Things to Do in Krakow Poland

Krakow, located in southern Poland, is a vibrant center of architectural beauty, learning, and culture. When you go there today, these aspects of Krakow will delight you. Things to do in Krakow include visiting the large Market Square that bustles with shops and churches and restaurants. Wander through the gardens encircling the historic district. Tour the sprawling castle that sits on a hill. And take in the beauty of the picturesque river flowing through the scene.

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But the dark shadows of World War II are also remembered. The Nazis invaded Krakow during the first month of war, in September 1939. During German occupation, a ghetto confined the Jewish population of the city. Memorials to those who suffered in this ghetto from disease, malnutrition, and overcrowding, are found. The Schindler factory made famous in the movie “Schindler’s List,” is here.

Krakow offers so much to see, and so many layers of history. It’s a good idea to plan your time before you arrive. Here are highlights of the city to help you put together an itinerary that most appeals to you.

Explore the spacious Krakow Market Square (Rynek Glowny)

Krakow’s Market Square is the heart of the city’s Old Town. It’s been the focal point of Krakow’s social, cultural, and economic life since the 13th century. Krakow’s market square is the largest medieval market square in Europe. And it carries the distinction of being one of the very first UNESCO World Heritage sites. Plan to allow at least an hour or two to walk around and take in all the sights.

You can happily wander and stop at a café or sit at a sidewalk restaurant to eat and people watch. The square features historic townhouses and colorful market stalls. When I visited, dancers in bright-toned clothing swirled on a stage. And the square is home to notable architecture, including The Cloth Hall and Saint Mary’s Basilica.

The Cloth Hall, located right at the center of the square, is a Renaissance-era building. As you might guess, it was used for trade and commerce. Today, it houses the Sukiennice Museum. Here, visitors can peruse exhibits related to Polish art and history. Visitors can also find a variety of souvenirs and local crafts at the many stalls inside.Saint Mary’s Basilica is an iconic and easily recognizable landmark of Krakow. You can find it by looking for the church with the asymmetrical, soaring towers. The taller tower, known as the Sigismund Tower, stands at 265 feet. You can go up in this tower for a panoramic view of the city. The basilica’s architecture is a blend of different styles, with mostly Gothic and Gothic Revival elements. As you crisscross the Market Square, keep an eye on this distinctive church, visible from all points.

Tour Wawel Royal Castle

The imposing, sprawling Wawel Royal Castle looming high above the Vistula River will draw your attention as you explore Krakow’s Old Town. Take time to walk through the extensive castle grounds with their many different buildings. The towers and fortifications and courtyards are a mix of architectural styles, added through the centuries by Polish kings and queens. The 14th-century Gothic Wawel Cathedral is here, too. Sixteen Polish kings are buried here.If you have time, buy a ticket to enter the buildings. The museum houses collections of jewelry, art, porcelain, and tapestries. If your time is limited, it’s worth an hour or so to enter the grounds and see all of the different buildings from the outside. Check out the Florentine influence in the design of the inner courtyard. The garden is quite pretty in the spring and summer, too.

Walk by Jagiellonian University

In walking around Krakow’s Old Town, you may discover the Jagiellonian University. Founded in 1364 by King Casimir III the Great, the school takes its name from the Jagiellon dynasty that once ruled over a large part of Central and Eastern Europe. This university played a crucial role in the development of Polish culture, science, and education. Notable figures associated with the university include astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus.

Relax in Planty Park

In this city of magnificent architecture, you may be surprised to discover the large, pleasant greenbelt that encircles the Old Town. Planty Park is known for its flowers, gardens, and tall pine trees. If the weather is welcoming, you can relax on one of the wrought-iron benches and rest from walking around the city.

Planty Park is also home to a fascinating fortification called the Barbican. This outpost dates to the 1400s and used to be connected to the city walls.

Remember History in the Kazimierz District

Across the Vistula River from Krakow’s Old Town, you will find the Kazimierz district. Here you will get a sense of Jewish culture before and during World War II. This area fell into disrepair during the communist era. But now it is rebounding. Cafes and art galleries are ready to welcome visitors.

Part of the reason for the rediscovery of the Kazimierz District is the popularity of the movie, “Schindler’s List.” The historian leading the tour I took spoke highly of the integrity of Steven Spielberg’s cinematic portrayal of horrific events here during the war. Include in your time a visit to Schindler’s Factory and Ghetto Heroes Square. And some synagogues are open for respectful visitors, too.

See the Famous Schindler’s Enamel Factory

Oscar Schindler’s Enamel Factory draws visitors from all over. If you have time only to walk along the sidewalk and view the exterior, it’s well worth finding this historical place. Here businessman Schindler, a member of the Nazi party, opened an enamel factory. And here, under the noses of the Nazis occupying Krakow, he figured out a way to save the lives of more than a thousand Jewish people. He did this by employing prisoners from the nearby concentration camp set up at Plawitz. He claimed these workers were vital to the industry..Inside, the small museum tells the factory’s story. The permanent exhibition is called “Krakow Under Nazi Occupation, 1939 – 1945.” The museum is open Sunday through Friday and admission is free.

