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If you’re looking for some unique and fun things to do in Krakow, you’ve come to the right place!
Krakow is a city that’s rich in history and culture, making it one of my favorite destinations. Having visited multiple times, I’ve done it all from exploring the stunning Old Town to tasting vodka in hidden local bars. Believe me when I say, there is something here for everyone!
So to help you narrow down the options and plan the best trip possible, I’m sharing my top 10 must-do activities in Krakow that are guaranteed to make your time in this city memorable. So here we go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we love the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Krakow was take this organized tour to Auschwitz. This was an eye-opening experience, and while it certainly isn’t lighthearted, we felt like it was an essential part of visiting Krakow. We learned so much from our guide, making this all the more impactful!
Check out the 4,300+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Krakow, Poland
- 1. Visit Auschwitz with a guide
- 2. Eat your way through Krakow
- 3. Relax in thermal hot baths in Zakopane
- 4. Explore the city on a bicycle
- 5. Try axe throwing
- 6. Sample traditional Krakow vodka
- 7. Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine
- 8. Learn how to cook Pierogi
- 9. Explore the city on a Segway tour
- 10. Learn about Poland's communist history on a tour of Nowa Huta
- Where to Stay in Krakow, Poland
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Krakow, Poland
1. Visit Auschwitz with a guide
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times
- Highlights: Go on a guided tour of two concentration camps (Auschwitz and Birkenau), learn about the tragic history of these places, and pay tribute to souls lost
- Inclusions: Licensed local guide, entrance fees, transportation, headset, hotel pick-up/drop-off (if option selected)
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the 4,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau on this educational tour was a profoundly moving experience that left an incredible mark on me. It is one of those moments that sticks with you for the rest of your life and I think everyone needs to experience it.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the memorial and museum offer an essential glimpse into one of history’s darkest chapters. The tour is thoughtfully guided by a licensed expert, providing insight into the unimaginable atrocities that occurred here and paying tribute to the souls lost during the Holocaust.
The experience begins with transportation from Krakow. Once at Auschwitz, you will explore for around 2 hours, passing by the preserved barracks, barbed wire fences, and haunting exhibits. We all wore headsets so that we could hear clearly and learned many stories about the innocent lives lost from our guide.
The journey continued at Birkenau, the larger of the two camps. Standing at the end of the railway tracks, where countless people arrived, was an incredibly emotional moment. The guide’s descriptions of the unimaginable living conditions and horrific medical experiments carried out here were both chilling and enlightening.
This tour isn’t easy, but it’s profoundly important. The experience reminded us of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of ensuring such horrors are never repeated. For anyone visiting Krakow, I cannot recommend this tour enough (look at the thousands of 5-star reviews here).
Book your spot on this essential tour here, before spots fill up!
2. Eat your way through Krakow
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Time: 5 pm
- Highlights: Taste your way through the Kazimierz district, visit several of the best local spots to try 13-14 traditional foods, learn about Polish cuisine and culture, try Polish Vodka and craft beer
- Inclusions: All food & drink samples, local guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
As someone who loves food tours (seriously, I make it a point to do them everywhere I travel), I have to say this Krakow food tour through Kazimierz stands out as one of the best!
You will be taken through the vibrant and historic Kazimierz district guided by a local expert who knows all of the best hotspots and hidden gems. Seriously, we never would have found any of these amazing places on our own!
This tour is truly a feast – we tasted around 14 different traditional foods, so make sure you come hungry! You’ll try everything from iconic comfort dishes like pierogi and potato pancakes to Polish dumplings and even tasty Polish street food snacks. And in true Polish style, you’ll wash them down with some Polish vodka and beer of course!
Not only did we get to try a variety of food, but we also got to learn the stories behind each dish and all about Kazimierz’s history as we went along. This made the tour so much more interesting and I came away with a whole new appreciation for Polish cuisine and culture!
What I loved most was how personal the experience felt. The small group size allowed for genuine conversations and plenty of time to savor the food. Whether you’re a foodie like me or just looking for a unique way to explore Krakow, this tour is a must. The 800+ 5-star reviews speak for themself!
Reserve this tour here and access FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
3. Relax in thermal hot baths in Zakopane
- Duration: 11 to 12 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Explore the village of Chochołów, try traditional cheese and vodka, ride the Mt. Gubalowka funicular for stunning views, relax in the healing Chocholow Thermal Baths
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, professional guide/driver, entry fees, guidebooks
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 5,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for a unique and rejuvenating experience during your trip to Poland, this day trip to the thermal baths near Zakopane is an absolute must!
