What to See in Krakow: Discover the City of Kings

Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, offering history, culture, good food and charm. From its stunning castles to its lively streets filled with cafes and shops, Krakow invites travelers to experience its unique atmosphere. If you're planning a trip -and if not, you should!- here are the must-see places in Krakow that you can't miss. And if you're looking for a more detailed guide to explore the city, don't forget to grab our exclusive Krakow map guide!

Here you'll find everything you need to know before traveling to this incredible Polish city. Find out which places are essential, check our recommendation regarding accommodation and where to visit. In addition, you can access our complete guide to enjoying Krakow on Google Maps.

What to See in Krakow

Must-See Places

Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)

Krakow's Main Market Square is the perfect starting point to explore the city. This vast medieval square is surrounded by historical buildings such as the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the magnificent St. Mary's Basilica. Don't miss the famous trumpet call played from the church tower every hour—a unique tradition that forms part of the city's soul.

St. Mary's Basilica

Wawel Castle

Perched on a hill overlooking the Vistula River, Wawel Castle is one of the most important symbols of Poland's history. Here, you can explore the royal chambers, the Wawel Cathedral, and the famous dragon's den, where, according to legend, a dragon once terrorized the locals. Don’t miss this incredible experience!

Kazimierz Jewish District

The Kazimierz Jewish District is one of Krakow's most fascinating areas. Historically the center of Jewish life in Krakow, Kazimierz is home to synagogues like the Old Synagogue and the Remuh Synagogue, as well as the Galicia Jewish Museum, which tells the story of the Jewish community in the city. Today, the area is also known for its vibrant café culture and bohemian atmosphere.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Just a short distance from Krakow lies the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been in operation for over 700 years. With its impressive underground chapels and salt sculptures, the mine offers a truly unique experience. You can easily book your tour via Get your Guide.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial, located about 70 kilometers from Krakow, is one of the most solemn and moving historical sites in the world. Visiting this place is an emotional and important experience to understand the atrocities of the Holocaust. Eventhough the entry is free, we recommend you to visit in a guided tour. You can reserve yours via Get your Guide.

Auschwitz concentration camp Memorial

Florianska Street

Florianska Street is one of Krakow’s most famous streets, connecting the Main Market Square with the St. Florian's Gate. This vibrant street is lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. Don’t miss the St. Florian's Gate, which was one of the main entrances to the city in medieval times.

Planty Park

If you're looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Planty Park is the perfect place. This lush park encircles Krakow’s Old Town and provides a lovely space to walk, relax, or have a picnic. From here, you can enjoy views of Wawel Castle and experience the natural beauty of the city.

The Wawel Dragon

The Wawel Dragon is one of Krakow's most famous legends. According to the story, a dragon lived in the caves beneath Wawel Castle and terrorized the city's residents. Today, a sculpture of the dragon stands by the castle, and it breathes fire every few minutes—a must-see spectacle for visitors.

Wawel's Dragon

St. Joseph’s Church

Located near St. Florian’s Gate, St. Joseph’s Church is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. The church’s interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes and intricate details that will leave you in awe. This peaceful place is perfect for quiet reflection after a day of sightseeing.

St. Anne’s Church

Another stunning church in Krakow is St. Anne’s Church. This Baroque church is famous for its impressive facade and beautifully decorated interior. The church is often quieter than the more popular sites, offering a serene atmosphere where you can relax and take in the beauty of its architecture.

Enjoy the Walks along the Vistula River

Although Krakow is known for its rich history, it also offers plenty of places to relax. A stroll along the Vistula River is one of the most enjoyable activities. Along the river, you will find cafés with terraces, parks and spectacular views of Wawel Castle and the city. If you like quiet walks, don't miss Planty Park, which surrounds the city's Old Town and is ideal for walking or enjoying a picnic.

Excursions near Krakow:

Wieliczka Salt Mine & Auschwitz-Birkenau
Explore Two Iconic Sites Near Krakow in One Day

Just a short distance from Krakow, you’ll find two of the region’s most significant landmarks, perfect to visit in a single day. The Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 700 years of history, offers a fascinating journey through underground chambers, salt-carved chapels, and intricate sculptures crafted by miners. Descend 287 meters into this subterranean wonder and immerse yourself in its rich history and artistry.

Approximately 70 kilometers away lies the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial, a deeply impactful site that preserves the memory of the Holocaust and serves as an important historical educational resource. Walking through the grounds of one of World War II's most infamous concentration camps is an experience that fosters reflection and understanding.

To make the most of your time, consider booking a guided excursion that combines both of these extraordinary destinations in a single day. Reserve your tour here via Get your Guide and enjoy a seamless, well-organized visit to these must-see sites.

Accommodation in Krakow:
Where to Stay in the City

Krakow offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget options. To be close to the main tourist attractions, it is best to stay in Krakow's historic centre, near the Main Market Square or in the Kazimierz district.

🛏️ We chose the ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto.

Good, nice and cheap. It is very well located. 2 minutes from the Central Station and 10 from the center. The rooms are small, but for a getaway where the only thing we want is to sleep and bathe, it is ideal. Approx 40 € per night with breakfast.

Tips for your visit to Krakow

🚉 Transport

Krakow is a city that is easy to navigate on foot, but it also has an efficient tram and bus system. To get there from the airport, we took a train ride of less than half an hour to the Central Station (Kraków Główny). We only used two trams, for which we bought a single ticket for 20 minutes. At many of the stations and stops there are machines where you can buy tickets even with a card.

Airport ticket 12 zł (2.60 €), Single ticket 20 minutes 4 zł (0.90 €)

You can also book a direct transfer to or from the airport.

🕶️ Best time to visit

Spring and autumn are ideal, with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. Although we were there in December too and the charm of the Christmas markets makes the layers of clothing we had to wear to walk around the city in the cold worth it.

💬 Language

Polish. Although we communicate in English everywhere.

💵 Currency

Złoty, zł, PLN (1 € – 4,63 zł).

💳 Cards

Everywhere! We didn't need to change money.

Get the best of Krakow with our Google Maps Guide

Although we have mentioned some of the most famous places in Krakow in this article, the city has much more to offer. If you want to discover the city's best-kept secrets, we invite you to purchase our Krakow map guide, which includes exclusive routes, local recommendations and practical tips so you can experience the city like a true local.

With our guide, you will be able to plan your itinerary efficiently and make the most of every corner of Krakow. Don't let the best secrets of the city slip away from you, get your guide now and start your adventure!