A Guide to Krakow: The Best Things To See and Do

Situated in the south of Poland, Krakow is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It’s a city steeped in history, culture, and legends and is home to some of the most amazing sights on the continent. Krakow is a city of secrets, with many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From its fascinating old town to its UNESCO-listed historic squares, Krakow is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Poland.

History of Krakow

Krakow was first founded as a city in the 7th century, and is one of the oldest cities in Poland. It was once the capital of Poland and has remained an important cultural and political center for centuries. In 1978, Krakow was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its exceptional beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Today, Krakow is home to around 750,000 people, making it the second largest city in Poland after Warsaw. The city is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning architecture, with its old town and Jewish Quarter being particularly popular with visitors. Krakow is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with some of the best bars, clubs and cafes in the country.

The Best Things to See in Krakow

Krakow is a city full of amazing sights and attractions. Here are some of the best things to see and do while you’re there:

Main Market Square (Rynek Glowny)

The Main Market Square (Rynek Glowny) is Krakow’s most iconic landmark and one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around the historic buildings, admiring the colorful facades of the old townhouses, and soaking up the atmosphere. The square is also home to some of the city’s most famous sites, such as St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall.

Wawel Castle

One of Krakow’s most popular attractions is Wawel Castle, a royal castle with over 1000 years of history. Its grounds are filled with beautiful gardens, courtyards and galleries, as well as an impressive collection of art and artifacts. The castle is also home to the Crown Treasury and Armoury which contain many priceless items from the royal collections.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of Krakow’s most famous attractions. Located just outside the city centre, it’s a vast underground network of chambers and passages stretching over 300 kilometres. Visitors can explore its many chambers and marvel at its incredible artwork and sculptures carved into the walls.

Kazimierz

Kazimierz is an old Jewish quarter located just outside Krakow’s old town. It’s a vibrant part of the city with a rich history and culture. Visitors can explore its narrow cobbled streets lined with colorful buildings and interesting shops, as well as its many synagogues and historic monuments.

Schindler’s Factory Museum

The Schindler’s Factory Museum is a must-visit attraction for those looking to learn more about Krakow’s dark past during World War II. Located in the former enamel factory of Oskar Schindler, the museum offers an insight into his story as well as that of his Jewish workers who were saved from certain death in concentration camps.

Unique Experiences in Krakow

Krakow offers plenty of unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. Here are some of the best things to do in Krakow:

Take a Food Tour

Krakow is known for its delicious food scene, so it’s no wonder that food tours are one of the best ways to experience it. From traditional Polish dishes such as pierogi and bigos to modern takes on classic recipes, a food tour is a great way to sample all that Krakow has to offer.

Go on a Ghost Tour

Krakow has an intriguing dark side and one way to explore it is by going on a ghost tour. From mysterious tales of dark alleys to haunted castles, a ghost tour will take you on an unforgettable journey through the city’s darker past.

Go on a Brewery Tour

Krakow has some of the best craft breweries in Poland and you can get an inside look at how they make their delicious beer by going on a brewery tour. From small independent breweries to larger ones, you’ll get an insight into the brewing process as well as get to sample some of their delicious beer.

Popular Tours in Krakow

If you’re looking for a guided tour of all that Krakow has to offer, there are plenty of great options available. Here are two popular tours in Krakow:

Krakow Old Town Walking Tour

This two-hour walking tour takes visitors through Krakow’s Old Town and highlights some of its most important sites and attractions. You’ll walk around the Main Market Square, visit St Mary’s Basilica, explore the Jewish Quarter, and take in some of the city’s most impressive landmarks. Along the way, your guide will provide you with interesting facts and anecdotes about the city’s history and culture. Book a Krakow Old Town Walking Tour here.

Krakow Beer Tour

This three-hour tour takes you through some of Krakow’s best breweries and pubs, giving you an insight into how Polish beer is made and sampled. You’ll visit three different breweries which will each provide you with samples of their delicious beer, as well as give you an insight into how beer is made in Poland. Book a Krakow Beer Tour here.