Kraków

Travel Guide

Wawel Castle which includes a city, heritage architecture and chateau or palace
St. Mary\'s Basilica which includes heritage architecture, a city and a church or cathedral
Krakow Barbican which includes a city, heritage architecture and outdoor art
Krakow which includes interior views
Main Market Square featuring outdoor art and street scenes
Poland’s former capital is known for its architectural splendor, exciting contemporary art and fascinating history, with castles, ruins and museums around the city.

Krakow is known for its turbulent history as one of the oldest cities in Poland. Its museums, housed in former castles and decadent Renaissance palaces, are filled with royal treasures and Holocaust reminders. But Krakow lives as much in the present as it does in the past, with a thriving contemporary arts scene, weekend markets and a lively nightlife.

The city is more than 750 years old for five centuries it was Poland’s capital. Successive generations of monarchs constructed castles and cathedrals and instilled a regal air that’s still evident today.

Getting around is easy thanks to a reliable network of trams and buses. Many of the major attractions are located within the compact and easily walkable Old Town (Stare Miasto) district. Visit the decorative St. Mary’s Basilica, which houses one of the most spectacular altarpieces in Europe. Take a walk around the Planty gardens that lie where the old town walls once stood. The old town gate, the Barbikan, is one of the most impressive sights in the park.

Towering above the city is Wawel Castle. This castle has protected Krakow from invaders since the 16th century, and today houses stately rooms, displays of opulent jewels and collections of armor. While here visit the monumental Wawel Cathedral and the Dragon’s Den, a limestone cave where legend says a dragon once lived. 

Krakow’s history is intertwined with its Jewish community. Learn about this history at Oskar Schindler’s Factory, which found fame as the subject of the Steven Spielberg movie, Schindler’s List. The former factory has been turned into a comprehensive museum with haunting displays about the Holocaust. Head to the Galicia Jewish Museum, where photographs tell the story of what it means to be Jewish in modern-day Krakow.

In summer Krakow’s city parks come to life with open-air concerts and festivals. Picnic in Jordan Park or take a cruise on the Vistula River that cuts through the city. In winter, see Krakow covered in a layer of snow, giving the buildings of the Old Town a romantic air. 

Where to stay in Kraków

Krakow featuring heritage elements and a city as well as a large group of people

Kraków Old Town

Travelers to Kraków Old Town praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Rynek Underground and St. Mary's Basilica.

Kraków Old Town
Krakow featuring modern architecture

Kraków City Centre

Kraków City Centre is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Town Hall Tower and St. Francis of Assisi Church and Monastery.

Kraków City Centre
Kazimierz featuring a city and a square or plaza

Kazimierz

Kazimierz is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Old Synagogue and Galicia Jewish Museum while you're in town.

Kazimierz
Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow as well as a couple

Podgorze

The ample dining options and beautiful river views are top of the list for many visitors to Podgorze. A stop by Oskar Schindler Factory or Krakus Mound might round out your trip.

Podgorze
Krakow is a great city. Vibrant night life with plenty of cool pubs.

Stradom

If you're spending some time in Stradom, Aquarium and Natural History Museum and Dzok Monument are top sights worth seeing.

Stradom
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Wesoła Zachód

While Wesoła Zachód isn't home to many top sights, Royal Road and Little Market Square are some notable places to visit nearby.

Wesoła Zachód
AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow
AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow
4 out of 5
Aleja 3 Maja 51, Kraków
The price is P6,584 per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
P6,584
P7,111 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Kraków. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (463 reviews)
"We had a fabulous stay. The restaurant was great. Our bed was a bit to soft for my husband and I that was the only thing! The pool/sauna was so nice to have after exploring all day 10+"

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow
PURO Kraków Kazimierz
PURO Kraków Kazimierz
4 out of 5
ul. Halicka 14a, Kraków
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,104 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P6,104
P6,593 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Kraków. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"Great location. Wonderful hotel. Best breakfast buffet on our trip was at this hotel. Friendly staff and good service. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025

PURO Kraków Kazimierz
Cracow Central Aparthotel
Cracow Central Aparthotel
3 out of 5
4 Kurniki, Kraków, malopolskie
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kraków. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (587 reviews)
"Lovely stay at this hotel, has everything you need and staff are so friendly and helpful! Super close to Old Town and train station too which is convenient. Highly recommend for a stay in Kraków!"

Reviewed on Jun 3, 2025

Cracow Central Aparthotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Turnau City Aparthotel
Turnau City Aparthotel
3.5 out of 5
ul. Szlak 50/220, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Kraków. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Royal Road and Main Market Square are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (364 reviews)
"Perfect location, big room, had everything we needed!"

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2025

Turnau City Aparthotel
Venetian House Market Square Aparthotel
Venetian House Market Square Aparthotel
4 out of 5
Rynek Glowny 11, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Kraków. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,215 reviews)
"Close to the centre of all attractions."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Venetian House Market Square Aparthotel
Aparthotel Stare Miasto
Aparthotel Stare Miasto
4 out of 5
Ul. Golebia 2, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Stay at this 4-star boutique aparthotel in Kraków. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,169 reviews)
"Property was nice. However was not clear what amenities were available. Pictures on web site appeared to make bar and restaurant open as full service restaurant. Restaurant only open for breakfast and no bar open at all."

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025

Aparthotel Stare Miasto
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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