Krakow for Budget Adventurers: 3 Hidden Spots You Can’t Miss

Krakow is one of Europe's most beloved city break destinations, and for good reason. The former Polish capital welcomed more than eight million visitors in 2024, drawn by its rich history, affordable prices and easy access to some of the country's most iconic landmarks.

One of Krakow's most famous sites, Wawel Castle overlooking the Vistula River. 

Most travel guides will tell you to tick off the essentials such as Wawel Castle, St Mary's Basilica, the bustling Market Square and a peaceful walk through Planty Park. You might even be encouraged to take day trips to Auschwitz or the Wieliczka Salt Mines, both deeply moving and unmissable experiences.

But what if you want to stay within the city itself? What if you are travelling on a budget or simply want to discover something different — places most tourists walk straight past?

During my four-day trip to Krakow, I spent just £220 in total and still found plenty to see and do without leaving the city limits. Here are three hidden gems in Krakow, all within walking distance of the centre, that few visitors ever discover.

Lake Zakrzówek

 A picture of Lake Zakrzówek taken from one of the many winding paths that surround this beautiful spot. 

This was without a doubt my favourite spot in all of Krakow. I almost skipped Lake Zakrzówek because of the rain, but I decided to take a chance and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my trip.

After a two-hour walk from Bronowice, although it is much closer from the city centre, I arrived at the top of the cliffs and was greeted by a scene that looked straight out of a postcard. The rain had stopped, the clouds parted, and below me shimmered a turquoise lake surrounded by steep cliffs.

Once a limestone quarry, Zakrzówek has transformed into one of the most breathtaking natural escapes in Krakow. Its crystal-clear waters, rugged cliffs and network of walking trails make it a dream for anyone who loves the outdoors. You can stroll through the forest, cycle the paths or take a bracing swim if you are feeling adventurous.

My first view of the lake left me stunned.

From the cliffs, the views are incredible, stretching across the glittering lake and towards Krakow's skyline. But no matter how tempting it looks, do not jump or dive from the rocks as the lake is far deeper than it appears and hides plenty of unseen hazards beneath the surface.

For a safer swim, there is a designated area supervised by lifeguards, perfect for cooling off on warm days. If it gets too crowded, walk a little farther and you will find quieter coves and unpatrolled beaches where you can relax on the rocks, have a picnic or simply enjoy the stillness of the water.

Getting here is easy. It is around a 30-minute walk from Wawel Castle or a quick ride on the number 52 bus which stops nearby.

As you wander the trails around the lake, you will find more than just beautiful views of the water. The higher paths offer spectacular vistas across the city itself, reminding you how close this hidden paradise is to the heart of Krakow.

One of the paths that you can take at Lake Zakrzówek offer stunning aerial views over Krakow. 

Piłsudski Mound and Wolski Forest

Piłsudski Mound from the bottom. Even though it doesn't look challenging, it took about 10 minutes to get to the top.

I was extremely unlucky with the weather during my trip to Krakow, facing four days of constant rain showers. However, that did not stop me from exploring one of the city's most peaceful and overlooked escapes, Wolski Forest.

I entered from the Bronowice side, but there are many access points depending on the kind of walk you want. The landscape is hilly and filled with winding trails, towering trees and the distant sound of the Vistula River flowing nearby. On a sunny day, you could easily spend hours wandering through its paths and still discover new corners.

The forest is alive with wildlife — deer, wild boars, foxes, owls and countless small mammals. It is also a haven for birdwatchers, with frequent sightings of woodpeckers and many other species that fill the woods with sound. Walking through Wolski Forest feels like stepping into the Polish countryside without ever leaving Krakow.

Just a glimpse at the beauty that lies within Wolski Forest.

At its centre stands Piłsudski Mound, a challenging climb that rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the forest, nearby lakes and the city skyline in the distance. It is a tough walk but completely worth it once you reach the top.

Within the woods are small wooden huts with benches where you can rest or shelter from the rain. I took a break in one of them, listening to the sound of raindrops on the leaves while eating Custard Creams.

If you are looking for a quiet escape from the city, enjoy long scenic walks and love being surrounded by nature, Wolski Forest is the perfect place. With endless paths, peaceful views and an authentic sense of calm, it remains one of Krakow's best-kept secrets.

Part of the view at the top of Piłsudski Mound that overlooks the forest. Different angles offer you the chance to overlook Krakow on a sunny day.

Płaszów Concentration Camp

As I was heading to the shop for lunch, I stumbled across this sign just a few minutes away from Krakus Mound.

I stumbled upon this place completely by accident while heading to get lunch after visiting Krakus Mound, but it turned out to be one of the most moving experiences of my trip. I ended up spending more than two hours walking through the grounds of what was once the Płaszów Concentration Camp.

For those who want to learn about Krakow's darker history but prefer not to take the long trip to Auschwitz, this site offers a quiet yet powerful alternative. There is little remaining of the original camp, but the atmosphere is haunting and the sense of history is undeniable.

Throughout the area, signboards share the stories of those who were imprisoned here, offering personal accounts that make the visit deeply emotional and thought-provoking. Walking through the site, you can still see remnants of its past, including the Grey House, which once served as the camp's administrative centre, prison and torture chamber. Scattered across the grounds are the ruins of the funeral home, execution sites, mass graves and a memorial known as the Monument to the Victims of Fascism.

I chose to take very few pictures whilst I was here as it offered me a chance to reflect on the horrors that occurred during World War Two. The remains of the funeral home that the Jews built in 1930's that was eventually blown up by the Nazi's in 1944.

A Jewish cemetery sits nearby, adding another layer of reflection and remembrance to this sombre yet powerful place. It is not a site for everyone, but for those who have an interest in history or wish to understand Krakow's wartime past, Płaszów offers a meaningful and emotional experience that leaves a lasting impression.