Polish art spanning paintings, sculptures, and more. 
• Military Exhibition: which showcases over 1500 artifacts of Poland’s military history
• Decorative Arts and Crafts Gallery – featuring works from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Get Tickets for Old Town & National Museum Private Tour

8. Sanctuary of Divine Mercy

The Sanctuary of Divine Mercy is located a bit south of the city center in a suburb of Krakow.  It is the resting place of Saint Faustina.

In Catholic culture, devotion to the Divine Mercy is a holy practice.  In the modern church calendar, the first Sunday after Easter is known as Divine Mercy Sunday and has its roots here in Poland.

The Shrine of Divine Mercy is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholic pilgrims.  

Saint Faustina entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy at age 20. She received an apparition of Jesus on the first Sunday of Lent in 1931 at her convent in Plock, Poland.   The image she described is the image we see depicted today as the Divine Mercy image of Jesus.

She said that it was Jesus who instructed her to paint an image in a pattern shown to her with the inscription, “Jesus, I trust in you.” and asked for the veneration of the image throughout the world.  Saint Faustina herself did not paint the image but had her spiritual director hire an artist.  The original image is in Vilnius, Lithuania, today, where Sister Faustina served until March 1936.

Saint Faustina died in Krakow.  After her death, Pope John Paul II officially designated Divine Mercy Sunday and canonized Siter Faustina on Divine Mercy Sunday in 2000.  Today, Catholics celebrate her feast day on October 5 each year.

The sanctuary includes a relatively new basilica and the 19th-century convent where Saint Faustina Kowalska saw a vision of Christ. On site is also the “house of St. Faustyna,” where items from her life are displayed.   The original church on the grounds contains the saint’s relics and is visited by nearly 2 million pilgrims yearly.

Private Catholic Tour about John Paul II, St. Faustina & The Divine Mercy Shrine
Rated 5 Stars on Viator from 26 Reviews

9. Polish Aviation Museum

The Polish Aviation Museum is one of the largest aircraft museums in the world. Opened in 1964, it resides in the former Kraków-Rakowice-Czyżyny Airport.

The museum’s collection highlights aviation history, as shown through its extensive collection of aircraft and machinery.  Specimens include gliders, fighter jets from World War I through the Cold War, and anti-aircraft weaponry.  Some artifacts tell the story of the Polish Air Force through displays of uniforms and military documents.

If you love aviation history, this is one of the best museums you’ll visit anywhere in the world.

Plan on several hours to view the collection.

10. Schindler’s Factory and MOCAK

The Oskar Schindler Enamelled Goods Factory reopened to the public in 2010.  Made famous by the Steven Spielberg film Schindler’s List, this museum highlights Krakow during Nazi Occupation 1939-1945 in a permanent exhibition.

The experience takes visitors through many historical events:

• Life during the German occupation
• The fate of the Jewish people
• The underground resistance movement in Krakow
• Media, including radio and film recording,s and photos
• Archival documents

A large part of the space is the home of MOCAK – a contemporary art museum.

At least 2 to 2.5 hours are recommended for this visit.  And it’s recommended to buy tickets in advance.

Schindler’s Factory Guided Tour in Krakow
Purchase Tickets

Fred Romero from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

11. Ghetto Heroes Square

Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta), formerly known as Plac Zgody, is a poignant tribute to the Jewish deportees. This memorial, conceived by local architects Piotr Lewicki and Kazimierz Łatak, features 70 empty chairs meticulously arranged across the open space. Each chair serves as a chilling reminder of the furniture, luggage, and personal belongings left behind in this square during the harrowing deportations and subsequent destruction of the ghetto in 1942 and 1943.

Ghetto Heroes Square has become a significant landmark in Krakow, drawing visitors worldwide. It is a key destination for sightseeing tours in the city, especially those that delve into the historical narrative of Krakow’s occupation under Nazi rule.

Book a Tour: Krakow Jewish Quarter Private Tour, Kazimierz and Ghetto
Rated 5 stars on Viator

Explore the rich history of Krakow’s Jewish Quarter on a captivating and personalized private guided walking tour. This Jewish Heritage tour is perfect for travelers interested in European history and those seeking to connect with their Jewish religious and cultural heritage. A knowledgeable guide will lead you to the hidden gems of the Jewish Quarter, including stunning synagogues and cemeteries that hold centuries of stories.

12. Wieliczka Salt Mine

The remarkable Wieliczka Salt Mine is located just 13km southeast of Kraków’s city center, in the charming town of Wieliczka. Nestled in a tranquil grassy valley, this hidden gem stretches over 300 meters into the salt rock veins beneath the Earth’s surface. It is considered the world’s longest active salt mine and an extraordinary blend of industry and art.

