20 Best Krakow Attractions: Must-See Sights & Landmarks

Krakow is one of Poland’s most popular destinations, and its long list of Krakow attractions makes it easy to understand why. From historic landmarks and museums to lively neighborhoods, former royal residences, and places connected to Poland’s more recent history, there is plenty to see and do here.

Krakow was the first city I ever visited in Poland, back when I was studying in Prague. The city’s history, architecture, and food sparked my interest in Poland, and I have returned several times over the years to explore more of the country.

I have visited Krakow twice, returning more than ten years after my first trip to see how the city had changed. After also exploring several other Polish towns, Krakow remains one of the places where you can easily spend several days without running out of things to do.

Krakow attractions are best explored on foot, as many of the main sights are within walking distance of one another. You will mainly need public transport when heading to the Nowa Huta neighborhood or taking a day trip from Krakow.

This guide covers the top landmarks and attractions in Krakow to help you plan your visit and easily craft your Krakow itinerary. You can also use it alongside my other articles of the city, which together form a comprehensive Krakow guide with practical information for planning your trip. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy something through them—at no extra cost to you. It helps support my blog and lets me share real, first-hand travel tips. Learn more

Why is Krakow so famous and worth visiting?

Kraków’s cobbled streets and medieval architecture transport you back in time, offering a glimpse into its glorious past. Unlike Warsaw, Krakow was barely affected by World War II, making it one of the most charming cities to visit in Poland. The landmarks remain authentic, but they do tell the horrific stories of the Nazi occupation.

Today, Krakow is the second-largest city in Poland after Warsaw, but it is also one of the oldest, with the first settlement dating back to before Christ. Between the mid-11th century and the beginning of the 17th century, Krakow was the capital of Poland. Therefore, some of the most gorgeous and historic buildings date back to this time, including Poland’s oldest university, Jagiellonian University. 

From 1795 to 1918, Krakow was part of the Austria-Hungary monarchy, which influenced the city for over a hundred years. The city has a long Jewish heritage and culture, which is easily seen in the Kazimierz district. 

The city has a different vibe from other Polish cities – it’s a bit artistic and bohemian, where each district has its own character and is very different from one another.

While the city offers much to see, Krakow attractions are not limited to its city borders. There are important sights beyond, like the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with shimmering salt chambers filled with intricate carvings and statues; the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, where you’ll learn more about the horrific acts of the Third Reich; and the charming village of Zalipie with its cottages decorated with folk art and decorative motifs. 

Kraków is also a great getaway to Zakopane, a resort town at the base of the Tatras Mountains. During winter, it is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders.

Unmissable Krakow attractions in Old Town

The vibrant Rynek Główny, the Old Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Europe’s largest medieval market square. It is one of the main Krakow attractions and a place to feel the city’s heartbeat. 

Rynek Glowny

Translated as the Main Square, Rynek Główny was constructed after the Mongol invasion in 1257 and measures an impressive 40,000 sq. meters. For centuries, it was always a vibrant hub of markets, culture, and social life that pretty much hasn’t changed. It served as a gateway to the West, connecting Krakow to the broader trade network. 

The most essential Krakow attractions are laid out here; I will discuss them in more detail below. The townhouses surrounding the Main Market Square are among the most lovely buildings in the city. That said, I absolutely fell in love with Poznan’s Rynek Glowny, and I believe it’s one of Poland’s most stunning main squares.

Throughout history, the Main Square has played an integral part in the formation of the city as it has witnessed all the important celebrations, royal ceremonies, and lively gatherings. 

Even today, Rynek Glowny is where seasonal markets are held. My first visit to Krakow coincided with the Easter holidays; therefore, I witnessed an Easter parade of locals dressed in traditional clothing – white dresses and shirts vibrantly embroidered with colorful patterns. 

If you plan to come to Poland in winter and Krakow is on your itinerary, it is here that the city hosts its charming annual Christmas Market, selling local winter delicacies, souvenirs, and handmade items.

The square remains the heart of Krakow, where everyone gathers to enjoy beautiful architecture and intricately decorated townhouses, or simply the scenery from nearby cafes and restaurants. I loved walking around the Main Square at sunset, when the sky turned pink, purple, and orange, casting golden hues on the surrounding buildings. 

One of the things to do in Krakow at night is to come here when the square’s buildings are lit up, creating a completely different scene and atmosphere. I truly enjoyed strolls around the square and its surrounding streets.

