For anyone seeking a blend of culture, magnetism, and lots of history, Krakow is worth exploring. This delightful city in Poland offers beautiful architecture, exudes undeniable charm, and has a haunting history that will leave you with a profound sense of reflection.
With landmarks like the iconic Wawel Castle and the magnificent St. Mary’s Basilica, as well as bustling market squares, Krakow is a unique and vibrant destination. Its storied past, evident in the numerous reminders of the Holocaust throughout the city and the surrounding countryside, add to the historic significance of the city.
So, if you are wondering “Is Krakow worth visiting?”, pull up a seat and let’s dive into all the reasons you’ll love this Polish city – and the one thing that you probably won’t enjoy.
This Krakow travel guide answers the frequently asked question “Is Krakow worth visiting?” and explains why the city in southwest Poland is a must-visit destination.
Wondering is Krakow worth visiting? Its loveliness is just one of the many reasons to plan a trip to the Polish city. | Photo by Roman Polyanyk from Pixabay
About Kraków, Poland
As one of the country’s oldest and most culturally significant cities, Krakow is steeped in legends and folklore, as well as heart wrenching history.
The city boasts a stunning blend of architectural wonders, including Gothic churches, Renaissance palaces, and Baroque-style buildings. With its roots dating back over a millennium, Krakow is a city that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, shaping its unique character.
The heart of the city lies in its UNESCO-listed Old Town, where you’ll find the impressive Main Market Square, Europe’s largest medieval square, and one of the mostfamous statues in Europe.
Additionally, the Gothic masterpiece, Wawel Castle, overlooks the city from its hilltop perch, adding to Krakow’s fairytale-like charm.
FIND THE BEST TOURS, EXCURSIONS, AND ACTIVITIES IN KRAKOW HERE.
Our experience in Krakow City
Krakow, and the country of Poland are near and dear to our hearts.
Poland is near and dear to my heart. Years ago it was just another country in Europe that I kind of wanted to visit.
But now, it holds much more meaning to me. Mainly because my husband and partner in adventureis of Polish heritage. That also means when I married my husband I took his long, hard to pronounce, very Polish last name.
Now, we have an adorable, partially Polish daughter, and I think it’s important to teach her about her heritage. Naturally, Poland is a big part of that.
So, on a road trip across Europe, we went a bit out of our way to visit Krakow, the popular city in Southwest Poland. Maybe it was the familial connection, or perhaps it was Krakow’s captivating appeal, either way, we fell in love with this Eastern European city.
Is Krakow worth visiting? 5 Reasons you’ll love it
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply seeking an authentic European experience, Krakow will captivate you with its timeless beauty and warm hospitality. Here are 5 reasons Krakow is worth visiting.
It has so much history
The Empty Chairs Memorial honors those who perished trying to help Jewish people during WWII.
If you seek history in Poland, history you will find.
Krakow, as with the rest of Poland, has been through hell and back. It has survived WWI, WWII, communism, and economic hardship.
If Poland was a person, it would be that guy who constantly has bad luck. It would be the kid who gets shoved in a locker all throughout school. In fact, Poland has had such a bad run, that if it was a person it would be a guy who has the crap beat out of him every day of his entire life. That’s Poland’s history.
The country’s painful and dark history is very much on display in Krakow. In the Jewish Quarter, which was known as the Jewish Ghetto during WWII, you will find a museum and memorial depicting the horrific torture that Polish Jews endured. They were imprisoned, starved, enslaved, and murdered by the Nazis in concentration camps.
You’ll also find the Empty Chairs Memorial on the outer edge of the Jewish Quarter dedicated to those who perished trying to help the Jewish people, and Schindler’s Factory, the most popular museum in Krakow, where you’ll learn the story of Oskar Schindler and life in Krakow during Nazi Occupation.
To truly grasp and appreciate the history of Krakow, take a guided walking tour through the Old Town area or the Jewish Quarter. You’ll not only discover the sites, like beautifully preserved synagogues and churches, but you’ll gain a better understanding of the city’s history and its resilience.
