Krakow Old Town – what is worth visiting in 2024?

Krakow, one of the oldest and most significant cities in Poland, is a place with an extraordinary history and rich culture, which makes it unique in Europe. The city, as the former capital of Poland, is like a living museum, where every street, every building has its own unique story. Over the centuries, the city has witnessed many important events that have shaped not only its identity, but also the history of the entire country. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most characteristic and influential aspects of Krakow, which make it appreciated by both residents and tourists from all over the world.

As one of the most significant historical centers in Poland, Krakow has its roots in prehistoric times, but the official foundation of the city dates back to the 13th century. It was then that Bolesław the Chaste, the ruling prince, granted Krakow a location privilege, which marked the beginning of a new era in its development. It was decided to surround the city with defensive walls, which were to protect the residents from invasions.
Although these mighty structures have not survived to this day in their entirety, their fragments can still be admired, which is quite an attraction for tourists.
The layout of the Old Town is based on a characteristic checkerboard layout, which is a perfect example of medieval urban planning. The central point is the market square, from which streets branch off symmetrically, creating evenly distributed plots. This precise geometry not only facilitated urban organization, but also testifies to the urban advancement of the times.
The boundaries of the former city are currently marked by Planty, which preserves the memory of the former defensive walls, while at the same time being one of the favorite walking places for both residents and visitors.

The Old Town in Krakow is the historic heart of the city, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978. It is one of the most famous and most frequently visited places in Poland, valued both for its rich history and unique architecture.

The Old Town Center, one of the city’s 18 districts, is divided into 9 subsidiary units, which are essentially smaller areas within the district. Each of these units has its own unique characteristics and historical significance.

Main Square and Surrounding Area

The heart of the Old Town, around which tourist and cultural life is centered. The Main Market Square is known for the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Church, as well as numerous cafes and restaurants.

Okrąglak or New Square

A characteristic part of the Old Town due to its circular form of streets and squares. This area is popular with tourists looking for unusual walking routes and charming corners.

Casimir

The historic Jewish district, now part of the Old Town. Kazimierz is known for its preserved synagogues, Jewish cemetery, and its developed café and art culture.

Stradom

The area between Kazimierz and Wawel, with a rich history and many monuments, including St. Catherine’s Church.

Wawel

Containing the Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral, it is a key point in Polish history and culture. Wawel is a national symbol and the resting place of many Polish monarchs.

Kleparz

Part of the Old Town located in its northern part, known for the Church of St. Florian and the Academy of Fine Arts.

Piasek

Part of the Old Town located in the area of Karmelicka Street, known for its numerous monuments.

List of the most interesting historical monuments

Main Square

It is the largest medieval market square in Europe, the heart of the Old Town. The focal point of the Market Square is the Cloth Hall, and next to it stands the famous St. Mary’s Church with its unique altar by Veit Stoss and the bugle call played every day from the church tower. The market square is rectangular in shape, measuring approximately 200 by 200 meters, and covers an area of approximately 40 thousand square meters. It is surrounded by colorful tenement houses of various architectural styles, many of which date back to the Middle Ages. The dominant buildings are the Cloth Hall – a former place of trade in fabrics, today serving as a souvenir and handicraft market. In the middle of the market square is the Adam Mickiewicz monument, as well as the impressive St. Mary’s Church with its characteristic tower, from which the bugle call is played every hour. In addition, there are numerous cafes, restaurants on the market square, and in the summer, plenty of stalls with souvenirs and regional delicacies.

Wawel

The Wawel Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral are places of special historical value, witnessing important national events and royal coronations.

The Wawel area is home to an architectural complex that includes the Royal Castle, Wawel Cathedral, and numerous museums and exhibitions. The Royal Castle is an impressive building in the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, which served as a royal residence and the administrative center of the state. It consists of royal halls, a castle chapel, apartments, and exhibitions presenting the wealth and history of Poland.

The Wawel Cathedral is a monumental temple where coronations and funerals of Polish monarchs took place. It houses the graves of many important figures from Polish history, including kings, queens, and national heroes.

