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Browse the stalls of the Sukiennice and Unitarg, or stroll round Planty Park and the Vistulan Boulevards with Culture Trip's guide to Krakow's best attractions.

Poland

Krakow

20 Must-Visit Attractions in Krakow

Headed to Krakow? Don't miss a visit to Kazimierz, the historic Jewish Quarter that's now a trendy and creative neighbourhood.

The Top Things to Do and See in Krakow's Kazimierz

Explore the region around Krakow with these top 10 day trips on offer from the Polish city of kings, complete with salt mines, mountains and more

The Top 10 Day Trips from Krakow

We go in search of the top 10 things to do and see in Krakow's iconic Old Town area, where Gothic churches and Baroque homes keep watch.

The Top 10 Things To Do And See In Krakow Old Town

The historic city of Krakow is packed to the brim with sights and activities. Here's a look at 10 that really stand out.

The Top 10 Things To Do and See in Krakow

Insider Travel Guides

The old city centre of Kraków was placed on the first-ever Unesco World Heritage Site list in 1978, so it’s guaranteed you’ll find the former Polish capital a historical marvel. However, as stunning as the medieval architecture is, you’ll miss out if you overlook the lively clubs and chattering markets.

The Insider Guide to Kraków

At almost every cobblestoned corner in this Unesco World Heritage city, you’ll find a captivating vignette of local history. Make your first stop the Main Square; at 200sqm (40,000sqft), it’s Europe's largest medieval market square. The shopping scene there is dominated by the grand Sukiennice, or Cloth Hall: a Renaissance-era trade centre where vendors still sell authentic souvenirs and handicrafts. 

At every hour, cast your eyes to the towering church of St Mary's Basilica. Hear the famous “hejnał” trumpet bugle call; it dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was played to warn the city of any invaders. The tune may end abruptly, mid-melody, but that’s by design. It’s a nod to the legend that, during Tartar raids in the 13th century, the bugler raised the alarm only to be pierced through the throat by an arrow. If you're keen on learning more about the medieval defences, head north to the Barbican, a grand bastion built to safeguard the city from Turk and Tartar attacks.

Take a 15-minute stroll south of the Main Square to find Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter that’s home to the hippest bars and jazz clubs around. Immerse yourself in the Jewish history of the city in the Old Synagogue and Galicia Museum. 

From here, cross the Vistula River and head to Schindler's Factory. Now a museum, it was formerly an enamel factory run by Oskar Schindler during the Nazis’ ascendancy; by employing Jews as workers there, he saved more than 1,000 lives.

It’s steeped in history, but Kraków today is also exuberant. It’s a student city, with almost a dozen higher-level institutions welcoming a total of 200,000 arrivals each year. Founded in 1364, the Jagiellonian University is the most famous teaching establishment; Collegium Maius, the oldest surviving faculty building, is a fine example of 15th-century gothic architecture. 

No trip to Kraków would be complete without a visit to Wawel Castle. It’s a spectacular Renaissance palace, where Polish kings once ruled while overlooking the city. Part of the grand complex is Wawel Cathedral, where numerous monarchs and poets are buried.

Make sure you have time for day trips in your Kraków itinerary. For a deeper understanding of World War II, head 70km (40mi) west. There you’ll find Auschwitz-Birkenau: the most notorious concentration camp in the world. Despite now being a tourist attraction, it remains a harrowing reminder of Nazi atrocities and is not for the faint of heart.

More jovially, the Wieliczka salt mine is a must-see only 15km (9mi) away; the labyrinthine passageways and 327m-deep (1,000ft) chambers there feel like Moria from The Lord of the Rings.

Zaczynamy! The main attractions

Sukiennice The Gallery of 19th Century Polish Art

Wooden Architecture Trail UNESCO, regular small group tour from Krakow

A day trip combined Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine

SKIP THE LINE: Private Wieliczka Salt Mine guided tour from Kraków

From Krakow: Auschwitz Birkenau - Individual Tour with Private Transport

Auschwitz Birkenau Individual Visiting by MiniVan with Hotel Transfer

Katowice: Private Tour to Krakow with Transport and Guide

From Krakow: 4-hour Private Tour to Wieliczka Salt Mines with Hotel pick-up

Leonardo da Vinci's - Lady with Ermine on The Princess Czartoryski Museum

A Hiker's Guide to the Tatra Mountains

An Adventurer's Guide to Exploring Ojców National Park

Best Things To See And Do In Krakow's Podgorze, Poland

A Literary Tour Of Krakow, Poland

The Best Independent Bookstores in Krakow

The Most Impressive Buildings in Krakow

The 10 Most Beautiful Castles In Poland

The Must-See Churches In Krakow, Poland

An Architecture Lover's Guide to Krakow

The Best Nightclubs In Krakow, Poland

5 of Krakow's Coolest Cellar Bars

Events and Activities in Krakow, Poland | Culture Trip

Discover the best things to see and do in Krakow, Poland including museums, parks, and architecture, as well as hidden delights, and seasonal events. Let Culture Trip be your guide.

Bestsellers: Memorable Experiences

Discover hidden gems you can book on Culture TrIp

Outdoor Activities

Escape the city - the best outdoor places to visit

Sports

A Hiker's Guide to the Tatra Mountains

Guides & Tips

An Adventurer's Guide to Exploring Ojców National Park

Attractions

Fun things to do that are worth your time

See & Do

Best Things To See And Do In Krakow's Podgorze, Poland

Books

A Literary Tour Of Krakow, Poland

Books

The Best Independent Bookstores in Krakow

Iconic Buildings

Learn about historic sites and special architecture

Architecture

The Most Impressive Buildings in Krakow

See & Do

The 10 Most Beautiful Castles In Poland

See & Do

The Must-See Churches In Krakow, Poland

Architecture

An Architecture Lover's Guide to Krakow

Nightlife

See & Do

The Best Nightclubs In Krakow, Poland

Food & Drink

5 of Krakow's Coolest Cellar Bars