Auschwitz Concentration Camp is just one of the many places where Poland’s dark and sad history is apparent.
Of course, one cannot talk about the dark history of Krakow without mentioning the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps which are located just outside the city.
As difficult as is is to visit the concentration camp where more than 1.6 million Jewish people and anti-Nazi activists were killed, it is an important part of history that everyone should learn about – lest history be repeated. So, aday trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau is a must.
Krakow’s resilience is inspiring
Overlooking the Vistula River in Krakow.
While you can’t deny its troubled past, what you will also notice is the city’s and the entire country’s resilience. Poland has been through hell, but it isn’t there anymore.
From invasions and occupations to war and destruction, the city has endured and rebuilt itself with an unwavering spirit. The country doesn’t hide its bruises or its scars, instead it showcases them so others can learn from their tragic history. They do so in hopes that travesties like the holocaust will never happen again.
Today, Krakow is a bustling and beautiful city with a vibrant old town that attracts millions of tourists. Krakow’s resilience is palpable in its vibrant cultural and arts scene, which stands as testament to the city’s ability to rise from the ashes. The city has countless delectable eateries, local shops, famous churches, and museums. Even the Jewish District is now a lively area with exceptional restaurants and quirky pubs and bars.
There are a lot of things to do in Krakow, Poland
Wawel Castle is a landmark in Krakow and one of the best attractions to visit.
We spent less than a week in Krakow, and found plenty of things to do to entertain and keep us busy while we were there.
If you only have 2 or 3 days in Krakow, you’ll definitely want to visit Wawel Castle and Cathedral, walk along the Vistula River, tour the impressive and elaborate Wieliczka salt mines, and explore Old Town Krakow. You can even take a horse and carriage ride through this charming part of the city.
Also spend some time in the Jewish Quarter, see the Empty Chairs Memorial, and visit some of the city’s museums.
Make the day trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps, or if you have even more time, you can venture to the Tatra Mountains for a day of hiking in nature.
Krakow is inexpensive to visit
Of all the places we’ve visited, Krakow is definitely one where I could actually imagine living – and could actually afford to do so!
We rented an apartment, went grocery shopping, and even had to make a quick trip to the shopping mall to buy a new phone charger. Prices in Krakow were reasonable compared to what we’ve seen for goods and services in the United States or other parts of Europe.
While costs have gone up significantly in recent years, Krakow, Poland is generally considered an affordable tourist destination. Compared to many other European cities, Krakow offers relatively low lodging costs.
Dining and public transport in Krakow are typically more affordable than in major tourist destinations such as Paris, London, or Rome, as well. Additionally, exploring the city on foot is a popular option, as many of its highlights are within walking distance of each other.
Perogi are delicious dumplings that are famous in Poland.
Polish cuisine is a blend of hearty flavors known for its comforting and filling dishes. Perhaps the most famous Polish food, Pierogi, are iconic dumplings filled with various savory or sweet ingredients.
Other beloved dishes include flavorful stews, soups, and mouth-watering sausages, such as kielbasa. Give traditional Polish food a try while visiting Krakow. It is a culinary experience that is sure to captivate any food lover.
Krakow is beautiful and the historic streets and vibrant atmosphere in Old Town will transport you back in time.
Krakow will enchant you from the moment you set foot within its historic streets. Its stunning architecture, with intricate churches and cobblestone squares transport you back in time.
The jewel in its crown is the magnificent Main Market Square, Europe’s largest medieval square, surrounded by magnificent buildings, including the iconic St. Mary’s Basilica with its enchanting Gothic spires.
Krakow’s colorful buildings are further accentuated by its lively street performers, horse-drawn carriages, and outdoor cafes that line the picturesque streets.
One reason you might NOT like Krakow
Because of its very sad past, Krakow can be a depressing place to visit.
While there are a lot of fascinating things to do in Krakow, many of the attractions will leave you with a heavy heart. It is important to learn about and understand the atrocities of the second world war, but the tragic history is numbing. It’s overwhelming.
