Krakow is a little jewel worth discovering. Poland’s main tourist city, it is located in the south of the country, close to the Czech border. A city we absolutely wanted you to discover.
That’s why, in the rest of this article, we’d like you to discover our selection of Krakow’s must-do activities. Activities, visits, meetings or important events that you must take part in during your stay in this superb Polish city.
How do I get to Krakow?
From Prague, Krakow is about 530 kilometers away. By car, the journey takes between 5 and 6 hours. By bus, the journey takes around 7 to 8 hours. Flying to Krakow is unthinkable, so the last option is to take the train. Here again, the journey can be quite arduous.
From Paris, however, there are several flights from Charles-de-Gaulle airport to Krakow’s John Paul II airport. Whether you’re flying from Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland or the rest of France, your flight will take between 2 and 2.5 hours.
Changing money in Krakow
In Poland, the population doesn’t use the euro but the złoty. It is therefore essential to go to a specialized office. But where to change your money in Krakow at the best rate? There are various offices, including the Kantor exchange offices. One of them is located Sławkowska 4, 31-014 just a two-minute walk from the city center.
What to do in Krakow
Are you indeed planning to travel to Krakow, but don’t really know what to do there? In the rest of this article, we invite you to discover our selection of the top 10 things to do in Krakow. This is your chance to visit and enjoy one of Poland’s prettiest and best-known cities.
Auschwitz-Birkenau
Close to Krakow lies the former German concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau. A veritable historical sanctuary, you can visit, explore and reflect on the memory of those who were deported and disappeared.
A gripping, poignant place, which you can visit with a specialized tour guide. Numerous guided tours are available every day. You can learn more about the abuses suffered during this period, the living conditions in this death camp and much more. If there’s one visit you should make in Krakow, this is it.
Rynek Główny
Kraków’s main square (Rynek Główny) is, without a doubt, the number one place you’ll visit during your stay.
Here you’ll discover many unusual, high-quality buildings such as the 10th-century St. Adalbert Church, the Gothic Basilica of St. Mary or the Renaissance, gem of the Sukiennice Cloth Hall.
And if you’re more of a sit-down kind of person, the square is packed with pubs, restaurants and more. In short, it’s the ideal place to take advantage of Krakow’s hustle and bustle.
The heart of the old town
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Krakow’s medieval quarter is known as one of the city’s most important historical sites. As you enter the Barbican, you’ll discover more about the fortifications, the city’s medieval history and its sumptuous buildings. It’s the ideal place to start your tour of Krakow, before moving on to the city’s must-see Wawel Castle.
Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle overlooks Krakow. It is the former residence of Polish kings. This large complex comprises 71 rooms, all of which are open to the public.
You can also enjoy the royal apartments, the noble ceremonial rooms where foreign emissaries were received, and the finest collections of paintings and sculptures by former rulers.
If you’re in Krakow and want to enjoy a must-see activity, visiting Wawel must be on your list.
Basilica of the Virgin Mary
The Basilica of the Virgin Mary is one of Krakow’s most famous monuments. It should definitely be on your must-see list. This place of worship consists of two immense towers (69 and 82 meters).
It is from the latter that the traditional melody of Hejnal Mariacki is played, once every hour. Climb to the top and enjoy the panoramic view.
Schindler factory
You’re bound to have heard the story of Oskar Schindler, either from a book or Spielberg’s film. This man saved countless Jews persecuted by the Nazi regime.
The museum paying tribute to him is now housed in his former factory. You’ll also find a beautiful exhibition of World War II-era apartments, squares and streets.
The Jewish Quarter
Kazimierz district, also known as the Jewish Quarter, is an incredible place where history and socio-cultural evolution meet. Many Jews made their way here between the 14th and 20th centuries, before being hunted down when the Nazi regime took control.
Today, you can enjoy all the Jewish cultural influence. Enjoy good food served on the cobbled streets of Szeroka or Jozefa, go for a drink on Estery Street. There’s so much to do, so make the most of it!
Wieliczka salt mines
Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978, the Wieliczka salt mine was first discovered in the 15th century. It is one of Krakow’s most visited monuments. It is estimated that over a million people visit it every year. It is almost 300 kilometers long and plunges to a depth of 327 meters.
Planty Park
Krakow’s Planty Park is a charming little green park that surrounds the entire old town. This verdant spot is brimming with monuments. It’s the city’s breathing space. It’s a friendly park, where you can breathe, enjoy and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Krakow Historical Museum
The Krakow Historical Museum is divided into several sections. 14 historical sites. The most important is located in the heart of the Krzysztofory Palace. Other exhibits can be found in places such as the Barbican, Schindler’s Factory and the Old Synagogue. You’ll also find an array of artworks, paintings and old maps that will help you learn more about the city’s history.
What to eat in Krakow
Fancy a bite to eat? In the heart of Krakow, you’ll find a number of restaurants serving typical dishes, such as the famous Pierogis (Polish ravioli) or Bigos, a classic and traditional dish, which is popular with locals at festive times.
We also recommend typical Polish starters, such as Barszcz with beet and Grochowka with peas, bacon and meat. If you get the chance, try Zurek.
A soup with pieces of sausage and chunks of potato. For more, check out our selection of the best restaurants in Krakow!
Where to stay in Krakow?
Hoping to visit Krakow in the next few days or weeks? On our website, you’ll find a selection of the 10 best hotels in Krakow. These carefully selected establishments are sure to meet your expectations, whether in terms of comfort or price.
Discover Krakow and its must-see activities
We’ve put together a selection of 10 of the best things to do in Krakow. These are must-see places that you simply must visit and discover. If you’d like to go one step further and make your stay a real tourist success, don’t hesitate to read our article on unusual things to do in Krakow. The ideal way to make the most of your trip and discover this superb Polish city through a more pleasant, less touristy route.