Kraków is a city with many faces. Alongside its famous and often crowded tourist attractions, it also offers peaceful corners, romantic spots, lush greenery, and fascinating historical places. We’ve prepared a list of the 10 most beautiful places in Kraków that are worth visiting – regardless of the season or whether you’re a local or a tourist.
This guide will help you discover stunning viewpoints, Instagram-worthy locations, romantic walking routes, and perfect spots to relax and unwind.
🧐 Time for something truly unexpected in Krakow!
Discover 12 surprising attractions in one place – perfect for families, groups, and kids.
Located in the heart of Krakow, just minutes away from Wawel Castle.
🎟️ BUY TICKETS#1 Tourist Attraction in Krakow
1. Zakrzówek – The Turquoise Gem of Kraków
📍 Location: Google Maps
ℹ️ Wikipedia: Zakrzówek
Zakrzówek is one of the most charming places in Kraków – a flooded quarry with turquoise water, surrounded by limestone cliffs and walking paths. After its revitalization, the area became a modern park with safe viewing platforms, a bathing area, and spaces for relaxation and sports.
Why visit:
- breathtaking view of the turquoise lake
- perfect photo spot any time of day
- a peaceful oasis close to the city center
- many spots for picnics and sitting
Best for: couples, photographers, families with children, walkers
In summer, it can get crowded – mornings or late afternoons are best for a quieter experience.
2. Tyniec – Monastery and Nature in Harmony
📍 Location: Google Maps
Just a few minutes from the center of Kraków, Tyniec enchants visitors with its monastic peace, stunning views of the Vistula River, and a sense of spiritual calm. The Benedictine Abbey towers above the river, creating one of the most beautiful landscapes near the city.
Why visit:
- scenic riverside walking and cycling paths
- guided tours of the monastery
- café with a river view and monastic products shop
- access to Skołczanka nature reserve
Best for: those seeking tranquility, couples, families, history lovers
The surrounding area also features many scenic trails and panoramic viewpoints over the Vistula Valley.
3. Royal Gardens at Wawel – Greenery and Majesty
📍 Location: Google Maps
Hidden behind the walls of Wawel Castle, these gardens offer harmony, greenery, and royal atmosphere. In spring and summer, roses bloom, and the paths along the walls offer views of the Vistula.
Why visit:
- view of Kazimierz and the rooftops of Kraków
- romantic setting, especially at sunset
- peaceful spot in the heart of the tourist center
- Renaissance-inspired garden architecture
Best for: couples, tourists, families with children
Entry requires a small ticket fee – well worth the experience.
4. U Ziyada Restaurant – A Peaceful Dinner with a View
📍 Location: Google Maps
Located on a hill in the Bielany district, U Ziyada Restaurant is one of the most beautiful dining spots in Kraków, combining excellent cuisine with breathtaking views. From its terrace, you can see the Vistula River, Old Town, Kościuszko Mound, and even the Tatra Mountains on a clear day.
Why visit:
- ideal for a romantic dinner or family Sunday lunch
- elegant, serene atmosphere
- panoramic views unmatched anywhere else in Kraków
- Polish cuisine with modern touches
- perfect for special occasions
Best for: couples, families, foreign guests, those seeking peace and classic elegance
You can reach the restaurant by car (parking available) or public transport (bus to Bielany stop). After the meal, consider a walk to the nearby Camaldolese monastery or its scenic lookout point.
5. Wolski Forest & Kraków’s Mounds – Nature and History
📍 Location: Google Maps
The largest green complex in Kraków, Wolski Forest offers walking trails, a zoo, and the city’s famous mounds: Kościuszko, Piłsudski, and Krakus. Each provides a unique panoramic view of Kraków.
Why visit:
- nature without leaving the city
- active recreation (cycling, hiking)
- historical and patriotic significance of the mounds
- open year-round scenic viewpoints
Best for: families, seniors, nature lovers, fitness enthusiasts
It’s also great for bird watching and educational nature walks.
6. Kazimierz – A Magical District with Soul
📍 Location: Google Maps
Once a Jewish district, Kazimierz is now a vibrant area full of atmospheric cafés, charming streets, and art murals. In the evening, it becomes one of the trendiest places in the city.