Florianska Street

One of the main shopping streets, leading from St. Florian’s Gate to the Main Square, full of historic tenement houses and shops. St. Florian’s Street is full of life at any time of day or night. It is the main tourist artery, so it is always bustling with life and hustle and bustle. On both sides of the street there are numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, boutiques, as well as hotels and hostels. It is an ideal place for shopping, tasting local cuisine, or simply walking and watching passers-by. Along the street you can see many historic tenement houses with beautiful facades, some of which date back to the Middle Ages. On the walking route we also pass St. Florian’s Church, whose tower rises proudly above the street.

Juliusz Słowacki Theatre

The majestic theatre building with a neo-Baroque interior, which is one of the most important cultural points of the city. The theatre was opened in 1893 and since then has played an important role in the cultural life of Krakow and the whole country. Named after the outstanding poet and playwright Juliusz Słowacki, the theatre is a place where both classical theatre works and modern productions are performed. The theatre building is characterized by eclectic architecture, combining various styles, such as Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Baroque and Art Nouveau. The facade is decorated with numerous details, and in the interior you can admire richly decorated staircases, auditoriums and foyer.

Planty

The park surrounding the Old Town replaced the former defensive walls and now forms a green border around the historic centre. The Planty Park is divided into several sectors that surround the Old Town. There are walking paths, lawns, benches and numerous trees and flowers, which create a pleasant environment for rest and relaxation. Many of these trees are over a hundred years old, giving the park a unique charm. Planty is also a place where you can meet many Krakow residents and tourists walking, running or picnicking on the grass. In the summer, the park becomes a place for various cultural events, such as open-air concerts, festivals and theatre performances.

St. Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s Church, full name Basilica of St. Mary (Archcathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) is one of the most famous and characteristic churches in Poland, located on the Main Market Square in Kraków. It is not only an important place of religious worship, but also one of the main tourist attractions of the city, famous for its extraordinary architecture and works of art. Construction of the church began in the Gothic style in the 13th century, and work continued for many more centuries, resulting in an unusual mixture of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. The most characteristic feature of the church is the asymmetrical bugle call tower, which reaches a height of about 81 meters. Every hour, the bugle call of St. Mary’s sounds from the tower, which is one of the symbols of Kraków.

The facade of the church is richly decorated, especially with portals and Gothic ornaments. The church’s interior is full of details and religious art, including paintings, sculptures and altars. One of the most impressive elements is the Veit Stoss altar, known as the St. Mary’s Altar, which depicts scenes from the lives of the Virgin Mary and Christ.

Florian’s Gate

Florian Gate is the only one of the four original gates in Kraków that has survived to this day in an almost unchanged form. It was built in the 14th century and served as the main entry point to the city from the north. The gate was built in the 14th century in the Gothic style as part of the defensive fortification system of Kraków. Its main function was to control traffic entering the city via the Main Kraków Road, which led north towards the Florian Gates, which were the entrance to the city from the north. The characteristic elements of Florian Gate are its two round towers and decorative Gothic arches. At the top of the gate is a Baroque turret with a helmet, which was added in the 17th century. This tower was once used to observe military movements and issue warnings to residents.

Today, Florian Gate is one of the most important landmarks in Kraków. It is a popular meeting place and stop for tourists. Crowds of people pass through the gate on their way to the Main Market Square and other parts of the Old Town.

Barbakan

It consists of solid walls and several defensive layers, including a deep moat that once surrounded it completely. The building is equipped with seven pointed arches and over a hundred gun holes, which were used to defend against arriving troops. The construction of the Barbican is impressive – it has a circular shape, with massive defensive walls and six towers. It is one of the largest structures of this type in Europe. The interior of the Barbican originally served as a place to store weapons, ammunition and as a shelter for the army in the event of an attack. With the advancement of military technology in the 16th century, the Barbican lost its defensive significance, but it still remained an important architectural and historical element of Krakow. In the 18th century, when the city fortifications lost their importance, the Barbican was transformed into a prison, and later also into the headquarters of various craftsmen.

