Kraków tours and tickets
Kraków has three bookings that matter. Auschwitz-Birkenau needs a timed entry weeks ahead in summer, the Wieliczka Salt Mine needs a slot a week or so ahead, and Wawel is best booked a few days ahead. The market square, Kazimierz and the Planty are free. Schindler's Factory also fills quickly.
Book these first
- Auschwitz-Birkenau entry
- weeks ahead in summer. Entry is by timed ticket, and the memorial limits numbers.
- Wieliczka Salt Mine tickets
- a week or more ahead. Tours run on set times and fill up in peak season.
- Wawel Castle tickets
- a few days ahead in summer. Entry to each part is timed, and some sections have limited places.
Nobody pays to be on this page. The Viator buttons are partner links: if you book through one, Viator may pay us a commission, at no cost to you. Where the official site sells the ticket, we link it too. How we rank
Museums and galleries
Schindler's Factory
A museum of the occupation of Kraków, in the former enamel factory. The exhibition is detailed and takes about two hours. Entry is by timed ticket.
Which to pick. Book a timed slot online. Go in the morning, and allow time to absorb the material.
A week or more aheadVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorCzartoryski Museum
A museum in the old town with Leonardo's Lady with an Ermine and a collection of old masters. Entry is by timed ticket.
Which to pick. Book a slot ahead if the painting is the reason. Buy at the door on a weekday outside peak season.
A few days aheadTours and tickets on ViatorRynek Underground
An archaeological museum beneath the main market square, showing the medieval market. Timed tickets, and a visit takes about an hour.
Which to pick. Book a slot online in summer. It is a good option on a rainy day.
A few days ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Churches and palaces
Wawel Castle and Cathedral
A hill of royal rooms, a cathedral with tombs, treasury and towers. Tickets are separate for each part, and some have daily limits.
Which to pick. Book the parts you want a few days ahead, and arrive early. A guide helps to join the pieces together.
A few days ahead in summerVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorSt Mary's Basilica
A Gothic church on the market square with a carved altarpiece by Veit Stoss. A tower has a trumpet call on the hour. Entry has a ticket, and the altarpiece is only visible in certain hours.
Which to pick. Buy the ticket at the door and check the altarpiece hours. A guide is optional.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial
The former Nazi camp, now a memorial and museum, about 90 minutes from the city. Entry is by timed ticket, and a guide is required for most slots in busy periods.
Which to pick. Book the official ticket as soon as the dates are fixed. Choose a guided visit or a trip with transport, and leave time to reflect afterwards.
Weeks ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorWieliczka Salt Mine
A UNESCO site with a route through chambers and carved chapels underground, about 30 minutes from the city. Tours are guided and timed.
Which to pick. Book a timed slot ahead and wear warm clothes. The tourist route is enough, and the mining route is more physical.
A week or more aheadOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorZakopane
A mountain town in the Tatras, about two hours by bus, with a funicular to a nearby ridge and streets of traditional wooden houses. It is a long day trip but very different from the city.
Which to pick. Go for a full day, and take the funicular to Gubałówka. A tour suits those without a car.
A few days aheadTours and tickets on Viator
Guided walks and tours
Kazimierz Jewish quarter walk
A walk through the old Jewish quarter, with synagogues, the cemetery and the history of the community before and after the war.
Which to pick. Take a guided walk if you want the full story. The streets are free to wander alone.
A day or two aheadTours and tickets on ViatorOld town walking tour
A walk from the market square along the Royal Way to Wawel, covering the main landmarks and the history of the old town and its merchants. It usually takes about two hours.
Which to pick. Take a small-group tour in the morning. The old town is compact and can also be explored alone.
On the day is fineTours and tickets on Viator
Food tours and classes
Pierogi making class
A hands-on class in making dumplings with local fillings, such as cheese, potato or meat, followed by a meal. Some classes include a vodka tasting alongside.
Which to pick. Book a class that includes a meal, so the work becomes lunch or dinner. They are small and fill up in summer, so reserve early.
A week aheadTours and tickets on ViatorFood tour
A walking tour of milk bars, markets and the old Jewish quarter, with tastings of local dishes and some stories about the food of the region. Most last about three hours.
Which to pick. Go on a weekday when the markets are open and busy. Check dietary needs when you book, and arrive hungry for the tastings.
A few days aheadTours and tickets on Viator
City and museum passes in Kraków
- Kraków CardA pass for museums and public transport for a set number of days. It suits a visit with many paid sights. It does not cover Auschwitz or Wieliczka, so check the list. Official page
Booking tours and tickets in Kraków
Do I need a guide at Auschwitz?
In busy periods a guide is required for most slots. Booking a guided visit or a trip with a guide is the simplest option.
Is Wieliczka worth a half day?
Yes, if you like underground sights. Allow about three hours including travel. Wear warm clothes.
Can I book Wawel on the day?
Often, outside peak season. In summer, tickets for the cathedral parts and the treasury can run out.
Is the Kraków Card worth it?
If you plan three or more paid museums plus transport, yes. For a short visit with just Wawel, no.
Is Schindler's Factory suitable for children?
The exhibition is dense and has distressing content. Many families choose to skip it with younger children.
What can wait until I arrive?
The market square, St Mary's, Kazimierz, the Planty and a food tour can all be done on the day. Book Auschwitz, Wieliczka and Schindler's Factory first.