Take time to look at the photographs of those saved and to imagine what they went through. The survivors showed resilience and courage, and Schindler expressed his sorrow at not being able to save more people.There’s only one room dedicated to Schindler in the museum – his office on the second floor. There’s a desk and a plaster map of Europe. And a giant commemorative cube, featuring a wall of enamel pots and the names of all those Schindler saved. The rest of the exhibition is excellent too. It tells the story of life in Kraków during Nazi occupation in powerful and innovative ways.

Pay respects at Ghetto Heroes Square

Ghetto Heroes Square, located near Schindler’s Factory, is a moving memorial to the victims of the Holocaust and those forced into the ghetto once located in this area of Krakow. The ghetto, formed in 1941, was liquidated in March 1943. The square features metal chairs that symbolize the tragedy of the ghetto and its liquidation. Some say the chairs represent furniture the people had to leave behind when they arrived in the square for transport to concentration camps.

 Visit the Krakow Ghetto pharmacy

 At one edge of the square is the Apteka pod Orlem, a historical pharmacy portrayed in the movie “Schindler’s List.” The pharmacy provided medicines, food, and other supplies for Jewish residents of the Krakow Ghetto. Today, the pharmacy is a museum, and it is worth spending about a half hour here.The museum commemorates the life and actions of pharmacist Tadeusz Pankiewicz. You will learn about the role of the pharmacy in the war and of the courage of those who worked here.

Find serenity at the Remuh Synagogue and Cemetery

Several synagogues can be found in the Kazimierz District. I went to the Remuh Synagogue and Cemetery during my visit. This synagogue features a beautiful interior, with an old Jewish cemetery outside. It’s a serene place to reflect on the history of Krakow’s Jewish community.

Marvel at the Vistula River

As you drive or walk through Krakow, you can’t help but marvel at the Vistula River. Poland’s largest river, the Vistula winds its way through the city of Krakow and creates pretty views throughout. The most striking and accessible spot to enjoy the water is on the river’s west side. This promenade is a popular, scenic, and family-friendly spot.  River cruises and kayaks are available, too.

Where to eat in Krakow

You cannot possibly go hungry in Krakow. Head to the Market Square for an abundance of cafes and restaurants. The side streets off the square are filled with shops and places to eat, too. Here are a few great choices.

Trattoria Soprano — This cozy Italian restaurant just off the Market Square is known for its delicious pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas. I enjoyed a delicious dinner of vegetable lasagna in wine sauce. Winding up the stairs to sit overlooking the ground floor made the meal extra fun.Restaurant Wierzynek — This restaurant is located in a historic building and is one of the oldest restaurants in Krakow, dating to 1364. The menu features traditional Polish dishes such as roasted duck, pierogi, and beef tartare. The Royal Chocolate Workshop is part of the restaurant, so you can take home a box of elegant chocolates to enjoy, too.

Hamsa Hummus & Happiness — This restaurant invites you to taste the foods of new Israel. The menu includes hummus, falafel, shakshuka, and other Middle Eastern specialties. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.

Where to stay in Krakow

I recommend staying within walking distance of the Market Square for convenience. You are near Wawel Castle and Planty Park, as well. Here are a few choices.

Radisson Blu Hotel Krakow — This 5-star hotel is located near Planty Park, offering modern amenities and easy access to the Old Town. This is where I stayed. It proved the perfect location for walking to the Market Square, enjoying the park, finding a deli for a quick lunch, and walking to Wawel Castle.

Hotel Stary — This luxurious 5-star hotel is located right in the heart of the Old Town, offering elegant rooms, a spa, and a rooftop terrace with beautiful city views.

Hotel Copernicus — This 5-star boutique hotel is housed in a historic building near Wawel Castle. It features beautifully designed rooms and a charming courtyard.

Metropolitan Boutique Hotel — This modern boutique hotel is a 15-minute walk from the Main Market Square. It features contemporary design and comfort.

Hotel Unicus Palace — Located near the Market Square, this hotel dates to the 1700s and offers a blend of historical architecture and modern amenities.

Book your train tickets with Rail Europe for easy and reliable service. 

Rail Europe partners with more than 230 train services such as SCNF, DB, and Swiss train lines. So, you can always find the transportation you need for your trip.

If you want to take a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau

Many travelers plan to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau during their stay in Krakow. The site of the former concentration camp lies just outside Oświęcim, about 70km from Kraków. You can get there by train, car, or taxi. You may want to book a tour out of Krakow. The official website for Auschwitz has a wealth of information. Or take a tour for ease of planning.

Whether you spend a day or several days, you will find plenty of interesting things to do in Krakow, one of Poland’s premier cities.

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