Landmarks in Krakow

Castle, 1st and 2nd floor combined: 95 PLN, reduced 71 PLN. Crown Treasury: 47 PLN, reduced 35 PLN. Castle Underground: 47 PLN, reduced 35 PLN

The crown jewel of Krakow - a magnificent hilltop castle complex that served as the seat of Polish kings for centuries. The Renaissance courtyard, Gothic cathedral, and Dragon's Den cave make it the city's most iconic landmark.

The largest medieval town square in Europe, dating to 1257. Surrounded by historic townhouses, churches, and the iconic Cloth Hall. The square pulses with life - horse carriages, street performers, flower sellers, and the hourly trumpet call from St. Mary's tower.

Market hall free. Gallery: 35 PLN, reduced 25 PLN; permanent exhibitions free on Tuesdays

The Renaissance trading hall at the center of the Main Market Square, continuously operating as a marketplace since the 15th century. Ground floor sells amber, folk art, and souvenirs; upper floor houses a gallery of 19th-century Polish painting.

Tourist Route tickets from 131 PLN per person (discount, standard and family fares)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site operating since the 13th century. The underground tour descends 135 meters through chambers, chapels carved from salt, underground lakes, and the breathtaking Chapel of St. Kinga - an entire cathedral carved from rock salt.

34 PLN, reduced 26 PLN (prices valid from 1 April 2026)

An artificial mound built in 1823 to honor Tadeusz Kosciuszko, leader of the 1794 uprising. At 326 meters above sea level, it offers one of the best 360-degree panoramic views of Krakow and the Tatra Mountains on clear days.

The oldest structure in Krakow - a prehistoric mound possibly dating to the 7th century, linked to the legendary King Krak. The free hilltop viewpoint offers arguably the best sunset panorama in the city, popular with locals for picnics.

22 PLN, reduced 16 PLN

One of Europe's best-preserved medieval fortified outposts, built in 1498 as the outermost defense of the city. The circular Gothic tower with 7 turrets and 130 loopholes hosts summer exhibitions and occasionally medieval battle reenactments.

The only surviving medieval gate of Krakow's once-mighty fortifications, dating to the 14th century. Part of the Royal Road from the gate to Wawel Castle - the ceremonial route used by Polish kings for centuries.

The former studio and archive of Tadeusz Kantor, Poland's most internationally acclaimed theater director. The intimate space preserves his working environment and hosts small exhibitions and performances that continue his avant-garde legacy. Free entry. A pilgrimage site for theater professionals from around the world.

A modern shopping mall connected to the main train station, useful for practical shopping, rainy-day browsing, and the food court. Over 270 shops including Zara, H&M, Reserved (Poland's biggest fashion brand), and a large Carrefour supermarket for stocking up on Polish food souvenirs.

Krakow's largest shopping mall with 270 stores, built on the site of a former chemical factory. A modern retail hub with international and Polish brands, a cinema, and food court.

The neo-Gothic main building of the Jagiellonian University, built in 1887. The Aula (great hall) features portraits of distinguished professors. The university campus stretches through the Old Town in a series of historic buildings.

A haunting memorial on the site of the former Krakow Ghetto square. Seventy bronze chairs stand empty on the plaza - each representing 1,000 victims. One of the most powerful public memorials in Europe.

A revitalized market hall near the Cloth Hall offering gourmet food stalls, craft beer, artisan bread, and local produce. A food lover's paradise for sampling Polish specialties under one roof.

A sleek modern conference and concert venue on the Vistula riverbank, designed by Arata Isozaki (the same architect as the Manggha Museum). The building hosts the Krakow Philharmonic, international conferences, and cultural events. The riverside promenade in front is a popular walking and cycling route.

The birthplace and lifelong home of Jan Matejko, Poland's most famous historical painter, on Ulica Florianska. The house is now a museum preserving his studio, personal effects, and smaller works. Matejko's enormous battle paintings in the National Museum and Cloth Hall Gallery are essential Krakow viewing.

