Walking through Old Town Krakow is like wading through centuries of history. The city still celebrates its former glory as Poland’s once royal capital – and we reveled in its regalness.
The pristinely preserved UNESCO World Heritage Old Town is picture-perfect. From the magnificent medieval main square to striking churches, we discovered the city step by step.
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We designed our own self-guided Old Town Krakow walking tour to follow in the footsteps of kings, admire the architecture and delve deep into the city’s royal and religious past.
To help you discover Krakow like we did, we are sharing our outlined walk – for free! It’s the perfect introduction and a fantastic first activity for any Krakow Itinerary.
About Our Self-Guided Krakow Walking Tour
Our Krakow Old Town walk closely follows the iconic Royal Route (Droga Królewska), but detours to a few hidden gems.
The complete tour is just under 2 miles long and will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete.
For walking directions, we have provided map links to each attraction. At the end of the article, you will find a map the shows the route in its entirety.
What You Need for your Walking Tour: Krakow, Poland
Before you set off, there are just a few things you will want to have with you!
Durable Shoes: Wear comfortable travel shoes; I like these everyday trainers and Kris wears trail shoes.
Day Bag: Bring a travel day pack that is big enough to stow everything you will need; we wear these small backpacks.
Camera: We use a DSLR Canon Rebel; it’s a fantastic camera for budget travelers.
Wi-Fi: For navigation, you will need a wireless connection. Upgrade to an international data plan, buy an eSIM or invest in a Pocket WiFi device (we like GlocalMe).
Want this tour without the advertisements? You can purchase it here for less than a milk bar lunch!
Old Town Krakow Walking Tour: Self-Guided
Alright, there is a lot to see in Krakow – so, lace up your shoes and let’s get going!
#1 Krakow Barbican
MAP. We begin our Krakow, Poland walking tour at the Barbican, one of the most eye-catching structures in the city.
Built in 1498, the Gothic, brick masterpiece served as a grandiose gateway to the Old Town.
With thick walls, seven watch towers and a moat, it was a vital part of the city’s defensive fortifications. Today, it houses exhibits from the Historical Museum (ticket required to enter).
Fun Fact: When kings were crowned in Krakow, the royal coronation route began at the Barbican.
#2 St. Florian’s Gate
MAP. The landmark Florian Gate reaches a height of 110 feet. It was one of the eight original towers and the only one standing today. Inside, there’s a small altar containing a painting of the Madonna.
The Baroque topper is a unique feature that was added in the 17th century – and the exterior carvings on the south and north facades were added in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The only preserved section of the remaining old city walls extends from both sides of the gate, letting you imagine what the city was like when it was completely encircled.
A greenbelt – called Planty Park – replaced the city walls when they were dismantled in the 1820s. With 30 gardens and more than 20 statues, the 2.5-mile loop is a wonderful place for a walk.
But for now, continue your walking tour of Krakow by strolling down Ulica Florianska. Lined with shops, cafes and restaurants, the ancient street leads directly into…
#3 Main Market Square Krakow
MAP. This massive space ranks as one of the largest medieval squares in all of Europe – and we believe it’s simply sublime.
Since its inception in the 13th century, Rynek Glowny has been the beating heart of trade and culture. It’s also home to a few of Krakow’s most important historic sights, which we outline in detail next.
#4 St. Mary’s Basilica
MAP. The 13th century, red-brick St. Mary’s Church is a Krakow must-see. In fact, it’s pretty much impossible to miss the mismatched towers that rise high above Rynek!
The North Tower, built as a lookout, measures 269 feet – while the South Tower, which holds the church bells, climbs 226 feet into the sky.
It’s from the North Tower that the legendary Hejnal is played. You can witness the tradition (and we recommend that you do) at the top of each hour when a trumpeter plays the 5-note bugle call in four successions.
The church interior is spectacularly decorated, as well. Most impressive is the 15th century, wooden-carved altarpiece; it’s a national treasure of Poland.
It’s free to go inside part of the church for prayer, but a ticket is required to view the famous altar.
Additionally, while the Krakow Bell Tower is closed to visitors, it is possible to tour the Bugle Tower. Only 10 people are allowed every 30 minutes – so it’s best to book in advance!
