Things To DoThings To Do
Main Market SquareMain Market Square
The Main Square, also known as Main Market Square, is the biggest Medieval plaza in Europe. Its 40,000 square meters are truly astonishing. Designed in 1257, it's considered Kraków’s city center and has an important historical, cultural and social significance. It is worth exploring both during the day and at nighttime, when you’ll enjoy its lively atmosphere and its charming open-air bars and restaurants. At nighttime, the buildings flanking the square and the Cloth Hall are beautifully lit up. If you visit the square just before the hour changes, you’ll enjoy St. Mary’s Church hourly bugle call or “Hejnał Mariacki”, played from the top of the tower by the church's trumpetist - a Kraków's very own profession. If you have a bit of time, make sure to go to the Main Square underground museum! You can see there the archaeological exhibition of the over 1,000‑year‑old medieval streets, merchant stalls, and artifacts that vividly bring to life Kraków’s mercantile past.
Zamek Królewski na Wawelu – Państwowe Zbiory SztukiZamek Królewski na Wawelu – Państwowe Zbiory Sztuki
The Wawel Royal Castle and the Wawel Hill constitute the most historically and culturally important site in Poland. For centuries it used to be the residence of the kings of Poland, which are still buried there, and the symbol of the Polish statehood. Nowadays, the Castle is one of the country's premier art museums. Kraków used to be the capital of the country, and during the centuries when it was, Poland was a magnificent empire stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. In the cathedral (separate tickets from the castle), you can see all the artistic graves, climb the bell tower, and count all the different architectural styles you can find in each side chapel. In the castle, you can take the State Room tour (the best) and any other exhibition that interests you. Make sure to find the Wawel dragon, which still spits out fire every now and then (really)!
Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)
Kazimierz, the historic Jewish district of Kraków, is a vibrant neighborhood blending centuries of layered history with a lively contemporary spirit. Once a separate town founded in the 14th century by King Kazimierz the Great, it became the heart of Jewish life in Kraków for hundreds of years until the devastation of World War II. Today, its cobbled streets are lined with synagogues, art galleries, quirky cafes, and atmospheric bars, reflecting its revival as a cultural hub while honoring its past. Sites like the Old Synagogue, Remuh Synagogue, and the Jewish Cemetery stand as quiet witnesses to Kazimierz’s rich heritage, while the district’s annual Jewish Culture Festival brings music and life to its courtyards and squares, making it a moving yet inspiring place for visitors to experience Kraków’s resilience and cultural depth.
Kopalnia Soli „Wieliczka”Kopalnia Soli „Wieliczka”
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is definitely worth visiting. It is a fascinating and unique attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into Poland's rich history and culture. This mine was in operation from the 13th century, up until 1996. It is full of ramparts, sculptures, art, cafes, cathedrals, multiple chapels, a museum and even a lake! In the 13th century, salt was more important than a gold mine. Salt is the flavor of life and everyone needed some of it for treating fish or meat so it would stay fresh, for flavoring foods, and for so many other uses. Naturally, these mines were run by nobles, so be sure to stop by the Wieliczka Castle nearby on your way out. Because of the fact that the area was mined for so many centuries, there are a lot of residual tunnels. These tunnels are what the tourists get to walk through and what make up the cathedrals, statues and so forth.
RestaurantsRestaurants
There are many amazing restaurants in and around the pedestrian streets of the city centre and the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz); feel free to explore on your own or try one of these options: - Kogel Mogel - Michelin starred, Polish cuisine interpreted in a modern way - Szara Gęś - classic and sophisticated - Wierzynek - the oldest restaurant in Kraków and one of the oldest in Europe, established in 1364 - Szara - upscale polish restaurant with a modern twist, Michelin starred - Gościnna Chata, Morskie Oko - cozy restaurants with traditional polish dishes - Charlotte, Dym - charming restaurants for brunch - Międzymiastowa - loved by youth, located on the main square - Pierwszy Stopień - delicious Polish cuisine and charming, full of plants interior - Nolio - if you are craving Italian food while in Poland - Pizza Boyz - if you're craving pizza, pancakes, burgers, or a cocktail composed of the unthinkable!
Bars and clubsBars and clubs
Bars: - Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa – shot bar - perfect for a casual, quick stop before going out - Wódka Cafe Bar - you can taste traditional Polish vodkas here, in all their variety - Wręga, Mleczarnia - charming bars with gardens. Make sure to try the beer with one of the available juices! (It's a Polish thing) - Bubble Toast - Instagram‑ready two‑floor cocktail bar, famed for its colorful, over‑the‑top décor - ball pits, disco balls and even bathtubs - and creative cocktails - Harris Piano Jazz Bar - features (almost) daily live jazz concerts - Mercy Brown – one of the hidden cocktail bars in Kraków. Burlesque shows. Reservations recommended Clubs: - Prozak 2.0 - electronic/techno/hip hop/rap dance club - Shine Club - electronic/R&B/reggaeton dance club