Lose yourself in Kazimierz District
Once the historic Jewish quarter, Kazimierz is now a bohemian neighborhood filled with art galleries, cafes, and street art. It's a melting pot of cultures, with synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, and kosher restaurants alongside trendy bars and boutiques.
You can explore landmarks like the Old Synagogue, which houses a Jewish history museum, and the Remuh Synagogue, with its nearby cemetery. Kazimierz is also the nightlife hub, with live music venues and atmospheric bars catering to all tastes.
Climb up Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle was once the royal residence. But today, it's open for the public to explore. Although some attractions inside the complex, such as guided tours or entering the Wawel Cathedral, cost a small fee, you can roam the area for less than a penny.
You can't miss the structure, as it dominates the Vistula River. It also hangs over the statue commemorating the city's mythical beast. And if you're searching for a hidden gem, keep an eye out for the Dragon Den!
Venture into the Wieliczka Salt Mines
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is just a stone's throw from Krakow's city boundaries. And it's easily accessible thanks to the train that costs only $1.30 (€1.20)!
Its underground labyrinth extends over 180 miles (290 km) and features intricate chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved entirely of salt. Some of its highlights include the Chapel of St. Kinga, decorated with chandeliers and altarpieces made of salt crystals, and the awe-inspiring St. Kinga's Chapel, where even salt makes up the floor.
Relax in Planty
Planty is the city's most central park, encircling the famous old town. The old city walls once stood here, but after they were demolished due to the excessive cost of repairs and maintenance, the city turned the space into an urban paradise.
You'll find plenty of locals meeting with friends and enjoying a picnic on a warm evening. Or grabbing snacks from the stalls dotted around the space. In the winter, a dusting of snow covers the leafy walkways, and frosty grass crunching beneath your feet replaces the lush greenery.
Spend the evening at Forum Przestrzenie
Do you want to have a unique travel story away from the tourists while sampling delicious food and drinks? Then put Forum Przestrzenie in your timetable!
This abandoned hotel is now a beloved spot for locals to hang out along the riverside. During the daytime, you can recharge in one of the many eateries before admiring the city from above in a hot-air balloon. But consider staying until the evening, when the outdoors turns into a festival with DJs, plenty of drinks, and even more laughs!
Wander the Main Market Square
The Main Market Square is Krakow's heart and soul, and the centerpiece of its UNESCO-listed Historic Center. Its upbeat energy, postcard-perfect buildings, and tasty restaurants sum up everything great about this city.
As it's Europe's largest medieval square, you won't be surprised to find an abundance of activities here. The Cloth Hall is the centerpiece, but you can also go underground to explore the Rynek Museum and learn more about the city's past. Although St. Mary's Basilica is beautiful from the outside, you should also head inside to admire the spectacular architecture.