Good things in life come free… Well, not when you are on holiday. Famous landmark entries, museums, or even a local souvenir, those are usually not the cheapest things. And, it gets really pricey when you travel with a family, and your budget covers four or so tickets. But then again, not everything costs money, and there are ways to build unforgettable memories, without going bankrupt. I have written about free things in Warsaw already, and now let me show you the free things to do in Kraków.
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Kraków Free Things To Do – The Old Town
The Royal Route
The Old Two in Kraków is stunning, and every single corner is worth exploring, and this is actually one of the best free things to do in Kraków. Following the Royal Route will take you through the most representative places and landmarks in Kraków.
Here is the list of some things to pay attention to, as you pass by them.
- Barbacan – gothic fortifications, one of the three existing.
- Florian Gate (Brama Floriańska) – the main of the seven gates leading to the city.
- Florian Street (Ulica Floriańska) – the route of the coronation and funeral processions of monarchs, led through here.
- Collegium Iuridicum -from the 15th century, it housed lecture halls, an assembly hall, an oratory, and a library for lawyers.
- Jan Długosz House – In the year 1450, the first royal chronicler, and King’s son’s teacher, lived here. Stanislav Wyspiański, a famous, playwright and painter, spent his childhood there.
- St. Mary’s Cathedral (Kościół Mariacki) – one of the most recognizable landmarks of Kraków, built for 159 years, it has its final look in the 16th century.
- St. Wojciech Church – dates from the turn of the 11th/12th century.
- Old Town Market – The huge, main city square was laid out in 1257. It was built at the intersection of former trade routes and it kept its shape until today.
- Tenements along Rynek Główny Street – those townhouses are dated back to the 15/16th centuries.
The Old Town Market
One of the biggest and best-preserved medieval markets in the world, built on the chessboard plan, is accessible from every part of the Old Town.
Surrounded by beautiful tenements, has been for centuries a focal point of the city, here is the heart of Kraków, with live performances, traditional stalls, and meeting points for all. Being there, getting the vibe of this place, watching pigeons, listening to the Hejnał Mariacki is a priceless moment, yet one of the free things to do in Kraków.
Sukiennice – The Cloth Hall
Sukiennice is one of the most recognizable places not only in Kraków but in the whole country of Poland. Back in the 15th century, this place was a major center of international trade.
Traveling merchants met here to discuss business and to barter. Today, merchants still are here, selling traditional and handmade goods. This is a great place to get a perfect keepsake from Kraków.
Kościół Mariacki – St, Mary Church
This Cathedral might seem like one of many more Cathedrals in the main squares of every big city in Europe, but there is something unique about this one. The masterpiece altar fitted inside is one of a kind, it has dimensions of 11 × 13 m. The height of the largest figures is approx. 2.8 m, and it is the largest Gothic altar in Europe. It is made of wood and covered with gold.
The author of this masterpiece, Wit Stwosz, worked on it for 12 years, and the cost of the altar was the equivalent of the town’s annual budget plus a few tenements… quite a lot of many back then. The entry to the church is free, and it costs about 15 PLN to visit the altar. It is very impressive and, at the same time, one of the cheap things to do in Kraków.
Wawel Hill And Castle Courtyards
The castle courtyard, Tadeusz Kościuszko monument, and the viewing deck can be visited for free. A slow walk around the castle takes about 30 minutes, you can end it at the Vistula Boulevards, where you are going to meet the Wawelski Dragon.
Wawelski Dragon
The legend has it, that the dragon, that lived below the castle, ate all the livestock, and people were left with no food. The king promised a generous reward, for the brave knight that would kill the dragon. Many tried, but the dragon was stronger.
One poor young shoemaker called Szewczyk Dratewka came up with an idea on how to kill the dragon. He filled the sheep with poison and gave it to the dragon.
Dragon ate the sheep and got sick. To ease the stomach pain, he drank water from the Vistula River. He drank half the river’s water, but this thirst wasn’t easing. The dragon eventually burst from the water, and the young shoemaker, married the princess.
The statue of the dragon is placed on the boulevard, beneath the castle, and every 15 minutes it breathes with the fire.
