Kraków Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Wawel Castle showing a castle, heritage architecture and a city
St. Mary\'s Basilica which includes a city, a square or plaza and heritage architecture
Krakow Barbican which includes street scenes, outdoor art and a city
Krakow featuring interior views
Main Market Square featuring street scenes and outdoor art
With trendy dining districts and street scenes that resemble medieval fairy tales, Poland’s former royal capital never fails to enchant.v

From underground labyrinths to splendid palaces and idyllic river vistas, Kraków showcases an array of renowned attractions. Stroll the lively streets and you’ll find a youthful atmosphere that ensures buzzing nights out on the town. Be prepared to have your camera ready at all times: With Gothic spires and Baroque churches at almost every turn this city is a photographer’s dream.

Visit Kraków in spring for near perfect temperatures and the music of Misteria Paschalia Festival. Summer delivers fun-filled events and concerts, including Wianki celebrating the summer solstice along the banks of the Vistula River. The city’s medieval architecture is, arguably, at its most beautiful with the twinkling lights and stalls of traditional Polish Christmas markets.

Things to do in Kraków

In the heart of the Old Town, the expansive Main Market Square is a scene of mansions framing museums and cafés. At its centre is the majestic 16th-century Cloth Hall, the hub of the medieval cloth trade. Shop for crafts and souvenirs on the ground floor and visit the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Painting upstairs.

While exploring the square, photograph the dramatic twin towers of St. Mary’s Basilica and step inside to see the breathtaking stained-glass windows. Head underground on the Following Traces of Kraków’s European Identity interactive route of the Rynek Underground Museum. You’ll learn about medieval history in the archaeological site with recreations and photos.

Stroll the cobbled streets of Kraków’s Old Town to shop for souvenirs such as amber jewellery and Polish vodka. See the stone Florian Gate and the Barbican as part of the City Defence Walls Museum. Just steps away is vibrant Floriańska Street lined with shops and restaurants between monuments and museums.

Culture and history in Kraków

Climb Wawel Hill to enter the enchanting land of 14th-century Wawel Castle. Meander around the gorgeous landscaped grounds and visit various museums, including the Royal Private Apartments and the Crown Treasury and Armoury. You’ll meet the Wawel Dragon, a fire-breathing statue honouring the mythical creature that is said to have dwelt beneath the castle.

Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory Museum highlights life under Nazi occupation with interactive exhibits. Step out of the old and into the new at MOCAK, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków. To see test tubes and rare instruments, discover the intriguing collections at the Pharmacy Museum. For a retro adventure, relive your memories at the Kraków Pinball Museum.

Dining and nightlife in Kraków

As you explore, you’ll likely see street food carts with the chewy, dough rings called obwarzanek, a great snack on the go. Find stuffed potatoes and burgers at Judah Food Market, and fresh produce at Plac Imbramowski. From romantic fine dining to traditional Polish dishes, the Old Town is a gastronomic heaven. Consider taking a food tour to take your appreciation of Polish cuisine to the next level.

The Main Market Square is a hub of pubs and live music venues after dark. Trendy Kazimierz, the historic Jewish quarter, brims with bohemian bars and cocktail dens, especially around Plac Nowy. Book tickets for evocative performances at the Kraków Opera or see a sporting event at Tauron Arena Kraków. Go on a guided pub crawl to make new friends and make the most of the city’s renowned nightlife scene.

Getting around Kraków

Kraków John Paul II International Airport is approximately half an hour from the city centre via taxi, train or bus ride. An excellent public transport system combining bus and tram networks makes it easy to get around while visiting Kraków. Car and bike sharing services are also available. Book a hotel in the Old Town to see most attractions on foot, with fantastic shops and restaurants across the district.

Where to stay in Kraków

Krakow which includes a city and heritage elements as well as a large group of people

Kraków Old Town

5/5(777 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Main Market Square to Rynek Underground – discover Kraków Old Town, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Kraków Old Town
Krakow which includes modern architecture

Kraków City Centre

4.5/5(2,381 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Main Market Square to Gallery of 19th Century Polish Art in Sukiennice – discover Kraków City Centre, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Kraków City Centre
Kazimierz showing a city and a square or plaza

Kazimierz

4.5/5(203 area reviews)

Kazimierz is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Old Synagogue and Galicia Jewish Museum while you're in town.

Kazimierz
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Stradom

If you're spending some time in Stradom, Aquarium and Natural History Museum and Dzok Monument are top sights worth seeing.

Stradom
Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow as well as a couple

Podgorze

4.5/5(69 area reviews)

The ample dining options and beautiful river views are top of the list for many visitors to Podgorze. A stop by Oskar Schindler Factory or Tadeusz Pankiewicz’s Pharmacy in Krakow Ghetto might round out your trip.

Podgorze
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Wesola

Travellers like the parks in Wesola, and Galeria Krakówska is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Wesola
AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow
AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow
4 out of 5
Aleja 3 Maja 51, Kraków
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £86 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£86
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Kraków. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (466 reviews)
"Lovely stay! I popped in for one night before a flight, the hotel was nice, clean, and very quiet. There’s also a really nice restaurant on-site. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow
PURO Kraków Kazimierz
PURO Kraków Kazimierz
4 out of 5
ul. Halicka 14a, Kraków
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £77 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£77
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Kraków. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)
"This hotel came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. Check in was easy, the staff was excellent, the room was comfortable, housekeeping was great, the breakfast buffet was excellent, and the hotel was convenient to all of my commitments in Krakow. I'd happily stay there again."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

PURO Kraków Kazimierz
1891 Garni Hotel
1891 Garni Hotel
4 out of 5
4 Podbrzezie, Kraków, Malopolskie
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £76 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£76
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Kraków. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (394 reviews)
"Lovely, modern, clean hotel. Great breakfast. Really happy with it and would definitely return."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

1891 Garni Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Turnau City Aparthotel
Turnau City Aparthotel
3.5 out of 5
ul. Szlak 50/220, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Kraków. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Royal Road and Main Market Square are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (367 reviews)
"Good flat,"

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Turnau City Aparthotel
Venetian House Market Square Aparthotel
Venetian House Market Square Aparthotel
4 out of 5
Rynek Glowny 11, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Kraków. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,221 reviews)
"I loved the location, walkable for tourist stuff on the square. Safe, with 24-7 door and reception. Staff were responsive. Clean, everything in the room as advertised. Only thing I disliked was the WiFi never worked well on 1 device, never worked at all on a second device."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Venetian House Market Square Aparthotel
Aparthotel Stare Miasto
Aparthotel Stare Miasto
4 out of 5
Ul. Golebia 2, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Stay at this 4-star boutique aparthotel in Kraków. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,179 reviews)
Great location
"Great location. Erm not sure what to say. Bit soulness and other places same price, same location You wouldn’t be disappointed but just generic hotel"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Aparthotel Stare Miasto
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Kraków

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1985
5 - Excellent 83%
4 - Good
392
4 - Good 16%
3 - Okay
21
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Was looking forward to this trip, but always next year.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

lovely place

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Because of the Corona virus we couldn't visit what we wanted to, but we will definitely come back as the city was beautiful & seemed very safe with plenty to do & lovely restaurants.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We were there when all museums were shut then we had 24 hours notice to leave the country before the borders shut, so we had to stop our trip short. But otherwise it was fun!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Krakow especially the old town is beautiful! There are plenty things to see and plenty of places to eat! We stayed for 5 days but could easily see everything in 3!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Went for a short city break, Kraków is a lovely city we stayed in the old town just on the square. Location was good with easy walking to restaurants, shops, and other things of interest.

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