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Krakow’s history might get your interest, but there’s so much more to the city. The beautiful buildings, traditional cobblestone streets and delicious Polish cuisine fast made it one of my favorite places to visit in Europe. There are tons of fun and unique things to do in Krakow that it will leave you wanting to stay longer than you originally planned.
Where Is Krakow?
Krakow is the second largest city in Poland, after the capital of Warsaw. You’ll find it in southern Poland, not too far from the Slovakian and Czechian borders.
Krakow, however, is not too near any other major cities that you’ll easily be able to do a day trip like many places in Europe. But that’s OK, because a day trip wouldn’t do Krakow justice.
There’s an international airport in Krakow, with flights from many other popular UK destinations. I flew in from Newcastle in the UK on a direct flight, and took a direct flight out of Krakow to Paris. Both were around 2.5 hours of flying time.
Why Visit Krakow?
Why not visit Krakow? The city has so much to offer that it regular crops up on the list of popular places in Europe. Don’t let that put you off though. Krakow doesn’t always feel like the big city it is as the old town is quite compact. Outside of that there are plenty of other areas to explore, seeped in so much history.
Other than some of the top things to do in Krakow, it’s all about the friendly people and the delicious food. Both are plentiful, and will make you feel right at home. I had no idea Poland was known so much for its desserts – you might leave Krakow a little heavier, but it’ll all be worth it.
UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN KRAKOW ON A BUDGET
Poland is not a particularly expensive place to visit – compared to other European countries that is. Krakow is a much more budget friendly destination than the likes of Paris, Amsterdam or Munich. But there are ways to save a few more pennies on your visit.
Keep an eye out for cheap and even FREE museum and attraction days in the city. Here are a few to note (although remember that since you can’t book them in advance tickets can sell out, so arrive early):
- RYNEK UNDERGROUND MUSEUM – Free on Tuesdays, get tickets on the day from the box office;
- OSKAR SCHINDLER’S FACTORY – Free on Mondays, arrive early on the day for a chance at getting your ticket;
- KOŚCIUSZKO MOUND – Free on February 4, March 24, and October 15;
- OLD SYNAGOGUE – Free on Mondays, not bookable in advance;
- AUSCHWITZ-BIRKENAU – Free every day for independent visits (guided tours are additional cost), reservations can (and should) be made in advance
The Best Time Of Year To Visit Krakow
This is a tough one. The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are the quietest, with decent enough weather to still enjoy the city. Summer is much nicer weather and of course busier, but there’s a lot going on that will keep you occupied.
I visited in winter, and while winter in Poland might sound pretty chilly (it was), that’s not a reason to discount it. The weather was nice most of the time, although it can be rainy and snowy. But it is overall quieter with less tourists.
For me, the number one reason to visit in winter was the Christmas Market. I love European Christmas markets and Krakow’s was an enchanting experience in a beautiful setting. It wasn’t as large as many other places in Europe, but there was a good variety of stalls and food.
The market can get busy around lunchtime and dinner time into the evening. But it’s well worth a visit. Next time I visit Krakow though, I plan to visit in slightly warmer weather.
10 Of The Best Unique Things To Do In Krakow
Narrowing it down is not easy, but these were my favorite unique things to do in Krakow. Make sure to explore the city on foot, as well as take a hop-on/off bus tour to really get a good overview of Krakow. Plus it’s a good way to get to some of the further away attractions.
WAWEL CASTLE (AND CATHEDRAL)
High on a hill in Krakow’s Old Town sits Wawel Castle and cathedral. It’s a bit of a climb to get there, but well worth exploring on your visit. Behind the red bricked walls and fortress-style gate is the golden-domed Wawel cathedral. The ornate cathedral is a stunning building, and a combined ticket includes the bell tower, Royal Tombs and a couple of museums.
Through the inner courtyard of Wawel is the massive castle. From here check in coats and bags, visit the shop, or head inside to tour the castle. There are a number of different areas of the castle to visit – book them independently or as a combined ticket.
