Top 9 Things to Do in Krakow, Poland for First-Timers

9 Best Things to Do in Krakow

1. Explore Kazimierz

Kazimierz (the Jewish Quarter) is probably one of my favorite places in Krakow. With its chill vibe, laid-back culture, and liveliness of the neighborhood, it is like a little Berlin where everyone can find something they enjoy.

You can go shopping at the vintage flea market on Plac Nowy, sip a nice cup of latte and read your personal "quote of the day" scroll at the Cytat Café, or you can learn about the history of the Jewish Quarter by exploring the old part of town, such as visiting the oldest synagogue in Krakow.

You can spend an entire day just exploring Kazimierz, so take your time and give yourself a day to enjoy this wonderful neighborhood.

One of my favorite places to sit and watch people or simply work on my computer is at the Cytat Café. They have a very cozy space for you to sit and enjoy a cup of latte while watching people go by.

They have excellent WIFI, and staying true to their name (Cytat means "quotes" in English), a cup of coffee comes with a small scroll. Inside, you will find a nice, inspiring quote about life. It's the little touch that makes every cup of coffee unique here.

2. Eat your way through Kazimierz

No, we are not done with Kazimierz yet! One of the most interesting parts of traveling abroad is the food, and Kazimierz has everything you crave for. Are you craving street food? Do not worry, Kazimierz has plenty for you to choose from.

You can try the best Zapiekanka (baguette sandwich) in the country at the New Square on Plac Nowy street where you can choose your own toppings, and it is served to you fresh and hot from the oven.

Andrus Food Truck is another great option when it comes to street food in Krakow. It opens in the evening, and there are several food trucks serving all kinds of food and snacks for you to choose from.

You have to try the Maczanka, a Krakowian burger that is served with juicy pork in onion gravy. You can also try the famous Hungarian sweet bread here, along with many other delicious snacks!

Are you craving Polish food? If so, be sure to drop by Starka Restaurant for a cozy lunch. Or if you are looking for a place for fine dining and a glass of wine, Nova Resto Bar is highly recommended.

Sick Polish food? There's also a nice Georgian restaurant called Chinkalnia where you can find delicious Khinkali, a Georgian dumpling, and then you can compare it with the Polish one (Pierogies).

If you want something lighter (European food can be quite heavy sometimes), you can go to a restaurant called Baozi House and try their dumplings. They are definitely my favorite kind of dumplings, but I am Asian, so I'm pretty biased. 😂

Do you like Jazz? There are many cool jazz clubs around Kazimierz, and one of the most well-known is the Alchemia. Tucked away in a basement, this hip jazz club is decorated with old vintage furniture, lit by candles, and is not fond of large tourist groups. It's the best combination for everyone to have a great time.

Seriously, you can eat your way through Kazimierz for days! If you are short on time, I highly recommend that you go with the Delicious Kazimierz Food Tour from Krakow tour instead, as it will save you time, and the guide will take you around Kazimierz to try all sorts of street food all in one go.

3. Explore the Old Town (St Mary Basilica and more)

Step into the fairy-tale-like Old Town Square of Krakow and admire all the old architecture, such as St. Mary Basilica, the Town Hall Tower, and the Kraków Barbican. Go down Florianska tourist street and experience the liveliness of the city in full swing.

If you are there during the summer months, you might be able to participate in many activities organized in the Old Town Square, such as a flea market or a street food market.

You can climb up one of the towers of St. Mary Basilica for a grand view of Krakow and the Old Town Square. If you climb up there at the right time, you will be able to witness the old tradition of St. Mary's Trumpet Call, where a trumpeter on the tower will come out and play the five-note Polish anthem on the hour, every hour, four times on each side of the tower.

You can read more about this tradition here: The Trumpet Call of Krakow: Facts and Fiction.

4. Walk around the Wawel Cathedral

Wawel Castle is one of the most important landmarks in Krakow and a must-visit when you are in the city. The architecture of Wawel Castle is a mixture of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Early Baroque due to it being occupied and captured by different rulers throughout its existence.

I recommend spending at least a few hours there to learn more about its importance among the Polish people. The castle is open from 9 AM to 3:30 PM every day and the entrance fee is 23 PLN per person.

The best place for the best view of the Wawel castle is from the Grunwald Bridge across the Vistula river, south of the castle. During the day, you will see plenty of people walking around the river, and you will be able to get a clear view of the castle in its entirety. At night, the reflection of artificial lights on the river adds to the mystical and magical feel of the castle.

5. Climb the Kościuszko Mound

There are several ancient prehistoric mounds in Krakow that are believed to be either monumental tombs, fortifications, or pagan temples. Nowadays, the mounds serve as a great place to climb up and get a nice view of the city.

