Krakow: What to see in 1 day

Rynek Główny

Krakow's Central Square is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, laid out in the 13th century. Fairs, meetings of kings, public gatherings and festivals were held here for centuries.

What's special:

• Atmospheric cobblestones, Gothic architecture, street musicians.
• The heart of the city, where you can feel its grandeur and coziness at the same time.

Why visit: This is the best start of the day to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Krakow and understand its scale.

• Address: Rynek Główny, 30-062 Kraków

Gothic church of the XIV century, famous for the majestic wooden altar of Wit Stwosz (XV century) - one of the masterpieces of European sacred sculpture.

What's special: the hourly trumpet signal (Hejnal), which ends on a high note in memory of the trumpeter who was killed during the Tatar invasion just as he was playing the Hejnal.

Why visit: To see the most beautiful Gothic interior of Poland and to hear the legendary Hejnal.

• Address: plac Mariacki 5, 31-042 Kraków
• Price of admission: ≈15 PLN, the tower is an additional ≈15 PLN.
• Visiting time: 45 min.

Tip: come at the opening time to avoid crowds and take the best photos at dawn.

Sukennice

A Renaissance building from the 16th century, where fabrics, furs and salt products were traded from ancient times. Nowadays it houses souvenir shops and an art gallery of Polish art.

What's special: A unique shopping hall with stone arcades and coats of arms of Polish cities. This place combines shopping and history well.

Why visit: Best place to buy amber jewelry, woodwork and traditional souvenirs.

Address: Rynek Główny 1/3, 31-042 Kraków

A museum under the square, created after excavations from 2005-2010. It recreates medieval streets and craft workshops.

What's special: Holograms, models, archaeological findings and an immersive experience.
Why visit: To see what Krakow looked like 700 years ago.

• Address: Rynek Główny 1, 31-042 Kraków
• Price of entrance to the dungeon: ≈28 PLN.
• Visiting time: 45 min.

Tip: it is better to buy tickets online.

You can book a hotel in Krakow with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

Try an obwarzanek, a traditional Polish bagel with poppy or sesame seeds (~2 PLN). They are sold on street carts throughout the Old Town.

11:30 - Wawel Hill

The main historical and spiritual point of the city.

Wawel Castle (Zamek Królewski na Wawelu)

Royal residence of the XIV-XVII centuries in the styles of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Polish kings were crowned and lived here.

What's special: Royal chambers, arsenal, collection of oriental art and the famous tapestry hall.

Why visit: This is Poland's main historical and cultural attraction.

• Price: from 35 PLN for each exhibition, combo tickets available.
• Visiting time: 1-1.5 h.

The main cathedral of Krakow, built in the XIV century, the place of coronations and burials of Polish kings. The poet Adam Mickiewicz is also buried here.

What's special: The 11-ton Zygmunt Bell, which rings on special days.

Why visit: To touch the sacred history of Poland.

• Address: Wawel 3, 31-001 Kraków
• Admission: free, but for a visit to the bell tower and crypt - ≈12 PLN.
• Tickets online.

Tip: tickets book in advance.

We recommend Pod Wawelem (Świętej Gertrudy 26-29). Average check ≈80 PLN. Large portions of traditional Polish cuisine.

14:00 - Kazimierz.

The historical Jewish quarter of Krakow, founded in the 14th century as a separate city, has preserved the unique atmosphere of synagogues, narrow streets and old houses. In the 20th century it became the center of Jewish life, and after the Holocaust it was revived as a cultural district.

What's special: Tempel and Remuch synagogues, Jewish cemetery, cafes with Middle Eastern cuisine.

Why visit: The best place to experience the cultural and gastronomic diversity of the city.

• Price: admission to synagogues from 15 PLN.
• Visiting time: 1 hour.

Tip: try falafel at Hamsa (Szeroka 2). The average bill is ≈70 PLN.

A museum dedicated to the history of Krakow during the occupation and the story of Oskar Schindler, who saved more than 1000 Jews.

What's special: Genuine documents, multimedia installations and personal belongings of the rescued.

Why visit: To gain a deeper understanding of the tragedies of the 20th century and the feat of a man who changed history.

• Price: ≈26 PLN.
• Visiting time: 1-1.5 hours.
• Tickets: muzeumkrakowa.pl.

Planty Park

Planty is a green ring of parks and alleys surrounding the Old Town of Krakow. It was created in the 19th century on the site of demolished medieval city walls and moats.

What's special:

• Total length of about 4 kilometers, divided into more than 30 themed sections.
• There are monuments to prominent Poles, including Jan Matejko and Nicolaus Copernicus.
• The alleys are full of greenery in spring and summer, shimmer with gold in autumn and create a fairy-tale atmosphere in winter.

Why visit: This is the best place for a short rest, a stroll in the shade of trees, photo shoots and observing the life of the city at a leisurely pace. The park surrounds the Old Town, so you will always be close to the main attractions.

Dragon's Den is the cave of the Wawel Dragon at the foot of the hill, which is part of the city's legends. Here the dragon devoured livestock until it was poisoned by a cobbler.

What's special: The dragon sculpture that "breathes fire" every few minutes.

Why visit: A symbol of Krakow and a favorite place for tourists and children.

• Address: Wawel Hill entrance, Kraków
• Entrance: 5 PLN, open from April to October.

17:00 - Barbakan and Florian Street

Barbakan

A round defense tower from the 15th century, part of the old system of city fortifications.

What's special: Walls up to 3 meters thick, perfectly preserved architecture.

Why visit: To feel the atmosphere of the medieval defense of Krakow.
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• Address: Basztowa, 30-547 Kraków
• Admission ≈12 PLN.

Krakow's main pedestrian street, connecting the Barbican with the Market Square.

What's special: Boutiques, cafes, antique stores and street musicians.

Why visit: Best place for a stroll, shopping and photos.

Tip: best place to buy amber and traditional Polish sweets.

• Pod Wawelem (Świętej Gertrudy 26-29 ul.
  Polish cuisine near Wawel. Large portions, cozy atmosphere.
  Average check: ≈ 80 PLN.
• Szara Gęś (Rynek Główny 17)
  Restaurant on the Market Square. Convenient after a walk through the Old Town
  Average check: ≈ 100 PLN.
• Hamsa (ul. Szeroka 18, Kazimierz)
  Middle Eastern cuisine in the Jewish quarter. Unusual flavors and oriental interior.
  Average bill: ≈ 70 PLN.

Traditional dishes worth trying

• Żurek - sourdough soup with sausage and eggs.
• Bigos - cabbage stew with meat.
• Pierogi - dumplings with different fillings.
• Oscypek - smoked sheep cheese.

Krakow is especially beautiful in the evening. You can:

• Take a bike ride (rental ~20 PLN/day);
• Book an evening tour of the city's legends (on GetYourGuide).