Top 20 best places to visit in Krakow that can’t be missed

As one of Poland’s oldest and most captivating cities, there are so many things to do in Krakow. Hidden stories of the past lie in the depths of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, while the buzz of modern life contrasts with medieval architecture and historic buildings in Main Market Square.

If it’s your first time in Krakow, get to know the essential details on must-see attractions like Auschwitz Birkenau and Wawel Cathedral. Whether you’re looking for the best viewpoints or family-friendly parks, this guide fills you in on the best places to visit in Krakow, so you don’t miss anything.

Krakow’s Top Places to Visit at a Glance

Top sights in Krakow for history lovers: Auschwitz Birkenau, Wawel Hill, and the Oskar Schindler’s Factory

Best places to visit in Krakow with kids: the Henryk Jordan Park, Krakow Pinball Museum, and Polish Aviation Museum

Best places to go for art in Krakow: the Czartoryski Museum, Chopin Concert Hall, and St. Mary’s Basilica

Top Krakow attractions for nature lovers: Planty Park, Vistula River, and Kościuszko Mound

Best places in Krakow for history

1. Auschwitz Birkenau

About an hour’s drive from Krakow is Auschwitz Birkenau, a former concentration camp that gives visitors an unfiltered look into the realities of the Holocaust. Preserved barracks, gas chambers, and other remnants from World War II encourage visitors to reflect on one of the darkest chapters in human history.

Insider tip:

There are two camps to visit — Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau — and it takes about 1.5 hours to visit each.

Address and opening hours:

Więźniów Oświęcimia 55, 32-600 Oświęcim, Poland. Open 7:30 AM-2:00 PM every day in December; 7:30 AM-3:00 PM every day in January and November; 7:30 AM-4:00 PM every day in February; 7:30 AM-5:00 PM every day in March and October; 7:30 AM-6:00 PM every day in April, May, and September; and 7:30 AM-7:00 PM every day in June, July, and August.

2. Oskar Schindler’s Factory

Another top landmark in Krakow to learn about the city’s WWII history is Oskar Schindler’s Factory, which also happens to be one of the best museums in Krakow. Once the site where Oskar Schindler saved over 1,200 Jews, the factory now hosts exhibitions detailing life in Nazi-occupied Krakow. The displays give an essential look at the wartime experiences that shaped the city.

Best time to go:

Visit late in the afternoon to avoid the busiest hours of the day.

Address and opening hours:

Lipowa 4, 30-702 Kraków, Poland. Open Monday, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM; Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM; and Friday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-8:00 PM.

3. Wawel Hill

Wawel Hill is the cultural and historical heart of Krakow with panoramic views of the city and a collection of Krakow’s most significant landmarks. Dominated by Wawel Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral, this site has been the residence of Polish kings and a symbol of national identity for centuries.

Best time to go:

Visit at sunset for golden hour views of the Vistula River and Krakow’s skyline.

Opening hours:

Open 24/7. Attractions on Wawel Hill have separate opening hours.

4. Wawel Cathedral

Atop Wawel Hill sits Wawel Cathedral, a towering symbol of Polish history and faith. This Gothic cathedral masterpiece has been the coronation site for Polish kings, and its crypt is the resting place of saints, poets, and national heroes.

Insider tip:

Climb to the top of the bell tower for a close-up view of the Sigismund Bell, the largest bell in Poland.

Address and opening hours:

Wawel, 31-001 Kraków, Poland. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-5:30 PM; Sunday, noon-4:00 PM; closed Monday.

5. Wawel Castle

Yet another Wawel Hill gem is the historic complex of Wawel Royal Castle, a lavish former residence of Polish kings and home to one of the best art museums in Krakow. The castle’s blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, along with its lavish State Rooms and Crown Treasury, offer a glimpse into the luxury of Krakow’s past royalty.

Best time to go:

Early mornings provide the best opportunity to explore the castle before it gets crowded.

Address and opening hours:

Wawel 4, 31-003 Kraków, Poland. Open Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, and Sunday, 12:30 PM-5:00 PM, from April to October; and Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, and Sunday, 12:30 PM-4:00 PM, from November to March.

6. Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is an underground wonder, carved entirely from rock salt, just outside Krakow. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been in operation since the 13th century and is famed for its intricate salt sculptures, underground lakes, and St. Kinga’s Chapel, where even the chandeliers are made of salt.

Insider tip:

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, even in the summer — the salt mines remain 17-18°C (62-64°F) year-round.

