10 Best Things to Do in Kraków, Poland – Ultimate 1 day Itinerary

Kraków, Poland’s cultural capital, is a city where medieval charm meets modern vibrancy. It is home to one of the largest and most picturesque market squares of the Europe. Kraków boasts stunning Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. At the heart of the city lies the magnificent Wawel Castle. It is a symbol of Poland’s royal past, while the cobbled streets of the Old Town invite visitors to step back in time.

Beyond its postcard-perfect beauty, Kraków has a profound history. The once-thriving Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz) tells a story of resilience. A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, just outside the city, serves as a powerful reminder of the past. Meanwhile, the city pulses with 21st-century energy, trendy cafés, underground jazz bars, and a thriving nightlife scene ensure there’s always something happening.

What makes Kraków even more appealing is its affordability. Unlike Paris or Rome, this gem of Central Europe offers world-class attractions, rich cultural experiences, and fantastic local cuisine at budget-friendly prices. Whether you’re wandering along the Vistula River, exploring the underground chambers of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, or indulging in pierogi at a traditional bar mleczny (milk bar), Kraków promises an unforgettable adventure.

Ready to explore? Here are the 10 best things to do in Kraków for an unforgettable trip.

Best Things to Do in Kraków

1. Explore the Historic Wawel Castle

It is located atop Wawel Hill. The Wawel Castle (pronounced Vavel) is one of the most iconic landmarks and a must-visit attraction of Poland in Kraków. It was built in the 11th century. This magnificent fortress overlooks the Vistula River and was once the royal residence of Polish kings.

With its blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, the castle exudes grandeur, offering visitors a glimpse into Poland’s rich history. Entry to the castle grounds is free. It allows you to wander through its courtyards and admire its impressive exterior. However, if you wish to explore the ornate royal chambers or the stunning Wawel Cathedral, arriving early is best, as tickets sell out quickly.

Many of the attractions require small entry fees, so bringing plenty of coins for the ticket machines is recommended. For breathtaking views, climb one of the castle’s towers to enjoy a 360-degree panorama of Kraków and the river below. Before leaving, don’t forget to venture into the Dragon’s Den.

It is a legendary cave beneath the castle said to have once been home to the mythical Wawel Dragon—and be sure to catch a glimpse of the fire-breathing dragon statue at the exit!

2. Wander Through the Old Town (Stare Miasto) and Main Market Square

At the heart of Kraków’s Old Town (Stare Miasto) lies Główny Rynek. It is the largest medieval town square in Europe and a lively hub surrounded by elegant historic buildings, charming cafés, and bustling restaurants.

This UNESCO-listed square is not only a feast for the eyes but also a gateway to Kraków’s rich past. If you stroll through the square, you’ll find the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). It is a historic trading post where merchants once sold their wares. Today, it houses local handicrafts, souvenirs, and artisanal goods.

For a deeper dive into history, descend beneath the square to the Rynek Underground Museum. You will find the cutting-edge multimedia displays, holograms, and interactive exhibits transport visitors back to medieval Kraków. Learn about vampire-prevention burials, ancient trade routes, and the fascinating archaeological discoveries of a city.

Visitor’s Tip: To avoid long lines, it’s best to book a timed ticket online in advance, though you can also visit for free on Tuesdays. Keep in mind that the museum is closed on the second Monday of each month.

3. Visit the Stunning St. Mary’s Basilica

Standing tall in Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica is one of the most famous landmarks of Kraków. This beautiful Gothic church, with its two uneven towers, is hard to miss. Inside, you’ll find a breathtaking wooden altarpiece which is carved by master sculptor Veit Stoss, along with stunning stained glass windows and intricate decorations.

One of the highlights of visiting St. Mary’s Basilica is hearing the Hejnal Mariacki. It is a trumpet call played every hour from the taller tower. This tradition dates back centuries and honors a medieval trumpeter who once warned the city of an attack.