A visit the the Royal Private Apartments is a must. Decorated ceilings, fine antiques and rich tapestries and paintings are in every room. You can easily spend a couple of hours in here.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: Buying tickets in advance is a good idea, but Wawel Castle ticketing can be confusing as there are so many options. If you just want to take a look around the castle, focus on the Royal Private Apartments in Castle 1 for around 50 złoty (~$12 USD). For an extra 14 złoty you can also get an audio guide.
SEE A FIRE BREATHING DRAGON
Behind the castle, along the path of the Vistula River is Smok Wawelski, the Dragon of Wawel, a local mythological beast. The statue at first may seem a little underwhelming, but give it a minute and you might be a little more impressed.
Set on top of a huge rock, the 6-foot tall bronze dragon statue breathes fire. So while it might be nice to see during the day, it’s way better to see it at night. Definitely one of the most unique things to do in Krakow.
Smok Wawelski emits a burst of fiery flames every 5 minutes, according to all sources. Although I found it was closer to 2-3 minutes. Bonus: in winter, this is a great way to warm up a bit!
RYNEK UNDERGROUND MUSEUM
See where Krakow all began. Beneath the city is the original city, and one of the really unique things to do in Krakow is take an underground tour of it. Tickets are 40 złoty (~$10 USD) and the museum is super central, under the Cloth Hall in Rynek Główny square.
See old city roads and the foundations of medieval buildings, check out unearthed pottery, jewelry and clothing, and even take a walk through a medieval market through tunnels under the current town square.
This was definitely one of my favorite unique things to do in Krakow as it showed just how much history the city really had. Plus, anything underground is already naturally cooler to see.
SUKIENNICE – KRAKOW CLOTH HALL
Who doesn’t love a bit of shopping? Souvenirs and local crafts, trinkets and gifts, all can be found at the historic Cloth Hall. In the middle of Rynek Square is the beautiful arcade-style market hall with individual stalls lining each side.
There has been a Cloth Hall here since the 13th Century but the current building is mostly from when it was reconstructed in the 19th Century. Nevertheless, it’s a great place to buy some Polish gifts, especially if you want any jewelry made with the local specialty – Amber.
ST. MARY’S BASILICA
The only thing in Krakow more beautiful than the outside of St. Mary’s Basilica is the inside. The 600+ year-old Roman Catholic church keeps watch over the market square next to which it stands, and is open to the public as well as for personal prayer.
The red brick building with decorative towers is overly opulent inside. From the checked tile floors to the star-painted ceiling and the ridiculous amount of gold adorning walls, statues and altars inside.
Open every day, visit for only 15 złoty (~$4 USD). But even without going in you can marvel at one of the basilica’s most famous attributes – its trumpeter. On the hour, every hour, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year there is a bugle call from the highest tower. This has been done since the 14th Century, ever since it was done as a warning against an attack on the city.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: The trumpeter plays the call in four different directions from the tower. Standing outside the church, look up during the call and you’ll see them play from an open window.
ST. FLORIAN’S GATE AND THE BARBICAN
The bugle call from St. Mary’s is sounded in 4 different directions, said to be the four original main gates to the city. Only one remains, St. Florian’s Gate. The current structure has been there since the 17th Century and is absolutely worth seeing.
Head up Floriańska (Florian’s Street) to the tower and the city walls, the only one that survived when the rest were demolished in the 19th Century.
Beyond the tower and wall is the Barbican, an ancient fortification. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s a pretty impressive sight. The Barbican is open seasonally between April and October for 20 złoty (~$5 USD).
OLD SYNAGOGUE
One of my favorite unique things to do in Krakow has to be touring the Old Synagogue in the Kazimierz Jewish quarter. Not only is it the oldest synagogue still standing in Poland – even after being vandalized by Nazis in the war – but it’s now home to the Jewish History Museum.
For only 20 złoty (~$5 USD), you can easily spend an hour in here learning all about the Jewish culture and history, as well as a lot about how it intertwines with Krakow’s past. Expect to see artifacts and everyday Jewish items.
