Although one day may seem too short to fully appreciate all of its charms, a well-planned trip will allow us to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of this extraordinary place. Krakow offers countless attractions that will certainly remain in the memory for a long time. We invite you on a short journey and we will present what is worth seeing during one day in Krakow.
1. Wawel
Tour time: 2-4 hours
Includes the State Rooms, Crown Treasury and Armoury, as well as numerous temporary exhibitions. Wawel Cathedral is the place of coronation and burial of Polish kings. It houses the tombs of rulers, saints and the Sigismund Bell.
Impressive Renaissance courtyard with arcades, which is the central point of the castle. The Dragon’s Den is a legendary cave located under the hill, associated with the Legend of the Wawel Dragon.
Wawel tour can take from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the range of places visited and individual interests.
2. Main Square
Tour time: 1.5-2 hours
After a walk from Wawel, head to the Main Market Square. In the center is the Cloth Hall, where you can buy souvenirs and handicrafts. Located on the Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Church with a beautiful altar by Veit Stoss and the famous St. Mary’s bugle call played from the tower.
A tour of the Main Market Square in Krakow can take from 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend on each attraction.
If we take into account the Rynek Underground Museum, it offers interactive exhibitions and multimedia presentations about the history of the Main Market Square. Admiring the architecture, cafes and street artists will take about 30 minutes.
3. Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory
Address: Lipowa 4
Visit time: 2-3 hours
If time permits, visit Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, where there is a museum dedicated to the history of World War II and the fate of Krakow Jews.
Today, the factory is a museum that documents not only the history of the factory itself, but also everyday life in occupied Krakow and the tragedy of the Holocaust. The permanent exhibition, entitled “Krakow – the occupation period 1939-1945”, presents authentic objects, photographs, documents and multimedia presentations that transport visitors to the realities of those years.
- Oskar Schindler’s Office: The exhibition includes Schindler’s original office, where you can see his personal items and the desk at which he worked.
- Schindler’s List: A copy of the famous list with the names of Jews that Schindler saved from the Holocaust.
- Reconstruction of Everyday Life: A presentation of the realities of life in the Krakow Ghetto and the difficult working conditions in the factory.
- Multimedia presentations: Interactive screens and projections help visitors understand the historical context and drama of the times.
4. A walk along the Vistula River
Sightseeing time: up to 2 hours
The Vistula Boulevards are one of the most popular walking areas in Krakow. They stretch along both banks of the Vistula and offer wide paths for pedestrians, cyclists and runners. Walking along the Vistula, you can admire the various bridges connecting both banks of the river: Dębnicki Bridge, Grunwaldzki Bridge and Kotlarski Bridge (each of which has its own unique features and history).
While walking along the Vistula, you can come across many attractions and viewpoints:
- Father Bernatka Footbridge: This is a pedestrian bridge connecting Kazimierz with Podgórze. It is known for the love padlocks hanging on it and the balancing sculptures by Jerzy Kędziora.
- Vistula Bend: Located in the Salwator district. This is a picturesque place where the river makes a wide bend, offering beautiful views of the surrounding green areas.
- Krakow Beach: A seasonal beach on the Vistula, located on the Kurlandski Boulevard. An ideal place to rest, relax and socialize on summer days.
There are also numerous green areas, parks and gardens along the boulevards that encourage relaxation:
- Park Dębnicki: Located near Dębnicki Bridge, it offers a peaceful place to relax and walk.
- Planty Dietlowskie: Located on the southern bank of the Vistula, near Grunwaldzki Bridge. It is an ideal place to take a break in the shade of trees.
5. House of Attractions
Address: Grodzka 2/14/48
Visit time: 1.5-2 hours
House of Attractions is an interactive entertainment center located in the heart of Krakow, offering unique 9 different attractions for visitors of all ages.
House of Attractions is an ideal place for families, groups of friends and tourists looking for original and interactive entertainment. Each attraction is designed to provide unforgettable experiences and memories. All 9 attractions are located in three different buildings on Grodzka Street.
Visiting all the attractions in these buildings will take 1.5-2 hours depending on the number of visitors.
6. Kosciuszko Mound
Time of visit: up to 2-3 hours
This is not a place in the top of those things to see in Krakow in one day, but this place can be skipped.
