Gay Guide • KRAKOW | What to See, Where to Stay, Best Gay Bars and Restaurants | LGBT Guide
- World Mappers
- Aug 19
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 17
GAY KRAKOW
Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers
What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in KRAKOW?
Find it out with the World Mappers !
LGBT KRAKOW
Krakow is a welcoming and inclusive city for the LGBT community, yet still traditional in some ways. The LGBT scene is vibrant, with numerous bars, clubs, and dedicated events. Every year, the Krakow Marsz Równości (Equality March) is held, a major pride parade celebrating the equality and visibility of LGBT people.
WHAT TO SEE in KRAKOW?
10 THINGS TO SEE in KRAKOW
Market Square, St. Mary's Basilica & Cloth Hall
Krakow's main square (Rynek Główny), one of the largest in Europe, is surrounded by splendid medieval buildings and offers numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. At its center is St. Mary's Basilica, famous for its carved wooden altar and the tradition of the trumpeter playing every hour from the tower. Also not to be missed is the Cloth Hall (MNK Sukiennice).
Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle is one of Krakow's historic symbols. Situated on a hill, the castle is home to the Wawel Museum and Wawel Cathedral, the burial place of Polish monarchs. Its architecture is a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, and it's a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)
Kazimierz is Krakow's Jewish quarter, rich in history and culture. Here you can visit historic synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, and museums, such as the Galicja Jewish Museum. Today, Kazimierz is also famous for its trendy bars, restaurants, and the vibrant art scene that makes the neighborhood unique.
Wawel Cathedral
Wawel Cathedral, located within Wawel Castle, is one of the holiest sites in Poland. It is the coronation site of Polish kings and houses numerous royal tombs, including that of St. Stanislaus. The richly decorated interior offers panoramic views of the city from its bell tower.
Kraków Barbican
The Kraków Barbican is one of Kraków's best-preserved medieval fortifications. Built in the 15th century, it is a circular structure with thick walls and towers, which was part of the city's defense system. Today, it houses historical exhibitions and offers a fascinating view of the old city.
Oskar Schindler Factory Museum
Located in a former factory, the Schindler Factory Museum tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German entrepreneur who saved more than 1,000 Jews during World War II. The museum offers an in-depth overview of the historical events and the people who lived during that period.
Krakow's Medieval Walls & St. Florian's Gate
Krakow's medieval walls, dating back to the 13th century, surround the old town and are a stunning example of medieval fortifications. You can stroll along the well-preserved walls, admiring the defensive towers and historic gates, including the famous St. Florian's Gate, which once provided access to the city.
New Square (Plac Nowy)
Plac Nowy is one of the liveliest squares in Kazimierz, the Jewish quarter. It is home to numerous restaurants, bars, and shops that attract both locals and tourists. The square is known for its unique atmosphere, blending history and modernity, and is the ideal place to sample traditional Polish cuisine and enjoy typical dishes.
Parish of St. Joseph
One of the city's most evocative places of worship. This imposing neo-Gothic building captivates visitors with its soaring spires, stained-glass windows, and refined architectural details. Inside, the intimate atmosphere invites contemplation, while the elegance of the altars and decorations make the church a must-see for those wishing to discover Krakow's spiritual and artistic heritage.
National Museum in Krakow
The National Museum houses a vast collection of Polish art, including paintings, sculptures, and historical objects. The museum is known for its collection of medieval and Renaissance art, including Leonardo da Vinci's famous "Lady with an Ermine." A must-see for art lovers.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Cracovia Completa - Google Maps
Extra - Auschwitz Birkenau Concentration Camp (by Train) - Google Maps
Extra - Wieliczka Salt Mines (by Bus or Train) - Google Maps
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)
3 BEST EXCURSIONS from KRAKOW
We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator - Musement - Get Your Guide
Auschwitz Birkenau
Wieliczka Salt Mines
Katowice
Click'n'Go - Click on Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs
to find them on the Map or visit their Website
WHERE TO SLEEP in KRAKOW?
10 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in KRAKOW
Residence B&B La Fontaine Aparthotel ® Tested by World Mappers
WHERE TO EAT in KRAKOW?
