12 Fun Things to Do in Krakow on a City Break

Explore the heart of Poland’s history. The magical city of Krakow is filled with narrow streets, old buildings, and a lively cultural vibe. It offers both classic sights and new experiences that light up the night. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Krakow for a weekend or short trip, you’re in the right place!

Key Takeaways

• Krakow is the historical capital of Poland with over 6000 years of history.
• Krakow’s Old Town is great for sightseeing, with its old landmarks and beautiful streets.
• Art lovers will find a wealth of classical and modern works in Krakow’s galleries and museums.
• If you want to relax, the peaceful Vistula River and green spaces in the city are perfect.
• Taste the local food and enjoy the lively nightlife that makes Krakow a memorable place.

Exploring Krakow’s Historic Old Town

Dive into Kraków Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s full of history and charm. The cobblestone streets and stunning buildings help us understand the city’s past and present.

Stroll through the Main Market Square

Rynek Główny is the hub of Krakow Old Town. It’s one of the biggest medieval squares in Europe. The streets of Krakow are filled with performers and musicians, giving you a complete cultural blend of Polish culture and music.

Visit the St. Mary’s Basilica

St. Mary’s Basilica is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in the square. It’s known for the Hejnał Mariacki, a trumpet call every hour. The beautiful stained glass and altars show its art and faith importance.

See the Sights of the Cloth Hall

Check out the Cloth Hall, dating back to the Renaissance. Situated in Rynek Główny, it’s a historic market with Polish crafts and souvenirs. It’s more than a shopping spot; it represents Krakow’s economic past.

Exploring Krakow Old Town is fascinating. It includes significant places like St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall. You’ll get to see the city’s history influencing its vibrant life today. Marvel at ancient buildings or discover local crafts, Krakow has lots to offer.

Delving into the Royal Past at Wawel Castle

The iconic Wawel Royal Castle stands proudly by the Vistula River, welcoming those keen to explore Krakow’s royal history. It’s a key location that brings together centuries of stories about Polish kings and queens. Everyone curious about Poland’s royal past should visit this place.

Wawel Hill also serves as a good lookout point to take in the entire Krakow riverside. If you don’t have the budget for tickets, it’s still worth going there to see the boats cruise up and down the river.

Discover Wawel Cathedral

Inside Wawel Castle, you’ll find the stunning Wawel Cathedral. It’s where Polish kings were crowned and is full of church history. The beautiful design and sacred objects inside the cathedral give a deep look into Poland’s royal spiritual life.

Admire the Castle’s Art Collections

Wawel Castle also holds incredible art collections from many periods. These artworks show not only European art but also pieces from various cultures. They reveal a rich history of art supported by Polish royalty.

Explore the Wawel Dragon’s Den

The Wawel Dragon’s Den is perfect for those who love tales and mythology. Located at the castle’s base, this cave is famous as the home of the scary Wawel Dragon. It mixes Krakow’s folklore with the castle’s history.

Fun things to do in Krakow – Vistula River

The Vistula River is Poland’s longest river and gives a serene escape from Krakow’s busy life. River cruises on the Vistula give tourists a unique view of the city. These tours are made better by the peaceful water and beautiful sights along the riverbanks.

Krakow also offers many water sports for fun outdoors. Try kayaking or pedal boating when the weather is nice. Each offers a fresh look at the city’s old buildings and beauty.

• Vistula River Cruises: Experience Krakow from the gentle waters, with guided tours available for storytelling the rich history and culture of the area.
• Krakow River Banks: Ideal for a peaceful walk or a romantic stroll at sunset, the banks of the Vistula offer a serene pathway lined with views of the city’s landmarks.

Whether you want to take a walking tour of the riverside or enjoy the sights from a cruise boat, the Vistula is a great area if you’re visiting Krakow for leisure. It was also witness to some of the most important event in Polish history. 

Energylandia – the biggest amusement park in Poland

Located in Zator, Energylandia Amusement Park is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. The best Polish theme park is just an hour’s drive away from Krakow – and you can even take the train straight to the location!

The park features dozens of rides split between 8 distinct zones. Whether you want to visit with kids or adults, you’ll see that there’s something for everyone there. From calm family rides, through thrilling water features to some of the most impressive rollercoasters in Europe, you really can’t miss Energylandia if you consider yourself a thrill-seeker.