The mound is 34.1 meters high, and its top is 326 meters above sea level. It is made of soil from various places related to the life and work of Kościuszko. At the top of the mound is a granite slab commemorating the hero.
The Kościuszko Mound is a popular tourist destination that offers many attractions:
- Kościuszko Museum: Near the mound is the Kościuszko Museum, which presents the life and work of Tadeusz Kościuszko. The museum contains numerous exhibits, documents and memorabilia related to the hero.
- View of Krakow: From the top of the mound there is a beautiful view of the panorama of Krakow and the surrounding areas (on clear days you can even see the Tatra Mountains).
- Fort Kościuszko: Built in the mid-19th century by the Austrians, Fort Kościuszko surrounds the mound. It is part of a larger system of fortifications in Kraków and is an interesting example of militaristic architecture.
- The Chapel of Blessed Bronisława: The mound is home to a chapel dedicated to Blessed Bronisława, the patron saint of Zwierzyniec.
The Kościuszko Mound is open to visitors all year round. You can get there on foot, by bike or by public transport. There is an admission fee to the mound, and tickets can be purchased on site or online. It is worth visiting the mound at different times of the year to experience the changing views and atmosphere.
7. National Museum in Krakow
Address: Aleja 3 Maja 1
Visit time: 2 hours
The National Museum in Krakow, founded in 1879, is the largest and oldest national museum in Poland. It is headquartered in the Main Building on Aleja 3 Maja, but also includes many other branches located in different parts of the city. The museum has a rich collection of works of art, including both Polish and foreign art, from ancient times to the present day.
Its interiors house permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as educational and multimedia spaces. The most important permanent exhibitions include:
- Gallery of Polish Art of the 20th Century: Presents works by Polish artists from the 20th century, including works by such masters as Jacek Malczewski, Stanisław Wyspiański, Tadeusz Kantor and Magdalena Abakanowicz.
- Gallery of Arms and Colours in Poland: This collection includes various exhibits related to the history of military, including armour, melee weapons and firearms, uniforms and decorations.
- Gallery of Ancient Art: This exhibition showcases artifacts from ancient cultures, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome. You can see sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry.
The National Museum in Krakow is open to visitors all year round, except for some holidays. Opening hours and ticket prices may vary depending on the branch, so it is worth checking the official website for up-to-date information before visiting. The museum also offers free admission days to selected exhibitions.
A tour of the National Museum in Krakow can take from a few hours to a whole day, depending on the number of branches you visit and the level of detail you spend exploring. Of course, this may vary depending on your individual interests and the pace of your visit.
8. “Marry for One Day”
Address: Grodzka 42
Visit time: 1 hour
“Marry for a Day” is a 60-minute experience that imitates a traditional wedding ceremony. Participants can enjoy all the elements of a typical wedding, including:
- Wedding ceremony: With a full ritual, led by a “wedding officiant”.
- Vows: Participants can exchange vows, prepared in advance or created especially for the occasion.
- Decorations and music: The interior is beautifully decorated, and romantic music accompanies the entire event.
- Photo session: A professional photographer will capture the most beautiful moments, creating unforgettable keepsakes.
- Symbolic rings: The couple receives symbolic rings that can be kept as a souvenir.
“Marry for a Day” is perfect for:
- Couples: A romantic way to spend time together, celebrate an anniversary or just have fun.
- Groups of friends: A great way to integrate and create unique memories together.
- Tourists: An original attraction that adds a unique character to visits to Krakow.
This place is located in the heart of Krakow, just 300 meters from the Main Square. This location provides easy access and allows you to enjoy the most beautiful views of Krakow before or after the ceremony.
9. Father Bernatek’s Footbridge
Tour time: up to 30 minutes
This is a pedestrian and bicycle bridge connecting the Kazimierz and Podgórze districts of Krakow. It is one of the most popular places in the city, both for locals and tourists.
The symbolism of this bridge has many meanings:
- Love Padlocks: The footbridge has become a popular place where couples hang padlocks as a symbol of their love and throw the keys into the Vistula River.
- Balancing Sculptures: The bridge is decorated with balancing sculptures by Jerzy Kędziora, which depict figures maintaining their balance in unusual poses. These dynamic installations add artistic charm to the bridge.
- View of the Vistula River: The footbridge offers wonderful views of the Vistula River and its banks, especially in the evening, when the bridge is effectively illuminated.
