For visitors, especially from abroad, who are visiting Krakow for the first time for a few days and want to make the most of the time, we have prepared a small guide.
Here's 6 key points, which are a must if you want to feel the atmosphere of this wonderful city:
This is the heart of Krakow, with the Main Market, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. Admire the historic townhouses, St. Mary's Church with the great altar of Wit Stwosz and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). To really experience the Krakow atmosphere and hear the most interesting stories associated with this remarkable city, it is best to book a tour with a local guide. Guides from Walkative! will introduce you to Krakow unknown to most tourists and fascinate you with unique stories. Book a walking tour of Krakow!
The royal castle and Wawel Cathedral rise on a limestone hill above a bend in the Vistula River. It is the centuries-old seat of kings and a symbol of Polish statehood. The castle impresses with its magnificent courtyard and beautifully restored interiors. The open space of the arcaded courtyard leads to the various exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, while the youngest are sure to enjoy a peek into the Dragon's Den. It's also worth taking a walk around Wawel Hill and seeing the cathedral.
A visit to Kazimierz is a must when visiting Krakow.
Krakow's Kazimierz, now associated as a former Jewish quarter, was founded by King Casimir the Great in the 14th century as an independent city.
This unique district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will delight you with its atmospheric streets, historic townhouses as well as cozy cafes and restaurants. Galleries, antique shops, art studios and monuments of Jewish culture create the charming atmosphere of the place. It is a place of great importance to Jewish culture. This district, teeming with cultural and artistic life, attracts especially those who wish to feel the spirit of Cracow's bohemia.
Are you interested in history and want to see with your own eyes the sites associated with World War II? We recommend you Oskar Schindler's Emalia Factory - It now houses a museum presenting the life of Krakow during World War II and the fate of its residents during the successive phases of the Nazi occupation of the city. And if you have more time, be sure to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum - The former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a testament to cruelty, terror, genocide and the Holocaust.
This place is located a bit outside of Krakow, but is definitely worth a visit. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a unique mine complex in the world. It is also a priceless monument of nature and technology, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The salt mine is visited by nearly 1.3 million tourists a year.
The mine is made up of a dense network of underground corridors, walkways and halls carved out of salt located 64-135 meters underground, which lay out an intricate, multi-level maze.
You can see part of this underground world created by nature and man with your own eyes. In the mine you can admire, among other things, unique brine lakes, salt sculptures and ancient mining equipment, as well as chapels carved in the salt, including the most famous one - the Chapel of St. Kinga.
Krakow is famous for its delicious cuisine and atmospheric places where you can try traditional Polish dishes, such as pierogi, borscht or kielbasa. We recommend the restaurant Tradition and the folk show held there every Friday. The show focuses on the authentic music and dance traditions of the region, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful culture of our country. Want to experience admiring folk dances while enjoying traditional foods?
Krakow is a city full of history, culture and beautiful places, so take advantage of every moment during your short visit to see as much as possible. We hope our guide will help you do just that!
And, of course, after a day full of excitement, we recommend staying overnight in our comfortable apartments located in different parts of the Old Town - choose something for yourself!
