Krakow has become a very popular tourist destination in recent years and has a lot to offer for travelers: the city is filled with amazing natural sites, delicious culinary marvels, and tons of cool things to do and places to see. We’ve put together a list of some of the best things to do in Krakow, so you can use them when you’re planning your own trip there.
1. Strolling around Krakow’s Old Town
2. Explore Wawel Castle and Wawel Cathedral
3. Walking around Kazimierz District
4. Try traditional Polish food
5. Climb the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica
6. Walking in the Planty Park
7. Fly over the city in a hot-air balloon
8. Walk on top of the “Krakus Mound”
9. Walking along Kanonicza Street
10. Visit St. Joseph’s church in Podgorze
The old city in Krakow is its historical center with many wonderful attractions. This part of the city is the very first place from which all tourists begin their acquaintance with Krakow. Did you know that the Historical Center of Krakow is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List? So, enjoy all this beauty and don’t forget your cameras to take a lot of amazing photos! Pay special attention to the following sights: Main Market Square, The Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church, Church of St. Wojciech, Kraków’s Town Hall, Adam Mickiewicz Monument, The Eros Bendato (The Head), Florianska Street, St. Florian’s Gate, Kraków Barbican.
The Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow is a whole architectural complex, which is the most important symbol of the country. Various styles are mixed in the Wawel Castle: from Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque. From the second half of the 11th century until the beginning of the 17th, Wawel was the residence of Polish kings. The castle has a rich history, which is shared with tourists through exhibits inside the castle. Here you can visit the chambers of the Polish kings, the treasury, the Throne Hall and the Armory.
This area is radically different from the Old Town, it has retained its unique charm and authenticity. Kazimierz is modern and very special, there are many different independent galleries, unique vintage shops and quirky bars. Also, in this area, the famous Steven Spielberg film “Schindler’s List” was filmed, which is about the Holocaust during the Second World War.
A trip to Krakow is a great chance to get acquainted with Polish national cuisine, which is an original mix of Slavic and Western European traditions. So here you will find a variety of very tasty dishes in the restaurants of Polish cuisine, I recommend you to try: Pierogi (Polish dumplings), Bigos (Hunter’s stew), Placki Ziemniaczane (Potato Pancakes), Sernik (Polish Cheesecake), Żurek (soup made from soured rye flour and meat), Gołąbki (cabbage rolls filled with rice and meat).
Climb the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica to enjoy the best view over Krakow. At Plac Mariacki 5 is the most popular observation deck in Krakow, located in the tower of the St.Mary’s Basilica. A rather long and narrow staircase leads to the observation platform. 409 steps and 82 meters. But it’s worth it. Wonderful views of both the Old Town and the Wawel from the heights.
The entrance to the site is open from 11.30 to 20.00. Access to the site is not always open, so it’s better to clarify the schedule.
There is a place in Krakow that is ideal for sitting in the shade of trees, listening to the birds singing, getting distracted from the hustle and bustle – in a word, a little rest from the active tourist sightseeing. The Planty is a park ring, a natural barrier that surrounds the Old Town area. Each season, in any weather, Planty is unique in its own way. Many picturesque lawns, flower beds, benches and lanterns along with the linden, maple, birch, chestnut, poplar alleys decorate Krakow’s Planty. Memorial sculptures and slabs are installed on the territory, among them are monuments to the Poles who glorified Poland all over the world.
This is a fantastic way to see the fabulous panoramas of the city. Enjoy a bird’s eye 360 deg. view of the Old Town from up in the sky. It will definitely be unforgettable!
If you are looking for a platform with panoramic views of the city, the mounds are exactly what you need. The oldest mound comes from the 7th century, and it is the Krakus Mound. You have to climb up a steep hill (the height of which is 203 meters and the height of the mound itself is 16 meters) for a beautiful panorama of the city.
Kanonicza Street is one of the oldest, most beautiful and charming streets of Kraków. It’s small, cozy, crooked, and perfectly preserves its former appearance! Once it was part of the Royal Route connecting Wawel Castle with the Florian’s Gate. Don’t miss the opportunity to walk this street while in Kraków.
St. Joseph’s Church is located on the right bank of the Vistula River, in the Podgorze district, and it is one of the most beautiful Gothic-style churches in Krakow. Three naves and seven altars in the neo-Gothic style stand out in the interior of the Church. In the evenings the Church is highlighted and turns into a real fairytale castle.
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