Cemeteries are not everyone’s cup of tea. Even pretty ones, like the Rakowicki Cemetery, are considered dark and dreary. Death is not a comfortable topic. But if you can stomach it, then visit this cemetery. Established in the 1803 as Krakow’s main cemetery, this is the final resting place of many of Krakow’s and Poland’s greatest and most influential figures. Famed Polish poets, writer, playwrights, painters, artists, soldiers, leaders and the family of Pope John Paul II are buried here. The cemetery is also a great example of a garden cemetery. The varying tombs, memorials, graves, mausoleums, sculptures and statues of varying shapes and sizes, spreading out over 42 acres, are exquisitely beautiful.

• Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately.
• Behave respectfully.

• Trams are available from the gate of the cemetery.

• Zbrojownia. Restauracja (Polish, moderately expensive, casual)
• Exploris (Polish, moderately expensive, casual)
• Karibu Polsak (Polish, inexpensive, casual)

Love this? Explore the entire list of places to visit in Krakow before you plan your trip.

Fancy a good night's sleep after a tiring day? Check out where to stay in Krakow and book an accommodation of your choice.