Kościuszko Mound is the largest one, and it is located far enough from the city that you will be able to see both the Wawel Cathedral and the St. Mary Basilica in one go. You will also have a panoramic view of the city and its surrounding landscape, which you can't see from any other place.

Be sure to go there when the weather is clear; otherwise, you will be disappointed to see nothing but fog and clouds. Pollution is a big problem in Krakow, and you will be able to see how bad it really is from here, on cloudy days.

Krakus Mound is another great one with a closer view of the old town compared to Kościuszko Mound. So, if you don't have much time, you can climb up Krakus Mound instead.

6. Admire the Work of Oskar Schindler at his Factory

If you have not watched the movie "Schindler's List," do so now before your trip, and you will understand why Oskar Schindler's Factory is a must-see. He was one of the few lights of hope for the Jewish people during Poland's darkest time, and this is the location where he helped many escape the concentration camps. If you are a history buff, you cannot miss this place.

Insider's Tips: They only allow a certain number of tourists per day, so if you are there during the summer months, be sure to book a ticket online prior to your arrival. The entry fee is 24 PLN. You can book the ticket here on their website.

7. Wander around the Wieliczka Salt Mine

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Krakow is the Wieliczka Salt Mine, located in the city of Wieliczka, which is only 15 km away from Krakow. The labyrinth of tunnels goes as deep as 300 m underground, and inside, you will find large chambers, chapels, and even a salt lake.

One of the large chambers houses the Chapel of St. Kinga, which is made entirely out of salt. There is also a salt lake in the Erazm Barącz Chamber, which is apparently even denser than the Dead Sea!

The cheapest way to get there is by the 304 bus that leaves from the bus main station near the Old Town, which should cost you 4 PLN one way. Make sure you get off at the "Wieliczka Kopalnia Soli" stop. Unfortunately, you can't explore the salt mine on your own, and you will need to book a guided tour, which is not ideal.

What I would recommend you do is to go with an organized tour instead. I recommend the "Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow" tour, which is an awesome tour that includes not just Wieliczka Salt Mine, but also Auschwitz Concentration Camp, our next destination.

8. Learn about the Holocaust at Auschwitz

This is a must-read for those who want to learn about what transpired during the Holocaust. The systematic extermination of a large population by the Nazis is heart-wrenching, but it is crucial to understand how low humanity can sink so that we can avoid repeating the same mistake.

There are 2 concentration camps in Auschwitz: the original concentration camp, which has been turned into a museum (and requires a ticket), and Auschwitz 2-Birkenau, the second concentration and extermination camp where the infamous train track is located. It is necessary to visit both camps, and it will take an entire day to see everything.

Not many people know this, but you have to have a ticket prior to arriving at Auschwitz 1 in order to get in. During the summer months, the place is jam-packed, and if you want to get in, I would recommend that you reserve a ticket online and pick a time slot that works for you, days before you arrive.

You do not need a ticket to go to Auschwitz 2-Birkenau, which is connected to Auschwitz 1 via free shuttle buses. So, if you have an afternoon time slot, you can easily travel between the 2 camps.

To get to Auschwitz, you will have to take a bus from the MDA bus station in Krakow to Oswiecim, or you can ask for a bus headed to Auschwitz, and they will provide you with the correct ticket. If you want to do it in a day, you will need to go as early as 8 AM and obtain the ticket from the counter downstairs. You can view the bus schedule here.

Once you have the ticket, you can board the bus on the upstairs platform. The bus will cost you around 12 PLN, and it will take approximately 1.5 hours to reach your destination.

For a more convenient way to get to Auschwitz without having to deal with public transportation, I highly recommend you go on this "Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow" tour, which will also take you to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, another tourist attraction to visit in Krakow, all in one go.

9. Get away from it all and Head to the Tatra Mountain (Day Trip)

If you are sick of Krakow already, why don't you get out of the city and head to the mountains? In just 2 hours by bus, you can be surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Tatra Mountains. You can go hike the Morskie Oko Trail or simply enjoy the cozy vibe of Zakopane.

Walk around the tourist street, have a nice Polish dinner at Karcma Zapiecek, and listen to traditional music performed by local musicians, or go up a gondola to Kasprowy Wierch to see the view from above. Zakopane is the perfect side trip for nature lovers when you are in Krakow.

Zakopane is ALWAYS crowded, whether it's summer or winter. So, to prevent disappointment, be sure to book your accommodation and bus days in advance before you plan to go. You can book the bus online through Busbud.com and book accommodation through Booking.com.

If you do not want to deal with all this, you can also opt for a day trip from Krakow via an organized tour. The tour should take about 10 - 12 hours and you will have access to one of the thermal baths there; a great choice for those who do not have a lot of time in Krakow.