You can almost feel the heaviness when you walk around the city. I’m not really one who believes in ghosts, but if ever there was a place where I felt the presence of tormented spirits it was in Poland. So, if you are sensitive to that type of energy, it may have an impact on your perception of Krakow.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Krakow
Aside from “Is Krakow worth visiting?”, you likely have other questions about the city if you are planning to visit. Here are some of the most popular questions about Krakow, Poland.
Is Krakow touristy?
Krakow is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from around the world. Its well-preserved medieval Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, plus its numerous landmarks, like Wawel Castle, and the historic Jewish quarter of Kazimierz naturally draw lots of travelers eager to explore this fairytale city.
However, while it is a tourism destination, the historic sites and attractions in Krakow aren’t necessarily “touristy”. They offer a compelling experience and make Krakow worth visiting.
How many days do you need in Krakow?
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a great attraction
Give yourself 3 days in Krakow to allow for a fulfilling experience. This provides enough time to explore the city’s highlights, such as the historic Old Town, Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica, the historic Wawel Castle, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the somber but important Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, located nearby.
Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to savor traditional Polish cuisine, wander through charming streets, and experience the city’s vibrant culture.
Which is better? Krakow or Warsaw?
Krakow and Warsaw, while both wonderful Polish cities in their own right, are very different.
Krakow, with its rich history and well-preserved medieval architecture, is often considered more picturesque and romantic. On the other hand, Warsaw, as the capital and largest city of Poland, offers a more cosmopolitan and modern atmosphere.
Conclusion: Is Krakow Worth Visiting?
Whether you are drawn to its architectural wonders, cultural treasures, or simply the warmth of its people, Krakow promises an unforgettable experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
I felt connected to Poland in a way I haven’t felt connected to many other places before.
To truly love and appreciate Poland you have to understand its past. And while it isn’t pretty, love isn’t always beautiful either. When you love something, you accept it for what it is, and when you see how far Poland has come in the last few decades, you can’t help but be amazed at the resilience of the country and its people. You can’t help but fall in love.
So, going back to my previous analogy, if Poland was a person, I’m pretty sure I would love him. It wouldn’t be the naïve, immature teenage kind of love. It would be a deep, honest, long standing love… The kind of love that only occurs once you embrace someone for who they are, past and all.
Have other questions besides “Is Krakow worth visiting”? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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This guide, which answers the question “Is Krakow worth visiting?”, was first written in March 2017 and was most recently updated in May 2023 for accuracy and current travel information.
37 comments on “Is Krakow Worth Visiting? | 5 Reasons You’ll Love It + 1 Reason You Won’t”
So much history and an absolutely unforgettable past. I love the way you describe true love. I feel that embracing the past is what makes a better future. Beautiful post.
Thank you! And I agree. We must embrace the past in order to learn from it.
I haven’t been to Krakow, only Gdansk and Sopot in Poland. I find it to be a great cou.try, still cheap and with a very interesting history. In Gdansk I loved the Solidarity Center. Only problem with Gdansk is that it is overrun by Norwegians. They even have menus in Norwegian at restaurants there 🙂
That’s interesting about Gdansk. I would love to visit someday.
When I visited Krakow I too was overwhelmed by the scale of the horrible history and Austwitz. The city and downtown area are hard not to fall in love with, I understand where you are coming from! You had great weather, your photo of Wawel Castle looks amazing with the strong blue sky.
The weather was beautiful! We were definitely very luck to have perfect weather for our trip.
There is a lot of sad history around the world. It’s important to understand and learn from it. The fact that you would consider living here means it must be a great place.
I agree. So many places around the world have histories that are just as sad and dark. Even the most vibrant and picturesque places often have horrifying pasts. It’s definitely important to learn about it and from it.
Ok so Krakow and Poland in general has been on my list for a while now! Would love to visit and looks like you had a great experience! I am a big history buff so would love to visit, explore and learn.
I still can’t get over your static front page, its beyond adorable. Thank you so much for the history, I could imagine visiting here and having goosebumps knowing all that happened. It’s amazing to see how far its come and how beautiful a city it is.