10 BEST RESTAURANTS in KRAKOW Quality / Price
€€€ - Restauracja Kogel Mogel
€€ - Tawerna Wilczy Dół
€€ - Pierogarnia Krakowiacy ® Tested by World Mappers
€€ - Szalone Widelce
€ - Moaburger
GAY NIGHTLIFE in KRAKOW
5 BEST GAY PLACES, BARS & CLUBS in KRAKOW
Lindo Bar (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers Ciemnia Club (Gay Bar) ZOO Klub (Gay Club)
TRAVEL TIPS about KRAKOW by World Mappers
How to get around Krakow? Public transportation is efficient and well-connected. Buses and trams cover the city extensively and are a convenient way to get around. For short trips, you can opt for taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber. The city is also very pedestrian-friendly, so walking is often the best way to explore the city center. Bicycles and e-scooters are also available for rent.
Take a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine: located just a few kilometers from Krakow, it's a UNESCO World Heritage site! Descend into the depths of the earth to explore tunnels, chapels carved into the salt, and underground lakes. A unique adventure that combines history and natural wonders, offering a breathtaking spectacle in an extraordinary setting.
Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, just a few kilometers from Krakow, a must-see for understanding the tragic history of World War II. The concentration camp and museum commemorate the victims of the Holocaust. An emotionally powerful visit that invites reflection and historical remembrance.
Zapiekanka is one of the most beloved Polish street foods, particularly popular in Krakow. It's a long, crispy baguette, traditionally filled with mushrooms and cheese, then baked and served hot, often with a generous drizzle of ketchup. Today, there are countless variations, enriched with ham, vegetables, cured meats, or various sauces, making it a tasty and customizable snack. Cheap and quick, zapiekanka has become a symbol of Polish street food and a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
Pijana Wiśnia is an iconic Krakow venue, famous for its lively atmosphere and the specialty that gives it its name: cherry liqueur. Served in small glasses, sweet yet bold, it has become a true tradition for those visiting the city. Located in the Old Town, the bar attracts both tourists and locals, who often gather outside the door to enjoy a drink in good company. With its unique and convivial style, Pijana Wiśnia is an unmissable stop on Krakow's nightlife scene.
Did you know that Krakow is full of stuffed dragons? According to legend, Krakow owes its name to Prince Krak, who, along with the city's inhabitants, managed to free the area from a terrible dragon that lived in a cave at the foot of Wawel Hill. This monster spread fear and destruction until, through deception, it was defeated: instead of a sheep, it was offered an animal filled with sulfur, which the dragon unsuspectingly devoured. Thirsty, it drank water from the Vistula until it burst. Today, at the foot of Wawel Castle, a statue of the fire-breathing dragon commemorates this legend, a beloved symbol of Krakow and its folk traditions.
INSTAGRAMMABLE KRAKOW
Instagrammable Places to See in Krakow
Don't miss the best instagrammable places in Krakow, here are our favorites
"SECRET KRAKOW"
Unusual and Particular Places to See in Krakow
Outside the classic places to visit of the city, there is a "Secret Krakow" that has simply bewitched us. Here are the 3 Things and Places to See in Secret Krakow (and Surroundings):
Interior of St. Mary's Basilica - Famous for its majestic Gothic interior, with extraordinary stained glass windows and an imposing altar carved by Veit Stoss. Inside, there are also decorated chapels and medieval frescoes. The church houses the famous Pietà of St. Mary and a Baroque organ.
Muzeum Gier Wideo - This is an interactive museum dedicated to the history of video games. It explores the evolution of games, from vintage consoles to the most recent developments. Visitors can play historical and modern games, while the exhibition celebrates the gaming industry, offering an immersive experience for enthusiasts and the curious.
Kraków-Płaszów Railway Cemetery - This is a place of remembrance that bears witness to the tragedy of World War II. Located in the former Płaszów concentration camp, it houses the graves of prisoners and victims of Nazi atrocities. It is a site of great historical significance, symbolizing the suffering during the German occupation of Poland.
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