Krakow Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Krakow, Malopolskie, Poland)

Many of the most popular tourist attractions within Krakow are best explored on foot, with much of the finest sightseeing available within the Old Town area known as the Stare Miasto. Those wishing to take a stroll around Krakow will be able to soak up the atmosphere, particularly around the Planty, once a moat and today a series of gardens surrounding the district.

Tourists should start by heading to St. Florian's Gate, then walk down Royal Way and look out for the interesting attractions around the Rynek Glówny area, where the hourly trumpet of Hejnal Mariacki can often be heard. Further tourist attractions line the banks of the River Vistula and many people holidaying in Krakow choose to rent a bike and cycle alongside this waterway.

Teatr im Juliusza Slowackiego w Krakowie (Slowackiego Theatre / Juliusz Slowacki Theatre)

Address: Plac Sw Ducha 1, Krakow, PL-31023, Poland, PL
The biggest and most significant of all Krakow's many theatres, the Juliusz Slowacki Theatre is palatial in its appearance and dates back to 1893, when its design was inspired by some of the very best of Europe's theatres and opera houses. Located on the Plac Sw Ducha, otherwise known as the Holy Ghost Square, the Slowackiego Theatre regularly hosts operatic events, musicals and concerts, and is just as impressive on the inside, where you will find ornate decoration, a marble staircase and grand chandeliers.
Open hours: hours vary according to performance
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

Planty

Address: Old Town, Krakow, PL-31033, Poland, PL
The Planty has become an integral part of Old Town Krakow and one of its most important day-to-day attractions. Formerly a moat encompassing the whole district, this stretch of water was filled in many years ago and countless sections have been planted with trees, gardens and flowers, particularly on the western side. This is quite simply the best place for a stroll in the city and the Planty is punctuated by a series of benches, where you can sit, enjoy the views and watch an array of street entertainers.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Teatr Stary (Old Theatre)

Address: Plac Szczepanska, Krakow, PL-32200, Poland, PL
Krakow's most historic of its theatres, the aptly named Old Theatre, known by the Polish as the Teatr Stary, has been operating for more than 200 years, first opening its doors at the very end of the 18th century. Following much renovation during the early 20th century, the Teatr Stary now boasts a strong Art Nouveau appearance, featuring regular theatrical performances and even a small museum area. The Old Theatre lies within the Stare Miasto district and on the Szepanski Square (Plac Szczepanska).
Open hours: hours vary according to performance
Admission: charge, discounts available

Krakowski Ogrod Zoologiczny (City Zoo / Zoological Gardens)

Address: Las Wolski, Krakow, Poland, PL
One of the best family orientated attractions in Krakow, the City Zoo enjoys an attractive forest setting, being surrounded by the woodland of Las Wolski, which covers some 1,235 acres / 500 hectares. The zoo itself covers almost 50 acres / 20 hectares and was founded in 1917, just 10 km / 6 miles to the west of the historic Stare Miasto district. Amongst the 1,500 animals are many exotic birds, a large groups of pygmy hippos, wild cats, chimps, sea lions and a number of endangered species.
Open hours: daily, April to October - 09:00 to 19:00; November to March - 09:00 to 15:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children