MUST VISIT KRAKOW ATTRACTIONS

Krakow Old Town

Krakow Old Town looks like a vintage postcard, with its cobbled streets, beautiful architecture, horse carts around the church in the old quarter and Christmas festivities. No wonder it is one of the best places to visit in Krakow.

Main Square in Krakow

Locally known as Rynek Główny (Polish name), it dates back to the 13th Century. There was so much happening in the square due to the Christmas markets that I kept wondering how it would look without any shops and food stalls. There are a lot of cafes and restaurants selling the traditional Polish delicacies overlooking the square. 

The Main Market Square in Krakow is the largest medieval square in Europe and has been the perfect place for people to get together for many centuries. In the centre of the square is the beautiful Renaissance-style cloth hall, which now houses a museum.

Surrounding the hall are numerous cafes and restaurants, making it the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee, watch people go by or simply photograph the architecture all around. You can also catch a live street show in one of the corners with artists performing in various costumes.

The square is also home to the stunning St. Mary’s Basilica, dating back to the 14th century.

Cloth Hall Krakow

When we are talking about must-sees in Krakow, the Cloth Hall has to feature on the list. This magnificent building was once the centre of the city’s thriving trade in cloth and other textiles.

One of the biggest attractions in Krakow, the Cloth Hall now houses a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a museum dedicated to the history of the cloth industry in Krakow. 

In the summer, the courtyard is filled with people enjoying the warm weather, and on weekends, it is filled with musicians busking for the crowds. In winter, it becomes the hosting space for Krakow Christmas market.

If you love collecting souvenirs, then this is a place to collect all sorts of knick-knacks and trinkets for Krakow.

St. Mary’s Basilica

The most iconic architecture of Krakow’s old town in the main square is St Mary’s church with two towers, with an interior that’s simply stunning, full of colour and intricate details and decorations. The church has a separate entrance from the south for tourists and a main entrance for devotees to pray. The tourist ticket costs 10 Polish złoty. I entered around the Sunday mass, and there was a huge crowd, so no one was at the counter to sell tickets.

Get blown away by beautiful and intricately painted glass windows and the wooden Veit Stoss Altar. The craftsmanship and the details of everything in the interior of the church are outstanding, and you can’t help but wonder how it was done with so much skill in those days.

Grunwald Monument and Plac Matejki

We walked through the Plac Matejki square and paid respects to the Grunwald monument to reach the Barbican south of the street. 

Dominated by the Grunwald Monument, Plac Matejki is one of the visually striking squares in the city, especially because of the lack of large crowds. The Grunwald Memorial, commemorating the Battle of Grunwald, fought between the joint armies of Poland and Lithuania against the Teutonic Knights, is considered to be one of the greatest battles in medieval Europe. A defining moment in Polish history, the battle was immortalised in Krakow with the unveiling of this weighty monument.

The Barbican 

Built in Gothic style, the Barbican was built at the end of the 15th century to protect Kraków’s main entrance and was connected to the Floriańska Gate. Kraków Barbican is topped by seven turrets and includes 130 defensive slots used by archers and riflemen. In the present day, the Barbican hosts special events and can be visited as an outdoor museum from April until the end of October.

Floriańska Gate – Entrace on Krakow Old Town

Across the Barbican stands the iconic Floriańska Gate. This is one of the old city gates that has survived to date. In the olden times, the gate was marked as the entry point for royal processions into the city. You cannot miss the open art gallery just past the gate, wherein local artists showcase and sell beautiful paintings.

The Underground Art Museum

It is an underground museum which showcases findings of the excavations that took place a decade ago. This hi-tech museum takes visitors under the surface of the market square to experience the city’s entire history. The museum has a capacity of 300 people at a time, so it is best to book a ticket in advance, especially if you are visiting on the weekend.. This can be done either online or from the information office, opposite side of the Cloth Hall from the museum entrance.

The Head

Among Krakow’s most well-known landmarks, this sculpture titled ‘ Eros Bendato’ affectionately known as the Head, is a popular meeting place, and it also serves as a photographic backdrop for every tourist who visits Krakow for the first time.

MUST TRY FOOD IN KRAKOW

Obwarzanek

Known as a Polish pretzel, they are circular in shape and eaten daily,  and that is why they feature as Krakow’s staple street foods. You’ll find stands all over the city that offer a quick bite to fill your stomach while strolling around the city. The most common ones are available with sesame, plain, poppy seed or cheese.

Zapiekanka 

It is a Polish open sandwich made of half of a baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese. It is available in various toppings.

Mulled wine

Locally known as Grzaniec Galicyjski is a spiced warm wine. A comforting drink in the cold weather it can definitely go well with Obwarzanek.

