Virtually impossible to miss if you’re passing through Krakow’s historic Old Town, the Krakow Town Hall Tower is a prominent feature of the city’s skyline. It’s also a key sight on multiple sightseeing tours, including private and shared walking tours, as well as electric golf cart tours—a fun way to explore the city and save tired legs. Some tours also combine Old Town sights with a visit to the Jewish district of Kazimierz and the former Ghetto.
The observation deck is not wheelchair-accessible as you need to climb 110 steps to access it. The staircase is narrow, so it’s not recommended for travelers with limited mobility.
The observation area is small, so it’s not recommended for large groups.
If you think the tower is leaning, you’re not imagining it. The tower has been dubbed Poland’s mini answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, as it leans 21 inches (55 centimeters) after strong winds in 1703.
Don’t worry about searching for the tower—you won’t miss it. It’s right in the center of the historic Old Town, and this beautiful area is best explored on foot, so you can walk along the cobbled streets and take in the sights. The Old Town is roughly a 20-minute walk from Kazimierz, and a similar distance from Krakow’s main train station too.
You can take photos of the Town Hall Tower exterior year-round but if you want to go inside, It’s only open April through December, with longer opening hours between the months of April and October. It is typically closed from January through March, so it’s best to look up the opening timetable before you visit.
The Krakow Town Hall Tower is the last part left of the old Krakow Town Hall, which was demolished in 1820. Its history goes back to the 14th century, and this Gothic-style red brick masterpiece has been lovingly restored and rebuilt after fires throughout history. Its function has changed over the years too—once a prison and medieval torture chamber, it’s now a theater, café, and part of the Historical Museum of Krakow.
