Poland

Things to do in Krakow

Krakow was Poland's royal capital and escaped major destruction in the Second World War, so its Main Market Square, Wawel Castle and Cathedral and the Jewish district of Kazimierz survive largely intact. It is also the base for two of the most visited day trips in Central Europe: the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tour
  • Wieliczka Salt Mine tour
  • Wawel Castle and Cathedral
  • Kazimierz Jewish Quarter walking tour

Experiences in Krakow

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Bike toursCover more ground at human speed: guided rides and bike rentals.Cooking classesLearn two or three local dishes and eat what you cook.

Top-rated experiences in Krakow

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Free cancellation on most experiences. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Highlights

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tour
  • Wieliczka Salt Mine tour
  • Wawel Castle and Cathedral
  • Kazimierz Jewish Quarter walking tour
  • Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory museum
  • Polish food and vodka tasting

Best time to visit

May to September is warm and lively; July and August are the busiest months. December has a Christmas market in the Main Market Square, and January and February are cold but cheap.

Getting around

The Old Town and Kazimierz are walkable, with trams for longer hops. A train links the airport with Krakow Glowny station in about 20 minutes.

Local tips

  • Book Auschwitz-Birkenau entry or a guided tour weeks ahead in summer, and bring the ID used on the booking.
  • Bags larger than about 30 x 20 x 10 cm are not allowed inside the Auschwitz memorial.
  • The bugle call from St Mary's Basilica tower is played every hour and stops mid-melody by tradition.

Day trips from Krakow

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau
  • Wieliczka Salt Mine
  • Zakopane
  • Ojcow National Park
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Krakow?

The most booked experiences in Krakow are Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tour, Wieliczka Salt Mine tour, Wawel Castle and Cathedral and Kazimierz Jewish Quarter walking tour.

When is the best time to visit Krakow?

May to September is warm and lively; July and August are the busiest months. December has a Christmas market in the Main Market Square, and January and February are cold but cheap.

How do I get around Krakow?

The Old Town and Kazimierz are walkable, with trams for longer hops. A train links the airport with Krakow Glowny station in about 20 minutes.

Do I need to book tours in Krakow in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Krakow?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Budapest293 km awayVienna332 km awayPrague393 km awayBerlin530 km away