Dating back to the late 1200s, the discovery of rock salt in Wieliczka marked the beginning of a remarkable tale of human achievement. Over the centuries, this subterranean labyrinth has witnessed the extraction of almost 300 kilometers of navigable tunnels. What sets the Wieliczka Salt Mine apart, however, is not just its sheer size but also its stunning artistic wonders. Within its depths, visitors are captivated by chiseled salt-rock statues that transport them to a world reminiscent of fantasy novels. Additionally, intricate religious projects awe both engineers and art enthusiasts alike.

The crown jewel of the mine’s 2,400 chambers is the breathtaking Chapel of St. Kinga. This magnificent chamber is dedicated to the legendary Princess Kinga of Hungary, who is said to have brought salt mining to Poland through a miraculous event. Legend has it that she tossed her engagement ring into a mine in modern-day Romania and, amazingly, retrieved it from the ground in Wieliczka. This event surprised the local miners and led them to discover the abundant salt veins beneath Wieliczka’s surface. Today, the central chamber of the mine serves as a working Catholic chapel, paying homage to Kinga’s miracle and leaving visitors in awe of its beauty.

The wonders of the Wieliczka Salt Mine are a genuinely extraordinary testament to human ingenuity and artistic expression.

Book a Guided Tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Transfer from Krakow

13. Krakow Stained Glass Museum

The Krakow Stained Glass Museum, located in S.G. Żeleński’s historic studio, offers a one-of-a-kind experience to visit an active stained glass windows workshop. Witness master artists at work, learn about the artistic process and admire stunning designs from over a hundred years of history.

It is known as the ‘cradle of Polish stained glass art,’ where renowned artists like Wyspiański and Mehoffer once collaborated. Guided tours showcase outstanding examples of stained glass creations.

Today, this is one of the largest stained glass studios in Poland. Visiting is possible with a guided tour lasting approximately 45 minutes.

Stained glass workshops can be arranged with a master and are available in Polish, English, German, or French).

14. Traditional Polish Pierogi Cooking Class in Krakow

Discover the traditional essence of Krakow’s culinary scene with a traditional Polish pierogi cooking class. You’ll take your taste buds on an immersive journey as you explore the local farmer’s market for the freshest ingredients. Learn the art of crafting authentic pierogi and delve into the rich cultural traditions and conversations surrounding mealtime.

Suitable for vegetarians and those with simple allergies, this small-group activity ensures personalized instruction. Indulge in Polish beer, tea, coffee, and snacks as you uncover the secrets of this beloved dish. With this unforgettable experience in the warmth of an authentic family home, you’ll make lasting memories and take home an addition to your cooking repertoire.

Check Availability for Traditional Polish Pierogi Cooking Class in Krakow

15. Jagiellonian University

The Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, is not only the oldest in the country but also one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world.

Founded in 1364 by King Casimir III the Great, it has gained prestige as Poland’s top destination for higher education. The university’s campus is spread throughout the city, with its oldest part, Collegium Maius, situated in the charming Old Town.

Step back in time as you enter through the unassuming gate and discover a beautiful bricked yard with arcades. Collegium Maius houses a museum dedicated to the university. This hidden gem is worth a stop to experience the atmosphere of the past.

Don’t miss the Jagiellonian University Museum. Here, you can explore the fascinating exhibits that showcase the university’s illustrious past, including scientific instruments used by renowned scholars like Copernicus. The museum is housed in the historic Collegium Maius, a beautifully preserved medieval building that adds to the allure of the experience.

To delve deeper into the history and significance of the Jagiellonian University, you can join the highly-rated Private Walking Tour of Krakow Old Town led by a local historian with a PhD. Book your tour here.

Maksym Kozlenko, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

16. Krakow Pharmacy Museum

The Pharmacy Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the world of apothecaries and ancient medicinal practices. Housed in a beautiful historic building, this museum showcases an extensive collection of artifacts ranging from antique jars and tinctures to intricate pharmaceutical equipment and age-old prescriptions.

A visit here immerses tourists in centuries of pharmaceutical history, providing a unique perspective on the evolution of medicine. History buffs and curious travelers alike will find delight in exploring the meticulously recreated 17th-century pharmacy, complete with its original furnishings.

As you navigate through the museum’s exhibits, you’ll gain insight into the pivotal role pharmacies played in society and the development of healthcare over the ages. Visiting this museum offers a rare opportunity to step back in time to experience the fascinating world of historical pharmacy practices.

Food and Drink Stops in Krakow

Town Hall Tower Bar

The underground tavern beneath the Town Hall Tower is a historic place to enjoy libations.  It’s a place where people have been getting tipsy, or just plain drunk, for over a thousand years.  There’s no reason to stop that joyful tradition.

Stara Zajezdnia Krakow By DeSilva

If you’re a beer fan, the Stara Zajezdnia Krakow is a must-stop. This one abandoned tram depot has found new life as the largest brewery and beer hall in the city.  Beer choices are ample – from traditional lagers and ales to fruit-flavored beers.  Visit here for a tasty brew while enjoying pub food and watching sports on the flat-screen television.