Visitor’s Tip: Visitors can enter the church to admire its stunning interior, but tickets are required. If you want the best view of Kraków, you can climb the higher tower for a panoramic sight of the city.

4. Discover the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)

It was once the center of Jewish life in Kraków, Kazimierz is now a vibrant district filled with history, culture, and a thriving arts scene. This neighborhood, which was home to a large Jewish community for centuries, still holds traces of its past in its synagogues, cobbled streets, and historic buildings.

One of the most significant sites is the Old Synagogue, the oldest of its kind in Poland, along with the Remuh Synagogue and Cemetery. It offers a glimpse into Kraków’s Jewish heritage.

Kazimierz is not just about history, it’s also one of the trendiest areas of the city. Today, it’s packed with quirky cafés, art galleries, vintage shops, and some of the best restaurants in Kraków.

The district comes alive in the evening with cozy bars and live music venues, which makes it a great spot for nightlife.

Visitor’s tip: If you want to dive deeper into its past, consider visiting Schindler’s Factory Museum. It is just a short walk away, to learn more about Kraków’s Jewish community during World War II.

5. Take a Tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

A visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is one of the most sobering yet important experiences in Kraków. It is located about an hour’s drive from the city. This former Nazi concentration and extermination camp serves as a powerful reminder of the horrors of World War II.

Walking through the preserved barracks, gas chambers, and watchtowers, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the suffering which was endured by millions of innocent people.

Visitor’s Tip: Guided tours provide historical context and personal stories which make the visit even more impactful. It’s recommended to book tickets in advance, as entry is often limited due to high demand.

Since this is a place of remembrance, visitors should dress respectfully and prepare for an emotionally heavy experience. Despite its painful history, Auschwitz-Birkenau stands as an important site for honoring those who lost their lives and ensuring that history is never forgotten.

6. Go Underground at the Wieliczka Salt Mine

Visitors can find the Wieliczka Salt Mine located just beyond the city limits of Kraków. The underground wonder holds a UNESCO listing since the 18th century and remains a popular destination for visitors. Culture seekers can explore over 125 meters (410 feet) of subterranean tunnels and chambers located beneath the surface to witness centuries of salt mining history.

Tourists who take the standard route in the mine go on a two-hour pathway that winds through passages, salt sculptures, and reveals an underground lake.

Among the big attractions lies the Chapel of St. Kinga which features an underground church with exquisite salt carvings and salt chandeliers throughout its entire salt construction.

Through the miners’ tour, visitors have the unique opportunity to wear miners’ clothing while exploring the salt mine through a different viewing experience.

A journey to the Wieliczka Salt Mine can be made smoothly through various transportation options from Kraków, including buses, trains, and exclusive guided tours.

Visitor Tip: Visitors should wear a sweater when they visit because the subterranean temperature remains lower than the surface areas.

7. Walk Along the Vistula River and See the Dragon’s Den

A walk along the Vistula offers the ideal opportunity to view Kraków’s breathtaking landscapes while relaxing. People can pass along the riverside paths to witness Wawel Castle and enjoy charming bridges and lively cafés either through peaceful walking paths or boat cruises.

The Dragon’s Den remains as a legendary cave that people once thought held the residence of the Wawel Dragon by the castle. Tourists today have the chance to visit the underground tunnel along with viewing the renowned fire-breathing dragon statue outside its entrance.

Visitor Tip: Low-cost entry to the Dragon’s Den exists but visitors must remember the cave operating period stretches only from spring through early autumn.

8. Visit the Schindler’s Factory Museum

The Schindler’s Factory Museum is one of the most important historical sites of Kraków. It offers a powerful look into the city’s past during World War II. The museum is housed in the former Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory. The German industrialist saved over 1,000 Jewish workers from being sent to Nazi death camps. An incredible story made famous by the film Schindler’s List.

While part of the movie was filmed here, the museum itself is much more than a film set. Its permanent exhibition, “Kraków During Nazi Occupation 1939-1945,” uses immersive displays, photographs, and personal stories to show what life was like under Nazi rule.

