Planning your trip and wondering about the top things to do in Krakow? From medieval castles to illusion-based museums and street food in Kazimierz, this vibrant Polish city offers memorable experiences for every kind of traveler – solo adventurers, couples, families, and groups of friends.
Here’s our list of the 10 best things to do in Krakow in 2025, combining must-see landmarks with quirky hidden gems.
🏰 1. Walk the Royal Route
Start your journey where Polish kings once walked. The Royal Route begins at St. Florian’s Gate, passes through the Main Market Square, and follows Grodzka Street all the way to Wawel Castle.
You’ll pass:
- 🎭 Historic churches and townhouses
- ☕ Cozy cafes and souvenir shops
- 🎶 Street performers and local artists
This scenic walk is ideal for your first day in the city – a perfect way to dive into Krakow’s royal past.
👑 2. Visit Wawel Castle & Dragon’s Den
Perched on a hill above the Vistula River, Wawel Castle is one of the top attractions in Krakow for history lovers. It once served as the residence of Polish kings and today houses:
- 💎 The Crown Treasury and Royal Chambers
- 🕍 The majestic Wawel Cathedral
- 🐉 The mythical Dragon’s Den, a cave tied to Krakow’s most famous legend
Take your time to explore the interiors and enjoy panoramic views from the castle grounds.
🪞 3. Get Lost in the Mirror Maze (📍 Grodzka 14)
Looking for something playful and unexpected? Step into the Mirror Maze, a labyrinth of reflections and illusions right in the heart of the Old Town. Twisting corridors and disorienting lights create a brief but unforgettable experience.
👨👩👧👦 Perfect for:
- Families with kids
- Couples on a fun date
- Anyone looking for quick entertainment between sightseeing
🦋 4. Explore the Butterfly Museum (📍 Grodzka 48/2)
Tucked away near the Royal Route is the charming Museum of Living Butterflies – a tropical oasis filled with exotic, free-flying butterflies from around the world. Walk among them, watch them land on flowers and fruit, and enjoy a calm break from the bustle of the city.
🧘 Ideal for:
- Kids and families
- Nature lovers
- Travelers looking for something peaceful and colorful
👉 Visit the Butterfly Museum →
🎥 5. Watch a 7D Movie (📍 Grodzka 2 / Floriańska 6)
Rainy day in Krakow? Escape to a world of action and effects at the 7D Cinema. This immersive movie experience features:
- 🎬 Motion seats
- 🌬️ Wind and sound effects
- 🔦 Short adventure or horror films
It’s a great indoor attraction for kids, teens, or spontaneous travelers exploring the Old Town.
✨ 6. Experience the Infinity Room (📍 Grodzka 14)
Step into a glowing dimension of light and reflections at the Infinity Room. Covered in mirrors from floor to ceiling, this installation creates a surreal space that feels like walking through a galaxy.
📸 Don’t forget your camera – it’s one of the most Instagrammable places in Krakow.
🍕 7. Go on a Food Adventure at Plac Nowy (Kazimierz)
If you’re hungry for local flavor, head to Plac Nowy in the bohemian Kazimierz district. This bustling square is Krakow’s street food hotspot, famous for one thing in particular:
🥖 Zapiekanka – a half-baguette baked with cheese, mushrooms, and a variety of toppings.
Come in the afternoon or evening, grab your food from a window kiosk, and enjoy it on a nearby bench with the locals.
🔐 8. Try an Escape Room Wawel
Want to test your mind (and friendships)? Krakow is packed with creative and immersive escape rooms like Escape Room Wawel.
🧩 Choose your theme:
- Horror
- Fantasy
- Crime-solving
- Historical puzzles
Whether you’re with a partner or a group of friends, it’s an interactive way to spend an hour indoors – especially on a rainy evening.
🚴 9. Walk or Bike Along the Vistula River
Need a break from museums? The Vistula Boulevards offer peaceful walking and cycling paths along the river. You’ll pass:
- 🌉 Bridges and swans
- 🏰 Great views of Wawel Castle
- 🍦 Ice cream stands and benches for resting
Whether you’re on foot or renting a city bike, this is a great way to see Krakow from a quieter angle.
