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.
