The Polish city has grown in popularity for European travelers in recent times for the abundance of things to do in Krakow. The most popular tourist cities in Europe like Paris cost quite a lot per day, which is why cities like Krakow have become more popular. Cheaper options are now seen as better for a lot of travelers, especially if traveling solo. The old and historic Polish city has been preserved very well throughout the years and still looks amazingly modern despite its old structures.
There are a lot of hostels that are more than happy to accept and accommodate solo travelers, with them all offering a lot of things to do in Krakow for solo travelers.
Not only does Krakow have a lot of activities to get on with, but it’s also a great place to relax and enjoy the unique architecture.
In this guide, we will explore the most amazing things to do in Krakow for solo travelers and give you advice on the best times to visit, famous nearby attractions and important travel tips to follow.
1. Visit the Main Square (Rynek Główny)
The main square is a hot-spot for tourists and it’s no surprise, as there are so many things to do in Krakow within this area. There are so many attractions in and around the square for travelers to enjoy with a bunch of museums and bars to visit.
There is always a unique atmosphere in the area, with the hustle and bustle creating a cool environment. Walking around the square is the most popular thing to do in Krakow.
Best time to visit:
- Visiting between May and September will give you the best weather.
- Both the day and night will give you a different experience.
Famous nearby attractions:
- Town Hall Tower
- Church of St. Wojciech
- Rynek Underground Museum
- Sukiennice
- St. Mary’s Basilica
- Amber Museum
Important tips:Try the main square food
Tip in restaurants
Visit the market
2. Wawel Castle
One of the best things to do in Krakow is visit the Wawel Castle, which is only a short walk away from the main square. It offers the perfect opportunity for solo travelers to free roam a historic landmark of Krakow. You can purchase tickets to explore the Royal Private Apartments, State Rooms, Crown Treasury, The Armoury and The Lapidarium.
Best time to visit:
- Visiting between May and September will give you the best weather.
- Going just before closing hour will be the time with the least crowds.
Famous nearby attractions:
- Avenue of Stars
- Wawel Dragon
- Dżok The Dog monument
- Bulwary Wisły
- Wawel Zaginiony
Important tips:
- Purchase tickets to enter the special attractions
- Take advantage of photo opportunities
- Use the audio guide
- Check the open and closing hours
3. Kanonicza Street
One of the smallest streets in Krakow, Kanonicza Street is popular among tourists as it used to be the home of Pope John Paul II. You’ll find statues, images and references to the pope, which are perfect for photo opportunities. There are also several pubs and restaurants on the street for solo travelers to enjoy.
Best time to visit:
- There is no strict time to visit, but the summer would offer the best weather.
Famous nearby attractions:
- National Museum
- The Archaeological Museum
- Wawel Castle
- La Campana
- Ławka Banacha i Nikodyma
Important tips:
- Take photographs
- Find out about the lore
- Try the local restaurants on the street
4. Kazimierz
Once its own independent city, Kazimierz has now merged with Krakow and is now one of the most visited areas in the city. There are numerous cafes, restaurants and bars located in the area and is a great place to explore solo. One of the best things to do in Krakow and Kazimierz is enjoy the local cuisine, which you will have problem doing in this old town.
Best time to visit:
- Late spring to early autumn is the most pleasant time to go
Famous nearby attractions:
- Jewish Square
- Galicia Jewish Museum
- Old Town Youth Culture Center
- Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel
- Father Bernatek’s Bridge
- Grunwald Bridge
Important tips:
- Walk along the Vistula riverbanks
- Visit the Galicia Jewish Museum
- See the Church on the Rock
- Respect the culture
5. Wodka Cafe Bar
The Wodka Cafe Bar in Krakow offers a great selection of different local vodkas for customers to enjoy. It has a special tray of six vodkas for a great value and it’s the best way to challenge your taste buds with intense vodka flavors. One of the funniest things to do in Krakow is having a few drinks and making new friends.
Best time to visit:
- Visit at around 7pm if you are preparing for a night out.
- Visit earlier in the day for less crowds.
