Looking for the best things to see in Krakow, Poland? Discover the top sights, viewpoints, hidden gems and Instagrammable places across the city, including the Old Town and Jewish Quarter.
Krakow is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Central Europe – a city where every corner tells a story. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a longer stay, one question will definitely come up: what are the top 10 things to see in Krakow? This guide has you covered.
From its iconic Old Town to the atmospheric Jewish Quarter and unusual hidden gems, Krakow is full of architectural wonders, charming streets, and places with soul. We’ll walk you through the main things to see in Krakow, the best viewpoints, Instagram-worthy spots, off-the-beaten-path attractions, and much more.
We’ve also included an interactive museum right in the center and suggested how to plan your visit if you have just one day in the city. Ready to explore?
🏛️ Must-See Sights in Krakow
Let’s begin with the must-see attractions in Krakow, located mostly in or around the Old Town. These are the places that appear on every postcard and every tourist’s bucket list.
1. Wawel Castle – The Royal Hilltop Fortress
No trip to Krakow is complete without visiting Wawel Castle – the crown jewel of Polish heritage and architecture. Perched on Wawel Hill above the Vistula River, this historic complex once served as the residence of Polish kings and queens.
Inside, you’ll find the stunning Wawel Cathedral, royal chambers, and ancient treasures. Don’t miss the Dragon’s Den (Smocza Jama) and the famous Wawel Dragon sculpture, which breathes real fire.
- 📍 Location: Wawel Hill, south of Old Town
- 🕰️ Best time to visit: Morning, before the crowds
2. St. Mary’s Basilica – Krakow’s Gothic Masterpiece
Standing tall over the Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica (Kościół Mariacki) is one of Krakow’s most iconic landmarks. Known for its two unequal towers, it’s also home to a breathtaking wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss.
Every hour, a trumpeter plays the Hejnał Mariacki from the taller tower – a tradition that dates back centuries.
- 📍 Location: Rynek Główny (Main Square)
- 🔭 Top tip: Climb the tower for one of the best views in the city
3. Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) – The Heart of the Main Square
In the center of the Main Square sits the Cloth Hall, also known as Sukiennice. This Renaissance-era building once served as a major center of international trade. Today, it houses souvenir stalls and the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art.
It’s not just a place to shop – it’s a cultural landmark where you can feel the pulse of Krakow’s historic center.
- 📍 Location: Rynek Główny
- 🛍️ Fun fact: This is one of the oldest shopping centers in the world
🏙️ Best Viewpoints in the City
Looking for places with stunning views over Krakow? These natural and man-made mounds offer breathtaking panoramas and are among the top things to see in Krakow Poland, especially at sunrise or sunset.
4. Kościuszko Mound – A Monument with a View
Dedicated to Polish hero Tadeusz Kościuszko, this artificial mound offers 360° views of Krakow and the surrounding countryside. Surrounded by military fortifications, it’s not just a viewpoint – it’s also a piece of history.
- 📍 Location: Zwierzyniec district
- 🌄 When to go: Sunset for golden light and minimal crowds
5. Krakus Mound – The Oldest Lookout Over the City
Older and more mysterious than Kościuszko Mound, Krakus Mound is a favorite among locals. It’s a great place for a picnic with a panoramic view over the Podgórze district and the city skyline.
- 📍 Location: Podgórze
- 🧭 Legend: Believed to be the resting place of King Krakus, the mythical founder of the city
📸 Instagrammable Places in Krakow
For social media lovers and visual travelers, here are places where you can get those jaw-dropping Krakow photos.
6. House of Attractions – Interactive Museum & Illusions (Grodzka 2)
Right in the heart of Krakow’s Old Town, the House of Attractions offers an exciting alternative to traditional sightseeing. With rooms full of optical illusions, mirror mazes, escape scenarios, and interactive exhibits, it’s perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends.
This is one of the most unusual things to see in Krakow, especially if you want to combine fun with photo opportunities. Each room is designed to surprise and delight, offering dozens of creative backdrops for unforgettable pictures.
- 📍 Location: Grodzka 2 – just a few steps from Wawel Castle
- 📷 Highlights: Infinity room, mirror maze, upside-down room
- 🔗 Website: houseofattractions.club
7. Krakow Main Square – Iconic and Always Alive
Whether you visit during the day or late in the evening, Rynek Główny (Main Square) is the beating heart of Krakow. It’s one of the largest medieval squares in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Surrounded by colorful townhouses, cafes, and horse-drawn carriages, this is one of the most photogenic places in Krakow, and the perfect backdrop for your memories.
- 🌙 At night: Street musicians, soft lights, and the charm of Krakow under the stars
W kolejnej części artykułu opiszemy:
- Hidden Gems to See Off the Beaten Path
- Beautiful Parks and Green Spaces
- Historic Neighborhoods: Kazimierz & Podgórze
- Plan Your Visit + Downloadable Map
🧱 Hidden Gems to See Off the Beaten Path
While Krakow’s Old Town and royal landmarks attract most visitors, the city hides many underrated places that offer peace, mystery, and deeper connection with local life. These unusual things to see in Krakow are perfect if you want to go beyond the obvious.