Budget Eats at Krakow Galeria

Hit the food court at Krakow Galeria. We enjoyed salmon with all the sides you could throw on your place – spinach, gnocchi, slaw, and barley salad.  All this was less than $5 a plate during our visit.  It was such a bargain; we ate here more than once.

Fine Dining at Pod Baranem

Our last meal in Poland following three weeks of travel was at this restaurant.  It was tied in the top two meal experiences during our travel to Poland.  The establishment had the most professional waiter staff we have encountered.  Food servings were superb. Our selections included mushroom soup in a bread bowl, vegetarian stuffed cabbage, Black Forest torte, and a bottle of Polish wine.

For a great dinner in Krakow, visit Pod Baranem. It is one of the finest restaurants in the city.

Where to stay in Krakow

When visiting Krakow, you have a variety of lodging options to choose from. Whether you prefer luxury hotels or budget-friendly accommodations, there is something for every traveler.

Budget Accommodations in Krakow

Mid-Range Accommodations in Krakow

Luxury Accommodations in Krakow

Our accommodation was at the Platinum Aparthotel. This was a convenient location just off the market square and easily accessible to the Old Town within a 15-minute walk.

Book a stay at Platinum Aparthotel

Photography Tips for Krakow

If you’re only carrying one lens through the winding streets and stunning interiors of Kraków, the 24–70 mm f/2.8 zoom is your ultimate go-to: its wide end lets you capture the sweeping expanse of the Main Market Square and Wawel Castle, the mid-range covers everyday portraits and candid street scenes, and the short telephoto lets you isolate architectural details or distant subjects—all without swapping glass or missing a moment, while its constant f/2.8 aperture ensures you stay sharp and handheld even in dimly lit churches or atmospheric alleyways.

You’ll want to have the ability to boost your ISO in dark places like St. Mary’s Basilica.

Shop 24-70 mm f/2.8 Zoom Lenses on Amazon

Weather in Krakow

Annual temperature averages in Krakow (Weather Atlas)

Krakow experiences a moderately varied climate throughout the year. The average annual temperature in Krakow is approximately 49°F.

Winters can be quite chilly, with average lows dipping to about 25°F in January, the coldest month. Summers, on the other hand, bring a pleasant warmth, with average highs reaching around 75°F in July, the warmest month. Spring and fall offer mild and comfortable temperatures, creating an ideal atmosphere for exploring this historic city.

How big is Krakow?

Krakow, also known as Cracow, is the second largest city in Poland. It covers a total area of approximately 327 square kilometers or 126 square miles. The city has a population of about 780,000 people, as of the latest data available.

The Old Town Stare Miasto area covers nearly 40 hectares and is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Cloth Hall. It is also a hub for restaurants, cafes, and street performers, making it the perfect place to soak in Krakow’s vibrant atmosphere.

Map of Krakow Old Town

Krakow – Know Before You Go

⏰ Time Zone: Central European Standard (GMT+1) (March to October is GMT+2)

✈️ Closest Airport: Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK)Airport

💰 Currency: Polish Złoty

🔌 Electricity Socket: In Poland, you’ll encounter two types of plugs: type C and type E. Type C consists of two round pins, while type E has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin. The electricity supply in Poland operates at 230V voltage and 50Hz frequency. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this universal travel adaptor.

Travel Resources for Visiting Krakow

Omio – Book trains, buses, or flights across multiple destinations with a single platform.  Compare routes, schedules, and prices on Omio.

Rent Cars with Discover Cars – Explore your destination with a rental car. Use Discover Cars to compare options from multiple providers, ensuring you find the best price and vehicle type to suit your travel needs.

Welcome Pickups offers convenient airport and port transfers, with professional drivers ensuring a smooth and hassle-free start to your trip. They also provide private drivers for personalized sightseeing tours, allowing you to explore destinations comfortably and at your own pace.

Books about Kraków

Get ready for your visit to the city with some reading:

03/05/2026 10:59 pm GMT

Listen to our podcast about the places to see in Krakow

Hear about our travels in Krakow in our podcast about 9+ wonderful places you should visit in Krakow Poland.

🎧 The Places Where We Go is a Feedspot Top 100 Travel Podcast 🎧

Explore Tours in Krakow Old Town

More Articles For Krakow Tourists

If you’re visiting Krakow for more than a day, check out our Guide to Day Trips from Krakow.

Poland has a wealth of historical and interesting places to explore. Visit our Poland Resources page for more articles in Poland.

Conclusion

Krakow is truly a city that offers many outstanding places to visit. From its rich history and architecture to its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, this city should be at the top of your travel bucket list.

It’s also relatively affordable compared to many other popular destinations in Europe.

Thank you for reading our article on outstanding places to visit in Krakow. Whether you are a first time visitor to Krakow or returning to explore more places in the city, we hope we’ve inspired your future trip.

Thanks for reading this article and we hope to see you at the places where we go. Happy travels!

Julie & Art
Learn more about us here

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