First Timer’s Guide to Krakow: Best Tours to Take

Krakow has this magical way of pulling you in, blending centuries of history with vibrant energy. Whether you’re walking along its cobblestone streets or soaking in the atmosphere of its buzzing markets, this city has something to offer every traveler. But let’s face it—planning what to do can feel overwhelming with so much to choose from.

That’s where I come in. I’ve rounded up the top tours in Krakow for first-timers so you can dive right into the best this incredible city has to offer. I’ve visited Krakow many times, having lived in Poland and still returning often, so I’ve put together this list of must-try tours for anyone visiting Krakow for the first time.

Table of Contents

1. Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Tour

This isn’t an easy experience, but it’s an essential one. Visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps will give you a powerful understanding of World War II and the Holocaust. Walking through the barracks and hearing stories of survival and loss is an emotional journey that stays with you long after you leave. This Auschwitz-Birkenau experience can be heavy for all ages so it’s important to prepare yourself for what you may be walking into.

Picture of Auschwitz guard tower and a sign that says STOP!

Red brick buidling with the number 10 on it at auschwitz birkenau

hall of photos of prisoners of auschwitz

I recommend devoting a day to the Auschwitz-Birkenau visit, I do not recommend adding any additional tours on top of this. This is an experience that you have to really feel, and you’ll be emotional. This is a highly educational tour and I believe in leaving space for those feelings and what you may learn for the rest of the day.

2. Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour

This place blew my mind. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is like stepping into an underground fairy tale. With its shimmering salt chambers, carved chapels, and intricate sculptures, it’s no wonder it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour is a mix of history and jaw-dropping sights you won’t forget.

The great hall in the wieliczka salt mine

woman in pink shirt and black jacket standing in front of a chandelier in the salt mines in krakow

3. Krakow Old Town and Wawel Castle Tour

Krakow’s Old Town is the kind of place you can wander aimlessly and still stumble across amazing landmarks. But if you want to dig into its history, a guided tour is the way to go. You’ll hit iconic spots like St. Mary’s Basilica, the Main Market Square, and Wawel Castle, where Poland’s royalty once lived. It’s a history lesson wrapped in beauty.

I really enjoyed the castle complex as its one of many beautiful castles in Poland that are beyond beautiful. Seeing the bell tower and Sigmunds bell is always a cool experience!

Make sure you ask about the dragon and the dog statue at the base of the castle on the vistula

4. Schindler’s Factory Museum Tour

The stories told here hit differently when you’re standing in the very factory where Oskar Schindler saved over 1,000 Jewish workers during WWII. This museum does an incredible job of bringing Krakow’s wartime history to life through immersive exhibits.

5. Nowa Hutta Tour

One of my favorite experiences in Krakow was exploring Nowa Hutta. For a deeper dive into Krakow’s history beyond the Old Town, consider a guided tour of Nowa Huta. This fascinating district, designed as a model socialist city, offers insights into Poland’s communist past. With its wide avenues, monumental architecture, and stories of resistance, Nowa Huta provides a unique perspective on Krakow’s multifaceted identity. Highlights include visits to Plac Centralny, the iconic Arka Pana Church, and even the chance to ride in a vintage communist-era car. It’s a perfect addition to your first-time Krakow itinerary, blending history, culture, and a touch of nostalgia.

A sign showcasing Ronald Regan Street in Now Huta

6. Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Day Trip

Feeling like a day away from the city? Zakopane is the perfect getaway. Nestled in the Tatra Mountains, this charming town is packed with stunning views, cozy wooden houses, and plenty of fresh mountain air. Whether you’re into hiking or just enjoying the scenery, you’ll love this escape. I’ll have more on Zakopane in a later post, and how to spend time there.

Woman with arms outstretched in a jacket and black hat with blue jeans in front of mountains at Morskie Oko

7. Vistula River Cruise

Sometimes, the best way to see Krakow is from the water. A relaxing cruise along the Vistula River gives you picture-perfect views of Wawel Castle, Kazimierz, and other landmarks. It’s a chilled-out way to soak in the beauty of the city.

8. Krakow Food Tour

I’ll be honest—the food alone is worth the trip to Krakow. On a food tour, you’ll dive fork-first into Polish classics like pierogi, zapiekanka, and oscypek. Trust me, by the end of this tour, you’ll have a whole new appreciation for Polish cuisine.

Included below is a Krakow Vodka tour, which is interesting because it touches on nalewka. Nalewka is a homemade tincture that polish folks will make out of various fruits. I recommend to try Cherry, and Chokeberry!

9. Krakow Bike Tour

If walking tours aren’t your thing, hop on a bike and cover more ground. You’ll glide through the Old Town, the Jewish Quarter, and even along the river. It’s active, fun, and a great way to see more in less time.

10. Krakow Brewery Tour

Let’s end this list on a high note. If you’re a fan of craft beer, a brewery tour is a must. You’ll visit a local brewery and get unlimited beers. If you didn’t know that Krakow has a hoppin’ beer scene, now is your chance to really uncover the brewery scene!

Why These Tours?

Krakow is a city that begs to be explored, and these tours offer something for everyone. Whether you’re diving into its history, savoring its flavors, or exploring its surroundings, each of these experiences will leave you with unforgettable memories. So, if you’re planning your first trip, use this first-timer’s guide to Krakow to make the most of your adventure!

If this post helped you organize your itinerary let me know and get in touch with me on my Instagram- @kimberlykepharttravels or leave a comment below!

FAQ: FIRST TIME VISITOR TO KRAKOW?

For a well-rounded experience of Krakow, a 3-day stay is ideal. This allows time to explore the historic Old Town, visit Wawel Castle, stroll through Kazimierz (the Jewish quarter), and take day trips to places like Auschwitz-Birkenau or the Wieliczka Salt Mine. However, if you want to take your time and enjoy a slower pace, you could extend your visit to 4 or 5 days.

No, you don’t need to know Polish to visit Krakow, though knowing a few basic phrases can be helpful and appreciated. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Signs and menus are often available in English, so communication is easy for most travelers. However, picking up a few common greetings like “Dzień dobry” (Good day) or “Dziękuję” (Thank you) can enhance your experience

Yes, Krakow is very walkable! The city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, especially around the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) and the Old Town. Most of the major attractions, such as Wawel Castle, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Cloth Hall, are within walking distance of each other. You can comfortably explore on foot, though you can also use trams or buses if you want to venture further out.

Absolutely! Krakow is an excellent destination for solo travelers. The city is safe, welcoming, and easy to navigate. You’ll find plenty of guided tours, restaurants with communal seating, and cozy cafes where you can relax and people-watch. Many solo travelers enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere, with a mix of history, culture, and modern attractions. Whether you’re wandering through the historic streets or exploring the quieter areas of Kazimierz, you’ll never feel alone in Krakow.

The main airport serving Krakow is John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice (KRK), located about 11 km (7 miles) from the city center. It’s the most convenient option for travelers heading to Krakow, with a range of international and domestic flights. You can easily reach the city center by train, bus, or taxi from the airport.

Yes, Krakow is well-connected by train to other cities in Poland and Europe. The main train station, Kraków Główny, is located near the city center, making it easy to travel to and from Krakow. If you’re coming from other Polish cities like Warsaw, Wrocław, or Gdańsk, you can take a direct train, which is both comfortable and affordable. International trains also connect Krakow to nearby countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria. You can uses PKP Intercity to find trains!

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