#5 St. Adalbert’s Church
MAP. Much more modest (and much older) than St. Mary’s is the Romanesque St. Adalbert’s. The humble stone church can trace its origins to the 11th century.
Situated in the spacious southern corner, the easy-to-overlook structure marks the spot where St. Adalbert once preached in the year 997.
In fact, the church is so old that the original entrance and floor are now several feet below street level, providing visual evidence of the city’s layered history.
Traditionally, market traders would pray at St. Adalbert’s – but today, it is open to all free of charge. The crypt hosts exhibitions that detail the church’s 1,000-year-long history and requires a ticket.
#6 Krakow Town Hall Tower
MAP. Now, shift your attention to the west corner of Rynek Glowny. Here, you will find a stand-alone, 230-foot-tall tower. It’s all that remains of the historic Town Hall (the rest was torn down in 1820).
Note that when you look up at the tower it appears to be leaning…that’s because it is! Due to storm damage in 1703, it tilts 55cm to the south, earning its nickname, “The Leaning Tower of Krakow.”
The basement was once used as a prison and torture chamber (you can enter with an admission ticket).
Displayed alongside the tower is the Eros Bendato bronze statue, also called “The Head.” The contemporary work of art was installed as part of a 2003 exhibition.
#7 Krakow Cloth Hall
MAP. Next on our self-guided walking tour of Krakow is the iconic Cloth Hall; it’s the building in the center of the square.
This long, covered space crammed with trading booths dates to the 1300s (with significant overhauls through the years).
Goods, like spices and wax, were brought from the east and exchanged for local products, like textiles and salt. Today, it’s a popular place to pick up a souvenir.
Additionally, there are two sensational museums located within the magnificent Cloth Hall: Rynek Underground and MNK Sukiennice.
The Underground is a fascinating city museum enhanced with hi-tech displays. We were completely enthralled by the history of the merchant stalls.
MNK Sukiennice is a gallery of 19th century Polish art. Tickets are required to enter either of these venues.
#8 St. Francis of Assisi Church
MAP. There are seemingly countless churches in Krakow, but the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is one really worth going inside to see!
It was consecrated in the mid-1200s and was one of Krakow’s first brick buildings. The original rib vaulting remains a key feature today.
What we found most captivating, was the vibrant and colorful Polish Art Nouveau decoration. The murals and stained glass are beautiful (and somewhat unexpected).
Also be sure not to miss the Passion of Christ Chapel, which contains a copy of the Shroud of Turin.
Yet another reason why we include this place on our Krakow self-guided walking tour is because of its link to Pope John Paul II.
Before becoming pope, he served as Bishop and Cardinal in Krakow and this was his daily place of worship. Find the pew at the back marked with a small plaque indicating where he was often found praying.
#9 Bishop’s Palace
MAP. This has been the official residence of bishops since the 14th century and is part of the larger St. Francis of Assisi religious complex.
When Pope John Paul II would visit Krakow after he became pope, he was known to lean from the upstairs window to give talks to crowds on the street. His smiling portrait now hangs in the same window.
#10 Grodzka Street
MAP. One of the oldest streets in Krakow, Grodzka connects the Main Square to the Royal Castle.
A bustling, pedestrianized zone of eateries, galleries and shops, the thoroughfare (literally) paved the way for the city’s grandiose processions and bustling trade route.
The street is marked with important buildings designed in an array of architectural styles – including both elegant tenement houses and exquisite houses of worship.
Top Tip: Looking for a cheap place to indulge in local Polish fare? Bar Mleczny Pod Temida on Grodzka is a communist-era cafeteria that doles out delicious traditional food.
#11 Church of St. Peter and Paul
MAP. One of the most mesmerizing buildings on Grodzka Street is the ornate Church of St. Peter and Paul.
Easily recognizable by the life-size 12 apostles standing on pedestals along the gate, it is truly enchanting from the outside.
That said, there are three reasons to step into the interior (besides that fact that it’s free). First, the church – specifically the high altar and ceiling – are beautifully Baroque.
Second, the space also serves as a National Pantheon, celebrating the lives of Poles who have excelled in the arts, science and culture.
Third, if you happen to be visiting on a Thursday, you can see the Foucault Pendulum, a device that dates to 1851 and proves the rotation of the earth.