Nestled in the foothills of the stunning Tatra Mountains, these thermal pools in Chochołów are among the largest in Poland and are known for their healing properties. The mineral-rich waters are said to have incredible benefits for your skin and overall well-being, making this the perfect way to unwind!
We had such a great time floating in the warm water surrounded by stunning mountain views. We even had a couple of glasses of wine from the pool bar – which made the experience feel even more luxurious!
But this tour is about more than just the baths. You’ll also get to explore the charming village of Chochołów to see some of the region’s oldest wooden homes, and try some regional delights, like highlander cheese and traditional vodka.
In Zakopane, we enjoyed a scenic ride on the Gubałówka funicular, which provided beautiful panoramic views of the Tatras. We then had time to explore Krupowki Street (the heart of Zakopane) to do some souvenir shopping.
We love how this tour seamlessly blends together culture, nature, and relaxation. Plus, it only costs €105 which is a great deal for all of the activities it includes and the experience you get. But don’t just take my word for it, have a look at the thousands of 5-star reviews here!
This tour is likely to sell out, book your spot in advance here!
4. Explore the city on a bicycle
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Small group bike tour, ride through the Old Town and Jewish Quarter, stop at important landmarks, hear stories and history from your guide
- Inclusions: Professional guide, bicycle, coffee
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
I don’t think there is a better way to get to know a city than by exploring on a bike. So the first time we went to Krakow, this city bike tour was at the top of our itinerary!
Not only is it an active and fun way to explore, but it’s also the perfect way to see more in less time. This bike tour lets you cover the city’s must-see spots while learning fascinating history and stories from a local guide, making it the perfect activity for first-time visitors.
The tour takes you through Krakow’s Old Town, where you’ll cycle along the picturesque Planty Park, visit the impressive Barbican, and marvel at the Main Market Square and its surrounding landmarks. You’ll also cruise past Wawel Castle and the Vistula River with many stops for pictures along the way of course!
One of the highlights for me was exploring the Kazimierz district, Krakow’s historic Jewish Quarter. The narrow streets, synagogues, and interesting history made this part of the ride truly memorable.
The bike ride itself is very relaxed, so as long as you have a bit of bike riding experience you’ll be fine. And with a small group of up to only 8 people, it felt very personalized and we had plenty of time to ask questions.
We think this tour should be on everyone’s Krakow to-do list. It’s only 3 hours long so it’s easy to fit into a busy schedule and it’s one of the highest-rated tours in Krakow with over 900 5-star reviews!
Check availability and book this top-rated tour here!
Related Read: If you haven’t booked a hotel yet, don’t wait! Our where to stay in Krakow guide outlines the best hotels and areas.
5. Try axe throwing
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: Multiple times throughout the day
- Highlights: Go axe throwing in a medieval cellar, learn the best throwing techniques, have an unlimited number of throws for the 90-minute session, opt to bring your own beer to consume
- Inclusions: Professional staff members, training & safety demonstrations (if desired), all fees and taxes
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Last time we were in Krakow, we heard about this axe-throwing experience from some other travelers and knew we had to give it a try – and boy are we glad we did!
While there’s no deep historical connection between Krakow and axe throwing (it’s not exactly an ancient Polish pastime), the setting of this experience is what makes it truly unique. It takes place in a medieval cellar near the city’s historic center. Walking in felt like stepping back in time!
The 90-minute session starts with a quick demo from the friendly staff, who not only teach you how to throw the axe but also how to keep things safe while doing it. With unlimited throws and a variety of axes to choose from, there was plenty of time to perfect our technique – Dan even hit the bullseye a few times!
At only €70 per group (up to 5 people), this is hands-down one of the best and most affordable activities I’ve done in Krakow. Whether you’re traveling with friends, celebrating a special occasion, or just looking for something different to do, axe throwing brings everyone together for a ton of laughs (and a bit of healthy rivalry!). You can even bring your own beer if you’d like!
We aren’t the only ones who had a great time here – have a look at the hundreds of 5-star reviews here!
Ready to try a fun new activity? Reserve your spot in advance here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Sample traditional Krakow vodka
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 4 pm or 6 pm
- Highlights: Sample seven different Polish vodkas on a walking tour through Krakow Old Town, visit some of the city’s best bars, learn about Polish culture and cuisine, enjoy local snacks and a Pierogi tasting
- Inclusions: Friendly guide, 7 vodka samples, snacks
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
When in Poland, there’s one thing you absolutely must do – drink vodka! Nothing says “Polish experience” quite like sampling the country’s national spirit, and this guided vodka tour is the perfect way to dive in.
