Krakow Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, See & Eat
Kraków is a city steeped in history, with its medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can explore the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, which offers a mix of historic synagogues and trendy bars. The city is also famous for its hearty Polish cuisine and lively festivals.
With 330+ hand-picked places to explore, Krakow rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious. Here's our complete guide to the best of the city — organised by what you're in the mood for.
Must-See Attractions in Krakow
The icons and landmarks no first visit is complete without.
Start with Main Market Square — a lively medieval square, surrounded by historic architecture, that serves as the city's social hub. Just as worthwhile is Plac Centralny im. Ronalda Reagana: a significant stop in Nowa Huta that reflects Krakow's architectural history from the communist era. St. Francis of Assisi Church completes the picture: in the Old Town, this church showcases Romanesque Revival architecture and striking Art Nouveau interiors.
Main Market Square
Krakow • Famous Landmarks
A lively medieval square, surrounded by historic architecture, that serves as the city's social hub.
Plac Centralny im. Ronalda Reagana
Krakow • Historic Squares & Plazas
A significant stop in Nowa Huta that reflects Krakow's architectural history from the communist era.
St. Francis of Assisi Church
Krakow • Historic Architecture
In the Old Town, this church showcases Romanesque Revival architecture and striking Art Nouveau interiors.
St. Joseph's Church
Krakow • Famous Landmarks
Located on ul. Zamoyskiego, this church exemplifies Gothic Revival architecture in Krakow’s Podgórze district.
Museums & Culture in Krakow
Galleries, museums and cultural landmarks for a deeper look at the city.
Top of most lists is Galeria d'Art Naif: art enthusiasts will find a unique focus on naive art at this dedicated gallery in Krakow. Locals will also point you to Juliusz Słowacki Theatre — a striking venue that enriches a cultural day in Krakow, blending history with the performing arts. And for something different, there's St. Mary's Basilica: the largest Gothic altarpiece in the world is housed within this historic basilica in Krakow.
Galeria d'Art Naif
Krakow • Art Galleries
Art enthusiasts will find a unique focus on naive art at this dedicated gallery in Krakow.
Juliusz Słowacki Theatre
Krakow • Theaters
A striking venue that enriches a cultural day in Krakow, blending history with the performing arts.
St. Mary's Basilica
Krakow • Historical Sites
The largest Gothic altarpiece in the world is housed within this historic basilica in Krakow.
Teatr im. Juliusza Osterwy
Krakow • Theaters
A stop at this historic theater adds cultural depth to a day in Krakow, especially in winter months.
Best Things to Do in Krakow
Activities and experiences to fill your days.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Krakow Adventure Park — experience a comprehensive outdoor adventure with zip-lining, rock climbing, and high ropes courses in lush surroundings. Krakow Bike Tours earns its reputation too — discover Krakow’s scenic routes while cycling through its urban and natural landscapes. Round out the shortlist with Krakow Pinball Museum — explore an interactive museum dedicated to the fascinating history of pinball machines in Krakow.
Krakow Adventure Park
Krakow • Outdoor
Experience a comprehensive outdoor adventure with zip-lining, rock climbing, and high ropes courses in lush surroundings.
Krakow Bike Tours
Krakow • Outdoor
Discover Krakow’s scenic routes while cycling through its urban and natural landscapes.
Krakow Pinball Museum
Krakow • Family-Friendly
Explore an interactive museum dedicated to the fascinating history of pinball machines in Krakow.
Lost Souls Alley
Krakow • Indoor
Experience a thrilling interactive horror adventure on Floriańska in Krakow, perfect for adrenaline junkies.
Where to Eat in Krakow
From local classics to standout modern kitchens.
Start with Amarylis Restaurant — couples and food enthusiasts appreciate this intimate fine-dining experience in Krakow. Just as worthwhile is Gluten Appetit: a cozy spot on ul. Karmelicka, serving innovative vegan takes on Polish cuisine. Hummus Amamamusi completes the picture: one of Krakow's few eateries dedicated to a varied hummus menu, showcasing unique flavors and vegetarian dishes.
Amarylis Restaurant
Krakow • Fine Dining
Couples and food enthusiasts appreciate this intimate fine-dining experience in Krakow.
Gluten Appetit
Krakow • Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants
A cozy spot on ul. Karmelicka, serving innovative vegan takes on Polish cuisine.
Hummus Amamamusi
Krakow • Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants
One of Krakow's few eateries dedicated to a varied hummus menu, showcasing unique flavors and vegetarian dishes.
Kiełbasa Krakowska Stand
Krakow • Street Food
A great spot to grab a bite while exploring Krakow's streets, especially in the evening.
Krakow After Dark: Bars & Nightlife
Where to go once the sun sets.