Why visit:
- Instagram-worthy corners (Józefa St., Plac Nowy, Bernatka Footbridge)
- Jewish history and preserved synagogues
- romantic evening lights and cultural festivals
- many unique cafés and bars
Best for: young couples, photographers, culture lovers
It’s also a center for art events and intimate concerts.
7. Museum of Engineering and Technology – Industrial Charm
📍 Location: Google Maps
Located in the heart of Kazimierz, this museum surprises visitors with its space and character. Brick halls, historic trams, and inventions make it a haven for tech and design enthusiasts.
Why visit:
- unconventional photo shoot spot
- learning through play
- interactive exhibitions and family-friendly activities
- perfect for rainy days
Best for: families with children, tech lovers, alternative sightseeing
Check their events calendar – workshops and temporary exhibitions are held regularly.
8. Planty Park – A Green Ring Around Old Town
📍 Location: Google Maps
This 4-km-long park surrounds Kraków’s Old Town and is a favorite of both locals and visitors. With benches, fountains, historic gates, and shady alleys, it’s perfect for a stroll year-round.
Why visit:
- scenic walks in all seasons
- romantic paths and peaceful atmosphere
- proximity to the Main Square
- historic monuments and city walls
Best for: couples, walkers, locals
Seasonal events and guided walks are also organized here.
9. Vistula Boulevards – Riverside City Life
📍 Location: Google Maps
The boulevards along the Vistula are Kraków’s modern heartbeat. Locals and tourists alike walk, cycle, relax by the water, or take boat tours. At night, the illuminated Wawel looks magical.
Why visit:
- views of Wawel and Skałka
- riverside cafés, barges, and food trucks
- perfect for sunset and picnics
- wide pedestrian and bike paths
Best for: active people, photographers, groups of friends
The area is lively in the summer and great for social outings.
10. Bernatka Footbridge & Artistic Podgórze
📍 Location: Google Maps
This pedestrian bridge connects Kazimierz with Podgórze and is known as Kraków’s bridge of love. Nearby you’ll find art murals, local cafés, and hidden galleries – off the typical tourist path.
Why visit:
- romantic riverside walk
- contemporary street art and murals
- authentic local cafés and creative spaces
- easy access to Podgórze Market and St. Joseph’s Church
Best for: couples, photographers, urban explorers
Don’t miss the nearby Cricoteka Center of Contemporary Art and MOCAK Museum.
Thematic Collections: Beautiful Places in Kraków by Interest
📸 Instagrammable & Photogenic Spots:
- Zakrzówek
- Kazimierz
- Metrum Restobistro
- Bernatka Footbridge
- Museum of Engineering and Technology
- Royal Gardens at Wawel
🌇 Best Scenic Viewpoints:
- Kościuszko Mound
- Metrum Restobistro
- Zakrzówek
- Vistula Boulevards
- Krakus Mound
- Wawel Gardens
💕 Romantic Corners of Kraków:
- Planty Park
- Royal Gardens at Wawel
- Kazimierz at night
- Bernatka Footbridge (Bridge of Love)
- Metrum Restobistro
🌿 Green Spaces & Relaxing Nature Spots:
- Wolski Forest
- Zakrzówek
- Planty Park
- Bednarski Park
- Tyniec
- Botanical Garden
🏰 Historic & Atmospheric Places:
- Tyniec and the Benedictine Abbey
- Wawel Hill and Royal Gardens
- Jewish District of Kazimierz
- Old Town and Kanonicza Street
- Museum of Engineering and Technology
🚶♂️ Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path:
- Artistic Podgórze
- Skałki Twardowskiego Nature Reserve
- Forts in Wolski Forest
- Hidden corners of Kazimierz and Old Podgórze
- Rooftop cafés and courtyard gems
❄️🌸 Best Places by Season:
🌸 Spring:
- Royal Gardens at Wawel
- Botanical Garden
- Decjusz Park
☀️ Summer:
- Zakrzówek
- Vistula Boulevards
- Planty Park and Wolski Forest
🍂 Autumn:
- Mounds and forest alleys in Wolski Forest
- Bednarski Park
- Golden-hour Kazimierz
❄️ Winter:
- Old Town lit with Christmas lights
- Main Square and the Christmas Market
- Warm, cozy cafés in Kazimierz