Krakow is one of the most beautiful and cultural cities in Europe. It is the third largest city in the country in Poland. It is famous for its historical monuments, architectural masterpieces, parks and green areas, as well as its active life.
Among the main tourist attractions of Krakow, we can highlight the Market Square, which is one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe, Wawel Castle – one of the most famous castles in Poland, as well as Kazimierz – a historical district that has preserved many Jewish monuments and atmosphere.
Krakow is also an important center of science and education, as the city has several leading universities, including the Jagiellonian University – one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe.
Krakow is also famous for its festivals, such as Hopak Festival, Jewish Culture Festival, Open Air Theater Festival and others. Krakow is a great place to relax, learn about culture and history, as well as for active recreation.
We arrived in Krakow from Kyiv by train. We wrote about this in detail in the post “How to get from Kyiv to Krakow by train”
Where possible ⇒ Buy bus, train and plane tickets
What to see in Krakow
All European cities start from Ploshchi Rynok – Rynok Holovnyy (Rynek Główny), it is the central market of the city, where there are many historical buildings, shops and cafes. Here you can see such sights as Town Hall and St. Wojciech’s Church, Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Cloth Rows.
City Hall (Wieża Ratuszowa), The building was built in the 16th century, but its original building was destroyed in the middle of the 14th century. At the top of the Town Hall there is a terrace with a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding streets. Also in the Town Hall is the Museum of the City of Krakow, where you can see historical exhibits and learn more about the history of the city and its cultural heritage.
Hours of work:
Monday 11:00 – 15:00, Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 – 18:00. The last entrance is 30 minutes before the branch closes.
For security reasons, the number of tickets available for a given day is limited.
Ticket price:
Regular ticket 18 zlotys, Discount ticket 14 zlotys, Family ticket 36 zlotys, Excursion service 125 zlotys. Entrance is free on Monday.
Church of St. Wojciech (Kościół Świętego Wojciecha) It is named after St. Wojciech, a missionary bishop from the Czech Republic who, according to tradition, preached in this place on his way to Prussia.
Church of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God (Bazylika Mariacka), it is one of the most famous and visited churches in Krakow, which is a symbol of Krakow. Inside, the church is decorated with numerous masterpieces of art, such as Renaissance and Baroque altars, stained glass windows, sculptures, frescoes and mosaics. One of the most famous and exclusive elements of the church is the Altar of the Wind, which is known for its complexity and luxury, and which is considered one of the largest wooden altars in the world.
Full – 20 zlotys, 12 zlotys for children from 8 years old, students up to 26 years old, pensioners 60+. Children under the age of 8 are not allowed on the tower for safety reasons. Tickets can only be purchased at the visitor service on the day of the visit (Plac Mariacki 7).
Hours of work:
The Tourist Office is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:30 and on Sunday from 13:00 to 17:30.
From Tuesday to Saturday, the entrance to the tower is carried out according to the schedule. The tower is closed from December to April.
Behind Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, situated Church of St. Barbarians (Kościół św. Barbary w Krakowie), which is a historic Catholic church. Church of St. Varvary originally served as a cemetery chapel for residents of the Kazimierz suburb. It has a tall tower and many stained glass windows, and its interior is decorated with plasters and frescoes. The church houses many valuable relics, such as various shrines, painted places and graves of prominent people.
Today, the church of St. The Barbary is a popular place of pilgrimage and sightseeing in Krakow, and is also used for worship and religious events.
Cloth rows (Sukiennice) The building was built in the 14th century as a trading center where various goods including silk, spices, weapons and cloth were traded. Today, the Cloth Rows are a prominent tourist attraction, where you can buy various souvenirs and gifts, visit the Museum of Folk Art and Culture of Galicia, and enjoy views of the city market from the gallery on the second floor of the building.
Hours of work:
Monday: closed, Tuesday – Sunday: 10.00-18.00.
Ticket price:
Regular ticket – 32 zlotys, Discount ticket – 19 zlotys, Family ticket – 64 zlotys (up to 4 people, including at least 1 child under 18 years old), Ticket for youth from 7 to 26 years old – 1 zloty.
Tuesday is the day of free visits to permanent expositions of the National Museum of Art.