Grodzka Street

This street is one of the oldest and most famous streets in Krakow, constituting an integral part of the historic royal route that leads from Wawel to Florian’s Gate through the Main Market Square. It is also one of the main arteries of the Old Town, full of historic tenement houses and places with a rich history. Nowadays, Grodzka Street retains its historical significance as one of the main tourist routes in Krakow. Various cultural events, festivals and parades are regularly held here, attracting both the city’s residents and numerous visitors from all over the world. Grodzka Street is not only a witness to history, but also a living center of culture and art in Krakow.

Town Hall Tower

The Town Hall Tower in Kraków is the only preserved fragment of the former town hall that stood on the Main Market Square. It is one of the most characteristic buildings in the heart of the Old Town, known for its impressive architecture and rich history. The Town Hall Tower is not only an architectural monument, but also an important landmark and one of the symbols of Kraków. It is regularly the backdrop for various cultural events, such as festivals, concerts and city celebrations, which take place on the Main Market Square. It is a place that combines history with modernity, witnessing many important events in the life of the city.

Jagiellonian University

The Jagiellonian University in Krakow is considered the most prestigious university in Europe. It was founded in 1364 by King Casimir the Great, making it the second oldest university in Central Europe, after Charles University in Prague. For centuries, the Jagiellonian University has been and continues to be the scientific, cultural and intellectual centre of Poland. The main campus of the Jagiellonian University, located in the historic centre of Krakow, includes many historic buildings, including Collegium Maius – the oldest university building, which is now a university museum. It is the place where many valuable artefacts and manuscripts are kept, documenting the rich history of the university.

Church of Peter and Paul

The Church of St. Peter and Paul in Krakow is one of the most characteristic and significant places of worship on the city map, located on Grodzka Street, on the historic road leading from Wawel to the Main Market Square. This church, built in the Baroque style, is the first such large-scale complex in Poland realized in this aesthetic. The Church of St. Peter and Paul, in addition to its religious role, also has a cultural and scientific function. Numerous concerts of sacred and classical music take place here, making it an important point on the cultural map of Krakow. The church regularly organizes events related to the Jesuit tradition and the history of Krakow, which attracts both residents of the city and tourists.

Palace of the Bishops of Krakow

It is located on Franciszkańska Street, opposite the famous Planty, near Wawel, which emphasizes its importance and central location in the historical layout of the city. The building, which dates back to the 14th century, has undergone many architectural and stylistic changes, reflecting different eras and tastes. Currently, the Palace presents itself mainly in the Neo-Renaissance style with Baroque elements, which is the result of the 19th-century reconstruction under the direction of the architect Tomasz Pryliński. The interior of the palace houses rich decorations and works of art, including valuable frescoes, sculptures and antique furniture, which testify to the former glory and role that the building played in the culture and religious life of Krakow. Among the many rooms, the Pompejańska Hall stands out, known for its exceptional paintings and elegant decor.

Sukiennice

The Cloth Hall in Krakow is one of the most recognizable and iconic monuments in Poland, located in the heart of the Main Market Square. For centuries, this historic building served as a trading center, where merchants from all over Europe exchanged goods such as fabrics, spices and metals. As a place of trade, the Cloth Hall was the center of economic life in Krakow for centuries, and today it is one of the city’s main tourist attractions. The ground floor still serves as a trading area, offering a wide range of souvenirs, jewelry, handicrafts and folk art, making it an attractive place for both tourists and locals.

Small Market Square

The Small Market Square in Krakow is a picturesque square located right next to the main Market Square, separated from it by Sienna Street and St. Jana Street. Although smaller and lesser known than its famous neighbor, the Small Market Square has its own charm and rich history, being an important element of the urban landscape of the Old Town. Around the Small Market Square there are numerous restaurants, cafes and bars that attract both Krakow residents and guests from abroad. It is a place that combines historical character with modern forms of entertainment and gastronomy, making it an attractive place both during the day and at night. The Small Market Square in Krakow, although it may be less known than the main Market Square, is undoubtedly an important element of the cultural and social life of the city, being a witness to history and still playing an important role in the everyday life of Krakow.

