Discover Krakow: History, city life and nature

Krakow (Kraków) lies in southern Poland on the Vistula River. The historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes the medieval founding city, the Wawel Hill complex and the city of Kazimierz. If you are planning a city break, you will find different ways to explore Krakow’s history here: from the Main Market Square to the exhibitions and Wawel. A Botanical Garden and paths along the Vistula are also among the options described. Before choosing your accommodation, you can consider which themes you want to shape your trip.

Old Town, Main Market Square and Wawel

The Main Market Square has been the centre of social and political life since Krakow was founded; it has also been the setting for significant historical events. The Rynek Underground exhibition presents the city’s history. The square therefore offers a distinctive way to explore Krakow’s past, while Wawel Hill was a royal residence and former necropolis. Wawel Royal Castle stands on the hill in Krakow’s Old Town. It is about a ten-minute walk from the Main Market Square. Today, the castle houses one of Poland’s most important art museums.

Jewish history and Kazimierz

The permanent exhibition “History and Culture of Krakow’s Jews” can be seen in the Old Synagogue branch. It is open to the public on Mondays from 10:00 to 15:00 and Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00. Kazimierz is described as Krakow’s former Jewish quarter. If you are interested in city history and Jewish life, you can take these themes into account when planning your trip to Krakow. The exhibition’s regular opening hours make it easier to fit a visit into your daily schedule.

Garden and paths along the Vistula

The Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University was founded in 1783 and is the oldest botanical garden in Poland. It covers 9.6 hectares and is home to around 9,000 taxa. Its size and diversity make it a destination in its own right for anyone who would like to discover plants as well as explore historical sites. Krakow’s Old Town is surrounded by the Planty, a park laid out on the site of the former city walls. A popular walking and cycling route also runs along the Vistula Boulevards and forms part of the European EuroVelo cycle route network. You can therefore consider culture and exercise as different focuses for planning your trip.

Crafts and seasonal experiences

The Krakow nativity scene craft tradition dates back to the 19th century. Experienced masters pass their craft knowledge on to younger practitioners. On the first Thursday of every December, Krakow’s nativity scene makers gather in the Main Market Square to present their work to the public. If you travel at this time, the event offers a specific insight into local crafts. The Krakow nativity scene craft tradition was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2018.

The activities described for visits to Wawel vary by season: from spring to mid-autumn, visitors can descend into the Dragon’s Den. During the same period, they can join a guided outdoor tour introducing Wawel’s architecture and gardens. These options complement a museum visit with two further perspectives on the hill. When planning your trip, check whether your stay falls within this period if you would like to include either experience.

Choosing the right accommodation for your trip to Krakow

Then compare accommodation types based on the factors relevant to your trip, such as service, independence, space, meal planning and location.

More destination pages

More destination pages: Wlosan, Modlnica, Libertów, Jerzmanowice, Skawina, Modlniczka, Raciborowice, Krzeszowice, Rząska, Ojców, Zielonki, Sąspów, Niedźwiedź, Szczyglice, Balice, Wesoła, Racławice, Chrosna, Michałowice, Kryspinów, Wielka Wieś, Kocmyrzów, Krakow, Krasieniec Zakupny, Dziekanowice, Mogilany, Bolechowice, Przybysławice, Czerna, Ochojno, Kochanów, Sułkowice, Rybna, Liszki, Kopanka, Brzyczyna, Radziszów, Zabierzów, Trojanowice, Czernichów, Świątniki Górne, Sułoszowa, Wrząsowice, Szczodrkowice, Widoma, Zalas, Sieciechowice.

For the broader travel overview: Lesser Poland.