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 showing 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 Main Market Square and St. Mary's Basilica.

Kraków Old Town
Krakow which includes modern architecture

Kraków City Centre

Kraków City Centre is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Main Market Square and Gallery of 19th Century Polish Art in Sukiennice.

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

Kazimierz

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

Kazimierz
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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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Wesola

Travelers like the parks in Wesola, and Galeria Krakówska is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Wesola
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
AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow

AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow

4 out of 5
Aleja 3 Maja 51, Kraków
The price is P8,349 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
P8,349
P9,017 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
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! (486 reviews)
"Nice and lovely"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

AC Hotel by Marriott Krakow
ibis Styles Kraków Centrum

ibis Styles Kraków Centrum

3 out of 5
Mogilska 53, Kraków
The price is P3,579 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P3,579
P3,866 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Kraków. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Main Market Square and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (180 reviews)
"great hotel"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

ibis Styles Kraków Centrum
1891 Garni Hotel

1891 Garni Hotel

4 out of 5
4 Podbrzezie, Kraków, Malopolskie
The price is P4,603 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P4,603
P4,972 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kraków. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (454 reviews)
"Very good but small parking lot"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

1891 Garni Hotel
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.
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! (1,191 reviews)
Stare Miasto Krakow
"Excellent stay and will return not only to Krakow but to this hotel. Specific reason for losing a star on cleanliness but have feedback to hotel - hopefully they will resolve!"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Aparthotel Stare Miasto
MILESTONE Krakow Center Student Living

MILESTONE Krakow Center Student Living

3 out of 5
20A Grzegórzecka, Kraków, Malopolskie
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Kraków. Enjoy free WiFi, valet parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Main Market Square and Oskar ...
9/10 Wonderful! (45 reviews)
"Great place. Very modern and spacious"

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

MILESTONE Krakow Center Student Living
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! (1,232 reviews)
"Super great location. Super helpful staff"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Venetian House Market Square 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.

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