Underground Market

The Rynek Underground in Krakow, also known as the Rynek Underground, is a fascinating tourist attraction that allows visitors to discover the rich history of the city in the form of an interactive museum. It is located beneath the main floor of the Main Market Square and was officially opened to the public in 2010. The Rynek Underground offers a modern multimedia exhibition that integrates authentic archaeological artifacts with modern technologies such as projections, interactive maps and historical reconstructions. Visitors can see what everyday life was like for Krakow’s residents in different periods, understand the architectural and urban changes of the Market Square and experience first-hand how historical events shaped the city.

Cultural and social heritage

The Old Town in Krakow is not only a tourist center, but also an important place for the cultural and social life of Krakow’s residents. The city offers a rich calendar of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, attracting both residents and tourists.

Below are a few of the events most beloved by Krakow residents:

The Jewish Culture Festival “Krakow – Kazimierz” – usually held in June or July, this festival is dedicated to the culture, history and heritage of Krakow Jews.
A film festival dedicated to short films, documentaries and animated films. It takes place at the turn of May and June in Krakow, and is one of the most important events of this type in Europe – this is how the International Street Theatre Festival presents itself.
This festival transforms the streets and squares of Krakow into theatre stages, presenting street theatre from all over the world.
“Summer Jazz Festival” is celebrated on June 24, it is a city holiday that includes various cultural events, concerts, fireworks shows, etc. Year by year, the Festival has expanded its formula, presenting, in addition to daily concerts in ICE Kraków, Piwnica pod Baranami, concerts in the Philharmonic, the Kraków Opera, Auditorium Maximum, Radio Kraków, Centrum Manggha, all jazz clubs in Kraków and large outdoor concerts and events – such as Niedziela Nowe Orleańska and Noc Jazzu. Currently, the festival is the largest Polish jazz festival and one of the largest in Europe.

Architecture and urban planning

The architecture of the Old Town reflects the influences of different eras, from Romanesque and Gothic, through Renaissance, Baroque, to neoclassical and modernist elements. The urban layout based on a medieval chessboard module allows for easy orientation and admiring the monuments without rushing.

The Old Town is a space that dynamically combines the past with the present, offering both residents and tourists an insight into the rich history and cultural heritage of the city.

Here we will list some characteristic architectural and urban features of the Old Town and Krakow in general:

Gothic and Renaissance: Many historic buildings in Krakow were built in the Gothic and Renaissance styles, giving the city a unique character. Examples include St. Mary’s Church, the Cloth Hall, the Barbican and the Town Hall Tower.
Main Market Square: The focal point of the city is the Main Market Square, one of the largest and most beautiful medieval markets in Europe. It is surrounded by colorful tenement houses of different architectural styles, creating a picturesque landscape.
Kazimierz District: This is the historic district of Krakow, which was the center of the socio-cultural life of the Jewish community. Many historic synagogues, tenement houses and charming streets have been preserved there.
Podgórze District: Located on the eastern bank of the Vistula River, this district was once a separate city. There are many historic buildings, including synagogues, churches and tenement houses, as well as industrial areas, which testify to the former role of Podgórze as an industrial center.
New housing estates and contemporary architecture: In addition to historical monuments, Krakow is also developing towards modern architecture. In recent years, modern housing estates, office buildings and shopping centers have been built, which introduce new dynamics to the urban landscape.

Transport: How to get to the Old Town

Do you know how to get to the Old Town in Krakow? Our blog will help you find the best way to get to the Old Town without any effort.

List of closest stops to your destination:

Plac Wszystkich Świętych;
Post Office;
St. Gertrudy;
UJ / AST;
Teatr Słowackiego;
Starowiślna.

Transport routes that run near the Old Town

Buses: 129, 130, 152, 184, 601, 502;
Trams: 1, 10, 24, 3;
Trains: SKA2, SKA3;
Taxis: Bolt, Uber.

Closest stops Old Town

Plac Wszystkich Świętych – 77 meters, 2 minutes walk;
Post Office – 148 meters, 2 minutes walk;
St. Gertrudy – 259 meters, 4 minutes walk;
Uj / Ast – 657 meters, 9 minutes walk; Słowacki Theatre – 742 meters, 10 minutes walk; Starowiślna – 762 m, 10 minutes walk.

