Do you wonder what you can see in the capital of Lesser Poland besides the market square with the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and Wawel Castle? A weekend in Kraków can be full of fantastic activities – both for enthusiasts of arts and culture, those interested in outdoor activities and in discovering the corners, which turn out to be local gems!
Culture and arts
Maria Peszek, Natalia Przybysz… the performances of famous singers and bands enhance Kraków’s artistic climate. Pop in and see what’s on at the Kleparz Forts (Forty Kleparz) music bar or the Kraków Philharmonic. Look through the repertoire for the Słowacki Theatre and the Banialuka Puppet Theatre. Enjoy the multitude of choices!
Do you know that the National Museum in Kraków has as many as 900 thousand exhibits? Some of them you can find in one of its branches, namely Józef Mehoffer’s House. Remember this useful tip that all permanent exhibitions are free of charge on Tuesdays.
Another interesting place associated with culture, but this time from the opposite side of the globe, is the Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology. It presents traditional and contemporary art, and will give you a large dose of knowledge about the culture of this region. This museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków MOCAK , which is adjacent to Oscar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, a branch of the Historical Museum of Kraków, is a must. This is a unique space on the map of Poland, which will impress not only art lovers.
An active outdoor weekend in Kraków – by bike and on foot
Enthusiasts of outdoor activities can enjoy must-see walking trails on the Vistula River, but we also recommend Jordan Park, where you can play football, basketball or volleyball with your friends on dedicated fields or tennis on a fenced tennis court.
Although the history of this place is quite complicated, today it is the excursion destination for many people who want to be close to nature. The Liban Quarry (Kamieniołom Liban) should not be missed when planning your outdoor weekend activities in Kraków. It has a long tradition of mining limestone (it dates back to the 14th century). It will impress you with its majesty!
For great views, you can visit the Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec, where you can get to by using the picturesque bicycle route.
What about outside the city?
If you need an idea for a -day trip, it’s easy. Just plan a bicycle trip to the Ojców National Park. Even though it is the smallest of our national parks, it has a lot to offer. The most recognisable features are Hercules’s Bludgeon (Maczuga Herkulesa), Kraków’s Gate (Brama Krakowska), Ojców Castle and Pieskowa Skała castle. There are also about 700 different caves!
If you love discovering what is hidden in the earth, we encourage you to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so when planning a weekend in Kraków and its surroundings, it is worthwhile planning a visit to the salt chambers and underground lakes.
Kraków’s Kazimierz district on the weekend
The city charms visitors with its exceptional, small streets in the Kazimierz district, so do not miss this point on the map! For example, Józefa Street is an icon of its boho style with alluring cafés, art galleries and antique shops.
This is also the right place to indulge yourself with various cuisines. Try an exotic Israeli style breakfast is served in the Ranny Ptaszek (early bird) café, or enjoy your coffee and cake with friends in the proprietary chain of Massolit Bakery & Cafe. When you decided to visit the Kazimierz district in Kraków, don’t forget to pop into the Halicka restaurant located in the PURO hotel.
Kraków is a magical city where its worthwhile to get carried away on your own two feet, regardless of whether you have just moved in or you have been living in Kraków for years. this city can inspire you with artistic events and amaze you with nature, where you can relax, away from the hustle and bustle of the city!