Entrance to the terrace is included in the ticket price
Photography, Filmmaking:
Amateur photo and film shooting without additional lighting and a tripod is free of charge and applies only to permanent expositions of the NMK.
Juliusz Slovacky Theater (Juliusz Słowacki Theatre). The theater was founded in 1893 and named after Juliusz Słowacki, a famous Polish poet and playwright. The building itself is a masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance architecture with a grand facade adorned with sculptures and decorative ornaments. The interior of the theater is no less impressive, with a spacious auditorium, exquisite balconies and intricate plasterwork.
Krakow Barbican (Barbakan Krakowski), it is a huge defensive structure located at the entrance to the Old Town of Krakow. The building was erected in 1498 by order of King Jan I Olbracht. The Barbican was a very important element of Krakow’s defense and its military history.
Today, the Krakow Barbican is a popular place to visit and can be seen while walking around Krakow. The building remains one of the main sights of the city.
Ticket prices:
Regular ticket PLN 16, discount ticket PLN 12, group ticket PLN 12, family ticket
32 zlotys, excursion along the Defense Way 155 zlotys.
St. Florian’s Gate (Brama Floriańska). This gate was built in the Baroque style in the 14th century and is considered one of the best examples of defensive architecture in medieval Europe. Today, the gate serves as the entrance to the Old Town and a popular meeting place for locals and tourists. There is also a small museum of the history of Kraków fortifications and the gate itself. Visitors can climb to the top of the towers for a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding area.
Peter and Paul Church (Kościół św. Apostołów Piotra i Pawła). The church was founded in 1597 and is known for its architecture and historical heritage. Peter and Paul Church is one of the largest churches in Krakow and Poland. It was built in the Baroque style, but later elements of other architectural styles were added to it. The church is famous for its large stained glass windows, frescoes and sculptures.
Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow (Zamek Królewski na Wawelu). The castle is one of the most famous and visited tourist places in Poland, and is known for its cultural and historical heritage, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The castle is located on Wawel Hill in the center of the city. The castle consists of several buildings, including the royal palace, chapel and catacombs.
We have a separate long post about the castle itself on our website “Krakow. Wawel Royal Castle“. Where we tell about the castle in the middle, with a description of the courtyards, chambers, museum. You can also order a tour or buy a ticket online to the castle itself. All information about tickets and opening hours.
Kazimierz (Kazimierz),is a historical district of Krakow, located on the southern bank of the Vistula River. The district got its name in honor of Casimir III the Great, who founded the city in the 13th century. In the middle of the 16th century, Kazimierz became the center of Jewish culture in Krakow. Jews were engaged in crafts, trade, and the arts, and the area had many synagogues, Jewish shops, and restaurants. Today, Kazimierz is an important cultural center of Krakow and a popular tourist destination.
In Kazimierz you can see many historical buildings, streets, squares and monuments, including:
Isaac’s Synagogue (Stara Synagoga), also known as the “Great Synagogue”, is one of the largest and most famous synagogues in Krakow. It was built in 1644 in the Renaissance style, but was later rebuilt in the Baroque style.
Hours of work:
Monday 10:00-14:00, Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 – 17:00, except for Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
Ticket price:
Regular 18 zlotys, discount 14 zlotys, family 36 zlotys. Entrance is free on Monday.
Synagogue of Remu (Synagoga Remu), also known as the “Old Synagogue”, is one of the oldest and most important synagogues in Krakow. It was built in the 16th century and was reconstructed in the 17th century. The synagogue received its name in honor of the rich merchant and philanthropist Yitzhak Yosif Rembaum, who allocated a significant amount of funds for its reconstruction in 1557.
Here you can also see the main sheet, which is decorated with inscriptions in Hebrew. It is considered one of the most impressive monuments of Jewish culture in Krakow.
Hours of work:
Summer season: 09:00 – 18:00 Winter season: 10:00 – 16:00
Ticket price:
Ordinary 10 zlotys
Tempel Synagogue (Synagoga Tempel), is one of the most significant monuments of Jewish culture in Poland. The synagogue was built in 1860 and is a reflection of the reformed Judaism that appeared in the second half of the 19th century in Poland.
