What to See in Kraków in Summer 2025?

What to See in Kraków in Summer 2025?

A Guide to Attractions and the City’s Unique Summer Vibe

Summer in Kraków is more than just a season – it's a state of mind that wraps the city like golden sunset light over its Gothic and Renaissance facades. During the holiday months, Kraków opens itself up with renewed energy, welcoming both locals and tourists alike. The streets become a stage – for strollers, street performers, musicians, and festival-goers. It’s in summer that we rediscover Kraków – not only as a place of history, but as a vibrant, living city that has something for everyone.

Start exploring early in the morning, as the city slowly awakens. The route from the Florian Gate, along Grodzka Street to Wawel Castle is a journey through centuries – in a single walk, you can immerse yourself in a thousand years of Polish history. Morning on the Main Market Square reveals subtle details often missed in the daytime crowds – golden highlights on St. Mary’s Basilica, the fine carvings of the Cloth Hall, or the delicate mist above the fountain by the Town Hall Tower. All just a short walk from Belle Epoque Residence, whose elegant architecture sets the perfect tone for discovering the City of Polish Kings.

In summer, it's especially rewarding to stray from the main paths and get lost in the narrow lanes of the Old Town or Kazimierz. Kazimierz is a district that smells of fresh bread at dawn and echoes with klezmer and jazz music in the evenings. One gem is Szeroka Street – the heart of the former Jewish quarter, where history meets modern life. The Galicia Jewish Museum offers cultural and historical exhibits and workshops throughout the summer, while the surrounding buildings house cozy cafés and traditional restaurants.

For those seeking a break from the urban buzz, the Vistula Boulevards are the perfect open-air lounge. You can rent a bike, grab ice cream from a floating café, or simply relax on the grass with a view of Wawel Castle and watch the boats glide gently down the river. We especially recommend boat trips to Tyniec – offering a completely new perspective of Kraków’s scenic beauty.

Summer is also festival season. Kraków’s traditional “Wianki” on the Vistula – a Slavic celebration of fire and water – draws crowds every year. Alongside concerts and fireworks, the meadows and riverside host craft workshops, open-air theatre, and artisan markets. It’s a unique chance to experience Kraków not only as a historic city but as a vibrant, colorful, and musical one.

Local initiatives add to the atmosphere – like outdoor film screenings by Kino Pod Baranami, often held in museum gardens, or literary evenings during the “Kraków Nights” series. In 2025, the city is set to host a new edition of the ArtBoom Festival, transforming public spaces into an interactive urban gallery.

To unwind after so much excitement, Kraków’s parks offer the perfect retreat. Jordan Park, near the Błonia meadows, features walking paths, summer cinema, food trucks, and chill zones. Or for those seeking nature and panoramic views, head to Wolski Forest and hike up to Piłsudski Mound – from there, the breathtaking skyline of Kraków unfolds before you.

A well-planned stay must include a comfortable place to rest. Choosing an apartment at Belle Epoque Residence, located in the heart of the city, means enjoying not only proximity to attractions but also comfort, elegance, and architectural charm.

Summer in Kraków is a time when history breathes through the present, and everyday moments mix with magic. It’s not just a city to explore – it’s one to feel, taste, and remember long after your visit. That’s why Kraków should be your next summer destination.