Address and opening hours:

Daniłowicza 10, 32-020 Wieliczka, Poland. Tour times depend on the day and tour you join (guided tours are required to enter the mines).

7. Krakow Barbican

For a look at Krakow’s military history, visit the Krakow Barbican, a well-preserved remnant of the city’s medieval fortifications. This circular auburn brick structure, with its robust towers and narrow passages, evokes the atmosphere of a fairytale castle despite its contrasting role in the past.

Highlights:

The small museum inside provides additional context on Krakow’s medieval defenses.

Address and opening hours:

Basztowa, 30-547 Kraków, Poland. Open 10:00 AM-6:00 PM every day except Monday.

8. Rynek Underground

Rynek Underground, located beneath Krakow’s Main Market Square, is an underground museum that takes visitors on a journey back to the city’s medieval roots. The museum’s innovative exhibits, including holograms and interactive displays, bring Krakow’s history to life.

Insider tip:

Book tickets in advance, as the museum’s small size and popularity often lead to sold-out slots.

Address and opening hours:

Rynek Główny 1, 31-042 Kraków, Poland. Open Monday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM; Tuesday, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM; Wednesday-Thursday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM; and Friday-Sunday, 10:00-8:00 PM.

9. Old Synagogue

The Old Synagogue in Kazimierz, Krakow’s historic Jewish quarter, is the oldest surviving synagogue in Poland and one of the top sights in Krakow for first-time visitors. This Gothic-style building now serves as a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Krakow’s Jewish community.

Insider tip:

Nearby, you can also visit the Remuh Cemetery, one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Krakow.

Address and opening hours:

Szeroka 24, 31-053 Kraków, Poland. Open Monday, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM, and Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Best places in Krakow for art

10. Czartoryski Museum

An impressive collection of art and historical artifacts, including Leonardo da Vinci’s "Lady with an Ermine," can be admired at the Czartoryski Museum. The museum’s exhibits span from ancient Egypt to European masters, offering a journey through time for art enthusiasts.

Highlight:

Don’t miss the military memorabilia collection highlighting Poland’s storied past.

Address and opening hours:

Pijarska 15, 31-015 Kraków, Poland. Open 10:00 AM-6:00 PM every day except Mondays.

11. Chopin Concert Hall

Krakow’s Chopin Concert Hall lets you experience Frederic Chopin’s timeless compositions in an intimate setting. This elegant venue, with its period decor, hosts daily performances that transport listeners back to the 19th century.

Highlights:

You can enjoy everything from folk shows to orchestra concerts by Krakow musicians.

Address and opening hours:

Sławkowska 14, 31-014 Kraków, Poland. Entry times will depend on the show tickets you purchase.

12. St. Mary’s Basilica

St. Mary’s Basilica is one of Krakow’s most recognized landmarks, recognizable by its twin towers of differing heights. This Gothic church, located in the Main Market Square, is famous for its wooden altarpiece by Veit Stoss, a masterwork of late Gothic sculpture.

Highlight:

Every hour, the left tower plays a bugle call, known as the hejnał, a longstanding tradition in Krakow.

Address and opening hours:

plac Mariacki 5, 31-042 Kraków, Poland. Open Monday-Sunday, 11:30 AM-6:00 PM, and Sunday, 2:00 PM-6:00 PM.

Best places in Krakow for families

13. Main Market Square

Krakow’s Main Market Square is one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe and is home to many of the top attractions in Krakow, from Cloth Hall to the Eros Bendato sculpture, a popular spot for photos. Street performers, fragrant flower stalls, and cafes serving traditional Polish food make visiting the square one of Krakow’s best outdoor activities.

Best time to go:

Visit early morning or late evening to experience the square with fewer crowds.

Address and opening hours:

Rynek Główny, 31-422 Kraków, Poland. Open 24/7.

14. Krakow Pinball Museum

The Krakow Pinball Museum is a nostalgic stop perfect for families. Visitors can play on dozens of arcade and vintage pinball machines, some dating back to the 1970s, making this museum a hit for both adults and kids.

Best time to go:

Visit in the evening to fully experience the lively atmosphere straight out of a retro film.

Address and opening hours:

Stradomska 15, 31-068 Kraków, Poland. Open Monday-Thursday, 2:00 PM-9:00 PM; Friday, 2:00 PM-10:00 PM; Saturday, 12:00 PM-10:00 PM; and Sunday, 12:00 PM-9:00 PM.