💡 10. Discover the Laser Maze (📍 Grodzka 2)
End your day with an energy boost at the Laser Maze – a high-speed challenge that puts your agility to the test. Navigate through a dark room filled with glowing laser beams without breaking any.
🎯 Perfect for:
- Teenagers and young adults
- Competitive friends
- Quick indoor fun between attractions
🕰️ Historical Activities Worth Doing
⛪ Visit St. Mary’s Basilica
Located in the heart of the Main Square, St. Mary’s Basilica stands tall with its two unequal towers and beautiful red brick facade. Inside, you’ll find one of Europe’s most magnificent wooden altarpieces, carved by Veit Stoss in the 15th century. Don’t miss the hourly trumpet call (hejnał) from the taller tower, a Krakow tradition that commemorates a Mongol invasion centuries ago. It’s a living symbol of the city’s resilience and faith.
🏰 Discover the Rynek Underground Museum
Just beneath the Main Market Square lies a fascinating archaeological site turned modern museum. The Rynek Underground Museum immerses visitors in medieval Krakow through interactive displays, touchscreens, holograms, and excavated market structures. It’s a perfect experience for those interested in urban history and how Krakow evolved from a trade center into a royal capital. Highly recommended for families and curious minds.
🎭 Unique Experiences in Krakow
🧩 Escape Room Adventure
Escape rooms are a popular and growing form of entertainment in Krakow. Choose from a wide range of themes like haunted houses, spy missions, wartime puzzles, and fantasy worlds. Whether you’re visiting with friends or as a couple, it’s a great bonding experience that challenges your logic, communication, and courage. These experiences usually last around 60 minutes and are perfect for rainy evenings or a break from sightseeing.
🌀 Museum of Illusions
Prepare to question your perception of reality at Krakow’s Museum of Illusions. From upside-down rooms to holographic mirrors and optical puzzles, this museum is full of surprises. It’s great for taking creative photos and laughing with your travel companions. Located just off the Main Square, it’s easy to visit between other attractions, and suitable for visitors of all ages.
🏠 Upside Down House
If you’re looking for something totally different, stop by the Upside Down House, where gravity seems to flip. You’ll walk on ceilings, sit on floating chairs, and experience reality from a new angle. It’s a fun, short visit, perfect for a quick dose of laughter and Instagram-worthy shots. Families with children especially love this interactive illusion.
🍽️ Food & Drink Experiences
🥟 Pierogi-Making Workshop
Food is one of the best ways to connect with Polish culture, and nothing beats learning how to make pierogi – traditional Polish dumplings. These workshops, led by local chefs, guide you through each step of the process: kneading dough, making fillings, and folding the dumplings into their distinctive crescent shape. At the end, you’ll get to eat your creations and take home a skill (and recipe) to impress friends.
🧆 Street Food at Plac Nowy
Kazimierz, Krakow’s Jewish Quarter, is also home to its best street food. The centerpiece is Plac Nowy, a round building surrounded by takeaway windows. Here you’ll find Krakow’s famous zapiekanka – a toasted baguette with mushrooms, cheese, and toppings like salami, jalapeños or sauces. The square itself is lively, often hosting vintage markets and live music. It’s an ideal place to grab a snack while soaking in the bohemian atmosphere.
☕ Coffee in Hidden Courtyards
ex. Kolanko No 6
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1CM6QUDd8fX4W1nH8
Krakow’s Old Town hides dozens of charming courtyards that house independent cafes. These quiet, leafy retreats are perfect for taking a break from the tourist buzz. Sip a cappuccino, try a local cake like sernik (cheesecake), and enjoy the calm. It’s especially nice during spring and autumn when flowers bloom or leaves fall around old stone walls.
🌳 Outdoor Activities in Krakow
🌅 Walks by the Vistula River
If you need some fresh air, the Vistula River Boulevards offer beautiful walking and cycling paths stretching through the city. Locals love this area for jogging, biking, and rollerblading. You’ll pass beneath bridges, cruise by floating cafes, and enjoy uninterrupted views of Wawel Castle from the riverside. It’s a great way to start or end your day.
