Krakow attractions: a city of legends, traditions and history!

Krakow, once the capital of Poland, is a city that has experienced an enormous amount. From the prosperous Middle Ages to the dark times of World War II and everything in between and beyond. This is also reflected in the Krakow attractions. When you walk through the cobbled streets during your city trip to Krakow, every street has its own story to tell.

Let us take you on a journey through time! During the Krakow Highlights Bike Tour, you’ll not only pass all the attractions, but you’ll also get to know the city like a true local. The local guide can tell you everything about the heart of Poland.

Experience the atmosphere of Krakow and learn how the city has developed through time.

What are the tips and top attractions in Krakow?

This city was not named European Capital of Culture in the year 2000 for nothing. Many Krakow attractions were fortunately spared during World War II. This means we can still fully enjoy this medieval city center. Wander through the fairytale-like streets and discover the impressive history of this city. If you’re in Krakow for a city break, be sure to discover these top attractions!

The Krakow City Pass, packed with benefits!

To make the most of your time (and money) during your city trip to Krakow, we recommend getting a Krakow City Pass!

Why? Because with this Krakow City Pass, you get (priority) access to various must-see attractions AND several guided tours + free guides.

Save 10% on your next booking! Find something new you want to visit in Krakow and apply the personalized discount code that will be sent to you by email.

Auschwitz concentration camp with Dutch guide

If you’re planning to spend a few days in Krakow, make sure you arrange your visit to Auschwitz in advance; an unmissable attraction near Krakow. Just 1.5 hours’ drive from Krakow, you’ll find the former Auschwitz concentration camp, a place that brings you back down to earth and makes you realize how valuable freedom is.

During World War II, Auschwitz was the largest Nazi concentration camp. Now it stands as the most imposing symbol of the horrors of that period, where 1.1 million people lost their lives. The traces of war are still tangible here.

Plan ahead and book your tickets here for your visit to Auschwitz during your city trip to Krakow with a Dutch-speaking guide. Experience the harrowing stories firsthand and reflect on the terrible events of the past. The former camps have now been transformed into a museum.

Medieval city center

Besides this piece of dark history, Krakow also has a beautiful medieval city center, where you can marvel at the rich history of the city. What’s particularly special is that the historic city remained intact after years of German occupation. After World War II, the city was fortunately still standing. Stroll through the old streets and soak up the atmosphere of this ancient city full of historic buildings and churches.

Strolling through Planty Park

From the historic centre, you’ll repeatedly find yourself at Planty Park. This is a beautifully landscaped, green park with a length of four kilometres. Here you can enjoy lovely walks and take in the views and the beautiful fountains and trees.

Stop during your walk for a cup of coffee at Bunkier Café located in the park. You’ll also find many joggers in this park.

Wawel Castle and the fearsome dragon

Wawel Castle was built a thousand years ago on top of Wawel Hill. Walk across Wawel Hill and discover this magnificent castle and the church that stands right next to it.

Wawel Castle is perhaps the most beautiful part of Krakow with an area of 7000 m2 and is more than worth a visit. The inner courtyard with its arches is particularly impressive. Later, the city began to form at the foot of the hill. You can visit the castle and church for free. It’s advisable to book in advance.

Wawel is located on the banks of the Vistula River.

There’s a legend in Krakow about the dragon Smok Wawelski, who lived in a cave in Wawel Hill. He had to be fed fresh livestock every day to keep him tamed.

King Krak then decided that whoever killed the dragon could marry his daughter. A heroic shoemaker took up the challenge and threw a sheep filled with sulphur into the cave. The dragon ate the sheep, burst into flames and plunged into the Vistula River.

You can still take a look inside the cave and if you’re lucky you’ll see the dragon breathing fire. The dragon was eventually defeated, but the legend is still told daily. Children especially find this myth very interesting. If you’re going on a city trip to Krakow with your children, this is definitely recommended! In front of the cave stands a statue of the dragon that actually breathes fire every five minutes. Children always find this spectacular.

Save time in Krakow and buy your ticket online here!

Rynek Główny

Discover Krakow attractions by bike

The most central square you can find is Rynek Główny.

Whichever way you walk, you’ll always end up here.

Rynek Główny is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe.

You’ll find 5 important Krakow attractions:

• St. Mary’s Basilica
• the Cloth Hall
• Town Hall Tower
• St. Adalbert’s Church
• the statue of Adam Mickiewicz.

Every hour you can enjoy a trumpet player who plays his music, better known as the hejnał, from the left tower. This tradition has existed for 800 years and the trumpet player has no plans to stop. Every day on every hour you can admire his music from the square.

Jewish quarter Kazimierz, the most charming district of Krakow

The Jewish quarter in Krakow, Kazimierz, is enchantingly beautiful. It’s the most vibrant district of Krakow. During the Second World War, the district fell into disrepair. But since the district served as the setting for the film Schindler’s List, it has become a popular area.

For those who have seen the famous film “Schindler’s List”, this is a real must-see. Director Schindler was the owner of an enamel factory and managed to keep many Jewish employees afloat during the Second World War.

Tip: avoid long queues and order your tickets online in advance. See here for more information.

Today this is a museum and one of the most important attractions in Krakow. You’ll find an exhibition about life before, during and after the Second World War of the Jewish employees.

Many artists have settled here. Krakow’s Jewish quarter has many cosy pubs and restaurants and you can enjoy great shopping in the trendy boutiques.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

This magnificent salt mine is located a short distance from the city. Easy to reach by train for a few euros. It’s one of the oldest salt mines in the world and belongs to the top attractions in Krakow. The mines go 327 metres deep and have a passage of 300 kilometres. You’ll feel like you’re in an impressive underground city that was used as a storage facility during the Second World War. It’s best to visit this with a guide.

To be sure of a spot you can buy a ticket here!

Would you like to see all these Krakow attractions in four hours?

You can!

Then book a Krakow bike tour where you’ll go out with a local guide. The guide can give you even more tips about this fantastic city!

From Krakow airport to the city center

Are you planning to travel by plane during your city trip to Krakow? Flights to Krakow are affordable and you’ll be there within 2 hours. There are several options to get to the city center.

• The train
• The bus
• The taxi

Would you like more information about these options? Then read our comprehensive article about the Krakow airport. Here you’ll find everything you need to know if you want to get from Krakow airport to the city center by train, bus or taxi. Ideal for preparing for your city trip to Krakow.

If you’ve seen all the Krakow attractions, there are still plenty of fun things to do in Krakow. Read on about what to do in Krakow?