15. Polish Aviation Museum

Another family-friendly place in Krakow is the Polish Aviation Museum. Featuring a vast collection of aircraft from WWI biplanes to Cold War jets, the museum’s interactive exhibits make aviation history engaging for all visitors.

Highlight:

Outdoor airplane displays are perfect for young visitors to run around and explore without feeling cramped.

Address and opening hours:

al. Jana Pawła II 39, 31-864 Kraków, Poland. Open 9:00 AM-5:00 PM every day except Monday.

16. Smocza Jama

Smocza Jama, or the Dragon’s Den, is a magical cave beneath Wawel Hill tied to Krakow’s most famous legend. According to lore, it once housed a fearsome dragon, and today, visitors can explore the cave’s mysterious passages.

Highlight:

Posing beside the cave’s fire-breathing dragon statue outside makes for incredible family photos.

Address and opening hours:

Wawel 5, 31-001 Kraków, Poland. Open 10:00 AM-6:30 PM every day, April-June; 10:00 AM-7:00 PM every day, July-August; 10:00 AM-5:30 PM every day, September-October 26; and 10:00 AM-5:00 PM every day, October 27-31.

Best places in Krakow for nature

17. Kosciuszko Mound

If views are on your Krakow travel wish list, Kosciuszko Mound has some of the best panoramas of Krakow. This artificial hill is a peaceful green spot that combines a tribute to the Polish national hero Tadeusz Kosciuszko with a serene escape from the city.

Highlight:

Your mound entry ticket includes access to the collections and exhibitions in Fort 2’s interior.

Address and opening hours:

al. Waszyngtona 1, 30-204 Kraków, Poland. Open 9:00 AM-7:00 PM every day.

18. Planty Park

Planty Park is a natural oasis that encircles Krakow’s Old Town. This 4-kilometer-long park is perfect for a leisurely stroll or jog, with beautifully landscaped gardens and numerous statues along the way. It’s one of the best places to visit in Krakow for free.

Best time to go:

Visit in the fall to enjoy the park’s trees and paths covered in bright shades of orange, yellow, and red.

Address and opening hours:

31-041 Kraków, Poland. Open 24/7.

19. Vistula River

Want to experience Krakow from the water? The Vistula River is perfect for boat tours, water sports like kayaking, and leisurely activities along its banks. A stroll or bike ride near the water is a fun way to see the sights and soak in Krakow’s natural beauty.

Best time to go:

Sunset offers the most picturesque views of Krakow as the city’s lights begin to reflect off the water.

Opening hours:

Open 24/7.

20. Henryk Jordan Park

The Henryk Jordan Park is a popular family-friendly destination in Krakow thanks to its many park features and spacious grounds. The park has playgrounds, a pond where you can rent paddle boats, and a fun skate park for kids or adults looking for extra thrills.

Best time to go:

Cool off in the summertime by renting a paddling boat on the park’s lake.

Address and opening hours:

al. 3 Maja 11, 30-062 Kraków, Poland. Open 24/7.

FAQs

How many days should I spend in Krakow to see all the top sights?

To see all of the city's main highlights, you’ll need to spend at least 3 days in Krakow. This allows time to explore the historic Old Town, visit major attractions like Wawel Castle and Auschwitz Birkenau, and take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Additional days would be useful for exploring more of the city’s museums or parks.

What is the best time of year to visit Krakow?

The best time to visit Krakow is late spring (May to June) or early fall (September to October). The weather is mild during these months, and the city is less crowded than in the peak summer months. These times also coincide with various cultural events and festivals in the city.

What is the best way to get around the sights in Krakow?

The best way to get around Krakow’s sights is on foot, especially in the Old Town and Jewish Quarter, where most attractions are close to each other. For longer distances, Krakow has an efficient public transportation system, including trams and buses. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available, while rental cars may be a good option for families who want more flexibility.

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Krakow?

The best neighborhoods to visit in Krakow include the Old Town (Stare Miasto) for its historic sites and vibrant market square, and Kazimierz, known for its rich cultural history and trendy cafes. Podgórze, across the Vistula River, is also notable for its historical significance and the Ghetto Heroes Square.

What are the best day trips to take from Krakow?

The best day trips from Krakow include visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, about an hour away by car or bus, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, approximately 30 minutes from the city center. Other popular options are the Tatra Mountains or the medieval town of Zakopane for hiking or winter sports.