#12 St. Andrew’s Church
MAP. Featuring a rustic mosaic of stone and brick on its façade, St Andrew’s is one of the oldest structures in Krakow.
Built between 1079 and 1098, it was designed to serve a dual purpose, both as a church and as a defensive fortress.
In fact, it is so sturdy that it survived the attack of the Mongols in 1241, while the rest of the city was reduced to rubble.
In the 17th century, the interior was bestowed with lavish Baroque and Rococo décor. The sumptuous style truly took my breath away and it’s free to enter!
#13 Kanonicza Street
MAP. Nicknamed the “Most Beautiful Street in Krakow,” Kanonicza is marked by 14th century mansions and palatial residences.
Most of the stately dwellings were once occupied by the canons of the Wawel Cathedral, thus the lane’s name. The houses at numbers 17 and 19 are the most significant (and require a ticket).
Number 17 is called the Mansion of Bishop Erazm Ciolek; it’s considered to be the most remarkable house on the street. It now hosts the National Museum boasting medieval art displays.
Pope John Paul II – then known as Father Karol Wojtyla – lived at Number 19. His former residence has been renovated into the Archdiocesan Museum of Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, which features a collection of religious art and artifacts from his life.
#14 Wawel Castle and Cathedral
MAP. Finally, you have reached the Wawel Castle – a Krakow, Poland show-stopping attraction!
Sitting atop Wawel Hill, the complex is comprised of both the famous stronghold and historic cathedral, which are situated around a large courtyard and gardens.
The hill itself has been home to civilizations since the Paleolithic Age; there is evidence of a castle here from the 11th century.
Expanded, destroyed and ruled by various powers, the elaborate estate is an interesting blend of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.
The castle hosts a number of exhibitions, each of which require a ticket. Top things to see are the State Art Collection, the Crown Treasury, the Armory and the Underground. For current admission info, see the official website.
Tickets are also required for the Wawel Cathedral, but includes entry into the Royal Tombs, the Sigismund Bell Tower and Cathedral Museum. Find more details on their website.
The grounds, including the Royal Gardens, are open to visitors for free. Note that the best castle views, however, are from the Debnicki Bridge, which is just a short walk along the Vistula River.
#15 Fire-Breathing Dragon
MAP. What good is having a castle without a fire-breathing dragon to protect it? The Wawel Dragon breathes fiery flames at regular intervals – and his story is deeply rooted in local legends.
According to the classic fairytale, the beast resided in a nearby cave (which you can visit with a ticket). He terrorized the city – but no knight could defeat him.
At last, a humble shoemaker concocted a plan to lure the dragon to eat a sheep stuffed with explosives…and that was that. The shoemaker was a hero and was allowed to marry the king’s daughter!
BONUS: St. Stanislaus at Skalka
MAP. The grand white church on the bank of the Vistula River has many names.
It’s known as the Church of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr and Pauline Fathers Monastery and, simply, Skalka – or Church on the Rock.
It has an equally lengthy – and somewhat gripping – story. On the site in 1079, Bishop Stanislaus was executed by order of Polish King Boleslaw II the Bold.
Soon after, the king fell under a curse and his family built the church as repentance. Inside, find the altar hosting the stump on which Stanislaus was dismembered (yes, there’s actually a bloody stump).
Outside, the pool where the Stanislaus statue stands, is where his body parts were tossed. The water is now said to have healing powers, but we can’t personally vouch for that.
Beneath the church is a crypt that’s worth exploring. Here, you will find the tombs of some of Krakow’s most distinguished citizens.
We hope you enjoyed this Krakow Old Town tour. If you are ready to see more, our Self-Guided Krakow Jewish Walking Tour begins just steps away!
Old Town Krakow Walking Tour Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Krakow map below.
More Krakow Tours
We feel embarking on a Old Town Krakow Walking Tour is a fabulous way to get acquainted with the city.
That said, joining a local guide and meeting fellow travelers can be fun, too! We are highlighting a few of the best themed tours in Krakow.
Krakow City Tour: One of the highly touted guided Krakow walks, this 2.5-hour adventure covers all the highlights!
Krakow Foodie Tour: Dive into the local food culture with this fabulous feast!
Bike Tour of Krakow: Cover more ground in less time on two wheels with this small group outing!
Start planning your trip to Poland! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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- What To Do in Warsaw
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