Krakow Old Town (Kraków Stare Miasto)

Start your Old Town explorations at the cobblestoned main square, Rynek Główny. One of Europe’s largest medieval town squares, Rynek Główny is nothing short of impressive with its Renaissance-era Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and the lopsided, 14th-century St. Mary’s Basilica. The square’s interior is lined with well-appointed apartments, cafés, and bars. Most guided tours meet at Rynek Główny, then head into the interconnecting alleyways off the square to discover Old Town’s museums and other sights.

• With its mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque styles, Old Town is a must for architecture enthusiasts.
• Much of Old Town is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, though be wary of uneven surfaces.
• Children are welcome on tours, as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
• Old Town has several public restrooms, including one near Cloth Hall.

Centrally located in Kraków’s Old Town, Rynek Główny is the easiest point of reference, should you get lost. The main railway station (Kraków Główny) is about a 4-minute drive or 12-minute walk away.

For fewer travelers and milder weather, the best time to visit Kraków is from March to May or September to November. If you’re there in summer, check out Old Town’s outdoor markets and fairs. And if you’re willing to brave the cold, Kraków hosts a popular Christmas market in December.

For a comprehensive tour of Old Town, take the Royal Route—a stretch of road that leads from the northern end of Old Town through the center of town all the way to the royal residence at the southern end of town. Along the way, see area highlights such as St. Florian’s Church (Kościół św. Floriana) and Wawel Castle.

Krakow Old Town is a treasure trove of great attractions. Be sure to visit the huge medieval Main Market Square (Rynek Glowny), Rynek Underground museum, the 14th-century Gothic structure of St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Cloth Hall ( Sukiennice), which is a great spot for doing some local souvenir shopping.

The easiest way to get to Krakow Old Town from Krakow Airport is to get a taxi—there’s a rank outside the front of the airport or you can order from a ride-hailing app such as Uber. Alternatively, you can catch a local bus, such as #208 or #252 to different stops in the center.

Krakow is blessed with a diverse range of eateries from traditional Polish cuisine at restaurants such as Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa and Pierogarnia Krakowiacy to fine dining at Albertina Restaurant & Wine or Amarylis Restaurant. For international cuisine and great street food, Kazimierz Food Square is a perfect choice.

There are plenty of places to shop in Krakow. If you’re looking for a mall experience, there’s Galeria Krakowska, close to Krakow’s main railway station, or Galeria Kazimierz, near the Jewish Quarter. The Old Town is great for independent shops and souvenir shopping, especially in and around the Cloth Hall.

Yes, there are lots of historical landmarks in Krakow Old Town. St. Mary’s Basilica was built in the 14th century, and Wawel Castle was constructed in the 13th–14th centuries. There’s also the historic gateway of the Barbican, a remaining section of the city’s former medieval walls, which was constructed in the 15th century.

Krakow has a busy events calendar with lots of cultural festivities throughout the year. The Jewish Culture Festival typically takes place for a week in June, and August’s Pierogi (Dumplings) Festival is another big draw. There’s also Wianki—a midsummer solstice festival that’s typically in June, and the annual Christmas market.