Things to Do in Kraków (Poland)

The city of Krakow in Poland is regarded as the UNESCO World Heritage city. The country of Poland due to its geographical locations, bordered by countries with various culture is influenced by them as well. In terms of attractions, there are a lot to choose from. The University founded by the Casimir III was the breakthrough in the city’s role in the country’s history. Let’s take a deep dive into the things to do in Krakow

Top 8 things to do in Kraków

Experience the local shopping area, lovely river walks and the numerous old churches! Read about those great suggestions!

• St. Mary’s Basilica
• The Main Square
• Wawel Castle
• Vistula River boat trip
• Schindler’s Museum
• The Escape Room
• The Jewish Quarter
• Wawel Cathedral

1. St. Mary’s Basilica

The most prominent church in Kraków is situated next to the marketplace, St. Mary’s Basilica. Visiting the Basilica is one of the spiritual things to do in Krakow. It was established in the fourteenth century and is 80 meters long! Gothic and cathedral styles are the design.

The basilica includes two important attractions — the altar by Wita Stworz and a trumpet player in this tour performing “Heynal.” One of Poland’s most beautiful works of delicate art, beginning with the 15th-century altar by the Polish creator Wita Storz. This provides an incredible experience with the stunning marble inside of the basilica.

Also read: Best Things To Do and See in Warsaw (Poland)

2. Main Square

In the summertime, Town Square is still busy. It has a rather unique market, selling everything from western food to genuine handmade jewels. Street musicians also play popular music and carriages dominate the sidewalks. There is more food in the evening to serve hungry visitors with typical meals. Polish recipes include Perogi, Gulash and Borcht (beetroot soup). Their diet includes the Polish Dumplings.

Because Poland is a fairly inexpensive place, a complete meal for $3 can easily be purchased. Take the time to go there as well for a horse-drawn tour. This attraction does not only make you think as you belong to the royal family, but it’s also actually the best option to know more about the city.

3. Wawel Castle

Because of its distinctive architecture and royal past, Castle Wawel is a very famous attraction. It is located on the top of a hill and provides a beautiful view of the water. Established in the 14th-century under the rule of Casimir III, the magnificent Wawel Castle hosted several polish Kings until the Polish capital was relocated from Krakow to Warsaw. The castle ‘s structural style is extremely gothic as well as Romanesque.

The structure is the birthplace to one of Poland’s most famous dragon stories. On request, the sculpture of the dragon on the river Vistula, just out of the palace, will make the fire come to life. You can also take a guided tour to know more about this fiery legend if you want to take a closer look at the past of the dragon. A nice stroll around the castle would probably be one of the relaxing things to do in Krakow.

Also Read: 8 stunning castles in Poland that look straight out of fairy tale!

4. Vistula River boat trip

The boat trips across the city on the Vistula River are yet another soothing experience in Krakow. Even if it is enjoyed only in the summers, it is one of the easiest ways of seeing parts of the city which are not available elsewhere.

Many organizations operate boat trips and all of them give various experiences. Do you want a tour guided? Of course! Of course! A romantic and peaceful river sail? You have it!.   The chances are infinite, and the sky or water is the limit, I would say!

5. Schindler’s Museum

I would recommend you visit the Schindler Museum if you’d like to know about World war 2. Here is an imaginative display, telling the city’s moving past between 1939 and 1945. The presentation deals with war, daily life, the plight of the Jews and the underground rebellion in the city with paintings, paintings, films and objects. For one day, the price will be PLN 19 (USD 5). It is a world-class gallery!

Exploring the city on a bike is a regular occurrence in this place. In this way, you can easily get around but still take advantage of the landscape and comfortable climate. In the city, there are also plenty of places to rent bikes.

Also read: These Best Things to Do in Wrocław should be a part of every itinerary

6. The Escape Room

You may want to see some excitement in your lives, after learning about the stories of the brave shoemaker and the Wawel dragon. An escape room is, as the term implies, a kind of escape room experience that allows you to use and enjoy your expertise with mates. This practice is widely established all over the world and is certainly worth the try in Poland.

Thus, an escaping room is essentially a puzzle which finally gets you from a locked closet. Typically you need a party of 4 to 6 people to participate. The job is to find insights and solve riddles, which can lead to your escape from the confined space. The longer you take to solve the puzzle the easier. You have one hour to finish the mission. This is one of the perfect things to do in Krakow which could actually help in better bonding, be it kids or your loved one.

7. The Jewish Quarter

The Jewish quarter, an area just south of the Old Town, is popular for Krakow. This region has been the nucleus of Jewish culture for over 500 years until the Second World War systemically ruined it. Thanks to the vibrant bohemian environment, heritage landmarks, art museums and weird cafés, it is regarded as Krakow’s most exciting area. This is truly one of the historical things to do in Krakow

It is an immense draw for visitors and is also a pilgrimage destination for Jews. There is an enormous celebration each summer in the neighbourhood celebrating the Jewish community, reminding the tourists of the pre-war past of the area. The Jewish Quarter is the finest neighbourhood in Kraków!

Also read: Things to Do in Gdańsk during your Poland vacation

8. Wawel Cathedral

The Wawel Cathedral is an example of gothic painting and sculpture, but it’s much more iconic for the citizens of Poland. In Polish people and culture Catholicism is very deeply rooted. The Poles signify the past by the Cathedral of Wawel.

Sadly, the cathedral provides service in Latin and Polish only if you are interested in attending a Catholic Mass; Nevertheless, there are still plenty of gothic churches in Krakow that give the English Mass. The Cathedral is also the funeral site of the initial Polish aristocracy, to learn about the royal background in Poland. The Cathedral entry is free of cost, but if you want a tour, they start at approximately 3 USD.

By now you would have had a fair idea on what are the things to do in Krakow on your next vacation to Poland. Get in touch with the destination experts at. pickyourtrail to get your vacation plans customized according to your needs. Check out our guides page for more insights on destinations or leave a Whatsapp inquiry for more options.