Recently, an unplanned week in my travel itinerary landed me in Krakow, Poland. As my visit in Hamburg came to an end, it was time to figure out my next move. My two requirements were that it had to be accessible by train and be somewhere I had never been. Insert Krakow! With one train switch in Berlin, I arrived in time for dinner. This city has been on my list for as long as I can remember because just outside lies Auschwitz. One week allowed me to explore at my own pace and understand the tips I would send to a friend if they asked about the best things to do in Krakow. As we are all friends here, let’s get into it!
Best Things To Do In Krakow
Though Krakow is Poland’s second-largest city, its cobblestones and cafe-lined streets make it feel more like a charming town than a metropolis. With a walking score of 10 in my book, you will have your bearings after a few hours. For me, this is a travel dream — a walkable city with rich history that takes you on such twists and turns, revealing stories you could have never imagined. A deep and meaningful city, yes please.
Here are my top 6 recommendations to ensure you soak it all in and have an unforgettable time in this medieval destination.
1. Stay in Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter
As my taxi from the train station curved through the Jewish Quarter, I instantly knew I had picked an incredible neighborhood to stay in. From ancient streets and vibey restaurants to an entire area dedicated to one famous Polish sandwich, this was the spot. Kazimierz was once its own town before becoming Krakow’s Jewish Quarter, home to a thriving community for centuries until World War II. Today, it’s a moving mix of old synagogues, memorials, and a creative energy that keeps the neighborhood’s spirit alive.
The center of Kazimierz, Plac Nowy, is famous for its zapiekanki, an open-faced sandwich loaded with your choice of toppings, best enjoyed late at night among locals. A round of open-air-standing-room restaurants are all serving them up, so go wild!
Don’t Miss — The vintage shops, popping into Hevre to see this old synagogue turned restaurant, and Unikke Design & Friends for an inspiring selection of jewelry all by Polish designers.
2. Visit Schindler’s Factory & Eagle Pharmacy
If you’re visiting Krakow to dig into World War II history, I highly recommend seeing both Schindler’s Factory and Eagle Pharmacy. Schindler’s Factory, once owned by Oskar Schindler himself, now houses a powerful museum about life under Nazi occupation. It gives a distinct account of the war as experienced in Krakow and the Jewish Ghetto, and some insight into Oskar. Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours here.
‘Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire‘
Just across the river in the former ghetto, Eagle Pharmacy stands as a moving reminder of one pharmacist’s courage to help Jewish residents during the war. This museum is interactive. You can touch and engage with everything on display, which makes it a fun way to spend some time. Forty-five minutes to 1 hour is plenty here.
If you’ve seen Schindler’s List (or read the book), rewatching or rereading it before your visit makes these sites hit even harder. The stories jump to life as you walk the same streets. You won’t regret getting a little nerdy with this story, I promise.
Pro Tip — Purchase your ticket to the factory beforehand to avoid a long line that doesn’t always ensure entry when the museum reaches capacity.
3. Take a Day Trip to Auschwitz & Birkenau
Visiting Auschwitz is an absolute must while in Krakow. You can go with a guided group or take the train on your own, but either way, book your entry ahead of time — it often sells out. As essential as this site is, there’s no denying a bit of a touristy element. Auschwitz is, after all, the most famous and largest of all the Nazi concentration and extermination camps. The groups stay contained, but the crowds in general are large, and the museum does a great job of controlling the flow. At times, the stanchions give a managed feel to parts of the tour. Don’t let that take away from the experience. Being on those grounds, seeing the shoes, clothes, collected hair, and much more in person is something you’ll never forget.
A short drive or quick train ride away is Birkenau extermination camp, where the true gravity of the trip really hits. The camp is massive and more haunting than you can imagine. Standing at the train tracks that lead straight into the gates is chilling. It’s impossible not to imagine the fear of those who arrived here. You will see the gas chambers in ruins as the Germans tried to destroy the evidence in the camps as the war ended. For me, it was Birkenau that delivered the full emotional weight of the day. As you witness the silence, scale, and evidence of what happened here, it remains unfathomable.
