While most visitors to Krakow flock to well-known attractions like Wawel Castle and the Main Market Square, there’s a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered off the beaten path.
After living in Krakow for five years and visiting countless times since I got to know the city very well. Some of these attractions might not be news to people who know Krakow well, but most tourists miss them.
So join me as we explore some of Krakow’s best-kept secrets, from tranquil green spaces and charming museums to historic sites that whisper tales of the past.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these hidden gems in Krakow will offer you a fresh perspective on one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
Article overview
1. Zakrzówek Park & Lake
One of my favorite things to do in Krakow during the summer months is to bike along the river to Zakrzówek Park & Lake. Despite offering a serene escape from Krakow’s busy streets, Zakrzówek remains a relatively hidden gem among tourists.
This former limestone quarry has been transformed into a stunning blue lagoon, surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush greenery. Recently five enclosed swimming pools of varying depths, connected by wide wooden floating docks, were installed.
The crystal-clear waters of Zakrzówek make it a popular spot for locals seeking a refreshing swim, summers are extremely hot in Krakow, while its trails attract hikers and nature enthusiasts year-round.
2. Botanical Garden
Another one of my favorite hidden gems in Krakow is the Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden. This spring I took my mother here, we walked over from the Old Town and enjoyed the view of beautiful flower trees while having some iced tea in the café.
Poland’s oldest botanical garden is the perfect place to unwind with a good book, take a leisurely stroll, or simply sit and soak in the beauty of nature. Established in 1783, this garden is a living museum of plant life, with over 5,000 species from around the world.
If you’ve been reading my blog you know that I’m a big palm tree lover, so the “Jubilee” palm house is a highlight for me. Here you can admire a collection of around 50 species of palms, including one of the oldest collections of sago palms in Europe.
3. Metrum Restobistro
UPDATE 2025 – The new rector has closed the café for outside visitors, I’ll keep you updated if it changes.
Metrum Restobistro, set on the rooftop of the Academy of Music, is one of Krakow’s best-kept secrets and a personal favorite of mine. It is one of those places I love to take friends and family when I’m showing them around.
The views are spectacular, you can see all the way to Wawel Castle and the balloon on the other side of the Vistula River, as well as the rooftops and churches of the Old Town. It is open from morning to 6:00 pm every day.
Just walk in the main entrance and use the elevator on your left. The menu is simple but everything I’ve tasted so far has been tasty. Looking for more great places to eat? Be sure to check out my complete Krakow restaurant guide!
4. St. Joseph’s Church
The Church of St. Joseph, a stunning neo-Gothic masterpiece, often gets overshadowed by the city’s more famous landmarks. While it isn’t exactly hidden, most first-time visitors I’ve talked to missed it. Along with Wawel Castle, it is my favorite landmark in Krakow.
Located in the charming Podgórze district, previously the Jewish Ghetto, this church is like stepping into a fairytale with its intricate spires, ornate stained glass windows, and beautifully detailed façade.
Every time I walk past it, I’m in awe of how beautiful it is, yet it is so calm there. Inside, the grandeur continues with soaring arches and exquisite altars. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but if you’re already walking along the river, I highly recommend stopping by.
5. Galeria LueLue
One of the things I like most about the Kazimierz neighborhood in Krakow is the many cute and quirky boutiques. From vintage jewelry and clothing to handcrafted decor items and photos, you’re sure to find a unique souvenir to bring home.
Galeria LueLue is one of those hidden gems that is easy to miss. Tucked away next to the Tempel Synagogue, it specializes in vintage-style photography, art prints, and quirky souvenirs depicting Krakow’s rich history.
From iconic scenes of old Krakow to whimsical, contemporary designs, I always get cards and prints for my photo wall at home. I love buying souvenirs that I will actually use and want to show off.
6. muWi Stained Glass Museum
As a lover of all things creative, discovering the muWi Stained Glass Museum in Krakow was like finding a hidden treasure trove of color. Tucked away from the usual tourist routes, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricate art of stained glass making.
It is the oldest, continuously operating workshop of its kind in Poland, located in the same building since 1902. It is here that the most outstanding works of Polish stained glass, for castles and grand mansions, were created over the years.
The museum showcases beautiful pieces and allows you to see artisans at work, which is an experience you don’t often get. You can even try it yourself!