→ Recommended tour: The Old Town Walking Tour (based on tips, but you pay a meager booking fee) or Creepy Krakow, where you listen to ghost stories in a two-hour walking tour

St. Mary’s Basilica 

This stunning church dominates the square’s western edge with its high towers and elaborate Polish Gothic architecture. This 14th-century red-brick structure is gorgeous both inside and out. 

The interior decoration has breathtaking details, some quite old and others relatively new. And if your visit coincides with sunny days, pay attention to the sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows and casting gorgeous colors across the floors.

The most special treasure here is the Veit Stoss Altarpiece, a 13-meter-tall wooden altar depicting scenes from the lives of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. To see it up close, you must use the church’s side entrance and pay a fee.

Another fascinating aspect of St. Mary’s Basilica is that when the clock strikes every hour, it is followed by the hejnal mariacki, a trumpet signal/melody played by a human from its tower every day, all year round. Pay attention to the melody as it stops mid-stream to commemorate a famous trumpeter who was shot while alarming the citizens before a Mongol invasion. 

For breathtaking vistas of Rynek Główny and the surrounding cityscape, climb the stairs to the tower.

• Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 11:30 am-6 pm; Sun & holidays: 2 pm-6 pm.
• Entrance fee: general – 20 PLN | More info

Cloth Hall 

In the center of Rynek Główny, you’ll find the Cloth Hall. As the city became an important stop on the trade route back in the day, it needed a designated building. Merchants from Europe and beyond gathered here to exchange goods and sell silk, leather, spices, and wax, fueling Krakow’s economic prosperity.

The original Cloth Hall was wooden, but a new Gothic building was constructed in the 14th century. Over time, the building was altered several times, and the current building, dating back to the 19th century, differs from the original. 

Through the arched entrance of the Cloth Hall, you’ll find numerous stalls selling a mix of traditional Polish handicrafts, amber jewelry, intricate lacework, and a wide range of souvenirs. Make sure you look up at the walls to see the coats of arms of the various Polish cities.

The Cloth Hall’s upper level houses an art gallery exhibiting one of the largest collections of 19th-century Polish artists displaying paintings, sculptures, and photographs.

While the ground floor is free to enter, you’ll need a ticket to visit the gallery. More information here.

The Town Hall Tower

Another tall tower you’ll see at Rynek Glowny is the Town Hall Tower, constructed in the late 14th century as the centerpiece of the Old Town Hall. Its red brick facade is spectacular, with beautiful stonework and delicate carvings. 

Currently, as part of the Historical Museum, the only way to visit the tower is to climb more than 100 stairs to its viewing deck. The panorama from here is worth the effort, though, as the red-tiled rooftops of the Old Town stretch out all the way to Wawel Hill.

• Opening hours: Mondays: 11 am-4 pm; Tue-Sun: 10 am-6 pm. 
• Entrance fee: adults – 22 PLN. Mondays are FREE | More info 

Rynek Underground Museum

Beneath the Market Square lies the Rynek Underground, a museum dedicated to the Rynek Główny that opened only in 2005, making it a recent addition to the Krakow attractions list. 

This exciting venue, located four meters below the city’s surface, takes you on a journey from Krakow’s earliest settlements to the modern era. Using hi-tech and immersive storytelling, it’s one of the best Krakow activities to enjoy in the late afternoon. 

The museum’s spacious halls showcase a remarkable collection of archaeological artifacts, remnants of medieval merchant stalls, tools, pottery, clay figures, burial grounds, historic coins, and interactive displays that bring Krakow’s history to life. 

I loved seeing the reconstructions of blacksmith and goldsmith workshops, and a medieval weighing scale that still works and can determine a person’s weight based on different city measurement standards.

• Opening hours: vary each day. Closed every second Monday of the month. 
• Entrance fee: adults – 45 PLN. Tuesdays are FREE | More info. 
• Recommended tour: Guided tour of Rynek Underground Museum

Krakow attractions following the Royal Route

The Royal Route is another Krakow must-see attraction offering the possibility to trace the historical path of royal coronations from the iconic Floriańska Gate to the beautiful Wawel Hill.

Planty Park

The park encircles the historic center, where Krakow’s old walls and fortifications once stood. It offers a tranquil escape from the city’s vibrant energy, and its size makes you feel like you are outside the city center.  

I can only imagine how nice and refreshing it would be to sit in the shade on hot summer days, when various flowers and plants bloom in different colors. 

