Unusual Things to Do in Krakow: A Guide to Hidden Gems and Unique Experiences

Krakow a magical city and rich in history and culture, is full of surprises for travelers seeking fun things to do and goes beyond the typical tourist attractions. While the historic Old Town, Wawel Castle, and the famous Main Market Square are must-visits, there’s a whole world of unusual things to do in Krakow that offer a more offbeat experience. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, quirky activities, or a taste of local traditions, here’s a list of unique adventures to make your visit unforgettable.

 

1. Escape Rooms, A Thrill for Puzzle Lovers

Krakow is home to some of the most immersive escape rooms in Europe, conveniently located in the city centre. Test your wits, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in themed rooms ranging from spooky mystery settings to high-tech futuristic challenges. Popular escape rooms like Lost Room and The Mystery House offer a thrilling way to experience the city with friends or family, and they are perfect for a rainy day activity or a fun night out.

Krakow is home to some of the most immersive escape rooms in Europe. Test your wits, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in themed rooms ranging from spooky mystery settings to high-tech futuristic challenges. Popular escape rooms like Lost Room and The Mystery House offer a thrilling way to experience the city with friends or family, and they are perfect for a rainy day activity or a fun night out.

 

2. Axe Throwing: Channel Your Inner Warrior

For something truly unique and adrenaline-pumping, try your hand at axe throwing, one of the cool and unusual things to do in Krakow. Located just a short distance from the city center, Axe Nation provides a fun, safe environment where you can take aim and throw axes at wooden targets. It’s a fantastic way to engage in a bit of friendly competition and relieve stress while bonding with fellow travelers.

 

3. Hidden Bars and Secret Speakeasies

Krakow’s nightlife scene has a secret side—hidden bars and speakeasies tucked away in unassuming locations, adding to the vibrant Krakow nightlife. These off-the-beaten-path spots are perfect for anyone looking for a unique evening out. One of the best-known hidden bars is Pijalnia Wodki i Piwa, a retro bar that offers cheap drinks and a nostalgic vibe. For something more mysterious, check out Alchemia, a quirky venue hidden in the Jewish Quarter where you’ll find an eclectic mix of live music, candlelight, and unique cocktails. 

 

4. Pottery Workshop: Create Your Own Souvenir

If you’re looking for a hands-on experience, why not try a pottery workshop? In Krakow, there are several places where you can mold and craft your own ceramics, from decorative plates to small sculptures. Muzeum Ceramiki and Krakowski Salon Czekolady offer fun and educational pottery experiences that let you create a personal and meaningful souvenir to take home.

 

5. Pierogi-Making Class: Taste and Tradition

No trip to Krakow is complete without tasting pierogi, Poland’s beloved dumplings. But why settle for just eating them when you can learn to make them yourself? Join a pierogi-making class, where local chefs will teach you how to prepare these traditional dishes from scratch. It’s a fun and delicious way to experience Polish culture firsthand while satisfying your taste buds. Another way to explore local cuisine is by joining a Krakow food tour, where you can sample diverse and authentic Polish dishes, including kiełbasa and pierogi, and taste local vodka, all while avoiding tourist traps.

 

6. Vodka Tasting Tour: A Sip of Polish Tradition

Poland is famous for its Polish vodka, and what better way to experience local culture than by joining a vodka-tasting tour? Visit some of Krakow’s most renowned bars and distilleries and sample a variety of Polish vodkas, from traditional varieties to innovative flavored concoctions. Guided tours often include fascinating stories about the history of vodka in Poland, making it both an educational and tasty experience. Book here for a Vodka Tasting Tour  

 

7. Gun Shooting Range: Test Your Aim

For a truly thrilling experience, head to one of Krakow’s shooting ranges. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter, you can try your hand at firing a range of firearms, including pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Locations like Krakow Shooting Range offer professional instruction and ensure a safe and fun experience. It’s an exhilarating way to break away from traditional sightseeing and try something new.

