Things to do & places to visit in Southern Poland, Poland

Marked by the Tatra (called Tatry locally) Mountains that form the country’s southern border with Slovakia, Southern Poland consists of three Viovodships (Provinces): Opole, Silesian and Lesser Poland (Malopolska). Many beautiful medieval castles are still found in the region, including Moszna in Opole and the massive 400-room Ksiaz in Silesia. Lesser Poland is home to bustling Krakow, the country’s third-largest city. The region’s mountains and green areas are perfect for outdoor adventure.

Southern Poland #1 destination in Poland 2023. The average rating score is 4.53 based on 187.5k traveler reviews, of 151 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Warsaw, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 9:34.

Top things to do (31)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Stare Miasto (9.015 reviews)
- Gorgeous architecture but prepared for a lot of tourists
Spent More than 3 hours Neighborhoods

The 13th century merchants' town is home to Europe's largest market square and offers numerous historical houses, palaces and churches with magnificent interiors, 14th century fortifications, ancient synagogues, Jagiellonian University and the Gothic cathedral where the kings of Poland were buried. See more..
5.0 Rynek of Wroclaw (5.332 reviews)
- A superb, pedestrian friendly city
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Scenic Walking Areas

The Rynek of Wroclaw hosts a collection of beautiful buildings, filled with vibrant independent shops and cafes. During our weekend in Wroclaw, we listened to several talented musicians on the square which really added to the atmosphere. There was also a solidarity with Ukraine movement taking place on the neighbouring Solny Square; it was brilliant to be able to write a message of support to the Ukrainian people. To summarise, this square optimises the spirit of Wroclaw - a friendly city full of culture that is great for walkers, with great walking routes and easy access to the extensive tram system just off the square. I would highly recommend a visit to Wroclaw and will certainly return in the future. See more..
5.0 Lost Souls Alley (2.368 reviews)
- Bachelorette party scare
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

Explore the dark face of the city. Take the challenge and let yourself feel the fear, which has never been so real. Visit rooms haunted by lost souls, and be sure that you will remember forever things which are hidden at the cursed floor at Florianska 6. LOST SOULS ALLEY - Poland's first interactive museum devoted to the basic instinct of fear. Entire floor, which is inspired by horror movies. See more..
5.0 Krakow Pinball Museum (760 reviews)
- Re-live your wasted youth!
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Interactive exhibition of over 60 pinball machines and 35 arcade games. You can enjoy all of them and play as they are all on FREE PLAY mode. We also have a lounge area with bar serving beer as well as soft drinks WE LOVE PINBALL See more..
5.0 Stained Glass Museum (Muzeum Witrazu) (668 reviews)
- Fascinating and beautiful
Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Art Museums

Guided tours in English: Tuesday - Saturday at 12:00 and 3::00 p.m. In the Stained Glass Museum, exhibition spaces intertwine with the old stained glass workshop, functioning since 1902. The visitors can observe the process of stained glass creation, in the warm atmosphere of the historic workshop, directly above the heads of artists and craftsmen. For this reason visiting the museum is possible only with a guide and starts with at least two people. Ticket prices per person (including our English guide): adults 42 PLN, student 35 PLN, family (2 2) 140 PLN Visitors can also book workshops with master craftsmen and make their own stained glass souvenir. There are three workshops options: 2 hrs, 3 hrs or 2 days long, at the price 199 PLN, 280 PLN or 1100 PLN per person respectively. The price in each case includes: - guided tour of the museum and workshop - coffee break - creation of stained glass object under the artist's guidance - your own stained glass object to take home. See more..
5.0 Krakil Museum of Illusions (652 reviews)
- Illusion Museum
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

It’s fascinating. It’s fun. It’s sure to be surprising. Welcome to the historical mansion full of captivating illusions, wonderful atmosphere and helpful staff! See more..
5.0 Womai (627 reviews)
- What an experience!
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Two exhibitions in one location. The first is a journey in the dark in which because of the complete darkness you will feel like a blind person. This metamorphosis has several advantages – first of all you realize that in such a world a blind person feels like a fish in the water. And you? At the beginning you are afraid, then you tame, and finally you realize what power your other senses have. Then you realize that blind people are not disabled at all, it’s just naive to think that you who see are better. The second is a maze of colors, games of lights and fun. How to build a lake of sand or a mountain, or maybe create a tsunami? How to leave the shadow behind? As if with ordinary glasses it would seem to turn the world upside down, and maybe check what the shadow of the strange sculpture hides or turn the sound into shape and color. Both experiences include our fantastic guides, who bring science and emotion into your world in a joyful and colorful way. See more..
5.0 Szczeliniec Wielki (562 reviews)
- Astonishing views
Spent 2-3 hours Mountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

