Krakow is Poland's second-largest city and unquestionably the country's cultural capital. Having fortunately survived the Second World War, the city's medieval old town, Wawel Hill and the Jewish Kazimierz district are all part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Krakow is also the intellectual heart of the Poles: it is home to the country's oldest university, the Jagiellonian University. Get to know the royal city's 10 most important sights with us!
1. Wawel Castle and Cathedral
Wawel Hill is the symbol of Krakow and indeed of all Poland. The royal castle on the hill was the residence of the Polish kings from the 14th to the 17th century and is an outstanding example of Renaissance architecture. In Wawel Cathedral, Polish rulers were crowned and buried, including Władysław II Jagiełło. The castle museum displays period tapestries, weapons and replicas of the coronation jewels.
2. Main Square (Rynek Główny)
Krakow's Main Square is Europe's largest medieval square, extending over an area of about 200 × 200 metres. At the centre of the square stands the Cloth Hall, surrounded by colourful townhouses, cafés and restaurants. The atmosphere of the square is made unforgettable by horse-drawn carriages, flower sellers and street musicians. Every hour, the trumpet melody, the famous "hejnał", sounds from the tower of St Mary's Basilica.
3. Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)
The Sukiennice is a Renaissance-style building at the centre of the Main Square, which for centuries was Krakow's commercial hub. On the ground floor, souvenir and craft shops still operate today, where you can buy Polish amber jewellery, wood carvings and lace. Upstairs, the National Museum's collection of 19th-century Polish painting is housed. Having a coffee under the arcades of the building, you can experience a special journey through time.
4. St Mary's Basilica (Kościół Mariacki)
Rising on the eastern side of the Main Square, the Gothic St Mary's Basilica is Krakow's most spectacular ecclesiastical building. The church's chief treasure is the monumental wooden main altar carved by Veit Stoss (Wit Stwosz in Polish), one of the world's largest Gothic altarpieces. The blue-and-gold ceiling and the stained-glass windows create a breathtaking overall effect. From the taller tower there's an excellent panorama of the city, if you can manage the stairs.
5. Kazimierz – the Jewish quarter
Kazimierz, Krakow's former Jewish quarter, is now the city's coolest and most creative district. In the Middle Ages it was an independent town, which from the 14th century welcomed the Jewish community and was for centuries the intellectual centre of Polish Jewry. Today old synagogues, atmospheric cafés, street-art galleries and vintage shops alternate. At night the district's bars and live-music clubs offer vibrant entertainment.
6. Wieliczka Salt Mine (UNESCO)
The Wieliczka Salt Mine operated from the 13th century right up to 2007 and was one of the first sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The underground labyrinth reaches a depth of 327 metres and hides chapels, sculptures and chandeliers carved from salt. The most impressive is St Kinga's Chapel, where even the floor tiles are made of salt. The mine maintains a constant temperature (14 °C), so it's worth bringing warm clothes.
7. Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial
Auschwitz-Birkenau in Oświęcim was Nazi Germany's largest death camp, where more than a million people were murdered. Now operating as a museum and memorial, the complex is one of humankind's most harrowing sites. The visit is emotionally extremely demanding, but an important experience. Visiting the memorial is free, but timed tickets should be booked weeks in advance.
8. Planty Park
The Planty is a 4-km-long, ring-shaped green belt that runs along the site of the old city walls around Krakow's old town. Strolling through the park you can admire the old city gates, bastions and the medieval Barbican. The tree-lined paths burst into bloom in spring and offer a pleasant resting place while sightseeing. The Planty connects all the important sights of the old town, providing a natural route for exploration.
9. St Florian's Gate and the Barbican
St Florian's Gate is the only surviving gate of Krakow's former city walls and has stood since the 14th century. The Barbican attached to the gate is a circular fortification built in 1498–1499 to defend the city. From the top of the walls there's a lovely view of Planty Park and towards the Old Town. In the short stretch of wall between the gate and the Barbican, open-air exhibitions are often held.
10. Schindler Factory Museum
The former Schindler Factory, familiar from Spielberg's film Schindler's List, now operates as an interactive museum. The permanent exhibition "Krakow under Nazi Occupation 1939–1945" presents the city's wartime history with striking effect. Through interactive installations, period objects and multimedia elements, the visitor almost relives the everyday reality of the era. The museum is located across the Vistula, in the Podgórze district.
Practical tips
- Krakow Card: The Krakow Card is available in 2- or 3-day versions and provides free admission to most museums, plus unlimited public transport.
- On foot: Most of the sights in Krakow's city centre are within walking distance, wear comfortable shoes and explore the side streets too.
- Wieliczka and Auschwitz: Both excursion sites can be planned as a day trip, but don't schedule them for the same day, both are emotionally and physically demanding.
- Dining: In the Kazimierz district and the side streets off the Main Square you'll find the best-value restaurants, places on the main square tend to be pricier.
- eSIM: Before travelling to Poland, arrange an eSIM so you can go online at local rates and share your experiences in real time.