Even though we visited Krakow in November and the weather was slightly colder, late-evening walks were among the most enjoyable things to do in Krakow Old Town for us.

The Barbican and Old Defense Walls

Back then, Krakow was a walled city with seven entrance gates stretching over two kilometers. The gates would close at night.

Today, only a part of Krakow’s medieval fortifications remain on the northern edge of Old Town. The horseshoe-shaped Barbican once served as the city’s outer gate, guarding against invaders. A few meters from it, you’ll find the Old City Walls and St. Florian’s Gate leading to Florianska Street and eventually to the Main Square. 

• Opening hours: Tue-Sun: 10 am-6 pm 
• Entrance fee: adults – 22 PLN | More info. 

Wawel Hill and Castle

Perched atop Wawel Hill overlooking the Vistula River, Wawel Castle is a beautiful palace that served as the residence of Polish kings for many centuries.

Even though the place was renovated and rebuilt several times, its current look is an interesting mixture of styles – its earliest structures date back to the 10th century, and lavish expansions were made in more recent centuries. This makes Wawel Castle one of Krakow’s most popular attractions. 

Explore the Royal Apartments, once the private chambers of Polish kings, and see their lavish lifestyle. Step into the Wawel Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture where Polish kings and queens are buried. Walking the grounds of Wawel Hill is free, including the Arcaded Courtyard (Dziedziniec Arkadowy), making it one of the free things to do in Krakow.

You must pay to enter the Wawel Castle, its exhibitions, and Wawel Cathedral. Since there are limited tickets available online and long lines at ticket offices, I recommend getting your tickets online as early as possible. 

When planning a visit, remember that you can choose which exhibitions or attractions to see and need to buy separate tickets for each. A Wawel Cathedral ticket gives you access to the Sigismund Tower and the royal crypts. 

Therefore, allocate at least half a day to explore everything or the central parts of Wawel Hill.

• Opening hours vary by day and season. 
• Entrance fee: varies based on exhibitions and rooms to visit | More info
• Recommended tour: Wawel Castle & Cathedral Guided Tour

Wawel Dragon and its cave

Located beneath Wawel Hill, this cave is the source of many legends about fire-breathing dragons and heroic deeds that every Polish kid knows. 

Legend has it that a fearsome beast, the Wawel Dragon, terrorized the city by demanding regular offerings of cattle. Eventually, a clever young shoemaker offered the dragon sheep filled with sulfur and placed it near the Dragon’s Den.

After eating it in a single gulp, the sulfur ignited within its belly, causing pain and a burning sensation. It ran to the nearby Vistula River to drink water, but the water worsened everything, and the dragon exploded. 

You can explore the cave where the dragon allegedly lived. At the entrance, you can see a statue erected based on this legend, which gushes fire from its mouth at around 10-minute intervals. 

The statue is free to see, but you must purchase an additional ticket to enter the cave via a machine at the entrance or the Wawel Castle ticket office.

Krakow sightseeing of the Jewish Quarter and beyond

Located adjacent to Old Town, Kazimierz is a historic district with a unique charm. With its labyrinthine streets, wide range of places to eat, and historic landmarks, this neighborhood is one of Krakow’s main attractions. 

On the other side of the Vistula River is another neighborhood, Podgorze, which has its fair share of dark history as the grounds of the Krakow Ghetto. Today, it is an up-and-coming district.

Kazimierz

One of the best things to do in Krakow is to wander the streets of Kazimierz, once a thriving Jewish Quarter that has seamlessly transformed into a vibrant hub of art, music, and culinary delights.

Founded in the 14th century, Kazimierz was a separate city until 1791, when it became part of Krakow. It has undergone changes, but it has always retained its spirit. 

The neighborhood has a different appeal and character than the neighboring Old Town. It has a more local vibe and becomes extremely lively in the evenings, making it a perfect place to experience fantastic Krakow nightlife in its bustling bars and cafes. 

During the day, wander along Szeroka Street, once the busy center of Jewish life, and admire the beautifully preserved synagogues. Venturing into the alleyways, you can find hidden courtyards, passages, and charming cafes. During weekends, Plac Nowy Square hosts a small flea market where you can rummage through vintage items.

→ Recommended tour: Kazimierz Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

Old Synagogue

Being a Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz used to have several dozen synagogues before WWII. Today, only a handful remain. Some remain active, while others are converted into museums, cultural centers, or restaurants.

