Krakow, the pearl of Polish culture and the historical heart of the country, attracts millions of tourists from all over the world every year. Its rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant streets make the city the perfect destination for adventurers, art lovers and anyone who wants to soak up the atmosphere of a truly European city.
In this article, we will take a look at the various attractions and activities that Krakow has to offer – from historic townhouses and the royal castle, to museums and galleries, to modern entertainment centres and green spaces. We will also discover the lesser-known but equally charming corners of the city, which allow you to experience its unique character. We invite you to join us on a journey through Krakow, which never ceases to fascinate and inspire.
What to do in Krakow with a child?
As we all know, children like active entertainment rather than sitting for hours in one place. We have included below some places with as much action and human communication as possible.
1) Experimental garden
Address: 68 Aleja Pokoju
The Garden of Experiences in Krakow offers a range of interactive exhibitions that allow visitors to experience science in a fascinating and engaging way. The garden offers a variety of interactive stations that allow visitors to experiment with different physical, chemical and biological phenomena, e.g. magnetic, optical or acoustic properties can be explored. Visitors also have the opportunity to carry out experiments and observations themselves, allowing them to better understand scientific concepts and phenomena.
The garden also hosts demonstrations and workshops led by qualified instructors, who present interesting experiments explaining the intricacies of science in a way that is accessible to all age groups.
The Lema Experimental Garden is also a place where you can experience the beauty of nature. There are a variety of plants, flowers, shrubs and other natural elements that form an integral part of the educational experience.
2) Water Park
Address: Dobrego Pasterza 126
‘Park Wodny’ in Krakow is one of the largest recreational complexes in Poland. It offers a wide range of attractions for people of all ages. It has various types of pools, including jacuzzi, waves and geysers; slides, sauna and relaxation zones. A fitness room and gym are available for sports enthusiasts even when relaxing in the park. This ensures that there is something for everyone. It is also a popular venue for children’s birthday parties and corporate events.
3) MOOD climbing
Address: Stanisława Klimeckiego 14B
‘MOOD Climbing’ is a place in Kraków that offers climbing on a climbing wall. It is a perfect space for lovers of this sport, where they can develop their skills, train and spend time actively. MOOD Climbing provides a variety of climbing routes tailored to different levels of experience, so there is something for everyone.
In addition, MOOD Climbing often organises workshops, courses and events related to climbing, which is an added attraction for those looking to expand their knowledge and skills in the sport. Along with climbing, fresh sandwiches and bread straight from the artisan bakery can be enjoyed in the same part of the building.
4) Nature Education Centre
Address: Gronostajowa 5
The Centre for Nature Education is a unit of one of the oldest universities in the world – the Jagiellonian University in Kraków. Over the course of more than 600 years of activity, it has managed to collect more than 500,000 various collections spread over a diverse thematic block. Although the exhibits are mainly dedicated to nature lovers in the broadest sense of the term, every visitor should find something for themselves.
5) House of Attractions
Address: Grodzka 2
House of Attractions is a place where everyone can find something for themselves. Among the 9 attractions presented, there are 3 types of labyrinths (we highly recommend a visit to the Mirror Labyrinth), 2 types of VR games and even a Living Butterfly Museum dedicated to the youngest. Whether on a normal or rainy day, it’s a great way to spend time in a relaxed atmosphere and take memorable photos.
Tickets can be purchased here: https://houseofattractions.club/bilety/.
6) Museum of Wax Figures
Adres: Floriańska 32
The Museum of Wax Figures in Krakow offers visitors the opportunity to see realistically made wax figures depicting well-known figures from various walks of life, such as actors, politicians, athletes or historical figures.
Inside the museum, visitors can admire the figures, which are often set up in scenic arrangements to better convey the character. The figures are made with great attention to detail, which gives them a realistic feel.
It is a popular destination especially for families with children, school groups and tourists who want to take souvenir photos with wax replicas of their idols or historical heroes.
7) AGH Geological Museum
Address: Adam Mickiewicz Avenue
The AGH University of Science and Technology Geological Museum is one of the interesting educational attractions located at the AGH University of Science and Technology. This museum is dedicated to Earth sciences and offers a rich collection of minerals, rocks, fossils and geological artefacts from different parts of the world, as well as Poland.