4. Take Yourself on a Walking Tour
If you’re someone who lives for a good walk, this is one of the best things to do in Krakow! The walks hit so good, and who doesn’t love one filled with history? Here’s my suggested route for a scenic loop that ends with a well-earned cheers in Kazimierz. Along the way, you’ll pass several important World War II sites. You can choose to stop, go inside, or simply pause to reflect before continuing.
The Route:
- Schindler’s List Passage – A moving walkway tucked between buildings showcasing photos from the film Schindler’s List.
- Kładka Ojca Bernatka (Father Bernatek’s Bridge) – A stunning pedestrian bridge lined with acrobat sculptures that float mid-air and defy gravity. It symbolizes the connection between the two sides of the city that were once divided. I returned here so many times — it’s that mesmerizing.
- Plac Bohaterów Getta (Ghetto Heroes Square) – Once the heart of the Jewish Ghetto, today it’s a haunting memorial filled with empty bronze chairs representing lives lost and uprooted.
- Apteka pod Orłem (Eagle Pharmacy) – As mentioned above, the brave pharmacist who ran this shop helped Jewish residents during the war. The museum inside is small but mighty.
5. Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory – Also mentioned above, the museum here offers one of the most impactful looks at Krakow during Nazi occupation.
6. Remains of the Ghetto Wall – A short section still stands, its tombstone-shaped top a stark symbol of the division that once existed here.
7. Most Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego (Piłsudski Bridge) – A picturesque bridge connecting Podgórze to Kazimierz. Crossing back has weight, from the city’s heaviest history to its lively present.
8. BaraWino – End your walk here with a glass of local wine and some snacks. It’s a cozy spot to decompress and reflect on everything you’ve just seen.
Fun Fact — Even though Poland is best known for its vodka, it has an emerging wine scene! Thanks to the cooler climate, white wines dominate, with crisp local varieties that might surprise you. For another hip place off the beaten path, check out Ferment Wine Bar (try their local white!).
5. Eat Pierogi (as many as you can!)
The best thing you can do in Krakow is eat as many pierogi (dumplings) as you can. They’re that good. You can always work out later, but you can’t always have access to these heavenly puffs of joy and bliss. I haven’t found a way to get sick of them yet. These soft, doughy little pockets come filled with everything from vegetables, cheese, and potatoes to meats and even sweet fruits. My top picks are Restauracja Polska (try their tomato soup, too) and Mirror Bistro (their sweet ones are sensational, don’t skip them).
After these comforting meals, don’t forget that the Jewish Quarter neighbors the Old Town. Get lost in the Old Town’s side streets, discovering artisan shops, local designers, and all the creativity that makes Krakow so special.
6. Visit Plaszow Concentration Camp
Just outside the city lies the Plaszow Concentration Camp. If you’re a runner, run here — it’s a real treat! The grounds are now both a nature park and a memorial site, and they’re absolutely worth visiting. The paths wind through open fields and tree-scattered hills, with quiet monuments preserved right into the landscape.
What I loved about visiting Plaszow is that it’s completely self-guided. You can go at your own pace, take breaks, and really absorb the atmosphere without the structure or crowds of a formal tour. You’ll also find The Grey House on the grounds, which once housed the camp’s commandant and is being restored as part of a new museum project.
Visiting Plaszow gives you another layer of perspective on how vast these camps truly were, in addition to what you witness at Auschwitz or Birkenau.
So Long, Krakow 👋🏽
My time in Krakow was memorable because this city blended so many things I look for when I travel — a walkable city, deep history, good food, nature all around, and plenty to do to stay active and engaged. Not to mention finally crossing a huge bucket-list item off my list — visiting Auschwitz.
If these are the things you travel for, or if Krakow has been sitting as a travel dream, this is your sign to make it happen! This city holds the weight of a tumultuous past and the warmth of a vibrant present in equal measure. No doubt exploring its corners will change you and leave lifelong memories.
Peace & love,
Bekah
PS ~ Want to learn how we score free accommodation on our road trips? Check out our insider scoop here!
