Krakow, a city steeped in a thousand years of history, stands as Poland’s cultural and intellectual heart, offering a captivating journey through time for any tourist. Its former role as the nation’s capital has bestowed upon it a wealth of architectural marvels and royal grandeur, remarkably preserved through the tumults of European history. The city’s very essence is a testament to its resilience, having miraculously escaped the widespread destruction of World War II. This preservation allows visitors to step into a tangible past, where cobblestone streets whisper tales of kings, scholars, and artists who have all left their indelible mark on this enchanting city.
The majestic heart of Krakow is its sprawling Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe and a vibrant hub of city life. Dominating the square is the magnificent St. Mary’s Basilica, with its iconic mismatched towers from which a lone trumpeter plays a haunting melody every hour. Adjacent to it stands the Renaissance-era Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), a bustling marketplace for centuries that now offers a delightful array of local crafts and souvenirs. Towering over the city on a limestone hill is the Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral, a breathtaking complex that served as the residence of Polish kings for centuries and remains a powerful symbol of national identity.
Beyond the grandeur of its main sights, Krakow’s charm unfolds in its distinct neighborhoods. The former Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, with its poignant synagogues, historic cemeteries, and bohemian atmosphere, offers a profound glimpse into a once-thriving culture. Today, it is a district reborn, brimming with quirky cafes, independent art galleries, and a vibrant nightlife that buzzes with energy. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the region’s more recent and somber history, the nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum serves as a powerful and essential pilgrimage. From its rich artistic heritage to its lively culinary scene and the poignant echoes of its past, Krakow presents a multifaceted and unforgettable experience for every visitor.
Top Sightseeing Attractions in Krakow, Poland
Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)
This is the heart of Krakow’s Old Town (Stare Miasto) and one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe. Dating back to the 13th century, it’s a vibrant hub surrounded by historic townhouses, palaces, and churches. It’s constantly bustling with cafes, restaurants, horse-drawn carriages, street performers, and flower stalls. Major landmarks like St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall are located here.
St. Mary’s Basilica (Kościół Mariacki)
Dominating one corner of the Main Market Square, this stunning Brick Gothic church is famous for its two towers of different heights and the spectacular wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz). Don’t miss the hourly trumpet call (Hejnal Mariacki) played from the taller tower, cutting off mid-note in memory of a trumpeter shot while warning the city of invasion.
Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)
Located in the center of the Main Market Square, this magnificent Renaissance building was once a major center of international trade. Today, its ground floor hosts stalls selling amber jewelry, crafts, souvenirs, and textiles. The upper floor houses the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art, a branch of the National Museum in Krakow.
Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral
Perched on Wawel Hill overlooking the Vistula River, this complex is one of Poland’s most important historical and cultural sites. For centuries, it was the residence of Polish kings. You can visit various exhibitions, including the State Rooms, Royal Private Apartments, Treasury, and Armoury. The Wawel Cathedral within the complex is the coronation and burial site of many Polish monarchs and national heroes. Don’t forget to look for the Dragon’s Den (Smocza Jama) at the foot of the hill.
Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)
South of Wawel Hill lies Kazimierz, the historic Jewish district. Once a separate town, it’s now a vibrant, atmospheric neighborhood filled with historic synagogues (like the Old Synagogue, Remuh Synagogue, and Tempel Synagogue), Jewish cemeteries, museums, unique shops, art galleries, and countless bohemian cafes, bars, and restaurants. It has a poignant history and a distinct, captivating atmosphere.
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (Fabryka Emalia Oskara Schindlera)
Located in the Zabłocie district (across the river from Kazimierz), this former factory is now a powerful museum. It tells the story of Krakow under Nazi occupation during World War II (1939-1945) and the actions of Oskar Schindler, who saved the lives of over a thousand Jewish workers. It’s an immersive and moving experience, part of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow.