The main railway station, modernized with a sleek glass canopy, connected to the Galeria Krakowska shopping center. A major transport hub with connections to Warsaw, Wroclaw, and international destinations.

Krakow's opera company performs in a renovated 1950s building with a program that ranges from Verdi and Mozart to contemporary Polish opera. Tickets start at around 40 PLN - a fraction of opera prices in Western Europe - making it an accessible way to experience Polish cultural life. The annual opera gala is a social highlight.

Every June, the Lajkonik - a man in a colorful Tatar-warrior costume riding a hobby horse - processes from the Norbertine Convent in Zwierzyniec to the Main Square, whacking spectators with a mace (it's good luck). This 700-year-old tradition commemorates Krakow's victory over the Tatars. The route itself passes through charming residential streets.

Beyond the Japanese art collection, the Manggha Centre hosts film screenings, tea ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations, and cultural bridge events between Poland and Japan. The building's curved roof echoes the Vistula River waves. The view from the riverside terrace toward Wawel is one of the best in the city.

The Bernatka Footbridge connecting Kazimierz to Podgorze, decorated with acrobatic sculpture figures. Love locks cover the railings. Perfect for sunset photos with Wawel Castle in the background.

The heart of Kazimierz street life, centered around a circular 19th-century market hall. By day it's a flea market with vintage finds; by night the zapiekanka (Polish pizza-toast) vendors emerge, and the surrounding bars come alive.

One of Europe's oldest continuously operating markets, dating to 1181. This is where Krakovians shop - stalls overflow with fresh produce, smoked meats, mountain cheeses, forest mushrooms, and seasonal berries. Best visited early on Saturday morning.

Krakow's largest indoor arena (capacity 22,000) hosting major concerts, sporting events, and shows. International acts from Coldplay to Kendrick Lamar play here. The modern, egg-shaped building on the Vistula riverbank has transformed the east bank skyline. Check the program before your visit - catching a show is a great Krakow experience.

The only surviving fragment of Krakow's medieval town hall (demolished in 1820), this 70-meter Gothic tower leans 55cm from vertical. Climb 110 steps for panoramic views of the Main Square from above.

Krakow's most famous street, running from Florian Gate to the Main Square along the historic Royal Road. Lined with restaurants, cafes, galleries, and the house where Jan Matejko was born. The busiest pedestrian thoroughfare in the city.

The hipster artery of Kazimierz, lined with vintage shops, independent bookstores, craft cocktail bars, and artist studios. The street art here changes constantly - an open-air gallery of Krakow's creative scene.

Perhaps the most beautiful street in Krakow - a perfectly preserved row of medieval and Renaissance canons' houses leading to Wawel Castle. House #21 was where young Karol Wojtyla (future Pope John Paul II) lived.

The widest street in Kazimierz and the spiritual center of the old Jewish quarter. Flanked by synagogues, restaurants, and the Old Cemetery, it transforms during the Jewish Culture Festival into an outdoor concert venue.

The beloved fire-breathing dragon sculpture at the base of Wawel Hill, commemorating the legendary Smok Wawelski. Every few minutes it breathes actual fire, delighting children and tourists. The Dragon's Den cave beneath is accessible by spiral staircase.

A statue of Nicolaus Copernicus outside the Collegium Novum of the Jagiellonian University, where he studied from 1491-1495. The astronomer who placed the sun at the center of the solar system is depicted holding an armillary sphere. The university claims him as their most famous graduate.

A massive 1910 monument on Matejko Square commemorating the 1410 Battle of Grunwald - Poland and Lithuania's greatest military victory over the Teutonic Knights. The dramatic equestrian statue shows King Wladyslaw Jagiello above the fallen Grand Master. Destroyed by the Nazis, rebuilt in 1976 as a symbol of Polish resilience.