WHERE TO STAY IN KRAKOW

Kraków’s old town is the most popular area to stay in. However, hotels are generally more affordable outside the old city walls.

I did not stay in Krakow as I only spent an afternoon, but based on my research and recommendations from friends, these are the following options. The Old Town or Jewish Quarter are the best place to stay in Krakow as most places would be within walking distance. Good hostels in Krakow are Bubble Hostel and Green Hostel.

Krakow is perfect for a weekend visit; however, if you wish to travel slowly, then 4-5 days is a good time to explore all parts of the city without rushing.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR KRAKOW ATTRACTIONS

• Krakow has efficient public transport – tram and bus, so use it instead of calling an Uber. Most places are within walking distance. Time to burn the Christmas calories, I say!
• Many companies offer walking tours which start from the old square. It is best to register beforehand, or you can also join them at the last moment. They last a little over 4 hours, so come with a lot of time in hand. They tell you the history and walk you through the popular places of the town. All this for a small tip at the end of the tour.
• Do tip the walking tour guides, they are generally part-time students and that is the only way they earn. Ideally, 5 euros per person is the least you should give.
• Respect the memorials, museums, walls and old architectural buildings by not sitting on them for a photo opportunity.
• Enjoy the local food. Everywhere in Poland, I did not face a problem finding vegetarian food. There are a lot of vegetarian as well as vegan food cafes in Krakow.

Castle Square

The castle square, locally known as Plac Zamkowy w Warszawie, is located in front of the Royal Castle in the old town of Warsaw. You will notice the long column with a figurine at the top.

It is a figure of King Sigismund who made Warsaw the capital of Poland. This square is important from a historical point of view as it was part of the many demonstrations, speeches, executions and other important public events in the past. Now it a place where locals and tourists enjoy lunch and explore the interesting attractions dotted around the square.

The Barbican

The Barbican is the gateway between the Old Town and the New Town and is a short walk away from Old Town Market Place. The Barbican lends an artistic look to the city. It was partially demolished in the 18th century and again destroyed during World War II.  

The fortified wall and barbican were restored later in their full glory. Today, it serves as a bridge between the Old and New Town, and is also the hangout of choice for many artists selling their paintings and Polish souvenirs. If you have time, do visit the small museum on its history.

The Royal Route of Warsaw

Warsaw’s Royal Route links the city’s three Royal residences – The Royal Castle, via Lazienki Park to Wilanów Palace, covering 11 km in length. This is the main route which covers most of Warsaw’s historic buildings, churches, embassies, parks and monuments.

You will now find swanky hotels, expensive restaurants and shops on this route. The entire route during Christmas is decorated with festive lights, and it is a sight to behold.

Presidential Palace

Built in the 17th century, this is Warsaw’s biggest palace. Currently, the building is home to Poland’s president, but in yesteryears it had various functions: public gathering place, gala balls and theatre performances. It is said that Fryderyk Chopin gave his first concert in the palace.

The entrance to the palace is guarded by a statue of Prince Józef Poniatowski and four stone lions, and it is lit up at night.

Palace of Culture and Science

The highest and most recognisable building in Warsaw can be seen from almost every part of the city and is locally known as Stalin’s Penis, as it was gifted by Stalin to the city.

Currently, the palace is home to theatres, a cinema, museums, pubs and the Warsaw Tourist Information office. Give in to the urge to go to the observation deck on the 30th floor of the building and see the beautiful panorama of the city.

Lazienki Park

Lazienki means bath, and it was constructed as a private bathhouse for the royal family. Today, it is the largest public park in Warsaw, an important venue for music and culture and a must-see for architecture and nature lovers. Once inside Lazienki Park, you will probably forget you are in the city centre, away from the hustle and bustle of traffic.

This massive park, covering about 76 hectares, is also home to a variety of buildings worth visiting. The park was created within the old wild forest, so the animals there are detained under their normal natural conditions.

In the Lazienki complex, there are several museums and buildings that you can visit all year round, so plan a couple of hours here. Must-see places here are Palace on the Water, Amphitheatre, Myślewicki Palace and Chopin Monument. Do look out for Chopin’s concerts during the summer on the official website. It may seem difficult to see so much during one day in Warsaw, but a quick visit should do the trick.

Wilanów Palace

Known as the Versailles of Poland, Wilanow Palace is set in 45 acres of gardens which escaped unhurt during World War II. Built by King Jan 111 Soblieski in the 17th century, the grand interiors will leave you in awe. The palace is now a museum, and the Polish Portrait Gallery is not to be missed. The park is landscaped with a dual-level Baroque garden, and there is also a Renaissance-designed rose garden, besides a classical English and a Chinese garden.  This is a must for one day in Warsaw.