Extraordinary, breathtaking, unique. Szczeliniec Wielki is such a lovely and beautiful place that one must visit. Starting from the bottom of the mountain one goes up to the top. It is rather easy and you can enjoy views on the lovely rocks. On the top there is a shelter where you can have a tea, coffee or lunch. Also, there is a view point (with a view almost like in Norway) and - entrance to the national park :) after paying tourists tax one can enter the proper sightseeing route that leads only one-way and only down :) the views are breathtaking, the rocks and slots are incomparable and really beautiful. You can take animals with you on that trip. While leaving, at the bottom of the mountain there is a local fair and a few local restaurants. See more..
4.5 Krakow's Rynek Glowny Central Square (26.8k reviews)
- The heart of a beautiful city
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

Huge 10-acre square, the largest in any of Europe's medieval cities, features the 16th-century Renaissance Cloth Hall and the splendid 14th-century Gothic Basilica of the Virgin Mary. See more..
4.5 Muzeum Krakowa, oddział Fabryka Emalia Oskara Schindlera (17.2k reviews) from $2.09
- Best museum trip I have ever being on
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

Exhibition Kraków under Nazi Occupation 1939–1945 is located in the former administrative building of Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory at 4 Lipowa Street. The exhibition is primarily a story about Kraków and its inhabitants, both Polish and Jewish, during World War Two. It is also a story about Nazi Germans – the occupiers who arrived here on 6 September 1939, brutally disrupting Kraków’s centuries-long history of Polish-Jewish relations. Due to high popularity of the museum, pre-booking is required. See more..
4.5 Państwowe Muzeum Auschwitz-Birkenau (14.5k reviews)
- Harrowing experience, guide is a must
Sunday: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

Established by the Nazis in 1940, Auschwitz-Birkenau has become a symbol of terror, genocide and the Holocaust. Although the exact number of victims is unknown, many Jews, Poles and gypsies died here. The museum consists of two parts: Auschwitz I, the first and oldest camp (the number of prisoners fluctuated around 15,000, sometimes rising above 20,000) and Auschwitz II, Birkenau (which held more than 90,000 prisoners in 1944). The greater part of the apparatus of mass extermination was built in Birkenau and the majority of the victims were murdered there. See more..
4.5 Wieliczka Salt Mine (14.0k reviews)
- An amazing experience!
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

We had an amazing day and definitely well worth the visit. I bought the tickets online before we travelled to Poland and they cost 100 zloty (~£18) per adult. We took a taxi from Krakow to the salt mines which cost 60 zloty (~£10), although trains and buses run regularly here. We had hot chocolate whilst we waited for our English speaking tour to begin. It’s very well organised and we felt very well looked after throughout the tour. Once you start descending into the mines the atmosphere and sense of wonder increase - there are lots of ‘wow’ moments! Towards the end of the tour, whilst still 130 metres underground, there are toilets, a cafe and a gift shop. No worries about having to ascend up 40 flights of stairs at the end because there is a lift which brings you back up in the city of Weiliczka. See more..
4.5 Wawel Royal Castle (10.5k reviews)
- Impressive castle and great exhibitions
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • Castles

Serving as a royal residence and the site where the country's rulers governed Poland for five centuries (1038-1596), this castle is a symbol of the independent Polish state and today contains a priceless collection of 16th-century Flemish tapestries, considered to be one of the largest in the world. See more..
4.5 Kazmierz The Former Jewish District (9.447 reviews)
- Golf buggy tour of Kazimierz and Podgorze
Spent 2-3 hours Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

Sizable Jewish population of Krakow moved to this district at the end of the fifteenth century, which served as the main cultural center of the Polish Jewry for centuries. See more..
4.5 St Mary's Basilica (6.855 reviews)
- The most beautiful place!
Sunday: 2:00 PM - 5:45 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

One of the most famous of Poland's churches, this Gothic structure features two striking towers of different heights and surprisingly richly decorated insight, mostly thanks to the vibrant polychromy by great Polish artist Jan Matejko. The greatest masterpiece is though the Main Altar by Veit Stoss - a late Gothic illustration for St. Mary's and Jesus life, including scenes of Mary's death and Assumption. Please note that the church, including Main Altar, is currently under long maintenance and renovation works, which may be of some inconvenience. See more..
4.5 Wawel Cathedral (5.861 reviews)
- Well worth a visit
Sunday: 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Religious Sites

National shrine known for its superb religious art including the giant bell of Zygmunt of 1520, one of the world's largest, and the burial place of many Polish kings and their families, national heroes and numerous bishops. See more..
4.5 Wroclaw's Dwarfs (4.274 reviews)
- Fun!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

It is so much fun to look for the little gnomes! They are very small, but when you find the first ones, you start seeing them everywhere. It is interesting that they started as a protest against fascism. There are specific gnome tours that you can take, but it's fun just to find them while you are seeing other sites as well. See more..
4.5 Muzeum Krakowa - Rynek Podziemny (3.334 reviews)
- Underground museum
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums • History Museums

