Things To Do In Krakow

About Things To Do In Krakow

Flaunting a myriad of fun and thrilling activities, the gorgeous city of Krakow promises to offer its visitors an action-packed vacation round the year. No matter if you love history, photography, architecture, or food, there is an ample amount of splendid things to do in Krakow that will keep you entertained throughout your trip.If you wish to learn about both the glorious as well as the heart-breaking history of the country, you can pay a visit to some of the well-preserved historical sites of the city like Krakow Old Town, Auschwitz-Birkenau, and Jeweish Quarter.

You can also cater to the art and architecture buff inside you by spending some time marveling at the impressive Baroque and Gothic architectural designs of various monuments like the Wawel Castle, St Mary’s Basilica, and Barbican Museum. If you want to escape from the chaos of the city, you can unwind and relax in the breathtaking Ojcow National Park or go hiking through its breathtaking trails. Irrespective of your age group, you can also spend a fun day at Energylandia, riding the thrilling roller coasters and watching live performances.The most ideal time to enjoy the fun things to do in Krakow is the summer season, when the weather is warm and balmy. However, if you want to explore the city without huge crowds, you can plan your visit during the spring or fall season.

Top Things To Do In Krakow

No matter the type of traveler you are, there are endless things to do in Krakow. Here is a comprehensive list of all the fun-filled and thrilling things you can enjoy in the city. The list compiles all the kids-friendly, couple-friendly, and even free things to do in Krakow for travelers of all tastes and budget.

Take A Wawel Castle Tour

One of the best things to do in Krakow for both history and architecture buffs is to take a tour of the magnificent UNESCO-listed Wawel Castle. While you take a walk in the complex, marvel at the breathtaking Baroque and Romanesque architectural styles of the castle. Check out the stunning interiors of the monument and have a look at the Gobelin tapestries. As you stroll inside the museum of the castle, witness the spectacular armory and treasury. One of the prime attractions of the museum is Szczerbiec, which served as the coronation sword of all the monarchs, who reigned between 1320 and 1764.

Admire The St. Mary’s Basilica

Paying a visit to the very famous St. Mary’s Basilica has always remained as one of the top things to do in Krakow. On your visit to this place, take time to soak in the mesmerizing Gothic architectural style of the church. Keep your ears open for the iconic St. Mary’s Trumpet Call, which is played every hour from the top of the towers. This trumpet call is played in the commemoration of the 13th-century city trumpeter, who was shot while signaling for the Mongol invasion.

Explore Wawel Cathedral

Take an exploration tour of the majestic Wawel Cathedral, where a number of Polish monarchs and eminent personalities have been buried. The original cathedral was burnt down and the one standing today dates back to the 14th century. While you are here, check out Sigismund’s Chapel, which flaunts an impressive Tuscan Renaissance style architectural design. You are also recommended to witness the 12.6 tonne Sigismund Bell, which is loud enough to be heard from a distance of over 30 kilometers.

Walk Around Krakow Old Town

Taking a tour of the Old Town is one of the most recommended things to do in Krakow, if you want to go back in time and get the experience of the Middle Ages in Poland. As you take a walk around this well-preserved, quaint little town, shop for some unique souvenirs, relish some local culinary bites, and click some good Instagrammable pictures. If you want to learn about the history of the town as you walk around here, consider booking a guided tour of Krakow Old Town.

Pay Your Respects At Auschwitz-Birkenau

Visiting UNESCO World Heritage–listed Auschwitz-Birkenau and paying tribute is one of the top things to do in Krakow for all types of travelers. Remember the 1.5 million people, who lost their lives in the infamous genocide that took place at this historical site, which was used as a concentration and extermination camp during the second world war. Take a tour of the barracks, railway ramps, crematoriums, watchtowers, museum exhibits, and gas chambers.

Soak In The History Of Kazimierz, The Jewish Quarter

If you are a history lover, taking a tour of the Jewish Quarter should undoubtedly be at the top of your list of things to do in Krakow. Walk through the small streets and experience the rich history thriving here; no wonder both famous and infamous. While you are at the Jewish Quarter, pay a visit to the Galicia Jewish Museum, where you can get an in-depth insight of the history of this area.

Explore The Rynek Underground Museum

One of the best things to do in Krakow for families is to go explore the famous Rynek Underground Museum. You will be left awestruck as you go 4 meters underground to witness the mesmerizing collection of hightech exhibits of this museum. You can either take a guided tour or a self-guided tour; anyway you will be mesmerized to learn about the fascinating history of the city, starting from the early residents to the infamous wars.