The exhibits present a wide cross-section through the geological processes shaping our planet. The museum features unique mineral specimens, an extensive collection of meteorites, a dinosaur exhibition, as well as fascinating fossils that illustrate life on Earth in different geological eras.
8) Zoo
Adres: al. Kasy Oszczędności Miasta Krakowa 14
The zoo was founded in 1929 and is located in the picturesque Wolski Forest, on an area of approximately 20 hectares.
The zoo houses more than 1,400 animals of around 270 species, including many rare and endangered species. The Krakow zoo actively participates in international breeding and species conservation programmes, demonstrating its commitment to global conservation efforts.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of exhibitions and enclosures that are designed to replicate the animals’ natural habitats as closely as possible. Krakow Zoo is a popular destination for families, tourists and nature lovers, offering many educational programmes and events to raise awareness of conservation and the importance of biodiversity.
What to do in Krakow with friends?
Organised outings with friends don’t have to be difficult. You don’t need a booking to visit the following places – all you need is the will to do so.
1) Museum of Polish Aviators
Address: 39 Jana Pawła II Avenue
The Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow is one of the most important museums dedicated to the history of aviation in Poland, located at Jana Pawła II Avenue.
The museum was opened in 1964 on the site of the former Rakowice-Czyżyny airport, one of the oldest military airfields in Europe. The museum’s collection includes more than 200 aircraft, helicopters and gliders, as well as hundreds of other exhibits, including aircraft engines, radars and military equipment.
Among the artefacts on display at the Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow are rare aircraft from the First and Second World Wars, including German, Soviet and British machines, as well as aircraft manufactured in Poland. The most valuable exhibit is the Polish PZL P.11 fighter – the only surviving example in the world, which took part in the defence of Poland in 1939.
An additional asset of the Museum of Polish Aviation is its location on the premises of a historic airfield, which allows visitors to feel the atmosphere of the old years of aviation.
2) New Square in Kazimierz
Address: ‘Okrąglak’
Plac Nowy is mainly known for being home to the famous Krakow market.
It is a place where you can find many food stalls, from traditional Polish dishes to world cuisine. At this market you can taste local delicacies and experience the authentic atmosphere of Krakow.
In addition, the New Square is also the centre of Kazimierz’s nightlife. There are many bars, pubs and clubs around the square, which are lively especially in the evenings. It is a place where you can meet both the local community and tourists, enjoying the atmosphere and the variety of entertainment on offer.
3) Video Games Museum
Address: 41A Centralna Street
In this museum you can see the consoles and computers on which the first video games were made, and test the legendary game Pong or the cult Pac-Man, as well as learn about the history of the development of computer games, from simple, pixelated graphics to today’s advanced virtual environments.
The Museum of Video Games in Krakow often organises various events, such as tournaments, meetings with game developers, programming workshops or thematic exhibitions, which attract both enthusiasts and people interested in history and technology.
4) Wolski Forest
Wolski Forest is a wide forest area located in the western part of Krakow, in the hills above the Vistula valley. It is one of the favourite recreation spots for the city’s residents, offering picturesque landscapes, numerous hiking and cycling trails that attract nature lovers, joggers and cyclists.
It is also a place with a rich history and many historical monuments. Within the Wolski Forest is the well-known Krakow Zoo, which is home to many species of animals from all over the world. Not far from the ZOO is the Piłsudski Mound, the highest of Krakow’s four mounds, from where there is a magnificent view of the entire city and the surrounding area.
In addition to its recreational and educational functions, Wolski Forest also plays an important ecological role. It is a valuable area in terms of biodiversity, with numerous plant and animal species, which also makes it an important place for scientists and ecologists.
5) Kosciuszko Mound
Address: Waszyngtona 1
The Kosciuszko Mound, located in Kraków, is one of the most recognisable historical sites of the city, being a tribute to Tadeusz Kosciuszko. It is located on Sikornik hill in the Zwierzyniec district. The Kosciuszko Mound in Cracow has been continuously managed by the Kosciuszko Mound Committee established in 1820-1823. The Kościuszko Museum operates at the mound.