The Rynek Underground exhibition presents not only Krakow’s rich history, but also the connections between the city and mediaeval Europe’s chief centres of trade and culture. Moreover, it portrays the significance of the capital of Poland in the operation of the Hanseatic League. The real historical objects on display, just to mention 14th-century coins, decorations, and pottery, are proof of the European cultural and trade exchange that continued here incessantly for hundreds of years. The tourist route under the Main Market Square leads between the stone and brick walls of the cellars of former trading sites, including the Kramy Bolesławowe Stalls, Kramy Bogate Stalls, the Great Scales, and the Cloth Hall. Opening hours: Winter season (November – March) Monday, Wednesday - Sunday 10.00-20.00 Tuesday 10.00-16.00 Summer season (April – October) Monday 10.00-20.00 Wednesday - Sunday 10.00-22.00 Tuesday 10.00-16.00 Exhibition is closed on every second Monday of the month. See more..
4.5 Wroclaw Zoo & Afrykarium (2.983 reviews)
- Must visit in Wrocław
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Zoos

One of the best places to visit in Wrocław. I recommend to buy ticket online because the queue to the ticket counter is huge. The zoo is very big and the amount of animals that you can see is pretty good. This is also a family friendly place. See more..
4.5 Energylandia (2.464 reviews) from $43.90
- Awesome place to go with young kids.
Temporarily closed - Closed until Mar 31, 2023 Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks

Try all of Energylandia’s—Poland’s largest amusement park—123 rides and attractions spread across 6 distinctive zones: Fairytale Land, Family Zone, Extreme Zone, Water Park, Dragon Zone, and Aqualantis. Ride the popular Hyperion, Speed, and Space Booster rollercoasters; and watch shows like ‘The Prince of Magic’ and ‘Moto and Fire Energylandia’. Visit at the end of the year to experience the Winter Kingdom, complete with a festive market, ice-skating rink, snowtubing, gingerbread baking, and a chance to meet Santa Claus. Skip the line by buying tickets online, or opt for a tour that includes round-trip transportation from Krakow. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Panorama Racławicka (1.991 reviews)
- Panorama Racliwicka
Speciality Museums

A 400ft x 50ft painting that commemorates the Battle of Raclawice in 1794. See more..
4.5 Planty Park (1.581 reviews)
- Big central park
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Walking Areas

A scenic walkway that circles a park around the Old Town. See more..
4.5 The Ghetto Heroes Square (1.520 reviews)
- A Sombre Reminder of the Atrocities of WW2
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Ghetto Heroes Square is a very powerful yet simplistic reminder of those that were forced to leave their homes for and not return. The square was once the main space for activity in the ghetto ranging from socialising to execution. As it stands today there are 70 metal chairs featured in the square said to represent 10,000 people each. There isn't a huge amount of information available at the sight about its history so I would highly recommend doing your research or taking a tour to really understand its past. See more..
4.5 Ostrow Tumski - (Cathedral Island) (1.431 reviews)
- Wonderful area!
Historic Walking Areas • Religious Sites

This area of Wroclaw is very beautiful and peaceful. We visited at dusk, so we found the lamplighter and got to see the cathedral lit up. There weren't a lot of visitors there at the same time, so it felt like we had the place to ourselves. There is a lot of signage on the buildings to give more information, as well as pictures of the area when it was bombed during WWII as compared to now. I would consider Cathedral Island a don't-miss part of Wroclaw! See more..
4.5 Polish Aviation Museum (1.345 reviews)
- Excellent. Get there by tram!
Sunday: Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Brilliant museum. Easy tram ride from the centre or old town. Superb exhibits both early (unique) planes and a plethora of engines. My husband is a plane nut but I was able to be interested for several hours given his informed commentary (and years of practice). See more..
4.5 Old Town- Historic Center (1.342 reviews)
- Best Place For Christmas
Historic Walking Areas

Cannot imagine a Christmas without a visit to Market Square. The people and offerings remain all the holiday spirit that I remembered from 2019 and years past. The organizers deserve a lot of credit for this "come back" after 2020. See more..
4.5 Jagiellonian University Museum Collegium Maius (1.100 reviews)
- Beautiful and historic building
Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • History Museums

First founded in 1364, this integral part of Krakow life has many distinguished alumni including distinguished Polish intellectuals, political leaders and well-known international figures like Nicolaus Copernicus and Pope John Paul II. The Collegium Maius is the oldest surviving building of the university. See more..
4.5 Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (1.077 reviews)
- Impressive church
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Monuments & Statues • Churches & Cathedrals

This first Baroque building in Krakow stands in St Mary Magdalene Square, right next to the Romanesque St Andrew’s Church. The church was completed in 1619. The church has highly ornate architecture. On the two-story facade, you can see statues of Jesuit saints in the niches of the facade. The railings running around the grounds of the church are decorated with sculptures of the 12 apostles. The interior with striking stucco decoration is also stunning. See more..
4.5 Parafia Wang (1.046 reviews)
- Well worth a visit
Sunday: 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Great story behind the temple. Went there on a misty day so couldn't appreciate the views, but really enjoyed the experience . See more..
4.5 Wroclaw Town Hall (1.042 reviews)
- Stunning
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Government Buildings

We only saw the Town Hall from the outside but it was amazing. I love Gothic architecture and this was a definitely one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen. I want to come back when we have more time and see the inside also. See more..