Heading to Krakow anytime soon? Here are TEN of the best places to go in Krakow Poland. Krakow is one of my favorite cities in Poland as it’s full of culture and history. Can you believe my husband and I visited this beautiful city a total of 6 times while living in Poland? It never got old visiting one of polands most enchanting cities. These are places I tell my friends and family to go to if they want to see the heart of Krakow.
While you are here, check out my First Timer’s Guide to Krakow: Best Tours To Take, tried and true and all tested out by me!
Enjoy this guide filled with things to do and see!
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Table of Contents
Kazimierz District
One of the best places to visit in Krakow is Kazimierz, located in the heart of Poland, which emerges as a captivating destination, weaving a bit of history, culinary delights, and vibrant street art. Furthermore, this area is so much fun in any season! I always wander the streets aimlessly pointing my camera at little details. Stepping into this district is akin to entering a time capsule!
You can feel the history of Kazimierz as it is subtly etched into its street facades. One of the focal points of Kazimierz is the Old Synagogue, a venerable structure that stands as a testament to the district’s cultural heritage. Visitors are beckoned into its hallowed halls, where I swear you can feel the echoes of prayers and the whispers of centuries past reverberate off the walls.
Judah Street Market
I found myself at Judah Street Food Market, One of the many food markets in the area that serve up delectable treats. The market is a mosaic of flavors, each stall narrating a unique story through its dishes. Here you will find Pierogi, Zapiekanki, Chimney Cakes, and even Asian food. I settled on Zapiekanki as I hadn’t had this in forever. The Zapiekanki food truck offers a whole menu with different toppings. I went with the classic version! Zapiekanka is also mentioned in this blog post here The 5 Best Traditional Must-Try Foods in Krakow Poland
Remah Synagogue and Cemetary
Originally known as the “New Synagogue,” it was built in 1553 on the edge of a newly established Jewish cemetery, which is now referred to as the Old Cemetery. The synagogue underwent modifications during the 17th and 18th centuries. Its intimate size belies its significance, as it became the spiritual home of Rabbi Moses Isserles (also known by the Hebrew acronym “Rema”), one of Poland’s greatest Jewish scholars. Every Friday, Shabbat services continue to take place within its historic walls, connecting the present to a vibrant past. Adjacent to the synagogue lies the Remah Cemetery, established between 1535 and 1551. This cemetery, one of Poland’s oldest Jewish burial grounds, bears the name of Rabbi Moses Isserles.
Schindlers List Passage
This has to be on your list while in Krakow! This is located on Józefa Street in Kraków’s historic Kazimierz district, and is a small lane that gained fame as a filming location for Steven Spielberg’s cinematic masterpiece, “Schindler’s List.” The white-washed passage, affectionately known as “Schindler’s Passage,” retains the same unique character that captivated Spielberg during filming. In the movie, this unassuming alleyway served as a backdrop for poignant scenes, connecting viewers to the harrowing history of World War II and the Holocaust.
Old Synagogue
This is a sight to see while in Kazimierz The Old Synagogue stands as a testament to Kraków’s rich Jewish heritage. Also known as the Alta Shul in Yiddish, it is the oldest synagogue building still standing in Poland and one of the most precious landmarks of Jewish architecture in Europe. Constructed in either 1407 or 1492 (the exact date varies in different sources), the original building underwent significant reconstruction in 1570 by the Italian architect Mateo Gucci. During the Kościuszko Uprising in 1794, General Tadeusz Kościuszko addressed the Jewish community from this very synagogue, emphasizing their resilience and commitment to humanity. Tragically, the synagogue suffered devastation during World War II, looted by the Germans and used as a warehouse. Today, after extensive renovation from 1956 to 1959, it operates as a museum under the Historical Museum of Kraków.
Hamsa
Stop by Hamsa for some delicious food! This is an Israeli restaurant that celebrates Middle Eastern cuisine. With colorful touches and a lot of character, Hamsa offers delightful mezze-style plates. Vegetarians and vegans will find a menu bursting with options, including tangines, kebabs, fresh salads, and Bedouin coffee.
Wawel Castel and Cathedral
Another one of the best places in Krakow to visit? Wawel Castle and Cathedral! This is a must-visit when in Krakow. Wawelis a historic complex enveloped in tales of regal grandeur and architectural splendor. I grabbed an Audio Guide from the ticket sales counter and headed inside. Equally important, you aren’t allowed to take pictures of the inside of the Cathedral, however, you can take pictures of the Poets Crypt and the Bell Tower. These structures were constructed over centuries, the castle and cathedral, both boast remarkable Gothic and Renaissance elements and are imbued with a rich history. Ticket prices for entry into this cultural haven reflect the invaluable opportunity to traverse through the annals of Polish royalty, revealing a nominal fee that opens the doors to a treasure trove of historical significance. Tickets are price
At the heart of Wawel Cathedral, Sigismund’s Bell stands as a resounding symbol of the past. Cast in 1520, the bell bears intricate decorative motifs and inscriptions, narrating the story of its creation and the reign of King Sigismund I. Wawel serves as both an auditory and visual testament to the craftsmanship of its time, captivating those who dare to climb up narrow and uneven stairs. Once up to the top, there were beautiful views of the city!
