Last updated on April 1st, 2024
Barbican, © Can Stock / mychadre77
Visit Krakow – Old Town Walking Tour
Visit Krakow by starting with your own self guided Old Town Walking Tour. Krakow’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Town is so small that you don’t even need a map for your walking tour. From the main train station, walk a few blocks to the Barbican at the north end of the Old Town. The Barbican is in Planty Park, which completely encircles the Old Town. At St. Florian’s Gate, you can then enter the Old Town on the Royal Road. You can follow the Royal Road through the entire Krakow Old Town. The Czartoryski Museum and the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre are both located within two blocks of the gate.
Vistula River, Wawel Castle, © Can Stock / Thilien
Krakow Market Square
Continue your Old Town Walking Tour by following the Royal Road south on Florianska St to the Main Market Square. The Market Square includes the Old Town Tower, the Krakow Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the Church of St Adalbert, Bonerowski Palace and St. Mary’s Basilica. At St Mary’s Basilica see its 42 foot high altar and buglers playing Hejnal at noon each day. The Church of St Anne, the Grand College and the Palace of Art at Szczepański Square are all just a couple blocks west of the Market Square.
Market Square, © Can Stock / SteveAllen
Krakow Wawel Royal Castle
At the south end of the Old Town, follow the Royal Road on Godzka St past the St. Peter & Paul Church. From St. Peter & Paul Church take Kanonicza Street to the Wawel Royal Castle and the Wawel Cathedral. If you prefer, take a guided Guided Old Town Walking Tour, which includes Wawel Royal Castle and also visits the Old Jewish Quarter just outside the Old Town walls.
Wawel Cathedral, © Can Stock / wjarek
Krakow Old Jewish Quarter
The Old Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz is an area that was rebuilt after it was annihilated by the Nazis in World War II. The Old Jewish Quarter is immediately south of Wawel Castle. In the Old Jewish Quarter you will find the Old Synagogue, St Stanislaw’s Church of the Rock, the flea market at Plac Nowy square and numerous bars and restaurants. Extend your visit by crossing the Kładka Bernatka Bridge over the Vistula River to see the WWII Oskar Schindler’s Factory Museum.
Peter & Paul Cathedral, Can Stock / dewing
Wawel Royal Castle, Krakow
Auschwitz Concentration Camp
The historic museum of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp is about 30 minutes west of Krakow in the town of Oswiecim. The Auschwitz Concentration Camp is one of the most infamous Nazi concentration / death camps. Take a Auschwitz-Birkenau Small-Group Tour from Krakow.
Auschwitz Entrance Gate, © Can Stock / tiero
Wieliczka Salt Mine
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the most popular tourist attractions for people who visit Krakow. Wieliczka Salt Mine has been in existence since the Middle Ages. The mine has over 120 miles (300 km) of tunnels. St Kinga’s Chapel is the highlight of a tour inside Wieliczka Salt Mine. St Kinga’s Chapel has been completely cared out of the salt inside the mine. Wieliczka is about 20 minutes from Krakow. Visit the site on your own or take at Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour from Krakow.
Wieliczka Salt Mine, © Can Stock / wjarek
More Sights near Krakow
- Pieskowa Skala Castle and Czestochowa including the ‘Black Madonna’ Day Tour from Krakow
- Dunajec River Gorge and Niedzica Castle from Krakow
- Zakopane and Tatras Mountains Day Tour from Krakow
- Ojców National Park
Sukiennice Cloth Hall, © Can Stock / cescassawin
Savor the Tastes of Krakow
- Pierogi – dumplings with many variations for filling, including cheese, meat and vegetables.
- Serem – sweet cream cheese.
- Zurek – potato, sausage, vegetables and egg soup.
- Bigos – cabbage, tomato and meat stew.
- Obwarzanek – twisted white bread rings.
- Ciasta – cakes, for dessert.
- Cellar bars in the Old Town
Wawel Castle, © Can Stock / anja
Get around Krakow
Although the distance from downtown Krakow to John Paul II – Balice International Airport covers only about 8 miles, you can expect to spend a half hour by cab or nearly an hour on trams and buses to reach the airport. The highlight of Krakow is the old town which you visit by walking.
Krakow Weather
Krakow weather is a maritime climate due to the influence of the Baltic Sea in northern Poland. Summer is the height of the tourist season, with average highs of around 72 F (22 C) from May to September. Rainfall is slightly higher during the summer months. From November through February, expect average highs slightly above freezing and average lows just below freezing. September gets our vote as the best time of year to visit Krakow.
Visit Krakow – See More Sights
- Kraków Philharmonic – located just outside the Old Town.
- Krakow Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
- Chopin Piano Concert
- Nowa Huta is the eastern Social Realist district of Krakow originally funded by the Soviet Union.
- Climb the Krakus Mound for city views. Legend says King Krakus is buried under the mound.
- Sanctuary of Divine Mercy – consecrated in 2002 by Pope John Paul II, which has made it an instant pilgrimage site.
Visit Krakow, Poland
Krakow, one of Poland’s most enchanting cities, exudes a captivating blend of history, culture and architectural beauty. Situated in the southern part of the country, Krakow is known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town. Enjoy cobblestone streets, charming squares and centuries-old buildings. The UNESCO-listed Krakow Old Town is home to iconic landmarks such as the stunning Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the majestic St. Mary’s Basilica, and the historic Wawel Castle, which sits atop a hill overlooking the Vistula River. Visitors can immerse themselves in Krakow’s rich history by exploring the intricate Gothic architecture, wandering through vibrant market squares and discovering hidden gems around every corner.
Beyond its architectural splendor, Krakow offers a vibrant cultural scene, with bustling street cafes, lively markets, and a thriving arts community. The city’s Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz, is a hub of creativity and diversity. Historic synagogues stand alongside trendy boutiques, hip cafes, and art galleries. Krakow also boasts a dynamic nightlife, with bars, clubs and music venues catering to every taste. Whether exploring its historic landmarks, sampling traditional Polish cuisine or experiencing its vibrant cultural offerings, Krakow enchants visitors with its timeless charm and rich tapestry of experiences.
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