Thank you, Anita! It is amazing to see a country persevere the way that Poland has.
I would love to live in that castle too. Especially in gorgeous Krakow. I’m also a sucker for canals and I could spend all day walking along those beauties.
Beautifully said, Melissa.
You and Damon are the first Smuzynskis to visit the homeland since your Great, Great Grandparents-in-law Smuczynski (the original spelling of the family name) and Leppek came over “on the boat,” from Prussia and Poznan, Poland, in the 1870s.
Thanks for all the family history you’ve provided over the years. Damon and I really want to go back to Poland with you someday and spend more time exploring the whole country.
Poland is undeniably on top of my list too! It’s true – the dark side of history is always one of those things that we deny. But it is a huge part of a country’s heritage. Good or bad, we have to learn to embrace it. At least you have come to appreciate it and embrace especially knowing your husband is part Polish.
Czesc! My mom’s parents were from Warsaw and she had a long hard name to pronounce. My dream is to go to Poland and see the past. Thank you for sharing.
Definitely go! It will make your appreciate your ancestors more because they likely lived through some troubled times.
Awesome post, I’ve also heard from so many people people that visiting Krakow is a must! When I was last in Europe, I only had one weekend in Poland where I went to Gdansk. I would love to go back to Poland one day to explore more of the country. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!!
I want to go back and explore more of the country too someday. We only visited Kraków and the surrounding areas.
Lovely post! I also hold Poland close to my heart since my entire family is from there. I actually grew up (and still have) a typical Polish, hard-to-pronounce last name. I agree that Poland is and its people are incredible resilient. I like to refer to the country as a phoenix.
I love that! It’s the perfect way to describe Poland.
An interesting perspective on a city which I only hear praise on and which must splendid in deed. I think I can understand what you mean with heaviness. I’m from Munich and visited the nearby concentration camp. And it felt very heavy already. How heavy must it feel in Poland? Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Krakow seems like such a beautiful place! It’s hard to belueve it’s troubled past wasn’t really that long ago! Definitely important to learn aboyt.. but must be hard.
I agree. It truly is a beautiful place… scars and all.
Dear Ms. Muzynski! I used to live in Poland for four years and am still deeply in love with the whole country. Especially Krakow and Wroclaw are cities that I would ORDER (haha) every tourist to visit, had I the power 😀 The history is definitely there, but as you say, it’s not a tormented city anymore and it’s just so lovely I have found no other like it anywhere in Europe.
I love hearing the perspective of someone who has lived in Poland! It makes your deep love that much more meaningful. Thank you!
That is so sweet you are teaching your daughter about her heritage! It’s very important to know your history. Your photographs are absolutely stunning and make me want to visit Poland ASAP!
I absolutely loved Krakow. To me the city represented resilience as it survived so much destruction. It was interesting/ eerie to be in a city where so much torture and heartache happened. I’m glad that they are in a better place, and there are reminders everywhere to learn from the past.
It must have been quite a heartaching memory to think of even today. I haven’t been anywhere with a dark history yet which is displayed soopenly yet. Maybe, some day I will be in a place like that and see what it is like to be in a place like that. The closest I have been to somethinglike this was a tsunami museum in Sri Lanka. It saddened me so much even though it was a natural disaster. It was heart wrenching to hear of it and be in the museum
I’ve heard lots of mixed reviews about the city so it’s great to get some more information. Thanks for this!
i really liked your post…excellent mixed review about krakow..well when i visited there i really liked the Cracow Historical Museum..This museum is a must see. It’s hidden underground & once inside you see why. It still retains the original paths & walls from the medieval streets & shops once buried for hundreds of years. You need to obtain tickets from the tourist information shop outside the cloth hall. You state what time you want to visit. Once in the museum there is a cloakroom to leave coats etc. There are some interesting interactive screens which help interpretate some artifacts. As you walk around there are screens playing images of the market place in medieval times. Look out for the medieval houses & workshops, they look real! There is a good balance of things to look at & things to read. Allow 2 to 3 hours if you want to take time & appreciate this fabulous museum.