Tasting Krakow’s Local Cuisine

Start a food adventure in Krakow. This city shows off Polish culture through its amazing dishes. Krakow offers everything from local dishes with centuries of history to eclectic fusion dishes and new revisions on the classics.

Try pierogi, dumplings that everyone in Krakow loves. Meat fans will enjoy kiełbasa, with its strong taste. And don’t miss Oscypek, a unique smoked cheese from sheep’s milk. Obwarzanki are one of the symbols of the city and they’re like the predecessors of the modern bagel.

Krakow’s meals fit any occasion, from fancy dinners to relaxed milk bars. Here’s a guide to where you can enjoy these dishes:

• Milk Bars: These places are easy on the wallet and full of old-school charm. They offer homemade Polish meals.
• Local Taverns: Great for trying filling meals in a cosy atmosphere. Both locals and visitors love these spots.
• Upscale Restaurants: These spots are best for a sophisticated take on Polish food. They mix heritage with luxury.

Dish	Description	Typical Ingredients
Pierogi	Filled dumplings of Central European origin	Fillings like potato, sauerkraut, meat, cheese, and fruits
Kiełbasa	Eastern European sausage	Pork, beef or turkey, plus garlic, salt, and marjoram
Oscypek	Smoked cheese from the Tatra Mountains	Smoked salted sheep’s milk

Visiting Krakow is about tasting its food as much as seeing historic places. The local cuisine tells a story of flavour, culture, and history.

Try the Kremówka – John Paul II’s favourite dessert

Kremówka is the Polish word for “cream pie”, but it generally means a specific type of dessert. It’s a layer of cream layered between two sheets of puff pastry, often connected with the small town of Wadowice.

Being a Wadowice native, it’s no surprise that the late Pope John Paul II greatly enjoyed this dessert. He famously recalled a story of him enjoying this treat as a reward after his high school final exams, and now at least 2 different pastry shops claim to be the place from that story.

As for the pie itself, I can recommend it. It’s reminiscent of the Dutch “tompouce”, but with powdered sugar instead of glaze on top. Most of Krakow’s pastry shops will sell them, so why not try one?

Even More Fun Things to Do in Krakow

Krakow is a city buzzing with life, offering exciting experiences for everyone. If you love culture or nightlife, Krakow has got you covered. Let’s dive into some fun activities that will make your visit unforgettable.

Join a Krakow Urban Adventure

Take part in an urban adventure to see Krakow’s hidden gems. These adventures offer a unique look at local culture and secret spots. From scavenger hunts to exploring unknown areas, every experience brings a new view of this historic city.

Experience the Nightlife in Kazimierz

At night, Kazimierz, the old Jewish district, comes alive with energy. This area is famous for its vibrant nightlife, with lots of bars, clubs, and music. Dive into a world where history meets modern nightlife and enjoy every moment.

Kazimierz is great for nightlife, and the urban adventures show Krakow’s day- and night-time charms. Here’s how they compare:

Activity	Description	Location
Urban Exploration Tour	Guided walks revealing Krakow’s hidden secrets	Various locations across Krakow
Bar Crawls	Discover the best bars in Kazimierz with a guide	Kazimierz District
Live Music Evenings	Experience live music in cosy venues	Selected venues in Kazimierz
Artistic Workshops	Get creative with workshops from painting to pottery	Art studios in Krakow

Krakow is a city where history and modern excitement blend perfectly. It offers endless activities, from urban adventures to the lively Kazimierz nights. There’s something for everyone in Krakow, making every visit memorable.

See the city from the Kosciuszko Mound

One of the most famous landmarks in Kraków, the Kosciuszko Mound stands tall above the Błonia area of Krakow. From there, you’ll be able to see the entire panorama of the city, with views of the Vistula River, Wawel Castle, and the Old Town. It’s a little outside the city, sandwiched between the suburbs and a nature park, but you can get straight there via public or private transport.

