This post is all about the best things to do in Krakow Poland.

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Krakow is a step back in time.

With its rich history, preserved medieval architecture, and cobblestone streets, Krakow is undoubtedly one of the most majestic cities in Eastern Europe.

Poland is filled with many iconic landmarks, it’s hard to prioritize what to see. Krawkow especially is so rich in history, it can make a first-time visit overwhelming.

Print your FREE Krakow Checklist so you don’t miss a thing.

Where to Stay in Krakow

Budget – Greg & Tom Beer Hostel (check out my review blog post here)

Moderate –Novotel Krakow Centrum

Luxury – Bachleda Luxury Hotel Kraków 

My Krakow Essentials

Here are the best things to do in Krakow Poland

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1. Walk around the main square – Rynek Główny

Rynek Główny is the main square of Krakow and it’s hard to miss!

The beautiful architecture forming the square is mesmerizing. It’s also the perfect chance to see if any events are taking place, like the Krakow Christmas market.

2. St Mary’s Basilica

Located in the main square, St Mary’s Basilica is a stunning church with polish-gothic architecture.

3. Take a Free Walking Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter

Learn about the old Jewish Quarter by taking a free walking tour with Walkative.

This tour will take you all around the old Jewish quarter where you will learn about many historic synagogues, the former Jewish ghetto, and heroes square.

4. The Ghetto Heroes Square

Ghetto Heroes Square is a haunting and important site.

This is where you will find the Empty Chairs of Krakow memorial to remember those who left the Krakow ghetto and were never to return.

Also located in Heroes Square is the famous Eagle Pharmacy. The pharmacist is historically honored for hiding jews in the pharmacy who were marching from the ghetto to their death.

5. Tworzywo Coffee Shop

Tworzywo Coffee Shop is conveniently located in heroes square. Sit down and have a cup of coffee and cake in one of the cutest coffee shops in the former jewish quarter.

6. MOCAK Art Museum

MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow is truly one of the coolest modern art museums! I loved getting lost in all the creative exhibitions. Definitely prepare to spend a few hours here.

Check out my review of the MOCAK here.

7. Eat Traditional Polish Food

You can’t leave Krakow without trying delicious polish food!

Zapiekanka is a street food must try, which is Poland’s own version of a flatbread pizza. Also, be sure to eat traditional polish dumplings.

Gaska Goose Restaurant and Kuchnia U Doroty are both delicious restaurants to try polish food.

8. Explore Old Town

Colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Need I say more? Old town Krakow feels like a fairytale.

9. Take an Auschwitz Tour

A chilling experience back in time. While this tour is hard to stomach, I personally think it’s essential to educate ourselves on such a dark period of history.

I had a great experience with the Auschwitz guided tour I took, which you can find linked below.

10. Wawel Castle

The spectacular Wawel Castle was once the royal residence. It is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world.

11. Harris Piano Jazz Bar

If you’re looking for a night out with quality cocktails and live music, check out Harris Piano Jazz Bar. It’s located right in the middle of old town near the square.

12. Oskar Schindler Factory

If you’ve seen the movie (or even if you haven’t!) be sure to take a tour through the Oskar Schindler museum. Go at your own pace or book a guided tour (and skip the LONG line).

The museum is technically called the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków and focuses more on the city during the Nazi occupation. However since it was the real Oskar Schindler factory, it has included bits of him as well.

13. St. Florian’s Gate & Barbakan

What was once a fortified outpost connected to the walls of the city and surrounded by a moat is now a historic gateway into Old Town Krakow.