Looking for the best events in Krakow this summer? Whether you're visiting for a few days or planning a longer holiday, don't miss Wianki – one of the city’s most iconic open-air festivals. Held every June by the Vistula River, Wianki is a spectacular mix of live music, local traditions and unforgettable summer energy.
Wianki (pronounced vee-an-kee) began as a Slavic midsummer celebration. Today, it’s one of Krakow’s most beloved cultural events – attracting thousands to enjoy music, nature and community spirit in one of the city's most scenic settings.
If you're wondering what to do in Krakow in June, this is a truly unique and memorable experience – and it's completely free.
The name “Wianki” means wreaths – a reference to an ancient Slavic solstice ritual. On the night of Kupala Night (Noc Kupały) – the shortest night of the year – young women would float handmade flower wreaths down the river, hoping they’d be caught by their future partner.
The holiday was full of symbolism: bonfires, dancing, fortune-telling, and celebrations of love, fertility and nature. Today’s festival pays homage to these traditions – especially in the floral crowns, riverside rituals and folk-inspired music that remain part of the event’s DNA.
📅 June 20–22, 2025
📍 Vistula Boulevards, Wawel Hill & various locations across Krakow
The main events take place along the river near Wawel Castle – just a short walk from the Old Town. But throughout the city you'll find music, workshops and art in squares, parks and cultural venues.
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
Explore 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 includedDiscover 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 Krakow’s Old Town at your own pace with a professionally prepared audio guide. This self-guided walking tour takes you through the most important sites of the historic centre, including Krakow’s Main Square and its surrounding streets. Listen to engaging commentary filled with history, fascinating facts, legends and local trivia – an ideal introduction to Krakow for first-time visitors and independent travellers.
Duration: 2hAudio GuideTransportation 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
This year’s theme is “From Dawn to Dawn”, and the festival spans three full days of music, tradition and celebration across Krakow.
Here’s what’s in store:
In partnership with the EtnoKraków/Rozstaje Festival, the event also includes folk dance nights, traditional craft workshops, film screenings, and music activities for children.
Wianki is just one reason to fall in love with Krakow in summer. Make the most of your stay with these unforgettable experiences:
🛥️ Vistula River Sightseeing Cruise
Enjoy stunning views of Krakow from the water, including Wawel Castle, historic bridges and green boulevards.
🎧 Wawel Hill Audio Guide Tour
Discover the legends and landmarks of Wawel Castle and its surroundings – all at your own pace, just minutes from the main stage.
🚶 Guided Walking Tours in Krakow
Explore Krakow's Old Town, Jewish Quarter or hidden gems with expert guides who bring the city’s history to life.
Wianki is just the beginning. From jazz festivals to open-air cinema and cultural parades, Krakow in summer is full of surprises.
👉 Summer in Krakow – what to do when the heat strikes
Find even more free events, hidden attractions and travel tips to make your stay unforgettable.
Whether you're a music lover, culture seeker or just looking for free things to do in Krakow, Wianki offers a magical blend of heritage and modern fun – all in one of the most beautiful settings in the city.
Mark your calendar for June 20–22 and join the celebration – from dawn to dawn.
For the full programme and official updates, visit the organiser’s website:
👉 Wianki in Krakow 2025 – official KBF page
Join 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 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 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 includedExplore 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 guideSkip-theLineTransportation included
