The sun sets late in Krakow during the summer, and the city doesn’t fall asleep – it starts to hum. In courtyards, clubs, parks, and palaces, the unmistakable rhythm of jazz fills the air. From late June to early September, Krakow becomes one big stage. And the spotlight is on the Summer Jazz Festival Krakow 2025 – one of the biggest and longest-running jazz festivals in Central Europe.
Since 1996, this festival has brought together legends and fresh talent from all over the world. The 2025 edition kicks off on June 30 and runs until early September, featuring more than 300 artists, 100 concerts, and a dozen unforgettable venues – from grand concert halls to candlelit basements.
The lineup features legends and innovators from across the jazz world. On June 30, Adam Makowicz & Leszek Możdżer open the festival with a unique piano duet. July 4 brings Kurt Elling & Yellowjackets to Krakow for a special tribute to Weather Report. John Scofield Quartet performs on July 25, followed by Marcus Miller on July 26 as part of his European tour. The festival closes in style on September 7 with Nigel Kennedy’s COSMIC BROTHERS featuring Cleveland Watkiss.
Check the full lineup and get your tickets at summerjazz.pl.
From riverside gardens to vaulted church interiors, jazz echoes throughout the city. Venues include Kino Kijów, ICE Kraków Congress Centre, Piwnica pod Baranami, Harris Piano Jazz Bar, Manggha Museum, Pałac Potockich, and The Secret Garden. You’ll also find free outdoor shows and spontaneous jam sessions across Kazimierz and the Old Town.
Plan your day around the music with some of Krakow’s most relaxed and meaningful experiences.
Need to beat the heat? Don’t miss our summer survival guide: What to Do When the Heat Strikes.
Jazz in Krakow doesn’t end when the lights go out. Expect impromptu concerts, pop-up sets in café courtyards, spiritual jazz in churches, and late-night jam sessions where international stars meet local talent. Follow the festival’s social media – some of the most unforgettable moments aren’t even on the official poster.
Enjoy a scenic Vistula River cruise in Krakow departing from the foot of Wawel Hill. Admire panoramic views of the Royal Castle, Kazimierz and historic bridges from the deck of a comfortable boat, while a professional audio guide brings the city’s story to life. One of the most relaxing and picturesque ways to experience Krakow from the water.
Duration: 1h - 2h
Audio Guide
Transportation included
Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of the Jewish Quarter of Krakow with a carefully prepared audio guide for independent sightseeing. This self-guided walking tour takes you through Kazimierz – the historic Jewish district – allowing you to explore its streets, stories and atmosphere at your own pace. Kazimierz lies just a short walk from Krakow’s Old Town and is a place where the city’s past and present meet. Through narration and historical context, the audio guide introduces the history of the Jewish community, their contribution to the city, and the lasting impact of World War II on this remarkable district.
Duration: 2hAudio GuideTransportation includedExplore Wawel Castle in Krakow from the outside and understand its history, architecture, and royal significance during a relaxed self-guided walk with a professional audio guide. This tour focuses on Wawel Hill and the castle grounds, offering clear historical context before visiting the castle interiors or booking Wawel Castle tickets. Once the former residence of Polish kings, Wawel Castle remains one of the most important landmarks in Poland. This audio tour helps you experience the site with deeper understanding – without rushing, crowds, or fixed schedules – making it an ideal introduction to any Wawel Castle visit.
Duration: 2hAudio GuideTransportation included
Explore Krakow on a guided city tour with a licensed local guide. Walk through the city’s most iconic districts, such as the Old Town or Kazimierz, and learn about their history through engaging stories and reliable historical insights. This tour is a perfect introduction to Krakow, offering both famous landmarks and lesser-known places explained by a professional guide who is happy to answer your questions.
Duration: 2h - 3hLive guide
Skip-theLineTransportation includedExplore Krakow in a fast, comfortable, and eco-friendly way with a Krakow City Tour by electric golf cart. This sightseeing tour is a great introduction to the city, especially for first-time visitors or travellers with limited time who want to see the highlights without long walks. During the ride, you will explore key areas of Krakow, including the Old Town surroundings, Kazimierz – the historic Jewish district, and parts of Podgórze, where the famous Schindler’s Factory was located. A professionally prepared audio guide provides historical context and helps you understand the city’s past and character. This electric car tour allows you to see more in less time while staying comfortable in all weather conditions, making it an easy and practical way to start exploring Krakow.
Duration: 1h - 2hAudio GuideTransportation included
Whether you're a jazz veteran, a curious first-timer, or just someone looking for unforgettable summer nights – this festival is for you. Couples, solo travellers, families and friends: all are welcome to feel the rhythm of the city.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes – headline shows often sell out fast.
Are there free events?
Yes – especially weekend outdoor performances and midweek jams.
Is it suitable for children?
Many events are family-friendly, especially open-air ones.
What’s the dress code?
Smart casual. July can be hot, so dress light.
Will I manage without Polish?
Yes – festival communications and artist intros are usually in English.
How do I move between venues?
Most are walkable. For further spots, trams and taxis are easy.
The Summer Jazz Festival isn’t just about music – it’s about atmosphere. Warm nights, spontaneous encores, a sax solo echoing in a courtyard. If you’re in Krakow between late June and early September, don’t miss the chance to let the city swing you into the night.
Ready to jazz it up? Plan your stay, book your tickets, and fall in love with Krakow in a whole new rhythm.
BackExplore Krakow in a fast, comfortable, and eco-friendly way with a Krakow City Tour by electric golf cart. This sightseeing tour is a great introduction to the city, especially for first-time visitors or travellers with limited time who want to see the highlights without long walks. During the ride, you will explore key areas of Krakow, including the Old Town surroundings, Kazimierz – the historic Jewish district, and parts of Podgórze, where the famous Schindler’s Factory was located. A professionally prepared audio guide provides historical context and helps you understand the city’s past and character. This electric car tour allows you to see more in less time while staying comfortable in all weather conditions, making it an easy and practical way to start exploring Krakow.
Duration: 1h - 2hAudio GuideTransportation includedJoin a Krakow ghost tour that reveals the city’s darkest secrets after nightfall. This guided walk through the Old Town combines spooky legends, true crime stories and dark history, told in an engaging, thriller-style narrative by a licensed local guide. If you enjoy chills, mystery and a different side of Krakow, this evening experience is for you. Recommended for participants aged 15 and over.
Duration: 2hLive guideTransportation includedAvoid the queues and visit the original Schindler’s Factory Museum – one of Krakow’s most important historical sites.With this fast-track ticket, you’ll explore the powerful permanent exhibition Krakow under Nazi Occupation 1939–1945, located in the real factory where Oskar Schindler worked.Discover original rooms, multimedia installations, and the story behind Schindler’s List – all at your own pace.
Duration: 2hSkip-theLineTransportation includedStep inside Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory in Krakow and explore the city’s history during World War II on a guided visit with a licensed guide. During the tour, you will learn about everyday life in occupied Krakow, the tragedy of the Krakow Ghetto, and the true story of a man who saved more than a thousand lives. The presence of a guide allows you to immerse yourself more deeply in the exhibition and better understand the broader historical context and the human stories behind the events.
Duration: 2hLive guideSkip-theLineTransportation included
