Although it has grown in popularity in recent years, the medieval city of Krakow remains one of the most underrated tourist destinations in Europe. This city is packed with incredible history, has delicious food at every corner and some of the finest architecture in Europe. What’s more, with low prices and often low airfares, what’s stopping you from making this Polish city your next holiday destination? In this blog, we’ll talk about the top things to do in Krakow, so that you get the most out of your experience, and we’ll also provide you with some top tips to make your trip as stress-free as possible!
What to do and see in Krakow
- Take a Free Tour of Krakow
- Learn about the Life of Chopin
- Delve into the World of Polish Cuisine
- Discover Poland’s Difficult History at Auschwitz
- Główny Rynek (Main Market Square)
- Wieliczka Salt Mines
- Wawel Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral
- Vistula River Boat Trip
- Go on a Dog Sled Ride in the Tatra Mountains
- Take a Walking Tour of the Jewish Town of Kazimierz
Expert tips
1. Take a Free Tour of Krakow
So, you’ve booked your flights, you’ve landed in the city… now what? With so much to do and see in the city, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what to do in Krakow! Luckily for you, there are lots of ways to get an initial impression of the city. We normally recommend going on a free walking tour of Krakow. This highly-rated tour will bring you around the UNESCO-listed historic centre—enjoy the wonderful Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture as your expert guide gives you fascinating insights into the city’s history, from medieval times to the Renaissance to the Second World War to today!
Of course, there are lots of other ways of dipping your toes into the city. Don’t break a sweat as you learn about the city on this Segway tour, or, if you’re a history buff, check out this Krakow Communism tour.
2. Learn about the Life of Chopin
For those at all interested in classical music, checking out a Frédéric Chopin concert in Krakow is an absolute must. In all of Poland, Chopin is somewhat of a national hero and cultural icon, remembered for his music, as well as his influence during the country’s scramble for independence and national identity. Really, Chopin’s connection to Krakow doesn’t run very deep, and it’s not fully clear how long the artist spent in the city during his lifetime. However, that doesn’t stop Cracovians from celebrating him, and it shouldn’t stop you either!
3. Delve into the World of Polish Cuisine, street food
If you’re a foodie, Krakow (and indeed, much of Poland) is a superb destination to visit. The country is perhaps best known for its dumplings, known as pierogi. Usually a street food item, this national delicacy can be filled with everything from minced meat to fruit. Another standout item, which is more specific to Krakow, is obwarzanek krakowski, a delicious circular-shaped bread which is sometimes compared to a bagel or a pretzel.
On this food tour in Krakow, you can try these speciality items as well as a four-course meal, enjoying products from patisseries, cafés and restaurants throughout the experience. If you’re a drinker, Krakow produces an excellent selection of craft beers, which you should check out on this Krakow beer tour.
4. Discover Poland’s Difficult History at Auschwitz-Birkenau
When visiting Poland, it would be remiss not to pay a visit to the harrowing site of the Auschwitz concentration camp. This complex was the largest killing centre used by the Nazis during the Holocaust and was the site where over 1 million lost their lives. Today, Auschwitz stands as a symbol of terror and genocide, which tells the story of the horrors which once took place on its grounds.
We recommend visiting as part of this Auschwitz Concentration Camp Official Tour, during which you’ll be able to learn more about the atrocities carried about by the Nazis and pay respects to those who died.
5. Descend the Wieliczka Salt Mines
The Wieliczka Salt Mines are now easily one of Poland’s most famous and popular tourist attractions. This network of tunnels has been in use since the 13th century and runs over 300 metres (1000 ft) underneath the ground. Beneath the surface, you’ll find chapels and lakes that have been carved into the salt by workers over the last 700 years.
We recommend visiting as part of this day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow, during which you’ll descend the tunnel network accompanied by a guide (as is required), who will explain the mine’s fascinating history, including the beautiful Chapel of St. Kinga. Alternatively, combine your trip to the Salt Mine with a visit to the Auschwitz concentration camp.
6. Grab a Coffee at Główny Rynek (Main Market Square)
The second-most expansive market square of medieval Europe is the nerve centre of Krakow’s old town, dating back to the 13th century. This 40,000 square metre (430,000 square feet) expanse is surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the iconic St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), and the Town Hall Tower.
Główny Rynek (Main Market Square) is also home to street performers, horse-drawn carriages and a number of restaurants and cafés. So, grab a coffee and watch the world go by before your eyes!
7. Wawel Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral
Located in on Wawel Royal Hill, Wawel Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral are iconic symbols of the country’s rich history. Wawel Royal Castle was the residence of Polish kings for centuries and showcases a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Nearby, the Wawel Cathedral is a stunning Gothic structure where Polish monarchs were crowned and buried. The cathedral also houses the Sigismund Bell, one of the largest bells in the world!
Visit both of these landmarks on a tour of Wawel Royal Hill, and learn about the history of these historical landmarks, including the fire that took place in Wawel Castle, and the damage done over the course of World War Two.
8. Vistula River Boat Trip
Running through Krakow is Poland’s most important waterway and a national symbol. This river has played a central part in the development of the city and country, especially in terms of trade, including salt from the Wieliczka Salt Mines.
On this Vistula River boat trip, you’ll see the medieval city from the water, including the magnificent Wawel Castle, the Monastery of the Norbertine Sisters, the church of the Archangel St. Michael and St. Stanislaus and much more!
9. Go on a Dog Sled Ride in the Tatra Mountains
This next entry is quite a different experience! If you’re spending a little bit longer in Krakow, and have already seen the city, try dog sledding in the natural wilderness of the Tatra Mountains. On this activity, you’ll be picked up from the city and brought to a husky reserve. There, you’ll ride 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) through the Chocholowska Valley, enjoying wonderful mountain views along the way.
These mountains, which lie between Poland and Slovakia, are also famous for their fantastic hiking routes. Alternatively, you can also grab an alpine cable car which will bring you to the top of Mount Gubałówka at 1,120 m (3,674 ft) above sea level, from which you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views.
10. Take a Walking Tour of the Jewish Town of Kazimierz
One of the most interesting parts of the city, which deserves special attention is Kazimierz, the Krakow Jewish quarter. This incredible cultural area dates back to the 14th century and has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today, it’s home to seven unique synagogues, which each feature unique architecture.
The best way to enjoy this area of the city is on this Krakow Jewish Quarter free tour, which will bring you past all of the main sites, and give you a deeper insight into the turmoil faced by the Jewish people during the atrocious events of the Second World War.
How many days do you need in Krakow?
How long you spend in Krakow depends on your interests, and what you want to get out of your visit. For us at Civitatis, we’d say that in three days, you can see the main sights in the city, and get a feel for the city’s culture. If you get to spend a bit more time in the city, you won’t run out of things to do, with plenty of fantastic museums and restaurants to check out in the city, as well as day trips to enjoy from the city.
Pricing: How expensive is Krakow?
In terms of currency, Poland uses the złoty, which is equal to around 0.20 EUR or 0.25 USD. Of course, how expensive you find the city will depend on where you’re visiting from. However, for most European and American travellers, Krakow is a very affordable option. You’ll find that there are accommodation and food options to suit every budget, and admission prices to key landmarks are affordable. If you want to get the most out of your visit but want to keep prices to a minimum, we recommend grabbing the Krakow Card, which includes free public transport as well as entrance to 37 attractions in the city.
Well, those are our top 10 things to do in Krakow, along with some top tips for when you’re visiting the city. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to check out more of Civitatis’ tours & experiences in Krakow. Also, we’re always looking for new and different things to do, so if you’ve any suggestions for us, be sure to leave them in the comments below!