Krakow is also a city with a profound historical context, where over a million people were tragically affected by the Holocaust at Auschwitz-Birkenau, reminding visitors of the essential lessons of freedom and humanity.

 

8. Driving a Go-Kart on a Multistory Carpark

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, don’t miss the opportunity to drive go-karts on a multistory car park in Krakow. Several venues around the city offer this high-speed thrill where you race around a parking garage, adding an urban twist to your karting experience. It’s an unexpected and fun way to get your heart racing while seeing a different side of the city. When you visit Krakow, you’ll find a diverse range of activities, from go-karting to exploring cultural landmarks and enjoying vibrant nightlife.

9. Lost Souls Alley: Dare to Enter the Horror Attraction

For those seeking a truly spine-chilling experience, a visit to Lost Souls Alley is a must. Located in the heart of Krakow’s Old Town, this horror-themed escape room offers a dark and thrilling journey through a maze of terrifying rooms. Aimed at those with a love for the eerie and the paranormal, it’s one of the city’s most unusual and exciting attractions.

Krakow’s rich history, particularly its experiences during World War II, adds a deeper layer of intrigue to the city’s haunted sites.

 

10. Food Tour: Taste Your Way Through Krakow

Explore the culinary side of Krakow in a unique way by starting your food tour at the main market square. A local guide will lead you down cobbled streets to some of the city’s best hidden eateries, where you can sample traditional Polish dishes like bigos, zapiekanka, and, of course, pierogi. This tour is perfect for food lovers looking to experience the local flavors and enjoy some unusual delicacies while learning about Krakow’s food culture.

 

11. Drink Hot Beer: A Local Tradition

Poland has a quirky tradition that you might want to try—drinking hot beer! Known as grzane piwo, this warm beer is brewed with spices and served hot, making it a perfect drink for the colder months. Several bars in Krakow offer this unique local beverage, so be sure to give it a try and experience a truly unusual drink.

 

12. Beer Saunarium: Relax in Style

For something truly unique and relaxing, check out Krakow’s Beer Saunarium. This one-of-a-kind experience combines the benefits of a sauna with the enjoyment of drinking beer. It’s a relaxing way to unwind while indulging in the local tradition of beer culture. It’s also a great way to meet fellow travelers while enjoying a soothing and unusual experience.

 

13. Wandering Through the Lost Cemetery

For those with an interest in history and the macabre, the Rakowicki Cemetery offers a unique experience. One of the oldest cemeteries in Krakow, it’s filled with ornate tombstones and monuments. This peaceful and atmospheric location provides a glimpse into the city’s past and is less crowded than other historical sites, making it an intriguing destination for those looking for something different.

 

14. Explore the Underground Salt Mines of Wieliczka

While not strictly in the city, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is an incredible hidden gem located just outside Krakow. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a fascinating underground tour through tunnels and chambers carved entirely from salt. Explore the salt sculptures, chapels, and salt lakes deep beneath the surface—a truly unusual and awe-inspiring experience.

 

15. Nighttime Stroll Through the Planty Park

If you’re seeking a peaceful yet unusual way to experience Krakow after dark, take a stroll through Planty Park, which encircles the Old Town. This park, created in the spot where medieval city walls once stood, is filled with charming alleyways, fountains, and hidden corners. As the sun sets, the park takes on a magical atmosphere, perfect for a quiet walk away from the crowds.

 

16. Take a Vintage Tram Ride

For a unique and retro way to see the city, hop on one of Krakow’s vintage trams. These old-fashioned vehicles run on select routes and offer a charming ride through the streets, complete with a step back in time. It’s a quirky alternative to the standard tourist bus and a great way to get a feel for the city’s history.

