Things to Do in Krakow, Poland

As far as things to do, Krakow, Poland does not disappoint. This charming eastern European city with plenty of historical and contemporary attractions. 

Stare Miasto (Old Town)
The best introduction to the city is the Old Town Square (Rynek Glowny). It is the center of all of Krakow's best restaurants, coffee shops and souvenir stores. The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and St. Mary's Basilica are the most famous landmarks to visit.

Note from Rebecca:
In December, the Christmas Market in the Old Town Square is a great place to purchase gifts and mulled wine.

Coronation Route
Walk in the footsteps of royalty and follow the coronation route. The Royal Road starts at the Barbican, goes through the Old Town Square, and ends in Wawel Royal Castle. There is plenty of old architecture, coffee shops, restaurants and shopping on the way.

Museums
Copernicus and Pope John Paul II were students at the Jagiellonian University Collegium Maius. The museum building dates back to the 14th century. Another excellent museum is located underneath the Old Town. The Rynek Underground museum provides an engaging and thorough history of Krakow. Finally, the Wawel Castle shows the architecture and royal history of Poland. Krakow was actually the capital of Poland before it was moved to Warsaw. The tour includes a tour of the cathedral. There is even a fire-breathing dragon.

Watch a Show
Get tickets to the opera at Juliusz Slowacki Theater and/or a symphony at the Filharmonia. This is a great chance to get to know the artistic side of Krakow. 

Kosciuszko Mound 
This quirky landmark was built using dirt from the battlefields of Polish hero Tadeusz Kosciuszko. From the top is a beautiful view of Krakow and the surrounding hills.

Day Trips:

Kazimierz 
Spend a day at the Old Jewish Quarter in Krakow and the Old Synagogue museum to learn more about Judaism. Then, eat at Ariel restaurant, which often has live Klezmer music.

Wieliczka Salt Mine 
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an exciting destination located tens of meters underneath the ground's surface. The guided tour takes the traveler through the history and legends of the mine and a tour of the underground chambers such as the chapel.

Auschwitz – Birkenau Memorial and Museum
Take a trip to one of the most crucial concentration camps of World War II to learn more about the history and what went on at these horrid locations. 

Zakopane 
Just a two hour drive from Krakow, Zakopane can be a day trip or a couple of nights and is especially popular for people who enjoy hiking. The Gubalowka funicular is also a fun way up the hill. It is also a fun destination in the snow.

Gościnna Chata Restaurant: Great for traditional regional Polish food and atmosphere, serving lunch and dinner.

Milkbar Tomasza: A cafeteria-style restaurant, this spot offers excellent, cheap Polish food ordered at a counter and eaten at shared tables. 

Jama Michalika: Dating back to 1895 and styled in Art Nouveau, this Krakow institution serves traditional Polish dishes with excellence. 

Camelot Cafe: This tasty coffee and tea cafe makes its own baked goods in-house for a great afternoon break. 

Siesta Cafe: Great coffee and baked goods with a cozy atmosphere. 

Pizzeria Cyklop: Italian cuisine and wood-fired pizza for all the Italophiles. 

Europejska Cafe: Great restaurant for breakfast, but also serves lunch and dinner and has a bar.  

Ariel: A Jewish restaurant (and antique shop) with live music is an authentic cultural experience.