The mound has a bus connection with the centre of Krakow. Except for a few days a year, visiting is subject to a fee.
The height of the mound is approximately 34 metres. The entrance to the top of the mound, from where there is a beautiful view of Kraków and the surrounding area, is via a stone staircase surrounded by greenery.
6) Manggha – Museum of Japanese Art and Technology
Address: Maria Konopnicka 26
The Manggha Museum combines the basic functions of a museum with the wide-ranging activity of a living cultural centre, promoting knowledge of Japan and the Far East. In a modern, friendly building, designed by the eminent Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, a museum of a new type operates using new methods and forms of action. Using a wealth of experience and contacts, they take up themes related primarily to art, but also to music, theatre, film, literature, philosophy, and the religion of Japan and the Far East.
At the Manggha Museum, they present the mutual cultural relations between Poland and Japan. There is consistent popularisation of knowledge about Japan, operating in its own premises and carrying out external activities in other centres in Poland.
Comprehensive educational activities are carried out based on an original programme developed by museum representatives. Almost every day our museum is visited by groups of schoolchildren and students, who not only visit current exhibitions, but also take part in additional activities prepared especially for them.
Occasions that invariably attract large numbers of visitors are cyclical events, which include both the monthly Japanese Tales and Fairy Tales and the annual Japanese Children’s Day Kodomo no hi. The Museum also houses the Archive of Andrzej Wajda, the eminent Polish director, and the Japanese Language School under the auspices of the Japan Foundation.
7) House of Fear ‘Lost Souls Alley’
Address: Florianska 6
Lost Souls Alley in Krakow is one of the most unusual tourist attractions in the city, best known for offering an experience full of fear and excitement. This place, which combines elements of horror, puzzles and interactive fun, is one of the first of its kind in Poland.
Situated in the heart of Krakow, Lost Souls Alley invites the brave to make their way through a series of darkly decorated rooms, each with its own terrifying scenario. Visitors must solve a variety of puzzles while avoiding encounters with characters that may emerge from the darkest corners of their imagination.
The Lost Souls Alley experience is designed to maximise participants’ adrenaline levels, evoking strong emotions and fear. Lost Souls Alley is very popular with tourists and locals alike, being an attraction worth visiting if you are looking for something more than a standard sightseeing tour.
8) Museum of Illusion
Address: Floriana Straszewskiego 15
The Museum of Illusions is a space where illusions meet scientific inventions and art: physics and optics are presented together with mysterious works of art and classic puzzles.
The unique educational experience is enhanced by interactive entertainment – drawing with light, creating shadows and unforgettable moments in an upside-down world. It offers a variety of optical, physical, as well as special and historical illusions designed to trick the senses and entertain adults and children alike.
9) Museum of photography
Address: Rakowicka 22A/ Królowej Jadwigi 220
This is a dynamic institution that collects, preserves and presents a rich collection of photography, exhibiting works by both Polish and international photographers.
The Museum of Photography in Krakow organises regular exhibitions, presenting various aspects of the art of photography, from classical to contemporary, from portraiture to photojournalism. This gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the variety of styles, techniques and themes in photography, and to explore its role as an artistic and documentary medium.
The institution frequently organises workshops, lectures and meetings with photographers, enabling a wide range of people to develop their skills as well as deepen their knowledge.
10) Zakrzówek
Address: Pychowicka 18/14
Zakrzówek is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in Krakow. It is about 7 kilometres south-west of the city centre. It is the site of a former limestone quarry, which has been flooded with water, creating a beautiful turquoise-coloured reservoir.
The Zakrzówek reservoir is a popular place for recreation and relaxation for Krakow residents and tourists. Its waters are crystal clear and it is an excellent place for diving and snorkelling. Underwater you can admire stunning underwater fauna and flora, as well as the remains of a former quarry.
What to do in Krakow with a boyfriend?
When we go on a date, we usually associate it with some restaurant, a walk in the park and so on. In this article, we have included a few atmospheric places so that each of you will get the right amount of delight and satisfaction, if not more.
