Kraków walking tour & city guide

The Old Town

The Main Market Square is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, with the Cloth Hall in the middle and St Mary's Basilica, from whose tower a trumpet call sounds every hour. The Royal Road leads to Wawel Castle and Cathedral on a hill above the Vistula.

Kazimierz

Kazimierz, the historic Jewish quarter, has synagogues, cafés and a lively nightlife. Day trips lead to the Wieliczka Salt Mine and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial.

A day in Kraków

Start early in the Main Market Square, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, before the crowds arrive. Step inside St. Mary's Basilica to see its carved wooden altarpiece and listen for the trumpet call, the hejnał, played every hour from the tower and stopping abruptly mid-melody. Then walk through the Cloth Hall and down the Royal Route to Wawel Hill, with its castle and cathedral above the Vistula.

In the afternoon, cross into Kazimierz, the historic Jewish quarter, with its synagogues, galleries and cafés. In the evening, Plac Nowy is the place for a zapiekanka, a long open-faced baguette, and a drink in one of the atmospheric bars.

Good to know

Kraków's old town is compact and almost car-free, so walking is the best way to explore. Many visitors make day trips to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, with its chapels carved out of salt, and to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, which should be booked well in advance.

Kraków is lively all year. In December, the Christmas market fills the Main Square, and summer brings outdoor concerts and festivals. Prices are lower than in Western Europe.