Planty Park
This green belt encircles the entire Old Town, following the line of the former medieval city walls. It’s a lovely place for a relaxing walk or break, connecting various parts of the historic center with shaded paths, benches, fountains, and statues.
Florian Gate (Brama Floriańska) and Barbican (Barbakan)
These are impressive remnants of Krakow’s medieval fortifications at the northern edge of the Old Town. Florian Gate was the main gateway to the city, marking the beginning of the “Royal Route.” The connected Barbican is a formidable, circular Gothic bastion, one of the best-preserved examples of medieval defensive architecture in Europe.
Collegium Maius
The oldest building of the Jagiellonian University (one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1364), featuring a beautiful arcaded Gothic courtyard. You can visit the museum inside, which showcases historic university rooms, scientific instruments (including some associated with Nicolaus Copernicus, who studied here), and artworks.
Vistula River Boulevards (Bulwary Wiślane)
The banks of the Vistula River offer pleasant walking and cycling paths with great views, especially of Wawel Hill. You can relax by the water, enjoy refreshments at riverside cafes or bars (some on moored barges), or take a boat cruise for a different perspective of the city.
Wieliczka Salt Mine (Kopalnia Soli Wieliczka)
A UNESCO World Heritage site located just outside Krakow. This historic salt mine features an astonishing underground world, including chapels, statues, chandeliers, and even an entire cathedral carved out of rock salt by generations of miners. It’s a unique and unforgettable experience.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
Located about 70 km from Krakow, this is the site of the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp complex. It stands as a deeply sobering memorial to the victims of the Holocaust and Nazi atrocities during WWII. A visit is a profoundly moving and historically essential experience, requiring time and emotional preparation.
Krakow offers a rich blend of history, culture, and vibrant modern life, making it a compelling destination. Enjoy your sightseeing!
Public transport
The public transport system, operated by MPK Kraków, to be surprisingly efficient, extensive, and tourist-friendly. It’s an excellent way to get around the city, especially when venturing beyond the immediate Old Town area to places like Kazimierz, Podgórze, or the Schindler’s Factory Museum.
The backbone of Krakow’s public transport consists primarily of trams and buses. Trams are particularly popular for navigating the more central districts, offering frequent services and dedicated lines that cut through traffic. Buses fill in the gaps, serving residential areas and linking further parts of the city. Both are clean, relatively modern, and equipped with digital displays indicating the next stops, making it easy to follow your journey even if you don’t understand Polish. Many vehicles are low-floor, making them accessible for prams or wheelchairs.
Tickets are crucial, and this is where most tourists need a bit of guidance. You’ll need to purchase a ticket before or immediately upon boarding your tram or bus, and then validate it using the yellow machines inside the vehicle. The most common and convenient options for tourists are timed tickets: 20-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, or even 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour passes. The 20-minute ticket is usually sufficient for short hops, while the longer passes offer unlimited travel within their validity period, perfect for a day or weekend of exploration. You can buy tickets from:
- Ticket Machines: Found at most major tram and bus stops, often accepting both cash and credit cards.
- Inside Vehicles: Some newer trams and buses have small ticket machines that accept card payments (look for them near the doors).
- Kiosks/Small Shops (Ruch, Kolporter): Often found near stops, these sell physical tickets.
- Mobile Apps: Apps like Jakdojade (highly recommended for route planning and real-time info) or Moje Bilety allow you to purchase digital tickets directly on your phone. Simply activate the ticket when you board.
Navigating the system is quite straightforward. Google Maps is excellent for planning your journey and checking real-time connections. Alternatively, the Jakdojade app is a local favorite, providing very accurate real-time information, schedules, and even allowing you to buy tickets. Stops are clearly marked with their names, and each tram and bus displays its line number and destination. Remember to press the door-opening button when you wish to alight at your stop. While the Old Town itself is best explored on foot, public transport is invaluable for reaching attractions further afield or simply saving your legs after a long day of sightseeing. It’s an integral part of experiencing Krakow like a local!