Not only do you get to sample vodka at the best local spots, but you also get to stroll through the beautiful, UNESCO streets of Krakow’s Old Town. We went to so many cool spots and hidden bars that we never would have found on our own.
Over the course of 2.5 hours, we sampled 7 different types of vodka and enjoyed a spread of delicious Polish-style tapas. My favorite venue was the communist-era shot bar, full of over a hundred varieties of homemade flavored vodkas (I was surprisingly amazed by how good they were!).
At the end of the evening, we stopped to indulge in the city’s best Pierogi – it was the perfect end to a fun evening and definitely helped to soak up some of the alcohol!
Throughout the evening, our local guide, Magda, kept things interesting with many stories and historical facts. We learned about more than just vodka, but about the Polish culture as well. So whether you’re a seasoned vodka enthusiast or just curious to try, we think this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Krakow!
Check out the 700+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
7. Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Time: 10:15 am
- Highlights: Explore a 700-year-old Wieliczka Salt Mine, descend 800 steps to the underground chambers & tunnels, see spectacular underground lakes and salt formations like the Chapel of St. Kinga
- Inclusions: Professional guide, entry fees, air-conditioned transportation, hotel pick-up/drop-off
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check out the 700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Did you know the Wieliczka Salt Mine has been in operation since the 13th century and is one of the oldest salt mines in the world? This fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see when visiting Krakow, and this half-day trip is the best way to visit it!
Our time in the mine began with an 800-step descent into the underground chambers. There are over 200 miles (300 km) of tunnels here and exploring them felt like stepping into another world!
We saw intricate carvings, underground lakes, and elaborate chambers such as the Chapel of St. Kinga. This masterpiece took over 30 years to complete and every detail from the chandeliers to the altar is crafted from more than 200,000 tons of salt – how cool is that!
We explored the 3 upper levels of the mine, learning all about the mine’s fascinating history and stories from our guide. And don’t worry – they don’t make you walk back up the 800 steps to exit, you get to take an elevator (thank goodness)!
We think this half-day tour from Krakow is perfect for history buffs and adventure seekers alike. The creativity and craftsmanship of the miners who transformed this industrial space into a work of art is guaranteed to leave you mind-blown. It’s not every day you get the opportunity to see one of Poland’s most extraordinary landmarks, so make sure you book in advance to secure your spot!
Don’t miss out on seeing this UNESCO site – book your spot here!
8. Learn how to cook Pierogi
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 11 am
- Highlights: Learn to make pierogis from scratch from a local, visit a local market to pick up fresh ingredients, indulge in your creations, pair the food with regional alcohol
- Inclusions: Professional instructor, snacks, all ingredients and equipment, alcoholic beverages, coffee/tea
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
As someone who loves pierogies, I decided it was time to learn to make them myself. So the last time we went to Krawkow, I booked this fun pierogi cooking class!
This class starts with a tour of Krakow’s oldest operating farmer’s market, where we shopped for fresh, local ingredients. We really enjoyed wandering about the vibrant market with our guide, Olga. She showed us some hidden gems and even taught us how to pick the best ingredients like a local.
Then, it was time to roll up our sleeves and get to work! We learned every step of the pierogi-making process – from mixing the dough to creating the perfect filling full of fresh cottage cheese, potatoes, and caramelized onions. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
While cooking, Olga shared many great stories and Polish culinary traditions with us while we nibbled on local snacks like smoked cheese and Polish sausage. We even got to indulge in some regional alcohol at the end, which paired so well with the dumplings!
This tour felt like so much more than just a cooking class, but an authentic cultural experience. Plus, now I get to enjoy these delicious Polish dumplings whenever I want (and impress friends and family back home with my new skills!). So if you’re a foodie like me, make sure you add this one to your itinerary!
Check availability for this highly rated cooking class here!
9. Explore the city on a Segway tour
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times throughout the day
- Highlights: See the city’s top highlights on a guided Segway tour, learn about Krakow’s history, culture, and cuisine from your local guide, and enjoy photo stops at iconic locations
- Inclusions: Local guide, Segway, safety gear, training session
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Exploring a historic city like Krakow is always exciting, but doing it on this Segway tour takes the experience to a whole new level! It’s the perfect way to discover Krakow’s Old Town in a modern, fun, and efficient way.