Top of most lists is Mr. Black's Cocktail Bar: located on Rynek Główny, this bar offers a refined atmosphere for cocktail enthusiasts. Locals will also point you to House of Beer — a lively bar featuring a diverse selection of craft beers, perfect for weekend evenings with live music. And for something different, there's Jazz Club Mile Stone: end your day in Krakow with live jazz at a contemporary venue featuring both traditional and experimental performances.
Mr. Black's Cocktail Bar
Krakow • Cocktail Bars
Located on Rynek Główny, this bar offers a refined atmosphere for cocktail enthusiasts.
House of Beer
Krakow • Pubs & Bars
A lively bar featuring a diverse selection of craft beers, perfect for weekend evenings with live music.
Jazz Club Mile Stone
Krakow • Live Jazz Venues
End your day in Krakow with live jazz at a contemporary venue featuring both traditional and experimental performances.
Klub Alchemia
Krakow • Nightclubs & Discos
Located on Estery Street, this nightclub merges historical charm with modern entertainment.
Where to Stay in Krakow
Hand-picked hotels, hostels and B&Bs across every budget.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Cracowdays — situated on ul. Grabowskiego, this bed-and-breakfast emphasizes personalized service and comfort in Krakow. Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow MGallery by Sofitel earns its reputation too — a tranquil retreat ideal for unwinding after exploring Krakow's historic sites. Round out the shortlist with Balthazar Design Hotel — perfect for a day of exploring Krakow, this hotel elevates your stay with historical charm and modern comforts.
Cracowdays
Krakow • Bed & Breakfast
Situated on ul. Grabowskiego, this bed-and-breakfast emphasizes personalized service and comfort in Krakow.
Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow MGallery by Sofitel
Krakow • Spa Hotels
A tranquil retreat ideal for unwinding after exploring Krakow's historic sites.
Balthazar Design Hotel
Krakow • Luxury Hotels
Perfect for a day of exploring Krakow, this hotel elevates your stay with historical charm and modern comforts.
Metropolitan Boutique Hotel
Krakow • Mid-Range Hotels
This hotel suits couples and families looking for modern comforts in a historic setting.
Shopping in Krakow
Markets, boutiques and everything in between.
Start with Vintage Classics — this shop specializes in high-quality vintage furniture and decor from various eras. Just as worthwhile is Szafa Gra: ideal for vintage enthusiasts and fashion lovers seeking unique finds from the past. Szpeje Vintage Boutique completes the picture: located on ul. Starowiślna, this boutique specializes in European vintage clothing.
Vintage Classics
Krakow • Vintage & Thrift Shops
This shop specializes in high-quality vintage furniture and decor from various eras.
Szafa Gra
Krakow • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Ideal for vintage enthusiasts and fashion lovers seeking unique finds from the past.
Szpeje Vintage Boutique
Krakow • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Located on ul. Starowiślna, this boutique specializes in European vintage clothing.
Folkstar
Krakow • Souvenir Shops
A stop at Folkstar adds a contemporary twist to your souvenir shopping in Krakow's bustling marketplace.
Parks & Green Spaces in Krakow
Room to breathe when you need a break from the streets.
Top of most lists is Niepołomice Forest: a sprawling woodland with diverse wildlife near Krakow, ideal for outdoor activities and nature observation. Locals will also point you to Dolina Będkowska — dramatic limestone cliffs frame a scenic hiking trail near Krakow, ideal for nature lovers and families alike. And for something different, there's Jordan Park: a spacious park with recreational facilities and cultural events, perfect for families and outdoor activities.
Niepołomice Forest
Krakow • Nature Reserves & Wildlife
A sprawling woodland with diverse wildlife near Krakow, ideal for outdoor activities and nature observation.
Dolina Będkowska
Krakow • Hiking Trails
Dramatic limestone cliffs frame a scenic hiking trail near Krakow, ideal for nature lovers and families alike.
Jordan Park
Krakow • Parks
A spacious park with recreational facilities and cultural events, perfect for families and outdoor activities.
Las Wolski
Krakow • Parks
Easily incorporated into a day exploring Krakow, this expansive natural park invites outdoor activity.
83 Explorer Picks We Held Back
Every list above is our free tier. On top of it, our editors mark the roughly one-in-ten places in Krakow that are genuinely special — standout stays, tables worth planning a day around, and rooms most visitors never find — as Explorer picks, with full write-ups reserved for members. A few currently on the Krakow list:
- Kogel Mogel Vintage· Vintage & Thrift Shops
- Kraków Shooting Range· Sports
- Energylandia· Family-Friendly
- Krakus Mound· Scenic Viewpoints & Lookouts
- Nobu Krakow· Asian Cuisine
Planning where to stay in Krakow?
Our neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide covers the best areas and hotels for every budget.
Where to Stay in Krakow →Plan Your European Adventure
Explore 22,000+ places across 70+ European cities