Take A Hike At Ojcow National Park

If you are seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, one of the best things to do in Krakow for you is spending some time at the breathtaking Ojcow National Park. Well, if you are an adventure enthusiast, this place will prove to be even more rewarding for you. While you hike the beautiful trails, you can see picture-perfect woodlands, fascinating rocky formations, and stunning limestone caves. You can also find small local cafes, where you can halt to relish some authentic Polish delicacies.

Quench Your Thirst For Thrills At Energylandia

It is a sin, if you are an adventure junkie and do not have a tour to Energylandia in your list of top things to do in Krakow. While at Energylandia, the biggest amusement park in Poland, adrenaline seekers can enjoy mind-boggling roller coaster rides. You can feel the spine-chilling thrill as you ride at a speed of 88mph on Hyperion, the fastest roller coaster of Poland. You can also go swimming at the water park and watch the impressive acrobatic show. If you are visiting Energylandia with your little ones, you can let them have some fun at the Little Kids Zone.

Find The Underground Lakes At Wieliczka Salt Mine

If you want to experience some offbeat things to do in Krakow, get inside an 800 years old elevator and head 327 meters below the ground level, at the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Take a tour of the salt mine and check out its 22 underground chambers, fascinating chapels, and of course shimmering underground saltwater lakes. You will find a number of stunning saltwater lakes inside the mine, the most popular amongst which is the one nestled in the Weimar Chamber. You will be super amazed to see this teal-coloured lake with a high volume of sodium chloride present in its water.

Fly High At The Polish Aviation Museum

Enjoying the exquisite experience of flying high at the Polish Aviation Museum must be included in every traveler’s list of things to do in Krakow. During your exploration tour of the museum, you can check out an extensive collection of stunning aircraft, with some of the flying machines dating back to even 300 years! You can witness unique exhibits, including the iconic Polish PZL 130 Orlik and the last Russian flying boat.

Explore The Barbican Museum

Pay a visit to the impressive and equally popular Barbican Museum, a magnificent palatial fortified outpost. Marvel at this well-preserved relic that was once a part of the defense barriers that encompassed the city. Take a stroll around the monument and admire its mesmerizing Gothic style architectural design. You can also shop for some great souvenirs like cards, gifts, books, and accessories at the on-site gift shops. You can even relish some good food and drinks at the in-house restaurant and bars.

Things To Do In Krakow FAQs

Which are the best things to do in Krakow?

There are a number of fun activities to enjoy in the city. Some of the popular things to do in Krakow include taking castle tours, walking around the Old Town, learning history at the museums, paying tribute at Auschwitz-Birkenau, relaxing at Ojcow National Park, and enjoying thrilling rides at Energylandia.

What is special about Krakow?

The specialty of Krakow lies in its well-preserved history and impressive architecture. The myriad of intriguing museums, such as the Rynek Underground Museum and the Barbican Museum let visitors learn about the rich history of Poland. The magnificent castles and churches like Wawel Castle and St Mary’s Basilica flaunt brilliant Gothic style architectural elements to marvel at.

How to reach Krakow?

  • By Flight: John Paul II International Airport in Krakow is the second largest airport in Poland. The airport is connected to many important locations of the world like London, Berlin, Munich, and Brussels through leading airlines like British Airways, Brussels Airlines, and Air Berlin.
  • By Train: Located near the Old Town, Dworzec Główny PKP is the central railway station, which connects Krakow with a number of other important cities of Poland. Most of the trains operating though this station are either Express InterCity Premium or Express InterCity.
  • By Bus: The European regions are connected to each other through a number of bus service providers. Several buses connect Krakow to other important locations, such as Central Europe, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Scandinavia, Russia, and the Balkans.

What is the best time to visit Krakow?

Summer season, from June to August, is the peak time to visit Krakow. During this time of the year, the days are hot with long hours of daylight and the nights are balmy, which is perfect for engaging in all the best things to do in Krakow. However, if you want to visit the city without the huge summer crowd, consider planning your trip between the months of April and May (Spring season) or September and November (Fall season).

How many days should one need to explore Krakow?

You need at least 3 days to enjoy all the tourist-friendly things to do in Krakow. During your 3 days trip, you can visit the various top attractions of the city, such as Wawel Castle, St Mary’s Basilica, Rynek Underground Museum, Krakow Old Town, Auschwitz-Birkenau, Kazimierz, Ojcow National Park, Energylandia, Wieliczka Salt Mine, the Polish Aviation Museum, and the Barbican Museum.

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