self-guided walking tour through all must-see sights and museums of krakow, 30+ recommendations for cafes, restaurants and bars, budget tips

Auschwitz, Polen

Kazimierz, Krakau, Polen

Kraków, Polen

Kraków Old Town, Krakau, Polen

Ultimate Guide to Kraków, Poland

Matuszek Bus Transfer

Staying in or just outside Krakow’s Old Town offers the best of both worlds: you’re steps away from the city’s historic charm, vibrant cafes, and iconic spots like the Main Market Square. Right in the Old Town, you’ll feel the energy of Krakow's culture and nightlife, while staying just outside means quieter streets, more budget-friendly accommodations, and a more relaxed vibe—all within easy walking distance to the city center. Perfect for travelers who want both convenience and a peaceful retreat!

📍You will begin the tour at the old Barbican which served as the entrance to the city of Kraków in ... . Today this is what we call Stare Miasto aka old town Kraków.

📍Walk down Florianska street until you reach Rynek Glowny.

📍Climb up the Krakus Mound to watch the sun set over Kraków 🌄

(Stare) Podgórze (Old Jewish Ghetto) – Located across the Vistula River, this district bears a somber significance as the site of the Krakow Ghetto during World War II. Podgórze is quieter and more residential, but it holds crucial historical landmarks like the Ghetto Heroes Square, Schindler’s Factory Museum, and the Eagle Pharmacy Museum. Here, visitors can learn about Krakow’s role in WWII and the Jewish community’s experiences, making it a powerful place of reflection.

Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) – A short walk from the Old Town, Kazimierz is rich with Jewish history and culture, woven through its streets lined with synagogues, cafes, and street art. Once a center of Jewish life, it has transformed into one of Krakow’s trendiest districts, famous for its unique restaurants, vintage shops, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a more bohemian area, with a mix of local life and historical sites like the Remuh Synagogue and Cemetery. Kazimierz also hosts the annual Jewish Culture Festival, adding to its cultural significance.

Stare Miasto (Old Town) – The heart of Krakow, this area is where medieval charm meets vibrant city life. Centered around the Main Market Square, the Old Town offers a lively mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, with key landmarks like St. Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall, and Wawel Castle. It’s a hub for cultural attractions, street performances, and dining spots where tourists can enjoy traditional Polish food. The cobblestone streets are packed with life day and night, making it ideal for those wanting to stay close to the city’s pulse.

Krakow’s tourist experience can be distilled into three main areas, each with its own unique vibe and historical significance:

Camelot Cafe

Cheder

Cytat Café

Hilo

Pierogi MR Vincent

Eszeweria

Kolanko No 6 Restaurant

Turlaj Klopsa | Kazimierz

THE DOG Food Truck Izaaka

Hamsa

Jewish Bookshop

Dawno Temu na Kazimierzu

HEVRE | Bar & Restaurant

ZOO Klub

Schindler's List Passage

Osiem miliardów uśmiechów, a Twój jest moim ulubionym. Mexicano cartel

Zapiekanki Piecyk

KawaLerka

Hedwig's

Wawel Dragon

Wawel Royal Castle-State Art Collection

Pod Aniołami Restaurant

Cybermachina Game Pub - Kraków

La Bodega del Ron

Rynek Główny

Pożegnanie z Afryką Cafe

Tawerna Wilczy Dół

Czarka Tearoom

Milkbar Tomasza

Rynek Underground Museum

Chimney Cake Bakery

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Greg & Tom Beer House Hostel, Krakow - Online Hostel Bookings, Ratings and Reviews

Greg&Tom Beer House Hostel

Klub Kulturalny

Pierogarnia Krakowiacy | self-service

Wiśniewski Kraków

Tociekawa- Specialty Coffee

Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University

Krakus Mound

Scenic spot

Teatro Cubano

Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory

Apteka pod Orłem

Remains of the Ghetto wall

Father Bernatek’s Bridge

St. Joseph's Church

Kraków Barbican

Kazimierz Historical Mural

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Let's Rock Party Hostel

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Ultimate Guide to Kraków, Poland

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