Looking for some cool places because you have already visited the grand Wawel castle, seen the fire-breathing dragon, shooed away pigeons at the Main Market, and strolled through the charming alleys of the Jewish Kazimierz? Thinking you’ve seen it all? Not quite! Sure, I encourage you to check out and uncover all of Kraków’s stunning sights – including the ones everyone knows – but this article is your ticket to dig a little deeper.
Let me tell you, Kraków is a treasure trove of extraordinary spots and I can’t wait to share them with you. I’ve compiled a list of 10 spots that are not as crowded as Kraków’s most famous attractions, but they’re definitely worth a visit. I hope some of these places make it to your city trip itinerary.
1. Kościuszko Mound
There are several mounds in Kraków, and Kościuszko Mound is among the less popular ones and less crowded by tourists (among the more famous ones is Krak Mound, which many people visit and is also worth seeing).
Kościuszko Mound is the tallest and largest of Kraków’s mounds, so if the weather is clear, you’ll have the chance to see the entire city from above!
↳ Make sure to read my guide to the most amazing places to stay in Kraków:
How to Find Best Place to Stay in Krakow Old Town – Your Guide
Located far from city noise, in the quiet Wolski Forest, Kościuszko Mound will let you escape everyday life and connect with nature. The trek is somewhat demanding, so take a map and wear very comfortable shoes. If you like that idea – there are many mounds in Kraków.
2. Zakrzówek Resort
If you hop on a tram heading towards Dębniki, in a few minutes you’ll uncover Kraków’s beautiful Croatia – Zakrzówek. This former quarry captivates with its turquoise water and stunning views, but it is also a great place for diving enthusiasts.
- You can more pictures and location here: Open Google Maps
The city and private owners have been battling for Zakrzówek for many years, but it’s only a matter of time before this place becomes easily accessible to tourists and visitors. Currently, Zakrzówek is private property and for safety reasons, it’s not completely open. Although new holes in the fence appear every day – signs of visitors.
The fence is there for a reason – there have been tragic accidents when careless visitors fell off the rock. So if you want to visit this place, be very careful, especially keep an eye on children.
3. Twardowski Rocks
Right next to Zakrzówek, you can find beautiful rocks covered in greenery. Frequented by locals (mainly students, as the Jagiellonian University Campus is nearby), the rocks have become a meeting and relaxation spot, where you can get a breath of fresh air. If you want to escape the city hustle without leaving the city, this is definitely the choice for you!
- You can see more pictures and location here: Open Google Maps
4. Rakowicki Cementary
If you want to ponder and reflect on life, visit a place right in the city center and at the same time have a chance to admire beautiful sculptures and monuments, Cmentarz Rakowicki is the place to go. Established in the 19th century (the first burial took place in 1803), it houses both ordinary residents of Kraków and polish people who have distinguished themselves in history, politics, or culture – you can pay tribute here to painter Jan Matejko, musician Marek Grechuta, poet Wisława Szymborska, and many others.
- You can see more pictures and location here: Open Google Maps
Some monuments and mausoleums are beautiful works of art created by famous artists that truly draw attention and impress with their skill and beauty.
5. Colorful Stairs on Tatrzańska Street
Now for something a bit more cheerful. This attraction is relatively new (established in 2013). It’s bright and colorful, just begging for a photo.
The 55 multi-colored steps should not only find their way to your Instagram feed, but are also another reason to visit Podgórze. You can find them right next to the park and a beautiful church, which are also must-visits. You won’t find a crowd of tourists here, and even more – you’ll feel like a local!
6. Liban Quarry
Let’s stay in Podgórze for a moment. Just a few minutes’ walk from Krak Mound, we have another former quarry! It’s not just nature enthusiasts who will find something here, this place is also a treat for movie buffs! Why, you ask? The quarry featured in the popular Steven Spielberg movwie, „Schindler’s List” from 1994. It imitated the Kraków ghetto, which is why even today you can find film props there, like rocks imitating Jewish graves.
7. Jordan Park
You haven’t seen a better park. From the heart of the city, you can get here on foot. Stop to admire the stunning greenery. In the park, you’ll find a ton of attractions for kids – it’s no wonder the park is called the first Polish playground!
If you want to relax among the trees and let the kids play to their heart’s content on the playground, play air hockey, or pedal on a water bike – this is the place for you.
8. Nowa Huta
I’m not saying you haven’t heard of Nowa Huta district, because you probably have. The problem is what you’ve heard. Nowa Huta has a less than favorable reputtation as a place where hooligans will attack you with a machete for no reason. But that’s not the case!
Don’t be afraid to explore this unique district, a former Soviet utopia, whose symmetry and greenery will transport you to a whole other world.
9. Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University
To wrap things up, let me add one last green highlight to the list. The garden is located in the city center and it’s another place where nature will allow you to relax. Look at the wonderful exotic plants and feel like you’re on vacation – not in the heart of a noisy city. This is the only place on the list where you’ll have to pay to get in. Click this link to get more information.
10. Balloon Flight Over Krakow
Let me say this: If you’ve always had that dream of going on a balloon flight, Krakow lends you a hand. After being away for a good few years, the sightseeing balloon has made a comeback. And where, you ask? It’s parked right on the Wołyński Boulevard, cozied up next to the Przestrzenie Forum.
During a typical flight, you’ll be lifted to a height of about 150 meters. From up there, you get to feast your eyes on a stunning view of the Old Town and Kazimierz. As for the price tag, expect anything between PLN 55 to PLN 69 for an adult ticket, or PLN 39 to PLN 49 if you’re eligible for a reduced ticket.
11. Gondola Cruise on the Vistula River
You can experience Krakow from another angle, too. Hop on a ship sailing on the Vistula River. In Krakow, a few companies specialize in this unique adventure. Usually, they have half-hour or hour-long cruises up their sleeves. But that’s not all. Some also offer trips that feature some free time in Tyniec, where you can pop into the Abbey of St. Benedictine. These extended trips usually last around 3.5 to 4 hours. The cost? Cruises kick off from around PLN 40 per person.
12. Krakow Arcade Museum
Are you a fan of arcade games? If yes, I think you should make a beeline for the recently unveiled Museum of Games. It’s nestled on Centralna Street. Now, I believe this is not just any museum. It’s interactive and boasts over 100 classic video games from the 80s and 90s.
I am convinced you’ll be nostalgic! Prices for a regular ticket start from PLN 30 per hour. For the exact pricing, head over to krakowarcademuseum.com. I know from personal experience that it’s fun – I had a blast there and I can tell you it’s worth checking out!
13. Pinball Museum
Let me tell you, there’s another haven for game lovers out there. You might want to check out the Pinball Museum, tucked right next to Wawel Castle. You’ll find there a trove of pinball machines and video games that date way back to the 50s. The starting price for a regular ticket is PLN 40.
14. Pharmacy Museum
Another gem in Krakow is the Pharmacy Museum, nestled in a historic tenement house on Floriańska Street. Even though I’m not into pharmacy, I must say, I was quite taken by the exhibition and the building’s interior. The rooms showcase furniture, pharmacy tools from various periods, old medicinal raw materials, vintage prints, and gorgeous stained-glass windows. A regular ticket to the museum will cost you PLN 14, while a reduced one is priced at PLN 10.
14. Royal Gardens at Wawel
Wawel is a big deal in Krakow, yet many are unaware of the beautiful royal gardens you can visit there. If the day is dry, they’re open for exploring. Before, you could only visit them combined with the Sandomierz Tower. But from May 4, separate tickets for these two attractions are on sale. For an adult, a ticket with garden entrance costs PLN 5, and it’s just PLN 2 for a child.
15. Hidden Gardens in the Old Town
Believe it or not, Krakow’s Old Town has tiny but delightful gardens hidden from tourist eyes. You’ll stumble upon them at the Church of St. Piotr i Paweł, Collegium Maius (Professors’ Garden), the Archaeological Museum, or at 27 Karmelicka Street. If you need a breather after a long day exploring the city, these spots are perfect!
16. Stanisław Lem’s “Garden of Experiments”
Now, I think this is a pretty neat place to spend an interesting warm afternoon. The Garden of Experiences, a branch of the Museum of Municipal Engineering, spans about 6 hectares. It houses geological and sensory exhibitions, a green maze, and devices showcasing various physical phenomena. Whether you’re young or just young at heart, it’s a cool place to be!
17. Jan Matejko’s Manor House
Apart from the stunning architecture at the Central Square and the gorgeous Nowohucki Lake, Nowa Huta is home to the Matejki Manor, a lesser-known attraction. Built in 1826, it’s now a museum where you can view Matejko’s paintings, his easel, and everyday objects. I am convinced that it’s a spot with an amazing ambiance and wonderful surroundings.
18. Obwarzanka Museum
Adding to Krakow’s unique collection of museums is the Obwarzanek Living Museum, located at 4 I. Paderewskiego Street. Opened in 2017, it lets you unravel the secrets of crafting this Krakow delicacy. They organize workshops in Polish and English, allowing you to delve deeper into the history, tradition, and obwarzanek-making process. Regular tickets go for PLN 20, and reduced tickets are PLN 18.
References:
- https://www.morizon.pl/blog/28-rzeczy-za-darmo-w-krakowie/
- https://www.noclegowo.pl/atrakcje/krakow/
