Wawel Castle
Boasting a fascinating mix of architectural styles from the Gothic to the Renaissance, Wawel Castle is a must-visit. It’s one of Poland’s most important cultural sites, featuring various exhibitions including state rooms, royal private apartments, and a stunning collection of oriental art.
Entrance: Admission
Website: wawel.krakow.pl
Address: Wawel 5, 31-001 Kraków, Poland
Main Market Square
Main Market Square is Europe’s largest medieval town square and the vibrant heart of Kraków. It’s surrounded by historic townhouses and iconic landmarks, such as St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall. The square’s buzzing atmosphere makes it a fantastic place to enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee.
Entrance: Free
Website: www.krakow.pl
Address: Rynek Główny, 31-422 Kraków, Poland
St. Mary’s Basilica
St. Mary’s Basilica is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and one of Kraków’s most recognizable landmarks. Don’t miss the hourly trumpet call from the taller of its two towers, a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages.
Entrance: Admission
Website: www.mariacki.com
Address: plac Mariacki 5, 31-042 Kraków, Poland
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum offers a sobering insight into the horrors of the Holocaust. This former concentration and extermination camp stands as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II and is a significant site of remembrance.
Entrance: Admission
Website: www.auschwitz.org
Address: Więźniów Oświęcimia 20, 32-603 Oświęcim, Poland
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Descend into the depths of the Wieliczka Salt Mine and discover a unique subterranean world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features chapels, lakes, and sculptures all carved from salt, including a breathtaking reproduction of Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”.
Entrance: Admission
Website: www.kopalnia.pl
Address: Daniłowicza 10, 32-020 Wieliczka, Poland
Krakow Cloth Hall
Located in the Main Market Square, the Krakow Cloth Hall is an iconic symbol of the city’s trading history. Today, it houses a bustling market where you can purchase traditional Polish crafts and souvenirs.
Entrance: Admission
Website: mnk.pl
Address: Rynek Główny 1/3, 31-042 Kraków, Poland
Oskar Schindler’s Factory
Immerse yourself in the poignant history of World War II at Oskar Schindler’s Factory. Now a museum, it explores the story of Schindler and the Jewish workers he saved from the Holocaust, as depicted in Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List”.
Entrance: Admission
Website: muzeumkrakowa.pl
Address: Lipowa 4, 30-702 Kraków, Poland
Jagiellonian University
Explore the historic halls of the Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest universities in the world. The university boasts alumni such as Nicolaus Copernicus and houses a museum filled with scientific instruments, art, and antique furniture.
Entrance: Free
Website: www.uj.edu.pl
Address: Gołębia 24, 31-007 Kraków, Poland
St. Florian’s Gate
St. Florian’s Gate, a stone tower built in the 14th century, once served as the main entry point to the city. It’s part of the ancient fortifications that used to encircle Kraków and offers a glimpse into the city’s rich past.
Entrance: Admission
Address: 30-001 Kraków, Poland
Jewish Square
Jewish Square, or Plac Nowy, is the heart of the Kazimierz district, known for its vibrant Jewish history. Here, you can explore numerous synagogues, shops, and restaurants offering traditional Jewish fare, amidst an atmosphere steeped in history.
Entrance: Free
Address: Szeroka 20, 31-053 Kraków, Poland
National Museum
The National Museum in Kraków is the main branch of Poland’s national museum and boasts an extensive collection of Polish and international art. Its prized possessions include works by famous artists such as Matejko, Wyspiański, and Malczewski.
Entrance: Admission
Website: mnk.pl
Address: al. 3 Maja 1, 30-062 Kraków, Poland
Kosciuszko Mound
Kosciuszko Mound is a prominent hill offering panoramic views of Kraków. It’s dedicated to the Polish national hero Tadeusz Kościuszko and houses a museum chronicling his life and achievements.
Entrance: Admission
Website: www.kopieckosciuszki.pl
Address: al. Waszyngtona 1, 30-204 Kraków, Poland
Krakow Barbican
The Krakow Barbican, a fortress once part of the city’s defensive walls, is one of the few remaining relics of complex fortifications that once encircled royal Kraków. Today, it serves as a unique backdrop for medieval reenactment events.
Entrance: Admission
Website: www.muzeumkrakowa.pl
Address: Basztowa, 30-547 Kraków, Poland
Planty Park
Planty Park is a verdant belt of tranquillity encircling the Old Town. The park offers serene paths for leisurely walks, beautiful fountains, statues, and bridges, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Entrance: Free
Website: www.krakow.pl
Address: 31-041 Kraków, Poland
Collegium Maius
Step back in time at Collegium Maius, the oldest building of the Jagiellonian University. This medieval edifice holds an impressive collection of scientific instruments, including an astrolabe and globes, alongside a charming courtyard.
Entrance: Admission
Website: www.maius.uj.edu.pl
Address: Jagiellońska 15, 31-010 Kraków, Poland
Rynek Underground
Rynek Underground is an innovative museum located beneath the Main Market Square. Its exhibits allow you to explore Kraków’s history from a unique perspective, unearthing layers of the past from medieval market stalls to WWII artefacts.
Entrance: Admission
Address: Rynek Główny 1, 31-042 Kraków, Poland