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Heatwaves in Krakow - Where to Escape the Sun?

When the sun gets stronger, we look for places to cool down. Where can you spend a hot day in Krakow? We have gathered some diverse ideas for you, so everyone can find something they like!

1. Zakrzówek

The newly opened swimming area at Zakrzówek is a place that locals have been eagerly waiting for. It's finally here! You can enjoy several pools of different depths, including a shallow pool for kids, and sunbathe on wooden platforms. Zakrzówek is not just a swimming area - you will find many shaded paths around the quarry (including paved ones for strollers or rollerblades) and the Twardowski Rocks Park.

Zakrzówek Swimming Area - Floating Pools and Beach

Swimming area at Zakrzówek in Krakow ...

2. Underground Market Square

When the sun is too much, instead of walking on the concrete Market Square, you might want to go underground. It's a great idea! There is a tourist route under the Krakow Market Square, and it's pleasantly cool down there. The museum takes you back to medieval Krakow, and there is an educational room with a puppet show for kids about King Krak and the Wawel Dragon.

Museum under the market square in Krakow

The tourist route through the underground of the Main Square (branch of the Krakow Museum) shows us medieval Krakow using 21st-century technology. ...

3. Other Places and Museums Around the Market Square

Surprisingly, even in the city center, you can find many attractions to escape the hottest hours. Numerous museums hidden in the buildings are a great idea for a summer day. You can visit the Archaeological Museum to see Egyptian mummies, the Natural History Museum with a giant Ice Age rhinoceros, the Museum of Illusions, and many others.

Krakow - attractions and places for children near the Market Square

Looking for a place to spend quality time with your family? Below is a list of our favorite places near the Krakow Market Square. ...

4. Podgórze and Bednarski Park

If you are walking along the Vistula River and want to take a break from the sun, you can find shaded playgrounds for kids in the Podgórze area: at Nowacki Planty by the Vistula or in Bednarski Park, which has been recently renovated. Both playgrounds are very interesting and have attractions for children of different ages.

Nowacki Park by the Vistula River, Podgórze

A small park by the Vistula River in Podgórze, near the Retmański Bridge. You can rest here in the shade if the sunny river boulevards tire you out. ...

Wojciech Bednarski Park

Park located in the Podgórze district ...

5. Jordan Park and Water Playground

Jordan Park is a large green area near Krakow's Błonia. Paved paths and new playgrounds await young explorers. On a hot day, the biggest attraction for kids is the water playground in the park.

Jordan Park

Jordan Park is the most famous park in Krakow! Located near Błonia, here you will find places to rest and have fun. ...

6. Wolski Forest and Symbioza Educational Center

One of the most popular ways to spend a hot day is to escape into the dense forest trails of Wolski Forest. You will find wide paved paths for strollers or forest trails. The main attraction for young visitors is the Zoo located in the heart of the forest. It's also worth visiting Symbioza - an educational center with a café, a small shaded playground, and nature workshops and walks.

Las Wolski - attractions, trails, meadows

The largest green area in Krakow! It's worth visiting in any season: for a walk, a bike ride, and in winter, for sledding. ...

Symbioza Educational Center at Aleja Żubrowa, near the zoo

7. Sikornik Hill

Sikornik is a hill where the Kościuszko Mound is located. Paved walking paths run through the hill area, extending from Washington Avenue. You will find scenic clearings, benches, and resting spots.

Uroczysko Sikornik - attractions and curiosities

Uroczysko Sikornik is located in the western part of Krakow, between the Rudawa Valley and Błonia to the north, and the Vistula River to the south. It is a forest full of walking paths and picnic clearings, as well as a beautiful viewpoint to the south. ...

8. Botanical Garden

Not far from the Market Square is the Botanical Garden. The park paths here are much quieter than the crowded Planty. You will find benches along the paths. The garden paths are pleasant for walking, and there is also a museum on the garden grounds.

Botanical Garden and Botanical Garden Museum of the Jagiellonian University

The Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden is the oldest botanical garden in Poland, established almost 250 years ago in the former gardens of the Czartoryski family. ...

9. Krakowski Park near Inwalidów Square

Close to the Market Square is also Krakowski Park with a large, shaded playground for children. The park is suitable for children of different age groups - there are attractions for the youngest, a water sandbox to play in the mud, and structures for older children and teenagers.

Park Krakowski near Plac Inwalidów

Nearest public transport stops: Plac Inwalidów and Czarnowiejska. A small park right next to Aleja Słowackiego. The park has shaded as ...

10. Bagry Swimming Area, Beach, and Park

Bagry Wielkie is one of the few swimming areas in Krakow. You can swim safely, relax on the sandy beach, and do water sports. There is a lot of greenery and plenty of shade among the trees.

Bagry Reservoir: Swimming Area, Beach, Park

Bagry Wielkie is one of the few swimming spots in Krakow. You can swim safely here, relax on the sandy beach, and enjoy nature. ...

11. Wieliczka Salt Mine

A great idea for a hot day is to go down into the salt mine, where the temperature is constant all year round - don't forget to wear something warmer! Remember that the Wieliczka Salt Mine is very popular - it's worth booking a ticket in advance. Otherwise, you might face a long wait in line.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine quickly became not only a place of salt extraction but also a tourist attraction. The first tourists appeared here in the Middle Ages! Did you know that the Wieliczka Salt Mine has been listed as one of the first 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites? ...