1) Krakus Mound
Krakus Mound is one of the most characteristic places on Krakow’s Lasota Hill. It is an earthen mound, about 16 metres high, located within the Park and next to the War Cemetery on Krakow’s Zjazd.
Krak’s mound is associated with the legend of the city’s founder, Krak, which, according to legend, was to be built by the citizens of Krakow as a resting place for the king. According to another legendary version, the mound would symbolise the tomb of King Krakus, which was to be built by his son, Krak.
Nowadays, Krak’s Mound is a popular walking place for Krakow residents and tourists. From its top there is a beautiful view of the city and the surrounding area, which attracts many visitors.
2) MOCAK
Address: Lipowa 4
This is one of the most important cultural institutions in Kraków, specialising in presenting contemporary art from Poland and around the world.
The museum is located in the renovated Schindler’s Factory, which adds to its distinctive atmosphere and gives new life to the history of the place. At MOCAK you can admire various forms of contemporary art, such as painting, sculpture, installations, video and performance, presented by both established artists and young talents.
The exhibitions at MOCAK are often interactive and thought-provoking, touching on a variety of social, political and cultural themes.
3) “Dziurawy kocioł”
Address: Grodzka 50
The concept of Dziurawe Kotle is based on a combination of a traditional Polish pub with modern elements, making it an ideal place to hang out for both those who want to feel the local atmosphere and those looking for a modern, youthful style. The interior of the pub is decorated in a warm, cosy style, often adorned with elements related to magic and fantasy, which may be a reference to the name resembling motifs from fantasy literature.
‘Dziurawy Kocioł’ offers a wide selection of drinks, including local beers, various cocktails and traditional Polish liquors. In addition, the café can serve simple snacks and dishes, ideal for socialising or relaxing after a day full of sightseeing.
4) Wanda Mound
The Wanda Mound is one of several Krakow mounds located in Nowa Huta, a district of Krakow. It is a place with a rich history and legend, being an important symbol for the local community and a tourist attraction.
According to legend, the mound was raised in honour of Wanda, daughter of the legendary King Krakus, who was to throw herself into the Vistula to avoid marriage with a German prince. The mound symbolises not only the honour of this heroic figure from Polish legends, but also the spirit of independence and resistance.
Wanda’s mound is much smaller than other Krakow mounds, such as Kościuszko’s or Krakus’ mound, but it has an important historical significance. It was probably created in the 10th century, which makes it one of the oldest mounds in Poland.
From the top there is a view of the surrounding area, including the nearby Sędzimir Steelworks, which further links the history of the site with the modernity and industry of the region. The mound is also the venue for various national and local celebrations, including the Days of Krakow celebrations.
Today, the Wanda Mound is easily accessible to tourists and residents, offering not only a history lesson, but also a place for walks and moments of reflection. It is an important place for the inhabitants of Nowa Huta and Krakow as a whole, symbolising deeply rooted cultural values.
5) Słowacki Theatre
Address: Rajska 12
The Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Krakow is one of the most important and prestigious theatres in Poland. It was opened in 1893 and is an excellent example of neo-Baroque architecture, inspired mainly by European theatrical trends of the time. It is located in the very heart of Krakow.
Inside, the main theatre hall, decorated with gilding and red velvet curtains, creates a unique atmosphere for watching performances.
The Słowacki Theatre has a rich history and tradition in Polish culture. Its repertoire includes classics of Polish and world drama, as well as modern interpretations and premiere works by contemporary artists. The theatre’s activity is also an important element of Krakow’s cultural life, influencing the development and promotion of drama and theatre in Poland.
6) Kraków Opera
Address: Lubicz 48
The Krakow Opera House is one of the most important cultural venues in Krakow. It is a theatre building located in the city centre, at Lubicz 48, and is an ideal place for fans of going out in the evening to a cultural venue.
The Krakow Opera building is an impressive structure in the Neo-Renaissance style, designed by the famous architect Teodor Talowski and built between 1892 and 1893. For fans of evening outings, this is the ideal place. The interior of the Krakow Opera House impresses with its richly decorated auditorium, which can seat around 750 people. This hall has beautiful paintings, sculptures and rich ornamentation, creating an atmosphere worthy of grand opera performances.