Synagoga Tempel is today used as a museum of Jewish culture and Jewish history in Krakow. Visitors can learn about the cultural heritage of the Jewish people, their life and traditions. The synagogue is open to the public from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and there is an admission fee.
Hours of work:
Summer season: 09:00 – 18:00 Winter season: 10:00 – 16:00
Ticket price:
Ordinary 10 zlotys
Basilica of the Corpus Christi (Bazylika Bożego Ciała), is one of the most significant historical and religious monuments of Krakow. The most impressive sight of the Basilica of Corpus Christi is its extremely detailed stone and wood altar, which consists of more than 2,000 carved figures. This altar, which occupies a central position in the main body of the church, is considered one of the most outstanding monuments of Baroque art in the world. The Corpus Christi Basilica is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, and admission is free.
Basilica of Archangel Michael and St. Bishop Stanislav (Bazylika św. Michała Archanioła i św. Stanisława), it is a Catholic church founded in 1222 in the Baroque style. Basilica of Archangel Michael and St. of Bishop Stanislav is one of the most important cultural and religious monuments of the city, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. The temple is open every day, and admission is free. It houses valuable relics and artefacts dating from different eras and testifying to the rich culture and traditions of Krakow.
Krakow is a city with a rich history and culture, so it has many interesting museums that are worth visiting. This is the topic of a separate post, but I will mention a few of them:
Schindler’s factory (Fabryka ‘Emalia’ Oskara Schindlera), is a famous museum located in an old industrial complex. The complex was the former location of an enamelware factory founded by Oskar Schindler in 1937. The factory was made famous by Thomas Kennelly’s novel The Oskar Schindler Letters, which tells the story of Schindler’s rescue of more than 1,200 Jewish workers from the Holocaust during World War II. Visitors can see the original premises of the factory, spread over 5 floors, which reflect the history of its operation during the war years, as well as the extraordinary act of saving its workers from the German Nazi occupation.
Hours of work:
Monday 10:00 – 14:00, Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 – 18:00, CLOSED on the first Tuesday of the month. Last entry – 1.5 hours before closing. Admission is free on Monday (permanent exhibition) – the number of tickets is limited, you can book online.
Ticket price:
Regular 32 zlotys, discounted 28 zlotys, family 64 zlotys, tours in English with a guide
+ ticket The service is provided every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 4:00 p.m. – PLN 30. A tour of the permanent exhibition is PLN 175.
Market Square Underground Museum (Muzeum Podziemia Rynku). This is a unique museum located in the underground tunnels under the Market Square. In the museum, you can learn how the people of Kraków used these tunnels over the centuries, starting from the 13th century. You will be able to see various exhibitions and expositions that describe the history of the city of Krakow and its inhabitants, as well as learn about medieval principles and life in the dungeon. This is one of the most popular museums in Krakow, so I recommend visiting it if you are interested in the history and culture of this wonderful city.
Hours of work:
Monday 10:00 – 19:00, Tuesday 10:00 – 14:00, Wednesday – Thursday 10:00 – 19:00, Friday – Sunday 10:00 – 20:00. The second Monday of the month is CLOSED. Last entry – 75 minutes before closing.
Ticket price:
Admission is free on Tuesday – tickets are limited and can be booked online.
Full 32 zlotys, discount 28 zlotys, family max. 4 persons (two adults and one or two children under 16, one adult and two or three children under 16) PLN 64, group PLN 28, guide PLN 145.
Archaeological Museum (Muzeum Archeologiczne w Krakowie), located in the very center of the city, on the Market Square. The museum presents exhibits reflecting the history of Poland from the Paleolithic to the Middle Ages. The museum’s collection includes antiquities found on the territory of Poland, including tools, jewelry, ceramics, bronze products, as well as exhibits related to the life of the population of Krakow and the surrounding area in various historical periods.
Museum of Ethnography named after Severina Udzieli in Krakow (Muzeum Etnograficzne im. Seweryna Udzieli w Krakowie), is one of the oldest and most famous ethnographic institutions in Poland. It was founded in 1902 and contains a rich collection of ethnographic objects reflecting the culture and traditions of the peoples who once lived on the territory of Poland.
