Krakow is an incredibly nice little town with lots of attractions. There are a lot of fun and interesting things to do in Krakow, historical treasures and wallet-friendly prices characterize the city like nothing else. The second largest city in Poland is inviting anyone looking for top-notch leisure as well as all who want to get amazed with Polish cultural heritage and its heartwarming residents. Welcome to Krakow, Polish largest university hub, and let us take a look makes this place so special.
Landmarks Will Simply Unfold in Front of You
Krakow is a wonderful gem that is considered one of Europe’s finest fairy tales. It’s no wonder that thousands of epic Krakow stag do parties take place here when there are so many cozy pubs, fine restaurants and good places for those who want to dance away. The low prices and exciting experiences mean that many are attracted to, to lively squares, fairytale castles with pinnacles and towers, history and entertainment.
Krakow is known as the city of churches, which you will soon be aware of from the first stroll through its historical streets. Churches are located literally in every quarter. With so many years in the neck, Krakow has a solid history and a rich cultural heritage. Moreover, Krakow’s historic city center Stare Miasto, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are a number of well-preserved buildings to visit around the city. In addition, Krakow has several interesting excursion destinations, making this lovely city a perfect destination to visit for a getaway weekend.
Krakow’s Rynek Glowny Central Square
The main square is located inside the walls, in the middle of the Old Town (Stare Miasto in Polish) and was the largest square in Europe! Today you can say that the square is a bit like the city’s soul. Here, a well-attended Christmas market is organized every year in December.
Wawel Castle
Upon the Wawel Hill is the royal cathedral which is a well-frequented place. There is a solid history of architecture here and in addition, the Gothic royal castle houses one of Da Vinci’s famous paintings ‘The Lady with the Hermine’. You can stroll around here yourself or book a guided tour for an amazing cultural experience.
Sukiennice
Sukiennice means dressing rooms in Polish. Built in the 15th century, this historic trading place was once the heart of international trade. Today, the remnants of successful trading days still remain. On the ground floor are several stands that sell leather goods, crafts and souvenirs. Upstairs you will find the National Museum and on the lower floor is the Rynek Underground Museum.
The National Museum
It is located on top of the Sukiennice Dressing Halls and has a large collection of ancient Polish paintings and sculptures.
Rynek Underground
This museum, just as its name suggests, is located below the Great Square. Get down here and experience a bit of the Middle Ages. Rynek Underground shows fantastic exhibitions both about and from the Middle Ages.
Mariakyrkan The
Twin towers of St. Mary’s Church are a legendary landmark of this place that is one of Krakow’s premier landmarks. Centrally located in the middle of the Old Town, and built in the 13th century in Gothic style. Do not miss listening to the trumpet melody with an abrupt end that is played every hour.
Jewish Quarter in Krakow – Kazimierz
Kazimierz is the name of Krakow’s Jewish Quarter and here the Jewish population has lived for over 500 years. An ideal place if you want to experience Krakow’s Jewish culture and history.
There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, genuine and slightly rough bars, museums and synagogues, between the Old Town of Krakow and the Jewish Quarter, it takes about 10-15 minutes to walk. On Sundays, there is an outdoor market in the square where you can find clothes, gloves, caps, bags and much, much more.
Excursions and One-Day Trips to Nearby Places That You Will Never Forget
Excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau
Many want to visit the old concentration and extermination camps where millions of Jews were executed during the Second World War. It’s a touching visit where you are taken back in time. Educational, interesting and not least frightening is to go under the vault with the famous text “Arbeit Macht Frei”. You will have a chance to book a tour here for both individuals and groups.
Excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mine
A little bit outside Krakow is the world’s oldest salt mine, Wieliczka, which today is one of the most popular sights Krakow offers. The mine consists of a 300 km long mining system and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It has been in use since the 13th century and the mining operation was only closed a few years ago. Visiting the mine is like coming down in an enchanted world where everything is done in salt, even crystal chandeliers, and sculptures!
Nightlife in Krakow
Party and nightlife here are fast-paced and affordable. There are plenty of good bars and clubs both in the Old Town and in Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter). If you are looking for the elegant nightlife, then it is up to the Old Town lodging you are looking for. If you are more for the rough and slightly alternative bar and pub evening then Kazimierz is your ultimate goal.
We definitely recommend testing at least one bar round in Kazimierz! Drinks and food prices are wallet-friendly in comparison to the rest of the EU, so be sure to go out and away is an evening filled with delights!
Transportation in Krakow
From the airport to the heart of the city the train takes about 17 minutes, departs every 30 minutes and takes you to the main railway station in Krakow. Trains are the easiest way to get to Krakow by public transport. The bus takes about 40 minutes and departs frequently from the airport. Look for bus lines 208, 292 and 902.
Walking around
Krakow is quite small and easy to walk. You can walk between the Old Town and the Jewish Quarter in about 20-25 minutes. Inside Krakow, it is nice to get there by using the trams. All tickets cost as much regardless of how far you go. If you feel tired in your legs after a full day, the tram can be an idea, or you can take taxis that are, like everything else, super cheap here. Remember to always have cash for taxis, since card payment is not as developed in Poland.
In Conclusion:
Krakow stands as a perfect opportunity for anyone looking for an interesting unexplored place to travel full of culture and places to party until dawn for very little cash. The abundance of charming restaurants and mouth-watering Polish cuisine will guarantee that you will leave with few pounds on top of your weight and cities amazing excursions will definitely leave a mark on your mind.