🌳 Park Jordana
Just west of the city center lies Park Jordana, one of Krakow’s largest and most popular parks. It has something for everyone: playgrounds, basketball courts, paddle boats, monuments, and wide lawns. Families love it for picnics and open-air fun, while couples enjoy slow walks among the trees. In summer, you might even catch a local concert or festival.
🏔️ Krakus & Kościuszko Mounds
These two scenic hills are among Krakow’s oldest and most panoramic sites. Krakus Mound, near the Podgórze district, offers a peaceful viewpoint and a touch of mystery about its ancient origins. Kościuszko Mound, meanwhile, is higher and surrounded by leafy trails and a fort. Both are great for walks, sunsets, and quiet moments away from city noise.
👪 Best Things to Do in Krakow with Kids
🎬 7D Cinema
The 7D Cinema is a hit with kids and teens alike. Short movies come to life through moving seats, sound, and air effects, offering an adrenaline-filled experience that lasts 5–10 minutes. It’s quick, affordable, and located in central tourist areas, making it an easy add-on to your day.
🦋 Museum of Living Butterflies
Kids will be amazed by the Museum of Living Butterflies, where they can see dozens of species fluttering freely in a tropical setting. It’s a small but magical place where you can learn about metamorphosis, butterfly habits, and even watch one land on your shoulder. A calm, sensory-rich experience.
🦖 Natural History Museum
For science-loving kids, the Natural History Museum is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. They’ll encounter:
- Dinosaur skeletons
- Fossils and minerals
- Interactive educational exhibits
It’s both fun and informative – a win-win for parents and children alike.
🌙 Things to Do in Krakow at Night
🎷 Night Walk in Kazimierz
As the sun sets, Krakow’s Kazimierz district transforms into a hub of cozy bars, quirky pubs, and candle-lit restaurants. Music drifts from doorways, and street performers liven up the atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for jazz, cocktails, or simply people-watching, Kazimierz delivers.
🎼 Krakow Opera
Treat yourself to a night of elegance at the Krakow Opera. With a full season of opera, ballet, and classical music, this beautifully designed venue is ideal for a refined evening. Book in advance for popular shows and enjoy top-tier performances in a grand setting.
🎭 Groteska Theatre
Known for its puppetry and avant-garde productions, Groteska Theatre offers something different. Their creative sets and visual storytelling appeal to both children and adults, making it a versatile nighttime option for families or art lovers.
🎞️ Art-House Cinema
Krakow’s independent cinemas are perfect for a quieter night. Watch a curated selection of indie films or international classics in atmospheric settings, often with vintage seating and snacks. It’s a calming, cultural way to end your day.
☔ What to Do in Krakow When It Rains
🖼️ MOCAK – Museum of Contemporary Art
Escape the weather in this bold and modern art museum. Located in the trendy Zabłocie district, MOCAK features contemporary Polish and international artists across mediums like video, sculpture, and installation. It’s quiet, inspiring, and thought-provoking.
🧙 Dziorawy Kociol Café
This Harry Potter–themed café is a hidden gem for fans and families alike. Styled like a wizarding tavern, it offers drinks like butterbeer, themed desserts, and spellbook menus. A cozy spot to warm up with something magical.
🖌️ Czartoryski Museum
Dive into Polish history and European art inside this beautifully restored museum. In Czartoryski Museum you’ll find royal armor, ancient manuscripts, and of course, Leonardo da Vinci’s “Lady with an Ermine”. It’s a must-see even in the sunshine, but on rainy days it becomes a perfect refuge.
✅ Final Tip: Book Ahead & Save Time
Many of Krakow’s top attractions allow online reservations and offer:
- 🎟️ Skip-the-line access
- 💸 Special online discounts
- 👨👩👧 Combo tickets for families or groups
By planning ahead, you’ll save time and energy – leaving more room to explore the best things to do in Krakow no matter the weather or time of year!