The interiors of Wawel Cathedral offer a captivating journey through the artistic legacy of the region. Orthodox paintings, with their passive allure, adorn the sacred walls, depicting biblical scenes and saints in vibrant hues. Each painting tells a story. Each altar is a view into the past. Intricacies of the Cathedral’s history are unveiled as one explores the various chapels, crypts, and royal tombs within. The sepulchral grandeur of the Cathedral becomes a gateway to the historical continuum, linking past and present in an architectural embrace.
For the Castle:
- Ticket windows in the Visitors Center
Monday: 9:00 am – 3:20 pm
Tuesday-Sunday 9 am – 4:20 pm
online tickets: check availability on our website ⇒ here
For the Cathedral:
Individual Tourists 23 PLN, Audio Guide Hire: 13 PLN
You can always check out tours on Viator as well (this is an affiliate link)
PodGorze District
Since 1915 Podgorze has been an important district of Krakow. This district is just south of Old Town Krakow and very easy to get to from Kazimierz. I chose to walk over Bernatka Bridge to get to Podgorze. This provided a beautiful view of the river. On a warm sunny day, this would have been a perfect walk. I recommend maybe during the winter to grab a Bolt!
Podgorze district played an important role in trade to Hungary and Ruthenia salt transports. After the first partition of Poland in the 18th Century, the Vistula River became the state’s border. Podgorze fell to Austria! This was a period of dynamic development for Podgórze. The young city could be not only a competitor but also a partner for Krakow. Around the 20th Century, Krakow was becoming a bustling city and needed to expand, and In 1915, Podgórze became part of Kraków. In the spring of 1941, the Nazis created a ghetto – a closed, walled district intended for people of Jewish origin.
Ghetto Heroes Square
This square, once the heart of the Krakow Ghetto during World War II, witnessed unimaginable suffering. The 70 empty chairs scattered across the square represent the 68,000 souls who endured confinement, deportation, and loss. Each chair symbolizes a thousand lives, a silent plea to remember and honor their resilience. As you walk among those chairs, you can almost hear the echoes of courage and defiance, a testament to the human spirit even in the darkest times.
Apteka Pod Orlem
One of my favorite places near Ghetto Heroes Square is Apteka Pod Orlem where Tadeusz Pankiewicz, the Polish pharmacist, defied the Nazis by running this pharmacy right in the heart of the ghetto. His shelves held more than medicine; they harbored hope. Pankiewicz risked everything to help Jewish families escape, issuing false documents and providing solace. As you step into the preserved pharmacy, you feel the weight of history—the smell of old wood, the creaking floorboards—as if Tadeusz himself stands beside you, quietly urging you to remember the bravery of ordinary people in extraordinary times.
Oscar Schindlers Factory
Schindler, a German industrialist, employed over a thousand Jewish refugees, transforming his enamelware factory into a sanctuary. The walls absorbed their stories—the fear, the hope, the whispered gratitude.
Today, the factory houses museums, where exhibits transport you back to Kraków during World War II. You’ll see artifacts, hear voices, and feel the weight of Schindler’s legacy. It’s not just a museum; it’s a bridge connecting past and present, reminding us that even amidst darkness, acts of compassion can change lives.
Nowa Huta
In 2020, I had the chance to visit this beautiful location. Not many people make it a point to visit this old communist area. We explored this area with a tour I found on Viator.
You’ll find the link below. Nowa Huta, located in Kraków, Poland, is a district with a rich history shaped by its industrial past. Established in the aftermath of World War II, Nowa Huta was envisioned as a socialist ideal city. The centerpiece of the district is the monumental Central Square, surrounded by large, identical residential buildings, embodying the principles of socialist architecture and urban planning.
Despite its initial purpose as an industrial and ideological project, Nowa Huta has evolved over the years into a vibrant and diverse community. The district now boasts parks, cultural facilities, and a mix of architectural styles. Its historical significance, combined with the transformation it has undergone, makes Nowa Huta a compelling area to explore, offering a glimpse into Poland’s complex past and the resilience of its people.
Google Map of Eleven Best Places to Visit in Krakow, Poland
FAQ: FIRST TIME VISITOR TO KRAKOW?
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