Thanks, Albert! We missed that museum but it sounds fantastic!
So glad I found your blog! We are going to Krakow in just 10 days. Planning to visit Wieliczka. Hope the kids (9,6 and 4) will manage 🙂 Thanks for all the useful tips!
I hope you have a great time in Krakow and at the salt mines! Please let us know how it goes, and feel free to comment again afterward and provide any additional insight for other parents once you’ve visited. Happy travels!
I enjoyed reading your post. I am going to Krakow early next month and will definitely savour all the experiences you have written about, happy or sad. The city’s history is overwhelming and it’s resilience is exemplary. I am also looking forward to Polish food. Can’t wait to sample.
Enjoy your trip. I’m sure you will love and appreciate Krakow just as much as we did. Have a perogi for me!
Hey Melissa,
No doubt Krakow is perfect for visitors. In fact, There are lots of beautiful spots in Poland: towns, lakes, the sea, even the desert. Lately, I was in Szczecin which is an exceptional city with such attractions like Philharmonic, Embankment of Chrobry, beach, etc… If you decide to get there, stay at the historic Dana Hotel.
37 comments on “Is Krakow Worth Visiting? | 5 Reasons You’ll Love It + 1 Reason You Won’t”
So much history and an absolutely unforgettable past. I love the way you describe true love. I feel that embracing the past is what makes a better future. Beautiful post.
Thank you! And I agree. We must embrace the past in order to learn from it.
I haven’t been to Krakow, only Gdansk and Sopot in Poland. I find it to be a great cou.try, still cheap and with a very interesting history. In Gdansk I loved the Solidarity Center. Only problem with Gdansk is that it is overrun by Norwegians. They even have menus in Norwegian at restaurants there 🙂
That’s interesting about Gdansk. I would love to visit someday.
When I visited Krakow I too was overwhelmed by the scale of the horrible history and Austwitz. The city and downtown area are hard not to fall in love with, I understand where you are coming from! You had great weather, your photo of Wawel Castle looks amazing with the strong blue sky.
The weather was beautiful! We were definitely very luck to have perfect weather for our trip.
There is a lot of sad history around the world. It’s important to understand and learn from it. The fact that you would consider living here means it must be a great place.
I agree. So many places around the world have histories that are just as sad and dark. Even the most vibrant and picturesque places often have horrifying pasts. It’s definitely important to learn about it and from it.
Ok so Krakow and Poland in general has been on my list for a while now! Would love to visit and looks like you had a great experience! I am a big history buff so would love to visit, explore and learn.
I still can’t get over your static front page, its beyond adorable. Thank you so much for the history, I could imagine visiting here and having goosebumps knowing all that happened. It’s amazing to see how far its come and how beautiful a city it is.
Thank you, Anita! It is amazing to see a country persevere the way that Poland has.
I would love to live in that castle too. Especially in gorgeous Krakow. I’m also a sucker for canals and I could spend all day walking along those beauties.
Beautifully said, Melissa.
You and Damon are the first Smuzynskis to visit the homeland since your Great, Great Grandparents-in-law Smuczynski (the original spelling of the family name) and Leppek came over “on the boat,” from Prussia and Poznan, Poland, in the 1870s.
Thanks for all the family history you’ve provided over the years. Damon and I really want to go back to Poland with you someday and spend more time exploring the whole country.
Poland is undeniably on top of my list too! It’s true – the dark side of history is always one of those things that we deny. But it is a huge part of a country’s heritage. Good or bad, we have to learn to embrace it. At least you have come to appreciate it and embrace especially knowing your husband is part Polish.
Czesc! My mom’s parents were from Warsaw and she had a long hard name to pronounce. My dream is to go to Poland and see the past. Thank you for sharing.
Definitely go! It will make your appreciate your ancestors more because they likely lived through some troubled times.
