With nearly 14 million tourist arrivals in 2023, Kraków is undeniably Poland’s golden egg-laying goose. Wrocław is my personal favourite, and I’ve said it many times—but let’s be honest, it’s clear that Kraków’s best attractions – from historical landmarks to cultural experiences – make it a prime spot for any traveller. In this guide to the best things to do in Kraków, I’ll take you through the must-see spots to make the most of your one-day visit
As a tourism marketer and tour guide in Poland, I’ve witnessed firsthand how Kraków’s Old Town transforms into a bustling hub during peak summer. From the finest landmarks in the heart of Poland’s cultural capital to world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites like Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz, Kraków has a distinct appeal.
Perfectly positioned between Wrocław in the northwest and Zakopane in the south, Kraków is everyone’s delight–catering to history buffs, luxury seekers, food lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Depending on your walking pace, level of interest in the versatile Kraków’s royal history, or tragic World War II and Holocaust sites, one day in Kraków is adequate to get a clear picture of the city. Provided you are accompanied by the right tour guide! (wink wink)
No Kraków attractions list is complete without a mention of Wieliczka and Auschwitz tours.
Wieliczka Salt Mine is a half-day trip from Kraków (around 5.5 hours). Auschwitz tours–apparently the most popular attraction in Poland with 10 million plus annual tourist visits, make an ideal day trip from Kraków (up to 8 hours).
To clarify, both these attractions are gruelling, require attention, and intense walking and must be pre-booked. Pulling off Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz tours in one day is an ambitious pursuit, which I’d never recommend to anyone. But is it doable? Yes, it is!
As a Poland history tour guide, I recommend planning them on separate days, clubbing them with major attractions from Kraków royal history, or splitting Old Town walking tours. Poland’s most beloved city has so much to offer.
So, sit back and enjoy the most comprehensive account of ‘One Day in Kraków Old Town’.
Start with a Kraków Old Town Walking Tour
The historic heart of Kraków city centre is adorned with the best of Poland’s architecture and medieval buildings. Kraków Old Town lies in the cradle of the lush green teardrop-shaped Planty Park–where the top tourist spots in Kraków city centre lie.
Starting from plac Matejki in the north of the main square, the Royal Route traverses the historic medieval wall, the Barbakan, the largest market square in Europe, covering major historical landmarks in Kraków Old Town–ending at the Wawel Castle next to Vistula River.
The entire Kraków city centre is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. And this is where the city pledges allegiance to the Polish rulers, and this is the spot vandalised by Hitler–named plac Adolf during Poland’s Nazi occupation during World War II.
Step back in time while strolling the postcard-perfect streets leading to the top tourist spots in Kraków city centre. And don’t forget to take a peek inside St. Mary’s Basilica–the deep blue vaulted ceiling is such an angel-eyeful sight. Towards the southwest corner of the main square lies another hidden gem of–the open courtyard of Jagiellonian University–the most reputed and the oldest university in Poland, founded on 12 May 1364 by the Polish king Casimir the Great. Stories and legends are what make Kraków the best of Poland.
For those looking for the best time to visit Poland for Christmas markets, be informed that from late November to early January this place is beautifully adorned with one of the finest Christmas markets in Europe.
- Popular stops:
- St. Mary’s Basilica
- Town Hall Tower and several other Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque churches,
- Sukiennice
- Wawel Hill with Wawel Cathedral, Castle, and fire-breathing dragon (Smok)
Optional: Coffee at Jama Michalika café or Szara Gęś.
Dive into Kraków’s Jewish Heritage in Kazimierz District
Created by Polish king Casimir the Great, the 14th-century Kazimierz District has witnessed a lot over the years and is one of the must-visit places in Kraków.
An alternate neighbourhood, just a 20-minute walk from Wawel Castle, Kazimierz district boasts some of the top artistic cafes in Kraków, historical synagogues, murals, and several traces of Kraków’s former and current Jewish culture.
The heart of the district is located in plac Nowy, where local flea markets, Polish street food stalls and bustling local life dominate the area–a pleasant transition from what you saw on the Kraków Main Market Square.
A private Kazimierz tour is essential for understanding the history of Jewish culture in Kraków. I highly recommend a walking tour of Kraków’s Old Town with me!
Don’t forget to stop by plac Nowy for a quick Zapikanki break before crossing Kładka pieszo-rowerowa Zabłocie-Grzegórzki and heading over to the epicentre of the historical World War II holocaust – the Kraków Jewish Ghetto.
My first advice: take a guided tour of the Fabryka ‘Emalia’ Oskara Schindlera, also known as Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory. Located in the heart of the Kraków Ghetto, Schindler’s factory is a renovated former administrative office of Schindler, who saved local Jews from the wrath of Nazis. This is the story of the city during Nazi occupation. Optionally, St. Joseph’s Church, Podgórze – a classic piece of architecture with neo-gothic architecture–is one of those Instagram-able spots in Podgorze popular among tourists.
- Popular stops:
- Kazimierz Jewish District
- Schindler’s Factory (for a detailed WWII history tour in Kraków).
- Include a break at a kosher-friendly or fine-dining restaurant.
Relax and Indulge in Polish Cuisine
Skipping one of the above options will allow you just enough time to plan a Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz tour.
Still need more ideas on unique experiences in Kraków city centre? Go for a pierogi-making class in Kraków, or enjoy the time capturing the city’s bird-eye view from Kraków Eye. Or just take a relaxing stroll along Poland’s longest river for unparalleled Vistula river views–made for romantic walks in Kraków.
Come back to the centre for a great dining experience in one of Kraków’s top restaurants or pick one of the Polish food tours. Nothing gives you a better perspective on local Polish cuisine than a food tour.
My favourite Polish restaurants in Kraków – Kluska na Placu, Kuchnia u Doroty, Dobra Kasza Nasza, or Bar Mleczny with great reviews 🙂
Got more time to look at nearby excursions? Consider these add-ons
For those on an extended stay or a vacation in Kraków, treat yourself to half-day and day trips to feed the wanderer in you. Do it in warm months (May to August), unless you’re looking for a compelling winter experience in the Polish mountains.
Let’s go from near to far!
- Tyniec Abbey (another medieval landmark in Poland, Tyniec cycling tours are popular among outdoor enthusiasts)
- Half-day trip to Wadowice – family house and birthplace of Pope John Paul II, Jana Pawła II
- Day trip to Chocholowski Thermal Baths
- Day trip to Zakopane
- Dunajec river rafting
- Day trip to Jasna Gora Czestochowa
- Day trip to Wrocław
To conclude, join me on my private guided tours in Poland. Not only that–I market local businesses and operators digitally.
Whether it’s a tailored luxury travel experience in Kraków, guided tours of Poland for solo travellers, or private guided tours of Kraków, Warsaw, or other Polish cities, feel free to email me at whistlinghound@gmail.com. I’ll respond as soon as I can!
Kraków FAQs
- What are the must-see attractions in Kraków for a one-day trip?
Top attractions in Kraków include Wawel Castle, Main Market Square, and Kazimierz Jewish District. - Is there luxury dining available in Kraków?
Yes, try Michelin-star restaurants like Copernicus or Szara Gęś. - What’s the best way to explore Kraków in a day?
Opt for a private guided tour or explore the city on foot and public transport. - Can Kraków accommodate halal-friendly or kosher meals?
Absolutely! Many restaurants in Kazimierz District cater to these dietary preferences.
Further read: Poland Guide: Uncover the Best Local Adventures & Attractions in Eastern Europe