It covers everyday struggles, underground resistance, and the horrors of anti-Semitic persecution.

Visitor’s Tip: Since the museum is one of the most popular attractions in Kraków, it’s highly recommended to book a timed ticket at least three days in advance to secure your spot.

9. Experience Kraków’s Vibrant Nightlife & Local Cuisine

Kraków comes alive at night with its bustling bars, cozy pubs, and live music venues. This makes it one of the best cities in Poland for nightlife. The historic Kazimierz district is a hotspot for unique bars, from underground speakeasies to lively jazz clubs. For a truly local experience, visit a piwnica (cellar bar) or enjoy a drink at a traditional vodka bar, where you can sample different flavored Polish vodkas.

Beyond nightlife, Kraków is also a food lover’s paradise. Try local specialties like pierogi (dumplings), zapiekanka (Polish-style baguette pizza), and obwarzanek (Kraków-style bagel) at street stalls or family-run restaurants. For a budget-friendly meal, visit a bar mleczny (milk bar). It is a cafeteria-style eatery serving authentic Polish comfort food at affordable prices.

Visitor Tip: Many bars and restaurants stay open late, but if you want a more relaxed dining experience, make a reservation in advance, especially on weekends!

10. Take a Day Trip to the Tatra Mountains & Zakopane

Located roughly two hours from Kraków stands Zakopane which makes a serene mountain town at the base of the Tatra Mountains. Situated in the Polish highlands Zakopane functions as the country’s principal winter destination because it contains excellent skiing facilities and picturesque mountain hiking trails and breathtaking alpine landscapes.

During winter people can ski and snowboard and enjoy staying in luxurious wooden cabins and in summer visitors can hike and take cable car rides which present beautiful vistas from Kasprowy Wierch and Gubałówka Hill.

People love Zakopane because of its authentic wooden buildings alongside its mountain heritage. Walk along Krupówki Street to experience the active main street filled with shops and cafés hosting restaurants that serve local delicacy oscypek (smoked sheep cheese).

Visitor’s Tip: Visitors should use buses and trains or guided tours as the most convenient transportation options to reach Zakopane. Make sure to bring proper winter clothing since weather conditions change frequently during the cold season.

Where to Stay in Kraków

Kraków visitors need to pick their accommodation area based on their traveling preferences. First-time visitors should choose Old Town (Stare Miasto) for their base since it provides direct access to the Main Market Square together with Wawel Castle and top dining spots.

The Jewish Quarter, known as Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) attracts night-time seekers who want its blend of eclectic bars alongside street food venues under a historical setting. Tourists seeking a local atmosphere should consider Podgórze due to its peaceful character along with its historical attractions such as Schindler’s Factory and limited tourist crowds.

Budget-conscious tourists should reserve accommodations in Kleparz since it provides low-cost housing without compromising accessibility to central tourist sites. You can find comfort in hotels when visiting Auschwitz or Wieliczka Salt Mine through convenient access from Kraków Główny train station and nearby hotel accommodations.

Where to eat in Krakow

Zapiekanka – Poland’s Ultimate Street Food

Zapiekanka is a delicious Polish-style open-faced sandwich which is topped with melted cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and ketchup. But the real fun begins when you customize it with extras like ham, onions, chives, garlic sauce, or spicy mayo.

The best place to try one is in Plac Nowy, Kazimierz, where several stalls serve them fresh. Locals swear by Endzior – Zapiekanki, but be prepared for a queue!

Obwarzanek Krakowski – Kraków’s Famous Pretzel

You’ll see Obwarzanek Krakowski sold on nearly every street corner in Kraków. These twisted, slightly crunchy bread rings are often compared to bagels, but locals will tell you, “They are not bagels!” They are traditionally sprinkled with sesame, poppy seeds, or salt, which makes it a quick and cheap snack while exploring the city. For the freshest ones, grab one from a street vendor in the Main Market Square or near Wawel Castle.