The Father Bernatek Footbridge is not only a functional connection of two districts, but also a place for meetings and romantic walks. It has become a symbol of modern Krakow, combining tradition with modernity.
10. Be Happy Museum
Address: Karmelicka 3
Visit time: 1-2 hours
This is an interactive museum where visitors can immerse themselves in a world of fantasy, colors, and joy. Each room in the museum is designed to create unique photos and videos that can be shared on social media.
- Colorful Installations: Each room in the museum is a different, fantastic world full of vibrant colors and creative decorations that create the perfect backdrop for photos.
- Interactive Exhibits: From giant sweets, through ball pits, to rooms with mirrors and optical illusions, the museum offers many interactive exhibits that provide great fun.
- Themed Rooms: Each room is unique and thematically related to different aspects of joy and fun, such as a unicorn room, a room full of balloons, or a candy paradise.
The museum is perfect for people of all ages – from children to adults. It is a great place for a family trip, a meeting with friends, or a romantic date. The tour usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on your pace and the number of photos you want to take :).
The museum is open every day, but it is worth checking the official website for current opening hours and ticket prices. Tickets can be purchased online or on site.
11. The Old Synagogue in Kazimierz
Address: Szeroka 24
Visit time: up to 1.5 hours
The Old Synagogue in Kazimierz in Krakow is the oldest preserved synagogue in Poland and one of the most important monuments of Jewish religious architecture in Europe. It is located in the heart of the former Jewish district of Kazimierz, which is currently one of the most popular tourist attractions in Krakow.
The Old Synagogue stands out for its unique architecture. It has preserved many original elements:
- High, vaulted interior: The main prayer hall is characterized by a high vault, which gives the space a monumental character.
- Bimah: Centrally located platform for reading the Torah, decorated with beautiful carvings.
- Aron ha-kodesh: The sacred closet in which the Torah scrolls are kept, richly decorated and constituting one of the central elements of the synagogue’s interior.
Currently, the Old Synagogue is the seat of a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow, dedicated to the history and culture of Krakow Jews. The museum houses numerous exhibits that illustrate the life of the Jewish community in Krakow, including religious artifacts, documents and photographs, and temporary exhibitions.
It is easily accessible to tourists on foot from the Main Market Square and other parts of Kazimierz. The museum is open year-round, although opening hours may vary depending on the season and holidays. A tour of the Old Synagogue in Kazimierz in Krakow usually takes from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the pace of the visit and interest in the museum exhibits.
12. Museum of Pharmacy
Address: Floriańska 25
Visit time: 1.5-2 hours
It is one of the oldest and largest museums of this type in Europe. The museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of pharmacy, showing the development of pharmacy from ancient times to the present day.
The Pharmacy Museum has rich collections that are spread over several floors of the tenement house, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the history of pharmacy:
- On the ground floor there is a reconstruction of a pharmacy from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, with original equipment, pharmacy furniture, scales, mortars and other pharmacy tools.
- In the basement there is a Chemical Laboratory with a presentation of old alchemical methods and tools used to produce medicines and elixirs, as well as collections of herbs and natural raw materials that were used in ancient times to produce medicines.
- On the first floor there are Exhibitions dedicated to the development of pharmacy in different historical periods and the Pharmaceutical Library with a collection of old books, manuscripts and documents related to medicine and pharmacy.
On the second floor there is the Medical Workshop with a presentation of tools and equipment used to produce medicines, capsules and tablets and also an exhibition dedicated to home treatment and methods and tools used in the past.
Below will be listed some of the attractions that are located in this pharmacy exhibition:
- Interactive Exhibits: Visitors can see how old pharmacy equipment worked and also try some simple processes of drug production themselves.
- Educational Workshops: The museum organizes workshops and museum lessons for children and adults, dedicated to different aspects of the history of pharmacy and medicine.
- Special Exhibitions: The museum regularly organizes temporary exhibitions that focus on specific topics related to pharmacy, medicine and science.
The museum is open all week, but hours may vary depending on the day of the week and the season. It is worth checking the current opening hours on the official website of the museum. The tour of such a museum will take approximately 1.5-2 hours (we base it on our own experience).
To sum up, Krakow offers unforgettable experiences and many beautiful memories. For those who have only one day to visit, the city guarantees an intensive journey through the ages, full of history, culture and unique magic, which will remain in the memory of every visitor for a long time.
