The most interesting attractions in Krakow

Krakow is a city that offers many tourist attractions and attracts tourists from all over the world. The capital of Małopolska delights not only with its historical buildings, but also with its picturesque surroundings and rich history. In this guide we will present the 10 most important attractions and 3 additional places worth visiting.

1. Wawel Hill - the heart of Krakow

Wawel Hill is not just a castle, but a whole complex of monuments that is a symbol of Polish statehood. On the Wawel Hill we can find:

The Royal Castle

• Royal chambers with unique Flemish tapestries
• Crown Treasury holding the insignia of royal power
• Armoury with a collection of historical weapons
• Private royal flats
• State halls of residence

Wawel Cathedral

• Tombs of royal and national bards
• Sigismund Chapel - a jewel of the Renaissance
• Sigismund Bell - the largest historic bell in Poland
• Royal crypts with sarcophagi of rulers
• Cathedral treasury with priceless exhibits

Practical information:

• Tour time: 3-4 hours
• Best period: early spring or autumn
• Parking: available on Powiśle Street
• Tickets: various tour options, online booking
• Guide: strongly recommended

2. Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Site

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum bears witness to the tragic history of the 20th century. This former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp is now a place of historical education and tribute to the victims.

Auschwitz I - Main Camp

• Gate with the inscription "Arbeit macht frei"
• Museum blocks with thematic displays
• Wall of Death
• Block 11 - "death block"
• First gas chamber

Auschwitz II-Birkenau

• Death Gate with distinctive tower
• Railway ramp
• Ruins of gas chambers and crematoria
• Prisoner barracks
• International Memorial to the Victims of

Practical information:

• Tour time: minimum 3.5 hours
• Transport: car rental
• Reservation: necessary in advance
• Guide: compulsory for groups
• Parking: available at the museum

3. Kazimierz - a district of two cultures

A historic district of Krakow where Jewish and Christian cultures coexisted for centuries. Today it is a vibrant place combining history with modern culture.

The Jewish part

• The Old Synagogue - the oldest preserved synagogue in Poland
• Remuh Synagogue with adjoining cemetery
• New Square with distinctive Round
• Szeroka Street with Jewish restaurants
• Galicia Museum

Christian part

• Church on the Rock
• Corpus Christi Church
• Historic townhouses
• Medieval urban layout
• Wolnica Square

Events and culture:

• Jewish Culture Festival
• Outdoor concerts
• Antiques fair
• Art exhibitions
• Culinary festivals

Practical tips:

• Best time to visit: afternoon and evening
• Tour time: all day
• Parking: several pay car parks in the area
• Transport: own car
• Restaurants: wide choice of Jewish and Polish cuisine

4. Wieliczka Salt Mine

A UNESCO-listed salt mine, unique in the world. This underground labyrinth of corridors and salt chambers offers an unforgettable experience.

Tourist route

• St Kinga Chapel - a pearl of underground architecture
• Salt lakes
• Nicolaus Copernicus Chamber
• Descent of 800 steps into the mine
• Underground multimedia exhibition

Additional attractions

• Mining route for adventurers
• Underground spa
• Underground restaurant
• Cracow Saltworks Museum
• Concerts in the salt chambers

Practical information:

• Steady temperature: 14-16°C
• Tour time: about 3 hours
• Parking: large car park at the mine
• Reservation: recommended, especially in high season
• Access: 30 minutes by car from the centre of Krakow

5. Ojców National Park - the smallest national park in Poland

This picturesque park, located in the Prądnik Valley, offers a combination of nature, history and Jurassic landscape. It is an ideal place for an active holiday in the vicinity of Krakow.

Main natural attractions

• Prądnik Valley with limestone rocks
• Lokietek's cave with a legend about the king
• Dark cave with traces of settlements
• Mace of Hercules - a characteristic rock
• Nature reserve with hiking trails

Monuments and architecture

• Ojców Castle - picturesque ruins
• Pieskowa Skała Castle
• Chapel "On the Water"
• Krakowska Gate - rock formation
• Mill on the Prądnik

Practical tips:

• Best time: spring and early autumn
• Tour time: all day
• Car parks: at the main attractions
• Trails: various levels of difficulty
• Transport: convenient access by car

6. Main Market Square - the centre of historic Krakow

The largest medieval market square in Europe, the centre of the city's cultural and tourist life.

Main monuments

• Cloth Hall with art gallery
• St Mary's Church with the altar by Veit Stoss
• Town Hall Tower
• The Underground Market - a modern museum
• St Adalbert's Church

Cultural attractions

• The bugle call from the St. Mary's Tower
• Street performers
• Art galleries
• Historic cafes
• Outdoor events

Tips for visitors:

• Sightseeing time: half day minimum
• Underground car parks in the area
• Best times: early morning or evening
• Restaurants: from traditional to modern
• Museums: it is worth booking tickets online

7. Tenczyn Castle in Rudno

A 13th-century fortress located in Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska, offering breathtaking views.

History and architecture

• Ruins of a Gothic castle
• Lookout tower
• Medieval fortifications
• Courtyard with exhibits
• Underground dungeons

Additional attractions

• Historical exhibition
• Knightly events
• Learning path
• Historical picnics
• Night sightseeing

Practical information:

• Access: preferably own car
• Parking: free at the castle
• Tour time: 2-3 hours
• Guide: available on site
• Special events: check the calendar

8. Krakowskie Dolinki - a paradise for nature lovers

This picturesque system of Jurassic valleys offers ideal conditions for active relaxation and enjoying nature around Krakow.