7. Tyniec Abbey
One of my absolute favorite hidden gems near Krakow is the Benedictine Abbey of Tyniec. The Medieval fortress is perched on a hill overlooking the Vistula River, and getting there is half the fun.
I love renting a bike and following the scenic riverside path from Krakow to the abbey. It is so nice, with beautiful views and plenty of spots to stop and take in the surroundings. The abbey’s ancient walls and tranquil atmosphere make it feel like stepping back in time.
The monks still live and work there, and you can sample their homemade products like honey and herbal liqueurs. Doubling as a guesthouse, you can even book an overnight stay. Or if you are limited on time, I highly recommend the guided tour below.
8. Stary Kleparz
Stary Kleparz, located just a short walk from the Main Market Square, is a vibrant slice of local life that many tourists overlook. It is Krakow’s oldest market, where you can find flowers, locally grown vegetables, cheeses and meats available fresh every day at affordable prices.
During the warmer months, it is a popular place to sit down for a quick bite with friends. I also like to pick up a few treats and have a little picnic down by the river.
Kleparz is a mostly residential neighborhood, one of the nicest in central Krakow. If you want to escape the crowds of the Old Town, go for a walk and enjoy the beautiful Art Nouveau architecture here.
9. Krakus Mound
Whenever I need a break from the city’s hustle and bustle, I head over to Krakus Mound, which offers incredible views across the city. It is the oldest of the five mounds in Krakow, dating back to sometime between the 7th and early 10th century.
Climbing up to the top is a bit of a workout, but the reward is absolutely worth it. Once you’re up there, the city stretches out below you, with the Vistula River winding through and the distant spires of Wawel Castle peeking out. It’s a peaceful place to relax, have a picnic, or simply sit and enjoy the view.
The history of Krakus Mound is fascinating too—legend has it that it’s the burial site of King Krak, the mythical founder of Krakow.
10. Liban Quarry & Plaszow
Just next to Krakus Mound, you’ll see Liban Quarry mostly overgrown by trees with some rusty structures. Parts of Schindler’s List were filmed here. Steven Spielberg had a replica of the Kraków-Płaszów Concentration Camp made.
I have seen some people hike down to the bottom, but it is very steep so I never dared to. However, if you continue down the path from Krakus Mound, along the quarry, you will reach the remains of the real Kraków-Płaszów Concentration Camp.
It was ruined by the Nazis towards the end of the war and has since been turned into a sprawling nature reserve with memorials, informational plaques, and maps of the camp.
Exploring the Liban Quarry and the remains of the Plaszow Concentration Camp has been one of the most poignant and eye-opening experiences I’ve had in central Krakow. While I was last there, a choir sang making the experience even more emotional.
11. Remains of the Ghetto wall
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Podgórze neighborhood, the former Jewish Ghetto, fragments of the old wall stand as a reminder of the past. In 1941, the area was enclosed by a wall made of barbed wire and stone designed to look like tombstones.
There are two sites where you can see the wall, one ul. Lwowska 29 and ul. Limanowskiego 62. The latter section is less visited yet longer and arguably more moving.
The plaque reads: “Here they lived, suffered and died at the hands of the German torturers. From here they began their last journey to the death camps.”
12. Nowa Huta
Exploring Nowa Huta is like stepping into a different world, and it’s one of my favorite hidden gems in Krakow. Originally built in the 1950s as a socialist utopian city, Nowa Huta was designed to be a model industrial town for workers, complete with wide boulevards, grand squares, and imposing realist architecture.
It boasts beautiful green spaces like Zalew Nowohucki, a scenic lake perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls, and offers a range of experiences, including theaters, galleries, and the unique Arka Pana Church.
I recommend visiting Nowa Huta on a tour from Krakow city center, you’ll learn a lot from your guide. Check price and availability above.
13. Ethnographic Museum
Seweryn Udziela Ethnographic Museum in Krakow is a gem hidden in plain sight. I walked past this beautiful Renaissance-style building, the former Town Hall of Kazimierz, for years before finally realizing it housed a museum.
It offers a glimpse into traditional Polish life, featuring folk costumes, crafts and regional artifacts. My favorite is the exhibition where you get a peek into a traditional cottage and a craftsman’s workshop.
Plac Wolnica, the square in front of the museum, is also a great place to sit down in the sun and do some people-watching. And in November it transforms into one of Krakow’s famous Christmas Markets.
I hope these hidden gems have inspired you to book a weekend in Krakow. Let me know if you have any questions!
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