This is a great attraction for kids. If you are a bit tired already, go there, let the kids enjoy the show while you can rest. And this is another idea for free things to do in Kraków. And here is an insider tip from me, there are souvenir stands in that area, and you can get fridge magnets from there with a bargain piece.
Słowacki Theatre
To watch the plays is not for free, but visiting the theatre itself – is. This is a true architectural gem. It dates back to the 19th century.
The facade, adorned with sculptures and decorative elements, draws the eye. The interiors boast impressive craftsmanship, with ornate ceilings, chandeliers, and details that create an atmosphere of artistic refinement.
Kazimierz Quarters – Free Things To Do in Kraków
Kazimierz in Krakow, has a rich Jewish heritage that dates back to the 14th century. It was once a separate town and became one of the centers of Jewish life and culture in Poland. While the Jewish population in Kazimierz was largely decimated during the Holocaust, the district remains a symbol of Jewish history and has become a cultural heritage.
It’s a vibrant place known for its cultural and artistic life, attracting Bohemian spirits. It’s filled with crowded cafés, art studios, galleries, and unique pubs and restaurants.
Listing them all is difficult due to their diverse character and countless options in the area. This place is like stepping into an interactive museum of art and culture, you can feel it in the air, and it is free, however, I recommend trying the food in one of the Jewish restaurants. It is delicious.
Rainbow Stairs – Best Free Things To Do in Kraków
This is one of the coolest places in Kraków, a very Instagrammable too. You can take pictures there, or just sit, and chat for a moment, look at how your day, holiday, or even life – going.
There is a meaningful sentence on each step, only in Polish, but maybe you’d be lucky and have someone there to translate it for you. Never grow up– it’s one of the sentences there.
With a bit of imagination, you can create in here unforgettable memories with your loved ones. And this is another thing you can do in Kraków for free.
Vistula Boulevards
Strolling down the Vistula riverbanks is definitely one of the most romantic things you can do in Kraków.
Especially during the summer. The banks of the river are regulated, and you can walk just a step away from the body of water. Kids playgrounds, and benches in the park will offer you a moment of break.
Free Entrance Days At The Museums in Kraków
Most of the Museums offer one day a week with free entry. I put together a list for you of all the interesting museums to visit for free.
- Free Entrance on Mondays
- Free Entrance on Tuesdays
- Free Entrance on Wednesday
- Free Entrance on Thursday
Visit At Ojcowski National Park
Ojcowski Park is listed as the National Park of Poland. It is located in the near distance from Kraków. The entry to the park is free of charge, however, there are tickets to enter certain objects within the park. Price lists apply, but the price ranges around 10-20 PLN.
Cheap Things To Do In Kraków
Try Obwarzanki (pretzels)
Pretzels are a must-try food in Kraków. There are stalls with them at the Old Town Market. It is traditional local food in Kraków.
Wawel Cathedral Tower
You can view from here over the banks of the river and the whole of the Old Town. The tickets are 12 PLN per person.
Kościuszko Mount
A place a bit away from the center of Kraków, but the view from there is breathtaking. Ticket – 14PLN
Zapiekanki
You have to have zapiekanka, when visiting Poland, try the ones at Kazimierz Quarters, more information on what to look for, in this article.
Kraków Walking Tour
The tour guide does not ask for money for his work but it is appropriate to pay him at the end of the tour the amount of money that you consider is right for the service you received. It varies from 30PLN to 200PLN.
Depending on how big of a group you are, this can come out as a very cheap thing to do in Kraków.
Take Photos And Build Memories
This is the best of the free things to do in Kraków, or anywhere else, for that matter. Feel the vibe, take pictures, write down interesting insights, and keep them forever.
More about Krakow:
- Best breakfast in Kraków
- Why Kraków in winter is always a good idea?
- Are there any beaches in Kraków? Yes!
- Best tours in Kraków
- Fun facts about Kraków that will probably surprise you!
- best day trips from Kraków
- Where to eat in Kraków?
- the most romantic things to do in Kraków for couples
- best places to visit in Kraków
- thermal baths in Kraków
Share in the comments, if you know about other free things to do in Kraków.
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