17. Late-Night Games at Cosmic Games Pub

For those looking to continue the fun late into the night, Cosmic Games Pub is the perfect spot. Whether you’re into board games, arcade classics, or social video games, this quirky venue offers a relaxed atmosphere for gamers of all kinds. With a variety of games to choose from, you and your friends can enjoy a night of fun and friendly competition, all while sipping on drinks in a laid-back, cosmic-themed environment.

 

18. Play Board Games at a Board Game Pub

If you’re a fan of tabletop games, Krakow’s Board Game Pubs are a must-visit. These charming spots offer a wide range of games for all ages and skill levels, from classic strategy games to the latest hits. Grab a pint, settle into a cozy corner, and dive into a new game or challenge your friends to a battle of wits. It’s a great way to spend a night with friends or meet new people while enjoying craft beer in a welcoming environment.

 

19. Hair Salon by Day, DJ Bar by Night

Looking for a unique twist on nightlife? Head to a hair salon that doubles as a DJ bar after dark. During the day, it’s a functional and stylish salon where you can get a top-notch haircut or style. But when the sun sets, the space transforms into a small nightlife hotspot, with a DJ spinning tunes and a fully stocked bar ready to serve drinks. It’s the perfect blend of offbeat style and entertainment, offering an experience that’s as fashionable as it is fun.

 

20. Dance on the Tables at Singer Bar

For a truly unique night out, visit Singer Bar, a spot where dancing on tables is not just encouraged, it’s part of the fun! This quirky bar offers a lively atmosphere with an old-world charm, and the highlight is the music—enjoy the infectious rhythms of Gypsy Swing as you get swept up in the energy. The vibrant beats and the joy of dancing on tables make it an unforgettable experience in Krakow’s nightlife scene.

 

21. Visiting Pope John Paul II’s Birthplace

A visit to Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II, is a poignant journey into the life of one of Poland’s most revered figures. Located just a short trip from Krakow, Wadowice offers a deep dive into the Pope’s early years and his enduring legacy. The town is home to a dedicated museum that showcases exhibits on his life and papacy, providing a comprehensive look at his journey from a small-town boy to a global spiritual leader. Visitors can also explore the church where he was baptized and the school he attended, making it a meaningful pilgrimage for those interested in his life and contributions.

 

22. Krakow Pinball Museum: Relive Classic Arcade Fun

For those with a love for retro gaming, the Krakow Pinball Museum is a must-visit. Step back in time as you explore a collection of over 50 pinball machines, ranging from the vintage classics to modern, high-tech models. Whether you’re a seasoned pinball pro or just looking for a bit of nostalgic fun, this interactive museum lets you play on the machines as you explore the history and evolution of pinball. It’s a quirky and entertaining way to experience a part of Krakow’s unique culture.

 

23. Visit the Dragon in the Caves beneath Wawel Castle

Named Dragon’s Den, this experience will bring you to the depths and below the Wawel Royal Castle. There are self serve ticket machines in the castle grounds close to the entrance of dragon’s den where you can buy your entrance fee. This is not for the claustrophobics! you’ll walk down a small staircase down and down, and further down until you reach the caves. The legend of the Wawel Dragon (Smok Wawelski) is one of Poland’s most enduring and beloved folk tales. According to the most popular version, during the reign of King Krakus—the legendary founder of Kraków—a fearsome dragon made its lair in a cave beneath Wawel Hill, now known as the Dragon’s Den (Smocza Jama). The dragon terrorized the city, demanding weekly offerings of cattle, and in some versions, even young maidens, to satisfy its hunger. Brave knights tried and failed to slay the beast.

Salvation came not from a warrior, but from a clever shoemaker named Skuba. He devised a plan: he stuffed a sheep’s hide with sulfur and pitch, then left it outside the dragon’s cave. The dragon devoured the bait, which caused an unbearable burning sensation in its stomach. In desperation, it drank so much water from the Vistula River that it exploded. As a reward, Skuba was granted the king’s daughter’s hand in marriage and lived happily ever after.