Mare Valley

• More than 100 climbing routes
• Picturesque limestone rocks
• Hiking and cycling route
• Nature reserve with unique vegetation
• Viewpoints on the surroundings

Bêdkowska Valley

• Waterfall Scum
• Caves open to the public
• Characteristic rocks
• Walking routes of varying difficulty
• Camping sites

For the active:

• Rock climbing
• Nordic walking
• Cycle routes
• Nature photography
• Picnics in nature

Practical information:

• Access: own car from a rental company
• Car parks: at the entrances to the valleys
• Tour time: all day
• Equipment: comfortable shoes, camera
• Best season: spring-autumn

9. the Trail of the Eagles' Nests with Pieskowa Skała Castle

A historic route linking medieval fortresses, with Pieskowa Skała Castle as one of the most beautiful examples.

Pieskowa Skała Castle

• Renaissance residence
• Museum of the interior
• Castle gardens
• Arcade courtyard
• Temporary exhibitions

The mace of Hercules

• 25-metre limestone rock
• Viewpoint
• Photo space
• Legends and history
• Surrounding caves

Hiking trail

• Marked walking routes
• Cycle paths
• Rest points
• Information boards
• Picnic areas

Tips for visitors:

• Tour time: 4-5 hours
• Parking: by the castle
• Tickets: various tour options
• Guide: available on site
• Castle restaurant

10. Historical Museum of the City of Cracow

A network of museum branches showcasing the city's rich history.

Main divisions

• Market Square Underground
• Schindler's factory
• Eagle Pharmacy
• Old Synagogue
• Krzysztofory

Unique exhibitions

• Krakow during the occupation
• Life of the medieval town
• History of the Jews of Cracow
• Arts and crafts
• Multimedia presentations

Organisational information:

• Admission cards: combined tickets
• Audio guides
• Temporary exhibitions
• Museum lessons
• Special events

11. the Royal Castle in Niepolomice - an architectural gem

Referred to as the 'second Wawel', the castle in Niepołomice is a magnificent example of medieval architecture from the time of King Casimir the Great, located just 16 km from Krakow.

Castle attractions

• Museum with a collection of paintings
• Staterooms
• Renaissance courtyard
• Castle chapel
• Gallery of European painting

Surrounding attractions

• Niepołomice Forest with reserves
• Market square with historic townhouses
• Gothic church
• City park
• Cycle routes

Practical information:

• Transport: convenient access by car
• Tour time: 2-3 hours
• Parking at the castle
• Restaurant in the basement
• Cultural events throughout the year

12. Twardowski Rocks Nature Reserve

A picturesque natural area within the boundaries of Krakow, offering breathtaking views of the city.

Natural assets

• Limestone rock formations
• Unique vegetation
• Learning paths
• Viewpoints
• Climbing areas

Attractions for visitors

• Walking routes
• Picnic areas
• Viewing platform
• Climbing wall
• Recreational areas

For the active:

• Rock climbing
• Nordic walking
• Landscape photography
• Observation of nature
• Family picnics

13. Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec

The oldest existing monastery in Poland, picturesquely situated on a limestone hill above the Vistula River.

Monastery complex

• Romanesque church
• Abbey museum
• Cloisters
• Benedictine gardens
• Viewing terrace

Tourist offer

• Guided tours
• Gregorian chant workshop
• Shop with Benedictine products
• Restaurant
• Cultural events

Practical tips:

• Access: own car
• Tour time: 3-4 hours
• Parking area at the abbey
• Café with panoramic terrace
• Opportunity to participate in prayers

A practical guide to sightseeing

Transport and logistics

• Car rental - most convenient option
• Planning of routes between attractions
• Car parks at the facilities
• Maps and guides
• Ticket bookings

Optimal planning

1. Minimum plan 3-4 days
2. Geographical zoning
3. Taking account of opening hours
4. Booking of accommodation
5. Meal planning

Additional guidance

• Best season: spring and early autumn
• Photography: sunrises and sunsets
• Local guides
• Tourism applications
• Discount cards

Children's attractions

Krakow city centre

• Historical Museum of the City of Krakow
• Children's playground in Jordan Park
• Water attractions
• Interactive exhibitions

Worth seeing - additional venues

The Royal Castle in Niepolomice

A pearl of architecture from the time of King Casimir the Great, located just 25 km from the city centre.

Twardowski Rocks Nature Reserve

An ideal location for a walk with breathtaking views of the city.

Tyniec - Benedictine Abbey

A picturesque monastery on the banks of the Vistula.

How to visit Krakow's attractions?

To optimally plan your visit to the attractions in and around Krakow, consider renting a car. Slawa Rent offers comfortable cars to move freely between all tourist attractions.

Practical transport tips

• Check out our fleet of vehicles tailored to different needs
• Plan your route taking into account the distances between attractions
• Take advantage of parking at major attractions
• Familiarise yourself with safe parking rules

Communication and access

Although Krakow offers extensive public transport, your own car provides:

• Freedom of movement
• Saving time
• Access to hard-to-reach places
• Travel comfort

Additional information

Best viewpoints

• Mound of Kosciuszko
• Wawel Hill
• Mound of Krak
• Zakrzówek

Hiking routes

The area around Krakow offers marked hiking trails of varying difficulty, ideal for both walkers and cyclists.

Summary

Krakow and its surroundings offer many attractions for different groups of tourists. From historic buildings to picturesque landscapes, there is something for everyone. In order to optimally plan your visit and reach all the places, it is worth using the car rental companies.

Remember that some attractions require advance booking, especially during the tourist season. When planning your trip, take into account the distances between sites and opening hours. With your own means of transport, sightseeing will not only be more convenient, but will also allow you to reach places that are difficult to reach by public transport.

We invite you to discover the delights of Krakow and its surroundings with our car rental!