When to Go to Krakow?

Krakow is the most fun in the summer months of May-October when it is warm outside and all the outdoor festivities are in full swing. You will see that the locals become livelier during this time, picnicking, enjoying the sun with their friends, and best of all, most of the high viewpoints are open for you to climb and absorb the view of Krakow from above.

Let's be honest, it is no longer possible to escape the crowds in Europe. Places like Krakow are no longer hidden gems, and even though you can try to avoid the peak months, you will likely see many tourists still. The question to ask is, is it worth trading that for nice, clear days, warm temperatures, and having places open when you are there? I'd say no because winter in Poland is really, really cold, and there are still tons of tourists everywhere I go.

How to Get to Krakow?

Krakow has a great international airport, and you will be able to find a flight that flies directly to Krakow from abroad without going through Warsaw. I flew with KLM from Bangkok to Amsterdam and from Amsterdam straight to Krakow. Feel free to browse on Expedia or Skyscanner to find the best and cheapest deal that works for your itinerary.

If you are within Europe, you can also fly cheaply via Ryanair or take a bus from big cities like Budapest, Berlin, or Prague via Flixbus. You can also look up bus schedules and prices on Busbud.com.

How to Get Around Krakow?

Buses and trams in Krakow are very well connected throughout the city, and it is very easy to navigate even if you don't speak Polish, with the help of an app that I always recommend to people when they travel to Poland. I always use Jakdojade to find a bus/tram route to go somewhere.

You can simply punch in your destination, and it will tell you which bus to take, how many transits, and what time you will arrive. If you are going to travel to Krakow independently, I would recommend you to download the Jakdojade app (Android | iOS).

For places that are a little further away, such as Auschwitz and Zakopane, you will have to take an inter-city bus that leaves from Kraków MDA near the main train station, Kraków Główny.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Krakow?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Krakow, Poland without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Krakow, Poland:

Fast WIFI can be found in literally any cafe (Costa Cafe always has it) or restaurant you walk into around touristy areas or in most hostels and hotels where you are staying. You should not need to buy a local SIM card to stay connected if you are only visiting Poland for a few days.

If you want to buy one, I personally use Play and I have never had coverage issues or unreliable speed when I was traveling around Poland. To see the price for calls and data, please visit: Everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Poland.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Krakow, Poland?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Krakow, Poland:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Down Jacket: In freezing temperatures, a down jacket is essential. The Columbia Men's Lone Fir Hooded Jacket (for women) is my choice. They are warm, lightweight, and available in various colors.
• Wool Beanie: A wool beanie is perfect for keeping your head and ears warm.
• Wool Gloves: I always have wool gloves handy to keep my hands warm in cold weather.
• Wool Socks: Don't forget to keep your feet warm with wool socks.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Europe? Check out:What to Pack For Europe: The Essential Packing List

Further Reading for Poland

I hope you found this Poland guide useful. If you want to read more about Poland, here is a selection of articles you might like:

• Looking for a complete itinerary for Poland? 2 Weeks Backpacking Itinerary for Poland.
• Planning a trip to Poland and not sure where to begin? Here are the 10 Best Places to Visit in Poland.
• Are you traveling to Poland as part of a bigger Europe trip? Be sure to check out my 3-month itinerary for Europe from Portugal all the way to Sweden.
• Packing for a trip to visit a region as big as Europe is extremely daunting. Here's a packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe - The Essential Packing List.
• Want to visit Europe in winter? Better prepare for the cold. Here's a winter packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe in Winter - The Essential Packing List.
• Planning to visit Warsaw, the colorful capital city of Poland soon and not sure where to begin? Check out: 10 Best Things to Do in Warsaw.
• Looking for the best photo spots in Warsaw, Poland? Check out: 8 Best Photo Spots in Warsaw.
• One of the most whimsical fairy-tale cities in Poland, Torun is a must-visit place if you like medieval towns and history. Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Torun.
• Gdansk is one of the most beautiful port cities in Europe, full of surprising things to do and see. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Gdansk.
• If you are looking to go off the beaten path in Poland, Poznan offers a great alternative to the usual touristy spots in Poland with its unique things to do and places to see. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Poznan.
• Wroclaw is a vibrant alternative city to visit for those who seek places in Poland that are off the beaten path, and there are quite a lot of things to do here if you know where to look. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Wroclaw.
• Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
• You can also watch my Poland travel video here: "Poland Now" travel video.
• To see all the articles about Poland, visit Poland Travel Guide page.
• Looking for a place to go after Poland? How about Lithuania, Germany, or Hungary? Visit our Germany travel guide page, Hungary travel guide page, and Lithuania travel guide page for more.
• Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
• Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
• Or if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Eastern Europe Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.