DAY TRIPS FROM WARSAW

Looking for day trips from Warsaw? There are plenty to choose from. Whether you have one extra day or a few to spare, it is highly recommended that you get out of the capital city to explore some lovely towns.

Malbork Castle

This 13th-century Malbork Castle is the largest in the world (area-wise). Built entirely of red bricks, it is also the most massive brick structure in the world. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during World War II. It was reconstructed later to what it is in the present day.

Auschwitz Camps

Auschwitz is the place where the most gruesome concentration camps of World War II are located. It’s not a pleasant day trip to take, but if you like history and have seen the many movies on this topic, you will have an interesting day exploring the concentration camps. This trip is not for the faint-hearted, so beware.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Wieliczka is a UNESCO-protected 13th-century salt mine consisting of subterranean tunnels. It is open only during the summer every year. This underground mine would take you through the deep tunnels leading to the mines and the only underground chapel in the world.

Kampinos National Park

This park is located just 40 minutes away from Warsaw. This massive reserve area is a highly recommended day trip option if you like hiking, animals, and enjoy outdoor activities in general. For tourists, cycling, skiing, walking and horse riding trails are available. Depending on the season you are arriving, you can plan your activities.

WARSAW TIPS AND TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Best time to visit Warsaw

Like all European cities, Warsaw is pleasant during summer (June to August), so it is best to visit then. Summers are comfortable, which can make moving around and walking bearable.

Alternatively, spring months (March-April) and autumn months (August-September) bring about the beautiful colours of nature.

How To Get To Warsaw

If you are flying into Warsaw, you will likely be arriving at the Frédéric Chopin Airport, which is the main airport that handles both domestic and international flights. One can hire an Uber or a city shuttle bus to travel in the city.

How To Get Around Warsaw

Getting around Warsaw can be done easily with buses and trams. You can easily find a bus or tram around the city. Uber also runs in the city and is fairly cheap compared to other European destinations.

For travelling around from city to city, you can never go wrong with Flixbus and their wide network of bus routes you can take throughout Europe.

WHERE TO STAY IN WARSAW

Warsaw’s town center is full of history. The most popular areas to visit and eat are here, which is why it’s also one of the best places in Warsaw to stay.

There are great options for hotels, resorts, homestays and hostels in Warsaw. Let’s look at some of the other accommodation options:

Luxury hotels in Warsaw: Campanile Varsovie / Warszawa, Hotel Warszawa

AirBnb in Warsaw: Hidden Peak Guestrooms, Villa Kava

Hostels in Warsaw: Lull Hostel, Chillout Hostel

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR ONE DAY IN WARSAW

• Use public transport like the tram and bus, instead of calling an Uber. Most places are in walking distance of the old town.
• Many companies offer walking tours which start from the old square. It is best to register with them before, or you can also join them at the last moment. They last a little over 4 hours, so come with a lot of time in hand. They tell you the history and walk you through the popular places of the town. All this for a small tip at the end of the tour.
• Do tip the walking tour guides, they are generally part-time student,s and that is the only way they earn. Ideally, 5 euros per person is the least you should give.
• Respect the memorials, museums, walls and old architectural buildings by not sitting on them for a photo opportunity.
• Enjoy the local food. Everywhere in Poland, I did not face a problem finding vegetarian food. There are a lot of vegetarian as well as vegan food cafes in Warsaw.

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Fewer crowd = More fun

Unlike summer when Poland is popular as a tourist destination, winter will have fewer tourists and more locals in the churches, markets and forts. It is a great opportunity to mingle with the Polish locals and get to know more stories about the place.

Poles are extremely friendly and will go out of their way to help you, even if they cannot speak English. Their hospitality is flawless.

Christmas markets

With cute fairy-lit huts, stalls selling everything from Pierogi to mulled wine, there is a lot of festive entertainment, including carol singing in traditional attire, art performances, orchestra sessions etc. Every big square in Polish cities is turned into a Christmas market from the first week of December. They are the one-stop destination for all the festive frolic and a place to stock up on the Christmas candies and last-minute gifts for family and friends.

Most Christmas markets in Poland are located at the popular city squares, a part of which is turned into pop-up ice rinks. A fairy light canopy, musicians playing Polish Christmas carols and Polish food, will make you get your skates on and roll over the ice. If skating is not your thing, simply stand on the sidelines and watch the enthusiasts have fun while sipping on the hot chocolate or kawa (Polish coffee with milk).