Famous nearby attractions:
- Muzeum Inżynierii i Techniki
- Corpus Christi Basilica
- Okrąglak
- The Augustinian Monastery
- Synagoga Bne Emuna
Important tips:
- Not a lot of space
- Try the local vodka
- Speak to other visiting tourists
6. Vistula River
The Vistula River cuts right through the heart of Krakow and has plenty of fun activities to do. While you can’t swim in the river, as it is prohibited, you can practice water sports in some locations such as canoeing, sailing and motorboating. It’s definitely one of the most fun things to do in Krakow.
Best time to visit:
- The daytime has more activities to do on the river, such as canoeing.
Famous nearby attractions:
- Wawel Castle Hill
- Dębnicki Bridge
- Norbertine Monastery
- Manggha Museum
- Piłsudski Bridge
- Zwierzyniec Bridge
Important tips:
- Look at the cruise schedule
- Go to a boat party
- Join locals for morning runs by the river
7. Schindler’s Factory museum
The Schindler’s Factory Museum was part of the Schindler’s List film set and was given a major facelift in 2010. Since the film’s release, it has been one of the city’s most visited museums and is one of the most popular things to do in Krakow. It’s the perfect solo adventure location to learn more about WWII history.
With that being said, scams can sometimes happen in the main square so it’s important to be aware of purchasing fake tickets due to revolut scams.
Best time to visit:
- Monday’s are open for the shortest hours but there are free entry offerings on this day.
- Friday to Sunday is open for the longest hours.
Famous nearby attractions:
- Momento Pizzeria
- VRepublic – Virtual Reality Park
- Knitted Coffee
- Garden Residence
- Lego Museum
Important tips:
- Keep a lookout for free tickets
- Look at the exhibition rules
- Check the calendar of events
- Book three days in advance
8. Swim in Zakrzowek
These gorgeous turquoise waters are the complete contrast to the bustling main square of Krakow. Swimming in Zakrzowek is perhaps the best thing to do in Krakow for those solo travelers who want a peaceful haven away from large crowds. It has recently undergone renovations in 2023, so it is in peak condition.
Best time to visit:
- The summer time is the best time to visit for the best weather
- It’s famous for the morning swims
Famous nearby attractions:
- Zakrzówek Viewpoint
- Elvis’ Rock
- Church. Divine Savior
- Hiking Areas
- Column Shrine
Important tips:
- Converse with locals
- Take beautiful scenic photographs
- Go for a morning swim
9. Shooting Krakow (Shooting Range)
Shooting ranges are big in the city with many different options available for tourists and it’s one of the best things to do in Krakow for solo travelers. It’s important to watch out for Revolut scams when purchasing tickets for shooting ranges, so you want to make sure that you find official sources.
Best time to visit:
- The most popular shooting range has opening hours from 08:00 to 20:00, and is a very popular thing to do in Krakow.
Famous nearby attractions:
- THE BAP
- Stadion WKS Wawel Kraków
- Zaścianek
- Klub Studio
- Stadion Miejski
Important tips:
- Look for deals at hostels
- Get tickets in advance
- Gender-neutral toilets
10. Wanda Mound
The Wanda Mount is somewhat of a mystery for archaeologists who aren’t sure how it was made or exists. Entry to the top of the mound is free and you can get a beautiful view of Nowa Huta. Walking and viewing the eagle statue designed by Jan Matejko is a great thing to do in Krakow for solo travelers.
Best time to visit:
- If you stand there on November 4th or February 6th, it’s possible to observe the sunrise appearing directly over Krakus Mound.
Famous nearby attractions:
- ROD Wanda
- Kumir Dziadów
- Fort Pomocniczy Piechoty
- Nowa Huta Cultural Centre
Important tips:
- Visit the other nearby mounds
- Learn about the history of the mounds
- Wear the right footwear for climbing a mount
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Ferona Jose is a passionate travel writer and blogger at Travelistia. She has traveled throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas. Her writing focuses on cheap travel destinations, travel experiences, cultural insights, and travel hacks.