 

24. Polish Vodka Tasting at TasteVodka.pl

For a truly authentic experience, nothing beats a Polish Vodka Tour with TasteVodka.pl. This immersive experience to sample and drink vodka together in a group is a guided journey through Poland’s rich history of vodka-making. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you’ll sample a carefully curated selection of vodkas — from traditional rye and potato-based spirits to unique flavored varieties — all while learning the stories behind each bottle. The tour takes you to hidden bars and atmospheric venues across Krakow, giving you a local’s-eye view of the city’s vibrant drinking culture. It’s the perfect blend of education, fun, and a bit of Polish mischief. Whether you’re a seasoned spirit connoisseur or just curious to taste something new, this tour is an unforgettable part of any Krakow visit.

 

25. Soviet Car Ride in Krakow Ghetto

Step back in time with a one-of-a-kind Soviet car tour through the historic Krakow Ghetto. Buckle up in a classic Trabant or Polski Fiat and cruise through the city’s haunting remnants of World War II and communist-era Krakow. This experience offers a raw and intimate perspective on the Jewish district of Podgórze, where you’ll learn about the tragic events of the Holocaust, the resistance efforts, and daily life under totalitarian rule. Your driver, often a local guide with deep historical knowledge, shares powerful stories and lesser-known facts that bring the area’s history to life. With the rumble of a vintage engine beneath you, this ride isn’t just a tour — it’s a time capsule.

 

26. Communist Era Milk Bar Experience

No trip to Krakow is complete without a stop at one of the city’s few surviving bar mleczny — or “milk bars” — humble canteens born in communist Poland after the second world war. Originally established to serve affordable meals to workers, these government-subsidized eateries have become nostalgic cultural relics. Stepping inside, you’re transported to a bygone era of linoleum floors, handwritten menus, and hearty, home-cooked Polish dishes. Think pierogi stuffed with potato and cheese, borscht served with sour cream, and cutlets with cabbage salad — all at wallet-friendly prices. The experience isn’t just about the food; it’s a taste of Polish resilience, simplicity, and community spirit. For a meal that’s as historical as it is satisfying, the milk bar delivers every time.

 

Visiting Krakow: A City of Adventure

Krakow is a treasure trove of adventure, offering a plethora of activities for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. The city’s proximity to the Tatra Mountains and the Vistula River makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, rock climbing, or white-water rafting, Krakow has something to satisfy your adventurous spirit. The city’s parks and gardens provide serene spots for relaxation, while the riverfront offers picturesque views including the Wawel castle and the grounds are perfect for a leisurely stroll. For those looking to combine adventure with exploration, Krakow’s diverse landscape and vibrant city life make it a must-visit destination.

Krakow Old Town is a historical gem that beckons visitors with its stunning architecture and charming cobbled streets. As you wander through this UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll encounter iconic landmarks like St. Mary’s Basilica and the majestic Wawel Castle. The Old Town is a bustling hub of activity, with an array of shops, cafes, and restaurants lining the streets, offering a delightful mix of modern amenities and historical charm. Don’t miss the Cloth Hall and the Town Hall Tower, which stand as testaments to Krakow’s rich past. Exploring Krakow Old Town is like stepping back in time, providing a captivating glimpse into the city’s fascinating history.

 

Tips and Essentials

When visiting Krakow, a few tips can enhance your experience:

• The city center is compact and easily navigable on foot, but public transportation options like buses and trams are also readily available.

• Krakow is known for being budget-friendly, though prices can be more in the main square.

• To fully appreciate Krakow’s rich history and culture, consider visiting its numerous museums or joining a guided tour.

• Food lovers will delight in Krakow’s culinary scene, with traditional Polish dishes like Pierogi and Zapiekanki being must-tries.

• The city boasts a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars and clubs to explore.

• Remember to be respectful of Krakow’s historical sites and cultural norms, avoiding disruptive behavior.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy all that Krakow has to offer.