Castle, Museum

Wawel is the main symbol of Kraków and of Poland as a whole. Perched on the hill are the Royal Castle, the cathedral, fortifications, gardens and several separate exhibitions, from which you’ll be spoilt for choice. The good news is that you don’t have to pay anything just to walk around Wawel, or to enter the outer courtyards or the beautiful Renaissance arcaded courtyard. So even without visiting the interiors, you’ll see a large part of the…

Church

You simply cannot miss St Mary’s Church. It stands right on the Main Market Square, and its two towers, which are of different heights, can be seen from most parts of the Old Town. From the outside, it’s particularly striking with its red bricks, but inside the church makes an even more striking impression. You’ll find a dark blue vaulted ceiling reminiscent of the night sky, colourfully painted walls and a huge Gothic altar by Veit Stoss. If…

University

Collegium Maius is tucked away in the narrow streets just a few minutes from the Main Square. It might not catch your eye from the outside, but do make sure to walk through the unassuming gate into the courtyard. It’s one of the most beautiful Gothic spots in Kraków, and what’s more, entry is free. In our view, the courtyard is a must-see for anyone walking through the Old Town. We recommend the paid museum mainly to those interested in the…

Synagogue

You could easily walk right past the Remuh Synagogue without noticing it whilst strolling down Szeroka Street. It is small and rather unassuming from the outside, but inside you will find one of the most authentic places in the whole of Kazimierz: a synagogue that is still in use, with an old Jewish cemetery right behind it. Don’t expect a large museum or a lavish interior. The main attraction of a visit is the atmosphere of the place, which,…

Synagogue

The High Synagogue is particularly interesting for one unusual architectural feature: the prayer hall is not on the ground floor, but on the upper floor. It is the only historic synagogue in Poland arranged in this way. However, do not travel to Kazimierz just for the synagogue itself. At the time of writing, it is closed and can only be viewed from the outside. Find accommodation in Kraków Why is it called ‘Vysoká’? The synagogue was…

Synagogue

The Isaac Synagogue is the largest and, architecturally speaking, one of the most interesting historic synagogues in Kazimierz. The good news is that, following several years of renovation, it reopened to tourists in May 2026. If you still come across information on other websites stating that the synagogue is closed, this is out of date. Although restoration work is still ongoing, you can now visit the main prayer hall. Search for…

Historic factory

It is worth managing expectations right from the start. Schindler’s Factory is not a museum dedicated to the film *Schindler’s List*, nor is it a detailed biography of Oskar Schindler. The main exhibition tells a much broader story of occupied Kraków between 1939 and 1945. Schindler, his factory and the employees he saved are an important part of this story, but by no means the only one. In our view, it is one of the best museums in Kraków. It…

Cathedral

Many people tend to dismiss Wawel Cathedral as just one of the many buildings in the castle complex, which would be a shame. If churches don’t usually appeal to you, I’d make an exception here. Beneath the floor lie Polish kings and national heroes, the famous Sigismund Bell hangs overhead, and the individual chapels evoke nearly a thousand years of Polish history. The cathedral operates separately from Wawel Royal Castle in terms of visitor…

Tower, Town Hall, Lookout

The Town Hall Tower is exactly the sort of landmark where it’s worth knowing what you’re getting into. From the outside, it looks imposing, but inside you’ll mainly find a short climb up 110 medieval steps. The reward is a view of the Rynek Główny, though not from an open terrace, but through the windows under the roof. Find accommodation near Rynek Główny In our view, the tower is worth a visit if you enjoy panoramic views and want to see…

Synagogue

The Old Synagogue stands on Szeroka Street, right in the historic centre of the Kazimierz district. It is no longer used for religious services, but serves as a museum dedicated to the history, religion and everyday life of Kraków’s Jewish community. If you only want to visit one synagogue in the district, the Old Synagogue is the safest choice for an introduction to the subject. However, do not expect a modern interactive museum or an…