If you are spending Christmas in Krakow, you will notice cribs featuring the city’s beautiful baroque and gothic buildings, which are called ‘Szopki’.  The Krakow Nativity Cribs Exhibition, also known as the Christmas Creche Contest, is a contest which takes place across December and January. It showcases local talent wherein artists exhibit art and religious cribs around Krakow Old Town Square. Check immersive tours to explore the city – Krakow guided tours.

The details and use of colours of these cribs are mindblowing. The scenes can get as big as two meters by three meters and feature intricate details and stunning shades.

Delicious Festive Food

There will be no dearth of delicious food in the markets as well as malls, or train stations. Restaurants and stalls will put their Christmas menu up, and visitors can indulge in Polish as well as global cuisine. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, fret not, as there are plenty of options to choose from. Even Polish cuisine has some delicious vegetarian dishes to try! Some of the famous Polish dishes worth trying are Pierogi, Bigos, Rosół, Gołąbki, Placki ziemniaczane, Łazanki, Czarnina, Zurek, Grochowka, Zupa pomidorowa.

Christmas dinner in Poland is special and traditional, which is looked forward to by families spending this day together. Polish Christmas Wafer Tradition goes back a long time, wherein the entire family will gather around the table with the opłatek. The “oplatek” is a thin wafer, made of flour and water.

The ritual generally starts with the eldest member of the family, by breaks off a piece of the wafer and passes it to another family member with a blessing. The wafer gets passed to all family members, and each member gets blessed by the others. The ritual is done to express love and forgiveness for each member of the family.

Mulled Wine

Mulled wine, locally also known as Grzaniec Galicyjski and otherwise popular as Glühwein or Glögg is a spiced warm wine. I never knew wine could be served hot, and spicing it up could make up for such a comforting drink in the cold weather. Many food stalls are serving the mulled wine as you go around the city exploring Christmas markets. If this doesn’t convince you to plan Christmas in Poland, I don’t know what will!

Festive architecture

Every possible fort and public buildings wear a festive look and will give the feeling of ‘right out of the fairy tale’. The Polish take Christmas very seriously, and museums, churches, train stations and even street light poles will make sure there is a celebration in the air.

Affordability

There is definitely value for money if you travel to Poland, as compared to other European countries. Grocery stores, restaurants, and public transportation are cheaper than in most other European countries! With a low tourist season in winter, the hotels also have great deals and weekend parties.

The Polish złoty is the currency of Poland. Some quick conversions as of September 2025:

1 złoty = 24.34 Indian rupees

1 Euro = 4.24 złoty

Affordable accommodation options in 5 major cities of Poland:

1) Warsaw: Warsaw Downtown Hostel, Globetrotter Hostel 

2) Kraków: Bubble Hostel, Green Hostel 

3) Wrocław: Wroclov Hostel, Big city Hostel 

4) Katowice: Hostel Katowice Centrum, W Hostel

5) Gdańsk: Grand Hostel, Hostel 22 

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN POLAND

Whether you are shopping for winter wear, decorations or chimes for the Christmas tree, the Christmas markets and malls have beautiful designs and discounts. Christmas ornaments in Poland are everyone’s favourite, and locals visit the Christmas markets to pick them up. The market is full of handmade items that will make for a perfect souvenir. You can pick up handmade plates, jewellery made of gold, silver and amber, ceramic figurines, wooden cutlery like spoons, forks, plates, and serving dishes.

Poland is also famous for its Bolesławiec Pottery, and you can pick up something for your kitchen or showcase.

WINTER WEATHER IN POLAND

The weather in Poland around Christmas is snowy with rain and chilly winds, but a trip to Krakow or Warsaw in December is worth it just to witness the Christmas celebrations.  The average daily temperature hovers around 1°C, which may go down to much below freezing, averaging -3°C.

While it is an extremely festive atmosphere and the lack of tourists makes it even more intimate, the daylight lasts only till 3:30 – 4 pm and gives a small window to explore the country.

WHAT TO PACK FOR CHRISTMAS IN POLAND

Layers, layers and layers! Visitors need warm clothes like thermals, cardigans, sweaters, warm pants and warm boots. Make sure to carry boots/shoes which keep feet warm and are comfortable to walk for a long distance without getting wet in the rain and snow. Mufflers, a woollen hat, gloves, and a scarf are also a must to protect yourself from the cold air.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR CHIRTSMAS IN POLAND

• Though Uber cabs are available and cheap, use the extremely efficient public transport, which ensures last-mile connectivity.
• Try the local items on the streets, rather than going to the chain restaurants. It gives a fair chance of earning for the locals.
• Poland heavily relies on coal energy and has huge power plants all over the country. Switch off the electric device if not required.
• Do not litter in market squares. Dispose of plastics in the designated waste bins.

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