Best Scenic Viewpoints in Krakow
Krakow is a beautiful city, loved by tourists from all over the world. Every year, the capital of Lesser Poland is visited by millions of tourists, many of whom are foreigners. Numerous tourist and cultural attractions, cultural property sites, interesting architecture, and cosy streets – all competing for the tourists’ attention. The popular city can be admired from up close, walking up and down the streets, or taking in a broader view from one of the many scenic viewpoints. What are the best spots for watching Krakow’s cityscape?
Popular Scenic Viewpoints in Krakow
One of the best places for admiring Krakow’s cityscape is the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica. It is located in the very centre of the old town, close to the most prominent tourist attractions, like the Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall, or the Wawel Royal Castle. After climbing 239 steps and 54 m of height, you will be able to take pictures of the beautiful Old Town sights. Unfortunately, the tower is closed from December to April, and the number of visitors is limited. Earlier reservations are not available. You can buy tickets-contributions only on the day of visit in the visitor service centre. St. Mary’s Basilica’s tower is one of the two recommended scenic viewpoints in the Main Market Square. The other one is the Krakow Town Hall tower, in which you need to climb up 110 stairs to enjoy the cityscape.
When visiting the Divine Mercy Shrine in Łagiewniki, you can admire the view of the Old Town, the Kazimierz district, Wolski Forest, and the Nowa Huta district, as well as the Beskid and Tatra mountains. This spectacular landscape can be viewed from a glass-panelled gloriette on top of the basilica’s tower. The gloriette is at the height of 77 m. You can go up by two lifts or take 315 stairs.
Which Scenic Viewpoints to Choose?
Close to the Vistula River, there are another two interesting scenic viewpoints. Krakow can be admired there from a Ferris wheel or from a balloon with a viewing platform. Both attractions are close to the popular Forum Przestrzenie venue. The Ferris wheel, dubbed “Cracow Eye,” has 34 comfortable, air-conditioned and heated nacelles, from which you can admire the cityscape. What is important, the nacelles are adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. The Ferris wheel ride takes about 15 minutes. The wheel’s height is 50 m. You can enjoy an even better view from the nearby balloon, going as high as approximately 150 m. You can savour the incredible view of the whole city. At your feet, you will see the Vistula River and the Wawel Royal Castle. This is the best scenic viewpoint to admire the historical city layout, the Kazimierz and Podgórze districts.
The Kościuszko Mound is not only a place commemorating the Polish freedom fighter, but it is also a popular walking ground. The Mound guarantees a great view of the city. It is located in the western part of the city, on the Blessed Bronisława Hill. The height is 34 m. With good visibility, from the top you can see both the cityscape and the Tatra Mountains at the distance of 100 km. The Mound closes before dark, however, there are days on which it is open longer, and the tourists can enjoy the night view of the city. From the Mount, you can spot the most characteristic locations, like the Wawel Royal Castle, St. Mary’s Basilica, or the Main Market Square, as well as the Krakow Upland and the Sandomierz Basin.