Hours of work:
From Tuesday to Sunday: 10.00 – 19.00.
Ticket price:
Ordinary ticket – 18 zlotys, discount ticket – 10 zlotys, family ticket (two adults + 1 child or one adult + 2 children) – 28 zlotys; each subsequent person + PLN 10. The day of free admission to the permanent exhibition is Tuesday. Order a ticket.
The topic of the museum needs a separate topic
When planning a trip with children, you can visit different places depending on the age and interests of the children. However, in my opinion, there are a few places that can be recommended for visiting with children, regardless of their age:
Water park in Krakow (Park Wodny). The complex covers an area of more than 8,000 square meters and offers a variety of water attractions for visitors of all ages, including: Numerous water slides of various sizes and lengths, including those suitable for younger children; Wave pool and lazy river; Jacuzzi and massage jets; Children’s play area with water cannons, fountains and other water structures; Saunas and steam rooms for adults. Prices can be found at site.
Krakow Zoo (Ogród Zoologiczny w Krakowie), was founded in 1929 and has more than 1,500 animals from more than 260 species. Among these animals there are exotic species such as giraffes, elephants, lions, tigers and others. The zoo has several sections that are dedicated to different continents such as Africa, Asia, Australia and others. In addition, the zoo has children’s playgrounds, cafes and restaurants where you can have a snack, as well as souvenir shops where you can buy souvenirs.
Hours of work:
We invite you every day, also on Sundays and holidays. Now the zoo ticket office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Excursion until 17.00. Consider that it takes more than an hour to visit the zoo.
Ticket price:
in the period from April 1 to October 31:
Regular ticket – 38 zlotys, discount ticket – 32 zlotys, family ticket 2+2 – 125 zlotys.
in the period from November 1 to March 31:
Regular ticket – 28 zlotys, discount ticket – 23 zlotys, family ticket 2+2 – 90 zlotys.
All purchase conditions and categories of tickets can be found at site the zoo.
Krakow hotels
The city center is usually the most convenient place to stay when traveling. Staying in the city center will allow you to quickly and easily reach the main attractions, shops, restaurants and other places you plan to visit.
In Krakow, the city center offers many accommodation options, from hotels, hostels to apartments. You can choose a home depending on your budget and preferences. Some of the best areas to stay in the city center include the Old Town (Stare Miasto), Kazimierz and the Wawel district.
We chose a hotel in the Old Town, firstly, it is easy to get here from the station on foot, secondly, it is accessible to all the main attractions, and thirdly, there are cafes everywhere. Since it was the New Year holidays, there was no particular choice, so we stayed at a hostel Green Cat Rooms, but with a separate room for three.
You can also choose other hotels for any taste and price ⇓
Eat in Krakow
Krakow is a city with a rich cultural and culinary history, and here you will find many interesting places to taste Polish cuisine. Here are some recommendations:
No city in Poland is complete without a restaurant where you can taste Pierogi – these are Polish dumplings that can be prepared with various fillings, such as meat, cabbage, mushrooms or cheese. You can taste them at Pierogarnia Krakowiacy, Szewska 23, which is not far from the hostel where we stayed or two more restaurants Pierogarnia Krakowiacy , which are located in different parts of the old city. This is Pierogarnia Krakowiacy at Floriańska 21, and Pierogarnia Krakowiacy Mikołaja Kopernika 3.
At the Chłopskie Jadło restaurant, try Zurek – a traditional Polish soup prepared on the basis of rye flour and kvass, with the addition of potatoes, sausage and eggs. Other Polish cuisine is also served here.
And at the Pod Baranem restaurant, order a Polish national dish – Bigos, which is prepared from cabbage, meat and mushrooms.
And of course, grilled sausage is one of the most popular dishes in Poland. You can taste it at Bar & Grill Na Kazimierzu.
One of the most popular desserts at Karmello Chocolatier is the “chocolate fondue”, which is molten chocolate served with various fruits and sweets for dipping.
In addition, Karmello Chocolatier offers free tastings of its chocolate products, so you can taste different flavors before you buy something.
Order a tour safely:
Where to stay
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