What to See? Free of Charge Attractions in Krakow that Are Worth Visiting

The capital of Lesser Poland is a place full of great places worth visiting – they (and the people with their traditions) are what makes up the unique atmosphere, after all. However, if you are worried about all the fees – cheer up! Krakow offers a lot of attractions that are available completely free of charge! Here, you can find seven free of charge propositions we have selected for you for an unforgettable walk around our city!

Royal Wawel Hill and Cathedral

The Royal Castle is undoubtedly one of the most important symbols of Krakow. Then in Krakow, the Royal Wawel Hill is a must-see – also because of the beautiful cityscape it offers. The scenic viewing terrace, the beautiful Castle buildings, including the Thieves’ Tower and the Sandomierz Tower, the galleried courtyards, and the Cathedral’s interior (except for the royal tombs, the tower with the Sigismund Bell, the Cathedral Museum and some of the chapels) are all free – some of the exhibitions can be visited for free on specific dates. As you go down toward the Vistula River, it is also worth visiting the fire-breathing Wawel Dragon – taking a picture is a must!

Vistulan Boulevards

If you have some free time, and you still want more after visiting the Royal Wawel Hill, a great idea is to take a walk along the Vistulan Boulevards with all the historical buildings along the banks of the Vistula River. Here, you can take numerous alleys and pathways – also for cyclists. In some parts of the Vistula River embankments, there are park areas offering rest with a marvellous view of the Royal Castle.

Main Market Square with St. Mary’s Basilica and the Bugle Call

Apart from the Wawel Royal Castle, an important location on the map of unique free cultural property sites in Krakow is the Main Market Square with Cloth Hall and the beautiful St. Mary’s Basilica. Besides the enchanting architecture, the place also offers one special attraction – St. Mary’s Bugle Call, which is one of the oldest symbols of Krakow. The bugler plays the call from one of St. Mary’s Basilica’s towers at every full hour, performing an interrupted call to the four cardinal points – the first one is for the king, then the city authorities, St. Florian’s Gate, and the Small Market Square.

Musical Clock in Collegium Maius

Another very characteristic and completely free attraction in our city is the Musical Clock in Collegium Maius. You can find it next to the Main Market Square, at ul. Jagiellońska. Every two odd hours: at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m., you can listen to a beautiful medieval students’ song, and watch the procession of wooden characters related to the University. What is more, you can also see the main exhibition of the museum – it is free of charge on Wednesdays – and the Professor’s Garden.

Polish Aviation Museum

Aviation enthusiasts in Krakow can see the permanent exhibitions of the Polish Aviation Museum at ul. Jana Pawła II 39 free of charge. The impressive building shaped like a whirling propeller, the vast open-air exhibition with the spectacular collection of helicopters, motor gliders, or military planes and vehicles, as well as the location itself – one of the oldest European airports and the first one in independent Poland – it all makes it really worth it!

Twardowski Rocks

We have already mentioned Zakrzówek when describing the new swimming pool complex, however, apart from the opportunity for summer relaxation with water, the Zakrzówek hill is also a place to see beautiful cliffs and rock formations – Twardowski Rocks. Besides numerous climbing routes, you can walk the grounds admiring both the rocks and the unique vegetation.

Krakow Mounds

The Mounds are an inherent element of Krakow landscape, and apart from the Kościuszko Mound (it is free only February 4, March 24, and October 15), all the other: Wanda Mound, Krakus Mound, and Piłsudski Mound in Wolski Forest can be visited free of charge. They are great destinations for an interesting trip with nature and history in the background.