Krakow · Poland · Things to do
5 things to do in Krakow with kids
The five best things to do in Krakow with kids are the Main Market Square, Wawel Castle and its dragon, the old town lanes, the Wieliczka salt mine and the Cloth Hall. Four of the five sit within a short walk of each other in the old town, and the salt mine is a half-day trip just outside the city.
What to do, in order
- 1
See the main square
Krakow's Main Market Square is commonly described as the largest medieval town square in Europe. It is a huge open space with horse carriages, flower sellers and pigeons, which children enjoy chasing. Every hour a trumpeter plays a short tune from the taller tower of St Mary's Basilica, and the melody stops mid-note on purpose, a story children like to hear. Come early in the evening, when the stone glows and the cafes set out tables. Nearly everything else in the old town starts from here.
- 2
Explore Wawel Castle
Wawel is a hill above the Vistula river with a Renaissance castle and a cathedral where Polish kings were crowned. Children usually care most about the dragon. A statue at the foot of the hill breathes fire every few minutes, and a cave below the castle is linked to the legend. Tickets are sold for separate parts of the complex, so choose one or two rooms rather than trying everything. The grounds are free to walk, and the view over the river makes a good picnic stop.
- 3
Wander the old town lanes
The old town is ringed by the Planty, a green park that follows the line of the former walls, so walking is pleasant and mostly flat. Inside, lanes of coloured townhouses lead to courtyards, bakeries and cafes. Look for obwarzanek, a ring-shaped bread sold from street carts, and for the zapiekanka street food in the Kazimierz district. Kazimierz, the former Jewish quarter, is a short walk south and has a quieter, more bohemian feel. Cobblestones are bumpy for strollers, so a carrier helps.
- 4
Go down the salt mine
The Wieliczka Salt Mine sits just outside Krakow, and a guided tour takes you down about 800 steps to chambers carved from salt, including an underground chapel with chandeliers and sculptures made of salt. A lift brings you back up. The route is a few kilometres and takes about two hours, and the temperature underground stays cool, so bring a jacket even in summer. Book a timed slot ahead, especially at weekends and in school holidays. Public transport and organised tours both run from the city.
- 5
Visit the Cloth Hall
The Cloth Hall, or Sukiennice, stands in the middle of the Main Market Square and has been a trading hall for centuries. Ground-floor stalls sell amber jewellery, wooden toys, leather goods and Polish handicrafts, which makes it an easy place to find souvenirs. Upstairs is a gallery of nineteenth-century Polish art, run as part of the National Museum. Children often prefer the stalls to the paintings, so keep the visit short. Prices at the stalls are usually fixed, though a small discount for several items is common.
Plan it
- Best time
- May to September has the warmest weather, and the main square is lively until late. December has a well-known Christmas market in the square. Winter is cold and snowy, but it suits the salt mine and museums.
- How long
- Three days covers all five with some slack. Add a day if you want a day trip further afield or a longer visit to the castle.
- Getting around
- The old town is compact and walkable. Trams and buses cover the rest, and trains and buses connect to Wieliczka. Ride-hailing apps work well and are cheap compared with Western Europe.
Good to know
- Book salt mine tickets for a specific time slot, especially at weekends and in school holidays.
- Stay inside or near the Planty ring so everything in the old town is within walking distance.
- Try pierogi at a milk bar, a simple cafeteria-style restaurant that is cheap and easy for children.
Frequently asked
Is Krakow good for kids? +
Yes. The old town is walkable, there is a dragon at the castle, a salt mine with chapels carved from salt, and plenty of easy food. Cobblestones are a challenge for strollers, so a carrier is useful.
How many days do you need in Krakow? +
Three days covers the old town, Wawel Castle, Kazimierz and the Wieliczka salt mine at an easy pace. Two days is possible but rushed with children.
Is the Wieliczka salt mine suitable for children? +
Yes, for most children old enough to walk about two hours. The tour has many steps down and a lift back up. It stays cool underground, so bring a jacket, and check the age rules when booking.
When is the best time to visit Krakow? +
May to September for warm weather and long days, or December for the Christmas market. Winter is cold, while spring and autumn are pleasant with fewer visitors.