8. Tyniec Abbey – A Peaceful Escape by the Vistula River
Located about 12 km from the city center, Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec is one of the oldest monastic complexes in Poland. Perched on a limestone cliff above the Vistula River, it offers serene views, centuries of history, and a chance to try products made by the monks themselves.
This is the perfect spot to unwind and reflect, away from the bustling city. You can reach it by bike along the riverside or take a scenic cruise.
- 🕯️ Tip: Visit the monastery shop for natural herbal products
- 📍 How to get there: Bus 112 or bike path from Wawel
9. MOCAK – Museum of Contemporary Art in Podgórze
If you’re in the mood for modern art and thought-provoking exhibits, head to MOCAK, located next to Schindler’s Factory in the Podgórze district. It’s one of the most progressive art spaces in Poland and focuses on post-1945 art, social themes, and installations.
MOCAK also highlights local Krakow artists and rotating international exhibitions. It’s a perfect contrast to the city’s traditional image.
- 🖼️ Don’t miss: The outdoor sculptures and art bookstore
🌳 Beautiful Parks and Green Spaces
Krakow isn’t just cobbled streets and Gothic spires – it’s also full of green oases where you can take a break, have a picnic, or go for a walk.
10. Planty Park – The Green Belt Around the Old Town
Encircling the entire Old Town, Planty Park is a peaceful garden walkway built on the site of the medieval city walls. It’s a favorite path for both tourists and locals – whether you’re walking from Wawel to the Main Square, or simply enjoying the shade on a hot day.
In spring and summer, the park is full of flowers and fountains. It’s a great way to see multiple Krakow landmarks while enjoying nature.
- 🐦 Tip: Look out for statues of famous Polish poets and scientists along the way
Bonus: Jordan Park – Family-Friendly and Full of Statues
Near Krakow’s Błonia Meadow and the National Museum lies Jordan Park, one of the most child-friendly places in the city. It features playgrounds, walking paths, pedal boats, and plenty of open space.
Named after educator Henryk Jordan, the park also has an alley of busts of notable Poles, sports fields, and seasonal attractions.
- 👨👩👧👦 Great for: families, picnics, morning jogs
🕍 Historic Neighborhoods to Explore
Krakow is made up of distinct districts, each with its own identity. The two most atmospheric are Kazimierz and Podgórze – perfect if you want to explore the city beyond the tourist path.
Kazimierz – Krakow’s Jewish Quarter
Kazimierz is one of the most culturally rich areas in Krakow. Once a separate town, it became the center of Jewish life in Krakow and is now filled with synagogues, vintage shops, cafés, and murals. It’s a place where history and creativity meet.
Don’t miss:
- Remuh Synagogue and Cemetery
- Plac Nowy (great for street food and nightlife)
- Jewish Galicia Museum
Today, Kazimierz is also a hotspot for artists and hipster cafés, but its past is always present in its cobbled streets and preserved heritage.
Podgórze – Lesser-Known but Deeply Moving
On the other side of the Vistula River lies Podgórze, a district shaped by both tragedy and renewal. This was the site of the Krakow Ghetto during World War II. Visit the Ghetto Heroes Square, Schindler’s Factory, and fragments of the ghetto wall.
But Podgórze is not only about memory – it’s also full of green hills, artistic spaces, and peaceful cafés.
Points of interest:
- Ghetto Heroes Square with Empty Chairs installation
- Schindler’s Factory Museum
- Krakus Mound for panoramic views
🗺️ Plan Your Visit Smartly
If you’re short on time, don’t worry – many of the top 10 things to see in Krakow are located close to one another, especially in the Old Town and Kazimierz. Here are a few tips:
🕐 If You Have One Day in Krakow
- Start at Wawel Castle, walk through Planty Park to St. Mary’s Basilica, and grab lunch near the Main Square.
- In the afternoon, head to Kazimierz for culture and street food.
- End your day at House of Attractions (Grodzka 2) or go up Krakus Mound for sunset views.
❄️ Visiting Krakow in Winter?
- Most attractions are open year-round.
- Enjoy magical lights on the Main Square, hot mulled wine in Christmas markets, and fewer crowds in museums.
- Go to Kościuszko Mound on a clear winter day for snowy panoramas.
With a good plan and local insights, you’ll experience not just the top things to see in Krakow, but also its soul and stories.
🔚 Conclusion
Krakow is a city that blends royal history, charming streets, and vibrant culture like few others in Europe. Whether you’re searching for the best things to see in Krakow Poland, or exploring hidden treasures off the beaten path, this city will surprise you again and again.
From Wawel Castle to Planty Park, from Tyniec Abbey to the House of Attractions, every traveler can find their own top 10.
Let this guide be your compass – and enjoy every moment in one of Europe’s most unforgettable cities.