What I liked about the museum is that it explains words you may have heard related to Jewish culture and expertly gives backstory and context. I felt like I came away understanding (and appreciating) a lot more about Judaism.
JEWISH GHETTO
On the other side of the river is the Podgórze district which once held the Jewish ghetto during WWII. This historic area of Krakow is full of interesting spots where some of the most terrible things happened less than 100 years ago.
You can see the last remaining part of the old Ghetto wall, a simple plaque commemorating those who were once held here. Around the corner is a mural called Liberator. It show an RAF plane, the Liberator, which was shot down in Krakow after resupplying insurgents of the Warsaw Uprising.
Bohaterów Square nearby has a really moving tribute to the former residents of the Jewish Ghetto. 33 chairs, each representing 1000 local Jews, on the site of where the selections were made. Here they would be selected to be sent to concentration camps, or remain in the ghetto.
OSKAR SCHINDLER’S ENAMEL FACTORY
Also in the Podgórze district around the Jewish Ghetto is Oskar Schindler’s enamel factory. You’ve no doubt heard the name Oskar Schindler, even if only because of the Oscar-winning 1993 film Schindler’s List. The film tells the true story of the factory owner, and Nazi party member, who used all his money and power to save 1200 Jews from certain death at the concentration camps.
The museum recounts the factory’s history, including Schindler’s employment of Jews to help keep them safe during the war. There is a LOT to read and see in this large museum. It sometimes feels like too much reading, but the museum is very well done. Tickets are 40 złoty (~$10 USD).
My only critique of the museum is that I expected a lot more focus on Oskar Schindler and his war efforts, yet only one real room talked about this. The rest of the museum was more general around the Nazi occupation of Krakow through the war years. Still really interesting, but something to be aware of.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: My experience at he museum was a little like organized chaos, so patience might be needed. Book tickets in advance, as it will sell out. We skipped the line, arriving on time with our timed ticket. But then waited 15 minutes before we were let in. Others were waiting 45-minutes. No matter the length of wait, everyone was told “it’ll only be 5 minutes”. Like I said, patience may be needed. The museum is closed the first Tuesday of each month.
KOŚCIUSZKO MOUND
Apart from being a little more difficult to pronounce than the average attraction, Kościuszko Mound is a worthy addition to this list. Tickets are 28 złoty (~$7 USD) and give entrance to the museum, and the mound itself.
But what is the Kościuszko Mound? It was built in commemoration of Tadeusz Kościuszko, a Polish military leader who also served in the American Revolutionary War. Learn why in the museum, and find out more about his life including his connection to two US presidents.
Since then the mound has been a fortress, given its high up location. And now serves as one of the best views over Krakow from the short climb up the mound.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: The mound is further out of the city than all the other unique things to do in Krakow on this list, but it is serviced by the city’s Hop-on/off buses and public transportation, so plan your day accordingly.
Some Other Unique Things To Do In Krakow And Beyond
The following are still worth visiting but didn’t quite make my list of unique things to do in Krakow for one reason or another. Be sure to fit them into your itinerary if you can.
AUSCHWITZ CONCENTRATION CAMP
Absolutely make sure you visit this history museum, a really powerful place to experience. It didn’t make my main list because it isn’t actually in Krakow. But it’s easy enough to visit from the city. Take public transit, drive or take an organized tour, but whatever you do make sure you take a tour with an educator once there.
Records show over 1.3 million people came through this camp, and over 1.1 million people died here, mostly Jews. Go inside barracks and one of the crematoriums, as well as see the infamous Arbeit Macht Frei entrance gate of Auschwitz.
WIELICZKA SALT MINE
One of the most popular unique things to do in Krakow is visit the nearby salt mine. Again, not technically in Krakow, but I didn’t include it because I haven’t yet visited.
Travelling with my older parents we were concerned about the many hundreds of steps there that we didn’t think would work for us. If you’ve visited I’d love to know more about accessibility.
It sounds like this place is very much worth seeing as you descend into a salt mine, and tour underground. Salt sculptures and underground chapels are just part of the allure. At 120 złoty (~$32 USD) this is one of the more costly activities, but don’t let that put you off.