The home of the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra, with a restored concert hall that seats 700 in intimate acoustic perfection. Tickets are remarkably affordable (often under 50 PLN) for world-class classical performances. The Friday concert series is a Krakow cultural institution. Check the program online.

A charming smaller square behind St. Mary's Basilica, once the medieval meat market. Now lined with restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating that's less hectic than the Main Square. A farmers' market operates here on weekends. The small square hosts seasonal events and is a pleasant gathering spot away from the main tourist flow.

The monumental entrance to the former Lenin Steelworks (now ArcelorMittal), the socialist-realist gateway that defined Nowa Huta as a workers' city. The twin towers and red-brick facade are a striking example of communist-era industrial architecture. The steelworks, though smaller now, still operate - you can smell the industry from the gate.

One of the oldest continuously operating theaters in Poland (founded 1781), with a stunning Art Nouveau interior. Productions are in Polish but the building is worth seeing for its architecture alone. Guided tours are available. The theater's famous acting ensemble has included some of Poland's greatest performers.

Every Sunday morning, the area around Plac Nowy transforms into a sprawling flea market where you can find communist-era memorabilia, vintage cameras, antique silver, military medals, vinyl records, old maps, and genuine treasures among the junk. Arrive early (8-9 AM) for the best picks. Haggling is expected and respected.

A vast 19th-century Jewish cemetery on Ulica Miodowa, less visited than the Remuh Cemetery but more extensive and equally moving. Thousands of tombstones in various states of preservation stretch across a wooded hillside. The memorial wall made from fragments of tombstones destroyed during WWII is profoundly affecting. Free entry.

The vast central square of Nowa Huta, designed as a socialist answer to the medieval Main Market Square. Wide tree-lined avenues radiate outward in a planned layout inspired by Renaissance ideal cities. The square was the site of anti-communist protests and now has a certain faded grandeur. The architecture is best appreciated on a guided Nowa Huta tour.

A marked walking trail through Podgorze connecting key sites of the former Krakow Ghetto, the Plaszow concentration camp memorial, and the emerging art scene of modern Podgorze. Interpretive panels along the route explain the neighborhood's transformation from independent town to ghetto to creative district. Allow 2-3 hours.

The Archbishop's Palace on Franciszkanska Street, where Karol Wojtyla lived as Bishop and Cardinal of Krakow. After his election as Pope John Paul II, he would appear at the famous window to greet crowds below. The window still draws pilgrims, and a memorial stone marks the spot where thousands gathered.

The abandoned Forum Hotel, a communist-era concrete landmark on the Vistula, reborn as Krakow's most innovative cultural space. Container bars, food trucks, outdoor cinema, DJ nights, yoga sessions, and markets fill the grounds year-round. The industrial-decay aesthetic and river location create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Krakow.

A magnificent 1893 theater modeled on the Paris Opera, with a lavish neo-Baroque exterior and gilded auditorium. Even if you don't catch a performance, the building is worth admiring from Plac Sw. Ducha - it's one of the most beautiful theater buildings in Europe. Guided tours available.

The site of the Plaszow forced labor and concentration camp, commanded by the notoriously brutal Amon Goeth (depicted in Schindler's List). The camp was demolished by the Nazis to hide evidence, and the hilly terrain now shows few visible remains. A monumental sculpture marks the site. A memorial and education center is under construction. Deeply important to visit.

The ceremonial Royal Road running from the Main Square south to Wawel Castle, lined with churches, palaces, and historic shops. Polish kings processed along this route for coronations. Today it's a continuous gallery of architectural history - Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and neo-Classical buildings side by side. One of Europe's most beautiful streets.

The central meeting point of Krakow - "under the Mickiewicz" - this 1898 bronze statue of Poland's greatest poet anchors the Main Market Square. Surrounded by flower sellers, musicians, and every walking tour departure, it's where Krakow gathers. The bronze figure was destroyed by the Nazis in 1940 and rebuilt in 1955.