The Old Synagogue, built in the 15th century, now serves as a museum showcasing the life of Jews in Krakow. 

As you step through the arched entrance of the oldest synagogue in Poland, pay attention to the bimah, a raised platform where the Torah is traditionally read. It has some intricate carvings. Don’t forget to see the original Kodesh, another gorgeous piece that once housed the Torah scrolls. 

• Opening hours: Mondays: 10 am-3 pm; Tue-Sun: 9 am-5 pm. 
• Entrance fee: adults – 22 PLN. Mondays are FREE | More info

Remah Cemetery

The cemetery, dating back to the mid-16th century, is the final resting place of some of the most prominent figures of the city’s Jewish community, as well as from Prague and Vienna.

This is the oldest Jewish cemetery in Poland, which operated until the mid-19th century, when a new one on Miodowa Street opened. 

When the Nazis occupied Poland, they destroyed the cemetery and took the tombstones to use as paving stones in the concentration camps or sold them for profit. Since the liberation, the cemetery has undergone extensive restoration, and original monuments have been returned and re-erected. However, it still represents a small fraction of what it used to be.  

• Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Thur: 9 am-5 pm; Mon, Fri, Sun: 9 am – 4 pm. Closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
• Entrance fee: FREE.

Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory

One of Krakow’s must-see places is the Schindler’s Factory Museum, devoted to a German businessman, Oskar Schindler, who saved nearly 1,200 Jews from being deported to concentration camps. Shindler’s story became world-famous after Steven Spielberg’s all-time classic movie Schindler’s List.

The factory’s administration building now houses a museum that chronicles the city’s experience under Nazi occupation from 1939 to 1945, the life of Jews, and Soviet “liberation.” It is a pretty interesting museum with stunning displays and informative boards, so make time for it in your Krakow itinerary. 

Walking through the museum’s carefully curated exhibits, you are transported back to the turbulent years of the war. It shows how Nazis oppressed Poles and later Jews, seizing their homes and businesses, stripping away their freedoms, and threatening their very existence.

The museum also sheds light on the complex relationship between Jews and Poles during this tumultuous period. Read stories of collaboration, betrayal, compassion, and solidarity as Poles risked their own lives to protect their Jewish neighbors.

• Opening hours: Mondays: 10 am – 3 pm; Tue-Sun: 9 am-8 pm; Closed every first Tuesday of the month. 
• Entrance fee: adults – 60 PLN; Mondays are FREE, with limited tickets available on the spot | More info.
• Alternatively, buy a skip-the-line ticket here. 
• Recommended tour: Schindler’s Factory Tour with Entrance Ticket

Remnant of Krakow Ghetto Wall

In the Podgórze neighborhood in Krakow, you’ll find the remnant of a Krakow Ghetto, one of five major urban Nazi ghettos established during World War II, which served as a place of exploitation, terror, and persecution for the city’s Jewish population.

The ghetto, established in 1941, encompassed a crowded area measuring approximately 20 hectares and became home to over 16,000 people.

Barbed wire and a three-meter-high wall surrounded the ghetto, with the top section of the gate resembling Jewish gravestones. 

Within the ghetto’s borders, the Jewish community endured despicable living conditions. Each inhabitant was given a mere 2 square meters of living space, forcing families to share cramped quarters. The lack of adequate sanitation, food, and medical care worsened the situation, leading to widespread disease and malnutrition.

One of the information desks I saw at Schindler’s Factory Museum said that several ‘local’ stores sold a legal ration of food whose nutritional value was set by the Nazis and equaled 250-300 calories a day! 

The Krakow Ghetto was a place for the Nazi’s systematic extermination of the Jewish population. Between June 1942 and March 1943, the ghetto was liquidated, and the inhabitants were sent to concentration camps of nearby Belzec and Płaszów, as well as to Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Ghetto Heroes Square

Ghetto Heroes Square, formerly known as Zgody Square, is near the Kraków Ghetto Wall. It was once a hub of Jewish life and now serves as a reminder of the extraordinary courage and resilience of Kraków’s Jewish community during the darkest times.

This was the exact square where Nazis would gather Jews before deporting them to camps; therefore, it became a stage for unimaginable acts of cruelty.

In 2005, the square transformed, shedding its former name and embracing a new identity that honored the memory of those who perished. Renamed the Ghetto Heroes Square, this became home to a unique and powerful memorial – a field of 33 oversized chairs.