We love how Segway tours combine adventure and sightseeing into one. They’re super easy to learn to use and allow you to cover a lot of ground – which is ideal if you don’t have much time in Krakow but still want to see it all. Plus, zooming through cobblestone streets on two wheels is so much fun!
This two-hour guided tour takes you to some of Krakow’s most iconic spots, including the bustling Main Market Square, the enchanting Wawel Castle, and the historic Barbican. Along the way, you’ll stop for stories and photo ops at key landmarks like St. Mary’s Church and St. Florian’s Gate.
And don’t worry if you’ve never ridden a Segway before, because the local guides will give you a thorough lesson before taking off. I was a bit nervous, but got the hang of it in no time!
So if you’re looking for a fun and unique way to explore the city while covering a lot of ground, this Segway tour is an absolute must! It’s entertaining, educational, and undeniably memorable (just have a look at all of these great reviews)!
Book this Segway sightseeing tour here and receive FREE 24-hour cancellation!
10. Learn about Poland’s communist history on a tour of Nowa Huta
- Duration: 2.5 to 3.5 hours (depending on the tour option selected)
- Time: 10 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Learn about Poland’s communist past on a private tour of the Nowa Huta district, drive around in a Trabant soviet car, visit significant historical communist spots
- Inclusions: Transport in a genuine Traban, professional guide/driver, refreshment
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check out the 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re fascinated by history and love unique experiences, you have to do this private Nowa Huta Communism tour while you’re in Krakow!
From the moment you are picked up in an authentic Trabant car, it feels like stepping back in time. This car was an iconic part of the Communist Era and really set the scene for the day – plus it was a lot of fun to drive around in!
Our local guide took us to the Nowa Huta district which was originally built in the late 1940s as a “model Communist city“. Walking around Central Square surrounded by Soviet-style buildings made it feel like we weren’t even in Krakow anymore!
We learned a lot about this interesting period of time from our guide. He shared some fascinating stories about what life was like living under the “Iron Curtain” and about how Nowa Huta became a hub for resistance against communism.
A highlight of the day for me was visiting a tiny 1950s shop filled with real Communist artifacts. It was like a time capsule! We also opted for the deluxe tour (for an extra charge), which included a tour of Lenin Steelworks and a Cold War bunker. I highly recommend upgrading to this option if it’s within your budget.
If you’re interested in Poland’s history, you really can’t miss this tour. It was such a unique experience and I learned so many interesting things that I wouldn’t have found out about otherwise. It’s quite popular though, so make sure you book in advance!
Reserve your spot here and don’t pay a thing until just before you leave!
Related Read: Need help planning your trip? Check out our 3-day Krakow itinerary for these top activities, plus our favorite hidden gems!
Where to Stay in Krakow, Poland
Now that you have a list of the best things to do in Krakow, you need to find somewhere comfortable to stay! To help narrow down your options, I’ve put together three fantastic hotels for a luxury, mid-range, or budget stay.
Luxury – $$$
Located in Old Town Krakow, Hotel Stary is fit for a luxurious traveler! Equipped with a rooftop terrace, spa, sauna, and two pools, you might not want to leave. The rooms are spacious and have a relaxing, yet high-end decor, ranging from single rooms to luxury suites.
Prices are lower during the winter, but during peak travel seasons a room starts at about €240 a night. Check availability and reserve your stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Hotel Batory is a family run hotel within walking distance to Old Town and the Main Market. The rooms are comfortable and have a cozy, classic design. You can get a twin, double, or triple room, starting at about €130 per night. Since this is a family-run hotel, it’s very welcoming and hospitable, and they have some great local recommendations.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay, the Great Polonia Kraków Kazimierz is a fantastic option! Located in the Jewish District, you’re within walking distance of Krakow’s most unique historic sights. The hotel has a historic decor, offering twin, double, triple, and family rooms, or a full apartment.
Rooms start around €80 and can be booked on Booking.com.
For more options, check out all the hotels in Krakow here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Krakow is a city full of history, gorgeous architecture, and friendly locals – what’s not to love!? We had so much fun exploring this city and felt like it was a bit of a hidden gem. If you check off a few of these top things to do, I know you’ll have a fulfilling visit to Krakow!
Thanks for reading our blog! If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out our other travel guides. We’ve been all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences. Here are a few other blogs to inspire your travels and help plan your next great adventure!
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Ananthy
Monday 4th of August 2025
Very interesting. We are going to Krakow, and after reading this one I have an idea to visit the places. Very informative
Destinationless Travel
Monday 11th of August 2025
Thank you!