How to Spend a Day in Krakow, Poland

Krakow, the second largest city in Poland, is a vibrant city packed with culture and unique sights. With long summer days in the city, there are no shortage of activities to keep you busy during your stay. Whether you’re looking for the most popular tourist attractions, top must-visit restaurants, fun free activities or exciting night life, Krakow has something for everyone. Here is a guide on how to spend a day in Krakow, Poland.

Exploring the Stunning Architecture

Start your day off exploring the stunning architecture Krakow has to offer. The most popular tourist destination is Wawel Castle where you can take tours through the castle, gardens and dragon’s den. If you’re looking for some of the most impressive architecture in the city, head to Market Square where you’ll be surrounded by medieval churches such as St Mary’s Basilica, Church of St. Adalbert and Corpus Christi Church. Be sure to take a walk through the Cloth Hall to explore its artwork and souvenirs stores. Lastly, make your way to Synagogue Kazimierz, the oldest synagogue in Poland, to close off your tour of the city’s architecture.

Sampling Kraków’s Delicious Cuisines

One of the best activities to do while in Kraków is to explore the delicious cuisines. If you’re feeling hungry and don’t know where to start – head to Wesele for delicious breakfast or lunch filled with traditional Polish dishes. Praha is a great spot for lunch or dinner offering Czech food such as sausages, pork schnitzel and roasted duck served with dumplings. When it comes to desserts, you can’t visit Kraków without trying some of the local pastries such as doughnuts from Arka, pączki from Staropolska or cake from Blikle.

Seeing Kraków by Day

When the sun is out, there are plenty of activities to do in Kraków. Early morning starts of with Kolberg Street Street Market where you’ll find a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. After exploring the market and sampling some delicious snacks – make your way to Oskar Schindler Factory Museum where you can learn about its history and Schindler’s incredible story. From there, head to Botanic Garden where you can stroll around the gardens and enjoy some peace and quiet amongst nature. Afternoon should be filled with some fun activities like kayaking on Vistula River and scuba diving underneath Wawel Castle. Lastly, head over to Planty Park for a relaxing stroll and watch some of the locals playing chess or slacklining.

Experiencing Kraków by Night

As the sun sets and darkness falls upon Kraków – it’s time to experience what the city has to offer at night. Head over to Nowy Świat Beer Garden after sunset for an enjoyable evening where you can sample some local beers or ciders and enjoy some delicious cheese platters. For a unique nighttime experience – take a Kraków Private Vodka Tasting Tour with GetYourGuide, where you’ll be taken on a journey of Polish culture and craftsmanship. On this tour, you’ll learn more about Poland’s 500-year vodka tradition, sample different types of vodka, meet fascinating people and enjoy canapes accompanied with vodka cocktails. Lastly, end the night at one of Kraków’s finest clubs – choose from Rasputin Theatre Club with its buzzing atmosphere or Wiggor Dance Club for live music if that’s more up your alley.

Bottom Line

Kraków is one of Poland’s most gorgeous cities and it’s filled with plenty of activities to do during day and night. Whether you want to see Kraków from its renowned architecture or exploring its mouth-watering cuisines – there is plenty to keep you entertained during your stay in this vibrant city. And don’t forget to book GetYourGuide’s Krakow Private Vodka Tasting Tour – it’s one of the best ways to really experience Poland’s 500-year vodka tradition and understand the culture like a local!

An Insider’s Guide to Discovering Krakow, Poland

Krakow is a magical city filled with a rich cultural heritage that has earned it the title of “cultural capital” of Poland. If you’re ready to immerse yourself in this vibrant city, follow this insider’s guide to discover some of the hidden gems and secrets that Krakow has to offer.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems

While Krakow has many popular tourist attractions, here are some hidden gems that only locals know about. The first is the Wolski Forest, a 40-minute bus ride from the city center. Here you can explore the dense forest and enjoy an incredible panoramic view of Krakow from the Kopiec Kościuszki, a man-made hill dedicated to the Polish national hero. Another hidden gem is the Nowa Huta district; a socialist-style planned district built in the 1950s intended to be an industrialized utopia. Here you will find unique architecture, including buildings made from prefabricated elements and squares designed for public gatherings.

Dining Spots: A Journey Through Krakow’s Culinary Scene

Krakow’s food scene is a testament to its diverse cultural heritage, offering a delicious mix of traditional, regional, and international cuisine. Pierogi (Polish dumplings) is a must-try dish, and you can enjoy them at the Milk Bar Tomasza, a popular and affordable cafeteria. Another restaurant worth visiting is Restaurant Wierzynek, established in the 14th-century. It is the oldest restaurant in Poland and offers exquisite Polish cuisine like the iconic smoked goose breast and sour rye soup.

Cultural Experiences: Traditions and Customs

Krakow’s culture spans centuries, expressed in its art, music, and festivals. The most colorful cultural event is the annual Festival of St. Joseph, a religious and cultural festival celebrated in March with traditional dance, music, and flowers at the famous St. Mary’s Basilica. In the summer, the world-renowned Jewish Culture Festival is held in Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter. The festival features performances of klezmer music, Yiddish theater, traditional Jewish cuisine, and art.

Local History: Stories From the Past

Krakow’s history is rich with legends such as the tale of the Wawel Dragon, a popular fable in Polish folklore that tells of a dragon responsible for terrorizing the city. The legend is immortalized with a sculpture of the dragon breathing fire, located in a cave at the foot of Wawel Hill. Another interesting site is the Nowy Cemetery, built at the turn of the 20th century, and considered one of the most beautiful Jewish cemeteries in Europe.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unexpected Adventures

Get a unique perspective of Krakow by exploring the city’s many hidden tunnels, including the ones beneath the Royal Castle. These tunnels were used for smuggling and could reveal the secrets of the castle’s dark past. Take a trip to the Ojcow National Park, a picturesque nature reserve located 16 km to the north of Krakow, where you can explore hiking trails and visit ancient rocky outcrops like the grodek castle ruins.

In conclusion, Krakow provides it all; from delicious food that will leave your taste buds satisfied, rich cultural experiences, enchanting legends, all while discovering hidden gems that outsiders tend to miss. Follow this insider’s guide, and you’ll discover why Krakow is considered one of the most extraordinary cities in the world.