Active recreation

The Old Town in Krakow is a place that cyclists like to visit. There are many cycling routes on its territory, and you can also find bike rental and repair stations. The 9 km long route is particularly attractive, forming a loop through the Main Square, Kazimierz and the Vistula Boulevards.

In the central part of the district, the main bike paths run along the following streets and areas:

Krupnicza – Czysta – Reymonta – Armii Krajowej;
Matejki – Warszawska – Nowy Kleparz;
Bernardyńska – Wawel – Bulwar Czerwieński – Most Grunwaldzki.

Residents have access to many places that are also ideal for walking. The Old Town also offers numerous small squares and parks, which are a great place for those who value active leisure and time spent outdoors. There are also many gyms and fitness clubs in this historic district of Krakow.

Green areas

One of the residents’ favorite places on the map of the Old Town is Planty, divided into 8 different gardens. The oldest city park in Krakow has over 40 species of trees and shrubs, including impressive natural monuments. The park offers romantic alleys, small architectural elements, flower beds and ponds. Apart from Planty, other green corners in the Old Town include Park Pocket – Flower Garden, Park Grażyna and Kwietny Park Pocket on Łobzowska Street.

Additionally, not far from the center of Krakow is Park Strzelecki, which offers spacious lawns, walking alleys and a playground for children. The park is located on flat terrain, with a small drop-off along the northern edge. It is located in close proximity to the main railway station and bus station. The park is surrounded on almost all sides by compact development – the exception is a short section along Zygmunta Augusta Street, where the Mańkowski Palace with a garden is located.

In every season, a given park is very popular among the elderly and the young – this is the Jordan Park. It is located in the vicinity of Błonia, we will find here places to rest and have fun. The park has a very interesting history – it was founded by Henryk Jordan, a doctor and social activist, a pioneer of physical education in Poland known for establishing the first play gardens for children. Also in the park you can find various types of fountains, bike paths, playgrounds, in the winter season an ice rink opens, occupying the largest ground area in the whole of Krakow.

A picturesque place for walks and relaxation in the city centre at the foot of Wawel – these are the Vistula Boulevards. Together with the adjacent parts of the Vistula embankments, as well as the Rudawa, they are a popular place for recreation and relaxation for both Krakow residents and tourists. There are numerous walking alleys here, and bicycle paths run along them.

Gastronomy and culture

The Old Town in Krakow is famous for its diverse cuisine and rich restaurant offer. In the area of the Main Market Square you will find numerous restaurants serving dishes from different corners of the world, some of them even appreciated by Michelin guides. It is also a place where you can enjoy Polish, French, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. In addition, residents have wide access to various cultural attractions, such as cinemas, theaters, museums, art galleries, libraries and university reading rooms.

If you want to see Krakow from above, you must visit the famous Vidok restaurant located on the roof of the Jubilat department store. In addition to delicious dishes, you can enjoy an extraordinary view of the Vistula River, the boulevards and Wawel Castle.

You will also have a fantastic view from the Fresh Coffee Place restaurant, which is located on the top floor of the Cricoteka Centre for Documentation of the Art of Tadeusz Kantor. There is no terrace there, but a table by the window will provide you with picturesque views of the Vistula, historic Kazimierz and the charming Bernatka Footbridge.

Cafe Szał, located on the roof of Krakow’s Cloth Hall, offers a view of the Main Square. It’s a popular place, but waiting for a free table is rewarded with a fabulous panorama of the city, which is worth it!

In short, the Old Town in Krakow is not only the heart of the city, but also a key point on the cultural map of Poland. With its majestic Main Market Square, the royal Wawel Castle and numerous historic streets and tenement houses, the Old Town offers a wealth of history and art at every turn. Historical values combine here with dynamic cultural life, presenting both the rich heritage and modern creativity of Krakow. From cafes to art galleries, from museums to churches – everyone will find something for themselves, wanting to explore the secrets and beauty of this unique place. A walk through the Old Town is not only a history lesson, but also a great opportunity to experience Polish hospitality and the local atmosphere.

We invite all guests of our city with entire families to the unique attractions of House of Attractions in the center of the Old Town. And we especially recommend visiting our mirror labyrinth.