Take a hike to the Krakow Zoo

Krakow Zoo is one of the most exciting things to do for the whole family. Hidden in the middle of the forest, Krakow Zoo is located in the heart of Bielany-Tyniec Landscape Park. I

Engaging History at the Schindler’s Factory

In the heart of Krakow, the Schindler’s Factory Museum gives a deep look into Krakow’s World War II history. It was once Oskar Schindler’s enamel factory. Now, it’s a touching tribute to the bravery shown in tough times.

The museum’s exhibits don’t just tell about Schindler’s work to save his Jewish workers. They also show how World War II affected Krakow. Visitors can walk through preserved halls of the former factory, with additional renovations to turn them into sets for the classic movie “Schindler’s List”.

Exhibit Features	Description
Worker’s List	A replica of the famous list with names of the workers Schindler saved.
Nazi Occupation	This display shows the difficult times under Nazi control in Krakow during World War II.
Interactive Displays	Here, visitors can interact with history through artefacts and learn in an immersive way.

If you’re keen on how one person can change history, this museum is a must-see. It highlights human resilience and heroism in hard times. 

Discovering the Quirkiness of Krakow’s Museums

Krakow museums are a feast for those eager to explore culture. They have everything from classic art to historical displays. Each museum shares a piece of Krakow’s rich history. There’s so much for art and history buffs to see.

The Czartoryski Museum

The Czartoryski Museum is a must-see with its European art. It features “Lady with an Ermine” by Leonardo da Vinci. This piece is a highlight, showing Krakow’s rich art heritage. The museum’s wide collection spans from ancient relics to decorative arts.

Rynek Underground Museum

The Rynek Underground Museum takes you below Krakow’s Market Square. Explore old market stalls and learn about ancient lives. It’s a fascinating view of Krakow’s history, making the museum a key visit.

National Museum in Krakow

The National Museum in Krakow is perfect for art lovers. It has 20th-century Polish art and international pieces. Its collections offer a wide cultural journey. This museum keeps updating with new and exciting exhibitions for everyone.

Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine

Wieliczka Salt Mine is the world’s largest mining heritage site, and one of the oldest, too. It’s been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since its first proper conference, in 1978. It has it all – incredible salt formations, underground saltwater pools, intricate sculptures, massive chambers. It even used to serve as an impromptu ammunition storage during the Second World War!

The town of Wieliczka is located right outside Krakow so if you’re looking for an unusual experience, you should consider a Wieliczka Salt Mine tour.

FAQ

What are the top activities to do in Krakow during a city break?

In Krakow, you can explore the Old Town and Wawel Castle. You can also enjoy Vistula River cruises. Visit MOCAK for contemporary art, try Polish food, experience nightlife in Kazimierz, and learn history at Schindler’s Factory Museum.

Can you recommend historical sites to visit in Krakow?

Definitely. Krakow’s Old Town is full of history, with must-sees like the Main Market Square and St. Mary’s Basilica. Visit Wawel Castle and Cathedral for a look into Poland’s royal history. Check out the Wawel Dragon’s Den for a bit of folklore.

What unique museums can I explore in Krakow?

Visit the Czartoryski Museum to see Da Vinci’s ‘Lady with an Ermine’. The Rynek Underground Museum provides a view into medieval markets. The National Museum showcases vast art collections.

Are there any river-based activities to enjoy in Krakow?

Yes, the Vistula River offers scenic cruises, kayaking, and pedal boating in warm months. Enjoy walks along the riverbanks for beautiful views of the city.

Where can I experience Krakow’s nightlife?

Kazimierz, the Jewish district, is the heart of Krakow’s nightlife. It has bars, clubs, and street art. It’s great for an evening out.

Are there any art galleries focusing on contemporary work in Krakow?

MOCAK, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow, focuses on modern art. It features Polish and international artists. The museum is known for its engaging exhibitions.

What traditional Polish dishes should I try in Krakow?

Try pierogi, kiełbasa, and oscypek for a taste of Poland. Krakow’s restaurants offer these dishes in a homely atmosphere. For dessert, you should try kremówki.

Is Krakow suitable for family-friendly activities?

Krakow is great for families. It offers historic sites, interactive museums, and urban tours. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

How can I learn about World War II history in Krakow?

Visit the Schindler’s Factory Museum for a deep dive into Krakow’s WWII history. The exhibits are in Schindler’s factory and offer a moving experience.