TOP TRAVEL TIP: Given the location outside of Krakow, booking a tour with transfers might be the best option.
KRAKOW TOWN HALL TOWER
This one is in Krakow, but unfortunately is only open between March and November. Since I visited in December for the European Christmas markets I was out of luck.
That said, if you visit when it is open, take a trip up the tower for 20 złoty (~$5 USD) and get a wonderful view over Rynek Główny square. Get a much closer look at the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica as well as a little bit further over old town Krakow.
Amazing Food To Try In Krakow
I could go on and on all day about the fantastic food Poland has to offer. Definitely don’t miss out on some traditional Polish pierogi, delicious little dumplings stuffed with all sorts of fillings. Try the fruit ones for dessert, they’re incredible.
One of the most unique things to do in Krakow – foodie edition – is sample some local sheep cheese, Oscypek. It’s a smoked cheese, quite salty, often served with cranberry sauce. Honestly it wasn’t for me, and I wouldn’t eat it again. But you kind of have to try it at least once.
My favorites were all the sweet treats and desserts including chimney cakes filled with an assortment of sweet flavors. Or any one of a number of bakeries specializing in Polish pączki (donuts) – I recommend the raspberry pistachio flavor from Dobra Pączkarnia.
Another yummy treat I found was Gorący Precel. They make pretzels in a dozen or more flavors. The best to try? Filled pretzels. I loved my blackcurrant and lavender pretzel. It’s also only right to top off every meal with some Polish vodka – try a different flavor every night. The cherry one was superb.
If you’re looking for a good restaurant recommendation, I can’t say enough good things about Starka Restaurant. It gets really busy so make sure to book a table – even if you can only get one at 3:30pm like I did. The food was insanely good, and my family and I collectively agreed this is not only the best place in Krakow we tried, but one of our favorite meals we’ve ever had. Did I oversell it? Guess you’ll have to try it and see.
Is Krakow Worth Visiting?
For the food alone, yes. For everything else – even more so. Personally, I instantly fell in love with Krakow. It had all the activities of a big city, but more of the feel of a small town. I did visit in winter though, so that might make it a little less busy. It might also make me a bit crazy, but if you wrap up warm and bring plenty of layers you’ll be fine. Nothing a little Polish vodka won’t fix.
There are the usual tourist attractions here, but it was the unique things to do in Krakow that really sold me on the city. The history was another. Although I would recommend the Christmas market, I also think Krakow would be better enjoyed at a different time of year.
You won’t be bored in Krakow. And you’ll certainly never go hungry. Some of the attractions involve a recent history that might be tough for some visitors to experience. But they are valuable experiences to have, and Krakow is absolutely worth taking a chance on for your next vacation.
If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you visited Poland before? What do you think of some of these unique things to do in Krakow?
I’ve just realised that it’s 30 years since we visited Krakow so your post was a timely reminder that we really need to revisit! It seems as though some things have changed and yet other parts of the city – the town square, the cloth hall, the dragon – look timeless. There are certainly a whole bunch of interesting museums that we didn’t get to visit. We’d definitely want to get to the Rynek Underground Museum and Schindler’s enamel factory. And we never got to visit the Kościuszko Mound, so would want to do that as well. We did visit the salt mine which was marvellous, and the carvings and salt chandeliers truly magnificent. If memory serves there weren’t too many steps but there was a fair amount of walking. We used lifts to get us to the lower levels. But things may well have changed. Thanks for his post, you’ve prompted us to start planning another trip.
What a lovely guide to Krakow (and its surroundings). I am much more likely to visit in shoulder/summer season, so I will miss the Christmas market but I know I would appreciate the architecture and history. I already know I would love the food thanks to the Polish grandmother of my childhood friend. I remember her perogies very fondly (especially the fruity ones!) and who can say no to Polish vodka? Certainly not me! The Schindler Museum, Jewish Quarter and Auschwitz would be essential because I believe we all must stay vigilant against fascism and anti-semitism. Being in these places makes the Holocaust and its horrors closer.