These big and empty metal chairs represent the countless lives lost during the Holocaust. The concept draws inspiration from the recollections of Tadeusz Pankiewicz, a Polish pharmacist who heroically ran a pharmacy within the Kraków Ghetto (more below). 

In his memoirs, Pankiewicz vividly described the scene of Jews being assembled in the square, their belongings piled around them as they awaited their fate. The image of these individuals sitting on their chairs, waiting for the unknown, left an indelible mark on Pankiewicz.

Most chair monuments face Pankiewicz’s former Under the Eagle Pharmacy. Three of them face Lwowska Street, where a fragment of the original ghetto wall is located.

Under the Eagle Pharmacy

During the establishment of the Krakow Ghetto, the Under the Eagle Pharmacy, run by Tadeusz Pankiewicz, a Polish pharmacist, was a spark of hope for many Jews within the ghetto. 

After graduating from the university, he took over his father’s pharmacy in 1933. When the Nazis founded the Krakow Ghetto, despite the offer to relocate to the safer side of the city, Pankiewicz chose to remain within the ghetto walls, determined to serve his community, and became the only pharmacy in the area.

With the meager supplies available, Pankiewicz and his staff tirelessly provided essential medications to the ghetto’s residents, often free of charge. Beyond providing medical care, the pharmacy also started various undercover activities. 

Pankiewicz and his staff, Irena Drozdzikowska, Helena Krywaniuk, and Aurelia Daner-Czortkowa, risked their lives to smuggle food, money, and information into the ghetto. It also served as a refuge and shelter for those facing deportation to the concentration camps. 

Now a museum, the customer room shows the place’s and its people’s history. The prescription room exhibits a diverse range of survival prescriptions, and the storage room is where people used to gather and find refuge.

• Opening hours: Wed-Sun: 9 am – 5 pm; Closed on Mon and Tue.
• Entrance fee: adults – 122 PLN; Wednesdays are FREE | More info

The Museum of Contemporary Art

If you are interested in modern art, include the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCAK) in your Krakow itinerary.

MOCAK’s expansive galleries blur the boundaries between traditional art and contemporary innovation, presenting thought-provoking installations, captivating paintings, and sculptures that challenge perceptions and rebel against conventional expectations.

You can explore various forms of art from abstract expressionism to digital art, photography, and performance art.

• Opening hours: Tue-Sun: 11 am-7 pm; Closed on Mondays. 
• Entrance fee: adults – 30 PLN. Thursdays’ exhibitions at Level -1 are FREE | More info

Other noteworthy Krakow attractions within and beyond its city borders

Nowa Huta

Nowa Huta, located in the city’s eastern part, is a former industrial hub that once symbolized socialist brilliance. 

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the area shed its industrial skin and became a neighborhood of historical significance. As many tourists don’t venture this far, it is one of the offbeat things to do in Krakow. 

With its street layout, overall arrangement, and the grandeur of its structures, Nowa Huta is one of the most expansive planned socialist-realist communities. It was a utopian city. 

After the industrial era, Nowa Huta reinvented itself, embracing a new identity but remembering its past. With old and new cafes and bars scattered throughout the neighborhood, it indeed gives you a sense of what it used to be. 

Start from the neighborhood’s heart, Plac Centralny, and stroll along the spacious boulevards. For me, the most important and exciting landmark in Nowa Huta was the Administration building and its bomb shelter (similar to the one we have in Tbilisi) of the former steel factory.

To visit, you must join a group tour organized by Fundacja Promocji Nowej Huty, which aims to popularize Nowa Huta among Poles and visitors to Krakow. Independent visits are not possible, and the tour’s price is worth every penny. 

But besides this, Nowa Huta hides one of the most unique churches I’ve ever seen – Arka Pana (Lord’s Ark)- as well as Nowa Huta Museum and Nowa Huta Underground, both housed in former bomb shelters, making them one of the unique museums in Krakow.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp

One of the must-see Krakow attractions is the horrifying place of Auschwitz-Birkenau. That said, I understand it is not for everybody, especially those with faint hearts. But if you can stomach hearing terrible stories and seeing disturbing images, I think dedicating a day or a half-day to a day trip will give you a whole different perspective on humanity and Poland’s history.

Situated approximately 60 km west of the city, Auschwitz is a sight that evokes all the emotions at the same time. 