Pierogi – Poland’s Iconic Dumplings

You can’t leave Kraków without trying pierogi, it is the beloved dumplings of Poland. Stuffed with a variety of fillings like potatoes, cheese, meat, mushrooms, and even sweet fruit, they are usually served with a dollop of sour cream.

Some of the best places to try them include Pod Aniołami, Starka, and Zapiecek – Polskie Pierogarnie. For a more traditional experience, visit Pierogarnia Krakowiac which is known for its homemade-style pierogi.

Oscypek – Smoked Cheese from the Mountains

Oscypek is a smoked sheep cheese that comes from Poland’s Tatra Mountains, but you can easily find it in Kraków’s markets and restaurants. It’s often grilled and served with cranberry sauce.

This makes for a perfect savory-sweet treat. You can try this at Plac Nowy Market or Pod Baranem. It is a highly-rated Polish restaurant near Wawel Castle.

Vodka – Poland’s National Drink

No visit to Kraków is complete without sampling Polish vodka. There are countless flavors, from classic to fruit-infused varieties, and the best way to experience them is in a cozy vodka bar.

Head to Wodka Cafe Bar near Rynek Główny for an impressive selection, or visit Starka Restaurant in Kazimierz, where the homemade ginger vodka is a must-try. Another great spot is Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa, a retro-style bar with affordable vodka shots and a lively atmosphere.

Kraków’s food scene is a mix of tradition and modern flavors, so be sure to explore its many milk bars, local markets, and hidden cafés for an authentic taste of the city!

Best Time to Visit Kraków

You should decide when to visit Kraków according to the specific atmosphere you want to experience there. The most suitable season for visiting Kraków runs from April to June when temperatures remain comfortable and flower blossoms decorate the landscape while visitor numbers remain lower than peak summer months.

Summer is the peak tourist season in Kraków due to its pleasant temperatures and vibrant festivals with lively nightlife but tourists must expect high prices and increased crowds mostly in Old Town.

Autumn provides excellent conditions for exploring historic sites as its crisp air joins colorful foliage with a low number of visitors which makes September to October one of the best periods to visit.

During the winter months of November to February Kraków becomes enchanting with its festive Christmas markets shining in the Main Square while the city transforms into a snowy spectacle. The winter season allows visitors to discover Kraków’s warm establishments and its museums while enjoying traditional Polish food despite the temperature and snowfall.

Winter sports enthusiasts should plan a day excursion to Zakopane alongside the Tatra Mountains where they can ski and snowboard. Every season in Kraków delivers its own unique charm to visitors.

Final Tips for Visiting Kraków

✔ Wear comfortable shoes: Kraków is best explored on foot, especially in Old Town and Kazimierz.

✔ Use public transport: Trams and buses are reliable and affordable. Consider a Kraków Card for unlimited travel and free entry to attractions.

✔ Book tickets in advance: Popular sites like Wawel Castle, Schindler’s Factory, and Wieliczka Salt Mine sell out quickly. Secure your spot online before your visit.

✔ Try local food: Don’t miss pierogi, zapiekanki, obwarzanek (Polish bagels), and traditional Polish vodka. Visit a bar mleczny (milk bar) for a budget-friendly meal.

✔ Be prepared for Auschwitz-Birkenau: A visit is emotional but essential. Guided tours provide deeper historical insights.

✔ Watch out for pickpockets: Kraków is safe, but be cautious in crowded areas like the Main Market Square and public transport.

✔ Respect local customs: Poles appreciate politeness. A simple “Dzień dobry” (Good day) or “Dziękuję” (Thank you) goes a long way!

With these tips in mind, you’re all set for an unforgettable trip to Kraków

Final Thoughts

Kraków is a city that blends rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, making it a must-visit destination in Europe. Whether you’re exploring the medieval charm of the Old Town, visiting historical landmarks like Wawel Castle, or immersing yourself in the local cuisine, there’s something for every traveler. If you’re planning to explore more of Italy after your Kraków adventure, check out our guides on Things to Do in Naples and Top Attractions in Milan to make the most of your trip!