What are the best activities to do in Krakow?
Krakow, Eastern Europe’s cultural heart, is a beautiful city brimming with outdoor fun, exciting nightlife, and attractions that look straight out of a fairytale. Whether you’re drawn by its amazing historical attractions or its bustling art scene, Krakow should be your next holiday destination.
From grand castles and palaces to quirky art galleries and markets, Krakow has lots to explore. There are plenty of fun activities and unique attractions to enjoy, so to help you plan your visit, here’s an overview of some of the best things to do in Krakow.
Visit the city’s iconic landmarks
No trip to Krakow is complete without visiting the city’s stunning landmarks. Begin your exploration of Krakow at Main Market Square, the largest market square in Europe. Here, you can marvel at the grand Gothic-style Town Hall and surround yourself with beautiful buildings from the Renaissance period. Religious landmarks, such as St. Mary’s Church, should also be at the top of your list for a memorable experience. Constructed between 1360 and 1389, it contains breath-taking artworks inside.
Don’t forget to drop by Wawel Castle, an 11th-century fortress and residence of Polish kings. Here, you can explore ancient limestone chambers and massive halls filled with centuries of treasures. Nearby, you can also find Wawel Cathedral and the Dragon’s Den Cave, a vast natural grotto located below the castle.
Explore the city’s incredible museums
Want to learn more about Krakow’s rich heritage? Stop by the city’s excellent museums and galleries. Start at the Krakow National Museum, where you can explore the city’s archaeological artifacts and works of art from different eras in Polish history. Afterward, don’t miss the interactive Krakow Historical Museum, where permanent displays document Krakow’s turbulent past since the Middle Ages.
Don’t forget to visit Oskar Schindler’s factory and Krakow Ghetto Square for thought-provoking exhibits about World War II. For something a little different, travel to Fabryka Emalia Oskara Schindlera and view some of the original tools and equipment used by Schindler during the war.
Experience Krakow’s outstanding cultural attractions
When it comes to culture, Krakow has it all. Catch a show at the extravagant Teatr Bagatela, known for its Baroque theatre posters and impressive stage sets. Admire murals and artifacts at the Ethnographic Museum to learn more about local heritage and customs. Those interested in modern art should visit the MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow, which showcases artworks from leading Polish and international artists.
Krakow is also home to many vibrant spots; Stary Klepai shopping street is a great place for picking up some souvenirs. Looking for something trendy? Head to Kazimierz district almost immediately for its nightmarish old-school vibe, or explore Plac Nowy with its vintage markets.
Indulge in outdoor activities
Krakow has loads of activities to enjoy in its many picturesque parks and forests. Visit Blonia Park for a great spot for picnicking, jogging and biking. You can also bring your swimming costume to Ojcow National Park for a dip in its lake or explore mineral pools in its caves. Meanwhile, Planty Park is ideal for late afternoon strolls and provides a tranquil respite from the chaos of Krakow’s old town.
Experience a traditional night out
Nightlife in Krakow is just as lively and diverse as the city itself. If you’re after something traditional yet exciting, traditional zagrychas (picnic evenings) are a must-try. Organized by local restaurants around Wawel Hill at sunset, Zagrychas offer delicious local delicacies such as pierogi (Polish dumplings) paired with live folk music for an immersive experience you won’t forget in a hurry!
Also, if you want to know where the locals like to hang out, follow the crowds to Tyniec Abbey for Kraków’s favorite summer staple – beer gardens! Choose from several stalls serving craft beer from microbreweries all over Poland. If you prefer nightclubs and bars, explore Krakow’s cosy pubs scattered throughout the city centre or go clubbing at one of the trendy hotspots like Prozak 2.0 or Bakalaria Music Bar and Restaurant.
Take on an adventure activity
Looking for an adrenaline rush? Krakow won’t disappoint – it offers plenty of extreme activities such as rock climbing and white water rafting for the adrenaline junkies among us!
For something a bit different this summer, why not take part in an Alternative Pub Crawl Tour with Free Shots? This fascinating activity provided by GetYourGuide provides you with a unique way to explore famous cultural attractions via pub crawl. This means that you’ll be able to discover downtown Krakow while enjoying some free drinks along the way! Krakow: Alternative Pub Crawl Tour with Free Shots is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience!
With so much to explore and discover in this enchanting city, it’s no surprise that Krakow is as popular as ever among tourists and adventurous globetrotters alike. All you need to do is pick one or two (or all!) of these activities above to make your stay in Krakow truly special!