Awesome post, I’ve also heard from so many people people that visiting Krakow is a must! When I was last in Europe, I only had one weekend in Poland where I went to Gdansk. I would love to go back to Poland one day to explore more of the country. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!!
I want to go back and explore more of the country too someday. We only visited Kraków and the surrounding areas.
Lovely post! I also hold Poland close to my heart since my entire family is from there. I actually grew up (and still have) a typical Polish, hard-to-pronounce last name. I agree that Poland is and its people are incredible resilient. I like to refer to the country as a phoenix.
I love that! It’s the perfect way to describe Poland.
An interesting perspective on a city which I only hear praise on and which must splendid in deed. I think I can understand what you mean with heaviness. I’m from Munich and visited the nearby concentration camp. And it felt very heavy already. How heavy must it feel in Poland? Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Krakow seems like such a beautiful place! It’s hard to belueve it’s troubled past wasn’t really that long ago! Definitely important to learn aboyt.. but must be hard.
I agree. It truly is a beautiful place… scars and all.
Dear Ms. Muzynski! I used to live in Poland for four years and am still deeply in love with the whole country. Especially Krakow and Wroclaw are cities that I would ORDER (haha) every tourist to visit, had I the power 😀 The history is definitely there, but as you say, it’s not a tormented city anymore and it’s just so lovely I have found no other like it anywhere in Europe.
I love hearing the perspective of someone who has lived in Poland! It makes your deep love that much more meaningful. Thank you!
That is so sweet you are teaching your daughter about her heritage! It’s very important to know your history. Your photographs are absolutely stunning and make me want to visit Poland ASAP!
I absolutely loved Krakow. To me the city represented resilience as it survived so much destruction. It was interesting/ eerie to be in a city where so much torture and heartache happened. I’m glad that they are in a better place, and there are reminders everywhere to learn from the past.
It must have been quite a heartaching memory to think of even today. I haven’t been anywhere with a dark history yet which is displayed soopenly yet. Maybe, some day I will be in a place like that and see what it is like to be in a place like that. The closest I have been to somethinglike this was a tsunami museum in Sri Lanka. It saddened me so much even though it was a natural disaster. It was heart wrenching to hear of it and be in the museum
I’ve heard lots of mixed reviews about the city so it’s great to get some more information. Thanks for this!
i really liked your post…excellent mixed review about krakow..well when i visited there i really liked the Cracow Historical Museum..This museum is a must see. It’s hidden underground & once inside you see why. It still retains the original paths & walls from the medieval streets & shops once buried for hundreds of years. You need to obtain tickets from the tourist information shop outside the cloth hall. You state what time you want to visit. Once in the museum there is a cloakroom to leave coats etc. There are some interesting interactive screens which help interpretate some artifacts. As you walk around there are screens playing images of the market place in medieval times. Look out for the medieval houses & workshops, they look real! There is a good balance of things to look at & things to read. Allow 2 to 3 hours if you want to take time & appreciate this fabulous museum.
Thanks, Albert! We missed that museum but it sounds fantastic!
So glad I found your blog! We are going to Krakow in just 10 days. Planning to visit Wieliczka. Hope the kids (9,6 and 4) will manage 🙂 Thanks for all the useful tips!
I hope you have a great time in Krakow and at the salt mines! Please let us know how it goes, and feel free to comment again afterward and provide any additional insight for other parents once you’ve visited. Happy travels!
I enjoyed reading your post. I am going to Krakow early next month and will definitely savour all the experiences you have written about, happy or sad. The city’s history is overwhelming and it’s resilience is exemplary. I am also looking forward to Polish food. Can’t wait to sample.
Enjoy your trip. I’m sure you will love and appreciate Krakow just as much as we did. Have a perogi for me!
Hey Melissa,
No doubt Krakow is perfect for visitors. In fact, There are lots of beautiful spots in Poland: towns, lakes, the sea, even the desert. Lately, I was in Szczecin which is an exceptional city with such attractions like Philharmonic, Embankment of Chrobry, beach, etc… If you decide to get there, stay at the historic Dana Hotel.