Top 10 interesting places to see in Krakow

Whether you're visiting Krakow for a few days, visiting it as part of a trip around Poland, or using it as a transfer point on your way to other European cities, one thing is constant - among all the cities in Poland, Krakow is the most popular among tourists. So, what is there to see in Krakow, and what interesting and beautiful places in Krakow should you start exploring?

1. Market Square

It used to be home to numerous market stalls, but today it is one of the places where citizens and tourists come for a walk in Krakow, where they make appointments and simply relax. From here, it is convenient to start exploring the city, as the Market Square is located in its very center.

And you can start your walk from the Cloth Row, the Town Hall Tower and the Mariacki Church, which are located here.

2. Market "Sukonny Ryads"

The oldest market in Krakow (and maybe in the whole of Europe), built back in 1257 and surprisingly reminiscent of a fairytale castle. Today's Cloth Row is a mecca for tourists looking to buy authentic Krakow souvenirs. Here you will find everything from postcards to amber, lace and folk costumes at very reasonable prices.

Where are: it is easy to find the cloth rows, they are located in the Old Town on the Market Square.
Operation time: Monday through Saturday - from 10:00 to 18:00, Sunday - from 10:00 to 16:00.
How to get there: by bus #123, 129, 130, 105/405, 601, 605, 608, 609 or by streetcar #12, 13 and 18.

3. Wawel Castle

One of the most interesting places Krakow to go to. In the old days, Wawel Castle served as a royal residence, but today it welcomes tourists and all those who want to plunge into the unique atmosphere of antiquity.

How to get there: buses #162, 124, 113, 434, 412, 101 or streetcars #1, 8, 9, 13, 18.
Free admission: Mondays from April 1 to October 31 (09:30 to 13:00) and Sundays from November 1 to March 31 (10:00 to 16:00), but you will have to pay for museum visits.
Prices: admission to the Royal Chambers and the Treasury costs €4.5 (each), to the royal chambers €6, to the museum at the Cathedral €3 PLN (admission to the Cathedral itself is free).

Tip: in the "off season" ticket prices are almost halved.

4. Park "Krakowskie Plants"

When exploring Krakow, don't miss its famous park - Krakowskie Płanty. It's a great place for anyone who wants to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city: the wide, shady alleys beckon you to take a stroll, enjoying the beauty of the local nature and the freshness of the fountains. Entrance to the park is free.

Location: Krakowskie Plants is located near the Mariacki Church.
How to get there: streetcars 7, 10, 13, 19, 24, 40 (stop Poczta Glowna).

5. St. Mary's Church

Probably the most recognizable building of the city and the visiting card of Krakow. You should definitely go here in Krakow - if not for the architectural beauty, then at least to see the magnificent carved altar by Wit Stwosz. And, of course, to hear the famous melody, which is played four times a day from the tower of the church..

Opening hours: Monday through Saturday from 11:30 to 18:00, Sunday from 14:00 to 18:00.
Prices: admission costs €1.5.

6. Barbacan

For a touch of Krakow's heroic past, head to the Barbakan in search of interesting sites. This watchtower served to protect the city from enemy attacks and in turbulent times was the only way to get outside the city walls. Today, the Barbican is one of the city's treasures and a living piece of its history, which is worth seeing in Kraków. Nowadays there is a branch of the Historical Museum and fencing and historical reconstruction tournaments are held here.

Prices: to visit the Barbican, you need to purchase a ticket (costs €9 and includes a tour of the Defensive Walls). You can do this at the visitor center at Sukiennice, Rynek Główny, 1.
Address: ul. Basztowa, Planty.
Opening hours: in April-October every day - from 10:30 to 18:00. Closed every second Monday of the month and from November through March.

7. St. Florian's Church

One of the pearls of Krakow, this church has played not the least role in the life of the city. It was the starting point of the Royal Road, along which all solemn and mourning processions passed.

Today the church is worth visiting to admire the rich and elegant interior and to see a painting of Poland's patron saint, painted in 1686.

Address: Warszawska, 1b (near Krakow Central Station).

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8. Collegium Majus

Collegium Maius is the Jagiellonian University building, which is the oldest university building in the whole of Poland. Don't miss the opportunity to experience life as a medieval student: stroll through the Gothic stone corridors, take a look at the arched courtyard and visit the real alchemy room where Copernicus' tools are kept.

College hours: April through October Tuesday, Thursday - 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., November through March Tuesday - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Year-round Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 15:00, Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00. Admission costs €3.
Address: Jagiellońska, 15. There are buses #123, 129, 130, 105/405, 601, 605, 608, 609 and streetcars #13, 2, 18.

While at the Jagiellonian University, be sure to visit the local Botanical Garden, if time permits. For just €2 you'll find yourself surrounded by magnificent nature, from the "inhabitants" of the rainforest to the usual pine and fir trees. Be sure to look for the Jagiellonian Oak, which is 200 years old.

Opening time: April;October - daily from 09:00 to 19:00 (in the fall - until 17:00).
Address: Mikołaja Kopernika, 27.

9. Wolski Forest

Want to visit a real forest? There is nothing easier! There is one in Krakow - the Wola Forest, the largest natural forest park in the country at 400 hectares.

But don't be scared, you won't get lost. All paths in the forest are marked and there are signposts. Otherwise, it's perfect for a day out on the town: the forest is full of parking lots and the steep paths are a great workout for outdoor enthusiasts.

How to get there: buses #102 and 134.

10. Krakow Historical Museum

Where better to learn about Krakow's history than in a history museum? At the Kraków Historical Museum, located at 35 Rynek Główny Street, you'll find out what life was like in medieval Kraków, see old maps of the city, jewelry and clothing of the citizens of those times, household items and much more.

Open Time: the museum is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
Address: Rynek Główny, 35, Old Town (near Barbakan).

If you want to plunge into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, we invite you to “the Secrets and Legends of Old Krakow" tour, where you will learn about the rich history of the city, as well as answers to your questions.