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 St. Mary's Basilica – 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 Corpus Christi Basilica and Old Synagogue while you're in town.

Kazimierz
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Wesola

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

Wesola
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 Krakus Mound might round out your trip.

Podgorze
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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
AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow

AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow

4 out of 5
Aleja 3 Maja 51, Kraków
The price is £109 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
£109
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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! (477 reviews)
"Our stay at this property was just dreamy. We receive free upgrade of our room on arrival due to it being my partner’s birthday. The room was amazing, spacious and clean. The staff were always warm and welcoming, happy to help with any enquiries we had. Even helping to accommodate us with an early ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow
ibis Styles Kraków Centrum

ibis Styles Kraków Centrum

3 out of 5
Mogilska 53, Kraków
The price is £46 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
£46
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Kraków. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Main Market Square and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (169 reviews)
"El personal del hotel muy"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

ibis Styles Kraków Centrum
Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow

Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow

5 out of 5
17, Straszewskiego Street, Kraków, Lesser Poland
The price is £102 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
£102
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kraków. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Well located, nice breakfast, clean and nice staff."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow
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 Main Market Square and Royal Road are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (378 reviews)
Comfy
"Hello, I think the hotel and place are incredibly good. I really liked the fact that it was so close to the train station and the old town. I am on a special dietary level, so I was so happy that I could cook for myself. The washing machine is very handy too.The only thing which I would suggest is ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 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! (1,225 reviews)
"Very clean and spacious suite. We tried to check in early and we’re hoping for a call from the staff but the room was not ready until 3. Otherwise all was great!"

Reviewed on 25 Jul 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! (1,188 reviews)
It’s ok priced high for what you get
"Felt like a bait and switch, the pictures show all of the listings this company has not specified the room you get, so don’t expect it to match the photos. The location is convenient to the main square and sort of quiet considering the busy area. Bathtub and bathroom are small and kitchen not equipped ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 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.

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