Oswiecim, once a quiet town, became a primary point of Nazi brutality as it transformed into a concentration camp. The Nazis expanded their reach to the adjacent village of Brzezinka, encompassing a vast 425 acres, and called it Auschwitz-Birkenau in German. The entire operation was top secret, and the area was kept inaccessible.

Describing the place is a challenge; it’s an experience best felt firsthand. A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau is an emotional and moving journey through a chilling chapter in history, exposing the harsh reality of the cruelest ruler of the 20th century.

You can explore the museum independently free of charge if you purchase/book a ticket in advance (tickets are issued in limited numbers). However, I strongly recommend taking a tour with a museum educator. Read my detailed post about how to get from Krakow to Auschwitz-Birkenau. 

• Opening hours: the museum opens at 7:30 am every day, but closing times vary by season. 
• Entrance fee: Adults with a guide – 150 PLN | More info
• It’s FREE without a guide and if booked in advance.
• Recommended tour: we took this Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour & Pickup Options, which was very well organized and had friendly staff. 

Wieliczka Salt Mine

You’ll find unique and captivating Krakow sightseeing – the Wieliczka Salt Mine – just a stone’s throw from the city. This historic mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been producing table salt since ancient times, making it one of the world’s oldest operational salt mines.

Throughout its extensive history, the Żupy Krakowskie (Kraków Salt Mines) company oversaw the royal salt mine. However, commercial salt mining stopped in 1996 due to decreasing salt prices and flooding within the mine. 

At 327 meters deep, the mine offers stunning attractions, featuring shafts and labyrinthine passageways stretching for at least 287 kilometers. 

Over centuries, skilled miners have transformed the mine’s chambers into a masterpiece of sculpting and architecture, creating breathtaking chapels adorned with meticulous salt carvings and statues. 

Unlike the expected pristine white, the rock salt here has natural grey hues and resembles granite.

In addition to the sculptures and chapels, visitors can explore displays showcasing historic salt-mining technology and walk by an underground lake.

• Opening hours: the museum opens at 7:30 am every day, but closing times vary by season. 
• Entrance fee: Adults – 169 PLN | More info
• Recommended tour: Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour with optional pickup

How many days do you need to visit Krakow?

I often get asked, “Is 2 days enough for Krakow?” or “How many days do I need in Krakow?”. 

My answer is always almost the same – it solely depends on your choice, budget, and the time you can spend here. 

Three days are ideal for seeing the most essential Krakow attractions and taking one of the day trips. I spent 2 days in Krakow on my first visit, and we managed to see the iconic sights of the Old Town and stopped by the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp on our way from Prague to Krakow. 

On my last visit in November, we spent six nights in Krakow to fully immerse ourselves in the city and take day trips without rushing. 

However, I understand that not everyone can spend this many nights in Krakow. Therefore, 3-4 days is perfect, depending on the time of year you are in Poland, your interests, and the places you’d like to visit nearby. 

In addition to knowing how many days you should spend here, it’s important to know what to wear in Krakow by season and month.

Where to stay in Krakow

Whether you’re a savvy traveler or a luxury seeker, hundreds of apartments or hotels in Krakow cater to all tastes and budgets. Here are some places to stay in Krakow based on my personal recommendations and research. 

Budget-friendly: Hostel Pod Wawelem (★9.0) offers a cozy and pleasant ambiance situated just steps from the Wawel Royal Castle. The hostel provides comfortable beds, shared bathrooms, and a communal kitchen, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking a central location.

Mid-Range: Hotel Stary (★9.1) is located in the historic center and boasts stylishly appointed rooms, a delightful breakfast buffet, and an inviting lounge area. Guests are within a short stroll of the main Krakow attractions.

Hotel Wyspiansk (★8.3) has a bohemian spirit, modern comforts, and artistic flair. Inspired by the works of renowned Polish artist Stanisław Wyspiański, this hotel features artfully decorated rooms, a cozy restaurant, and a relaxing spa, providing a tranquil retreat.

Boutique option: Hotel Indigo Krakow – Old Town (★9.3) is an elegant hotel in Krakow that oozes sophistication. Situated among the cobblestone streets of the city’s historic center, this hotel features stylish rooms, a rooftop bar with breathtaking city views, and a vibrant restaurant serving contemporary Polish cuisine.

Luxury option: The Grand Hotel (★8.4) is a historic landmark incorporating elegance and timeless charm. This five-star hotel boasts opulent accommodations, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a rejuvenating spa. 

→ None of them suit your needs? Here are more hotels in Krakow to check out.