7) National Museum
Address: al. 3 Maja 1
The National Museum in Krakow was founded in 1879 and has since become an important centre of culture and art, presenting a wide range of works of art from the Middle Ages to the present day.
The collection of the National Museum in Krakow includes more than 780,000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, graphic works, artistic crafts, armour and textiles. Among the most valuable works are those by Jan Matejko, Stanisław Wyspiański, as well as Poland’s only collection of European art, where works by such masters as Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt are on display.
One of the most famous objects in the museum’s collection is Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Lady with an Ermine’, which is one of his four female portraits in the world and attracts numerous tourists to the museum.
The museum regularly organises temporary exhibitions and other cultural events that attract both locals and tourists from all over the world. The National Museum in Krakow not only cares for the preservation of cultural heritage, but also actively participates in the cultural life of the country by promoting art and education.
What to do in Krakow when it rains?
Krakow is a city not far from the mountains, so heavy rainfall is no surprise here. Even on a warm spring day, the weather can be disappointing, so we have put together some cool places to see in and around the Old Town.
1) The Market Underground
Address: Market Square 1
Under the surface of the Market Square between the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Church, at a depth of several metres, there is a real treasure trove of knowledge about Krakow’s past.
Both permanent and temporary exhibitions can be found there. The permanent exhibition, entitled Traces of Krakow’s European Identity, was opened 3 days after the museum’s opening. It is a multimedia spectacle – a journey back in time, in which one can feel the atmosphere of the medieval market square. A number of modern multimedia techniques were used, such as holographic devices to present building reconstructions, with the aim of creating an atmosphere in the museum that allows visitors to feel the Krakow of seven hundred years ago.
2) Grotesque Theatre
Address: Skarbowa 2
The theatre in Kraków is known for its puppet shows and performances from the theatre of form and dance. In addition to its repertoire activities, the theatre is the initiator of, among others, the Great Dragon Parade, the International Theatre of Form Festival Materia Prima and the Code of Masters – a series of meetings with authorities of social and artistic life. In addition, the theatre organizes workshops for children and teachers and gets involved in social and artistic projects.
3) Cinema under the Rams
Address: Rynek Główny 27
This is a legendary arthouse cinema located in Krakow. It is one of the oldest cinemas in Poland, operating since 1969. The name “Pod Baranami” refers to the fact that the cinema was originally located in the basements under a tenement house, the symbol of which was a ram on the facade.
Kino Pod Baranami is known not only for its film repertoire, but also for organizing various cultural events, such as film screenings, film festivals, meetings with creators, discussions and lectures.
Its program includes a wide range of films, from world cinema classics to the latest independent productions.
4) The Czartoryski Princes Museum
Address: Pijarska 15
The museum was founded by Prince Adam Jerzy Czartoryski in 1801 and has been an important center of culture and art since then.
The building is known mainly for one of the most valuable treasures of Polish cultural heritage – “Lady with an Ermine” by Leonardo da Vinci. It is one of the few works of the artist located outside Italy. In addition, the museum has a rich collection of European art, including paintings, sculptures, artistic crafts and numismatic collections.
One of the important attractions of the Princes Czartoryski Museum is also Mickiewicz’s manuscript “Pan Tadeusz”, which is one of the most important literary works in the history of Polish literature.
5) Botanical Garden
Address: Kopernika 27
The Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University in Krakow is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Poland. It is located in the historic district of Krakow, on the Jagiellonian University Campus, near the Old Town.
The Botanical Garden was founded in 1783 and has served scientific, educational and recreational purposes since then. It is a place where students, scientists, etc. can deepen their knowledge of plant diversity from different corners of the world.
The garden area contains numerous collections of plants, both native and exotic. You can see a wealth of flora from different continents, including plants from Asia, Africa, South America and Australia. The Botanical Garden also plays a protective role for many species of plants threatened with extinction.
Various events are also organized for visitors, such as thematic exhibitions, workshops and lectures, which allow you to expand your knowledge of botany and nature conservation.
