harpal singh 0MPtSJfg9J4 unsplash

Krakow To Do

Experience Adventure Like Never Before: Book Your Tour Today!

Krakow To Do: A City Guide for First-time Tourists

Krakow is one of the oldest and most beloved cities in Europe. It is located in the southern part of Poland on the banks of the Vistula River, and it has a rich history and culture that is evident throughout the city. Krakow was once the royal capital of Poland and today it is known for its stunning architecture, excellent food, and vibrant nightlife. It is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, the Jagiellonian University, as well as a number of important cultural sites and landmarks. Krakow is also a great destination for tourists looking to explore the area’s rich history and culture.

General Overview

Krakow is the second largest city in Poland and has been inhabited since the 7th century. Over the years it has grown to become an important cultural, economic, and political center in the region. The city is known for its gorgeous architecture, especially the Gothic churches that adorn the old town. It is also home to a number of important cultural institutions, such as the Wawel Castle, the Royal Palace, and the National Museum. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife and its excellent cuisine, ranging from traditional Polish dishes to international fare.

Krakow has a population of around 775,000 people and a metropolitan area of around 2 million people. It is located in southern Poland, near the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The city is known for its mild climate, making it a great destination for tourists throughout the year. The city has a vibrant art and music scene, with a number of galleries, museums, and concert halls that showcase the works of local and international artists. Krakow also has a number of beautiful parks and gardens that are perfect for exploring on foot or taking a leisurely stroll.

History of Krakow

Krakow has a long and fascinating history. The city was founded in the 7th century and was an important trading center by the 10th century. In the 14th century, Krakow was declared the royal capital of Poland and it remained so until 1596. During this period, the city became a major cultural center with some of the country’s most important cultural institutions, such as the Jagiellonian University and Wawel Castle.

In 1795, Krakow was annexed by Austria and remained part of the Austrian Empire until 1918 when it was returned to Poland. During World War II, Krakow was occupied by Nazi Germany and many of its Jewish citizens were brutally persecuted by the Nazis. After the war, Krakow was rebuilt and it soon became an important cultural center once again. In 1978, the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its cultural importance.

Things To Do In Krakow

Krakow is a great destination for tourists looking to explore its rich history and culture. There are a number of popular attractions and activities to do in the city, from visiting historical sites to taking part in cultural events. Here are some of the most popular things to do in Krakow:

Visit Wawel Castle

One of the most popular things to do in Krakow is to visit Wawel Castle. This castle was once the royal palace of Poland and it is now one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. The castle is made up of several different buildings, which were built over centuries. Visitors can take guided tours around the castle grounds and visit the different buildings to learn more about Polish history and culture.

Explore Old Town

Krakow’s Old Town is one of the city’s most popular attractions. This part of town is home to many of Krakow’s most iconic buildings and monuments, such as St Mary’s Basilica and St Florian’s Gate. Visitors can take guided tours around Old Town to learn more about its history and architecture or simply wander around on their own and explore its winding streets.

Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is one of the most important sites in Poland. This memorial is dedicated to those who were murdered during World War II at Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Visitors can take guided tours around the memorial grounds to learn more about this dark period in history.

Take a Brewery Tour

Krakow is home to some excellent breweries and beer lovers will definitely want to take a brewery tour while they’re in town. These tours are available at several different breweries in Krakow and offer visitors a chance to sample some of the city’s best beers while learning more about its brewing traditions.

Explore Jewish Culture

Krakow was once home to one of Europe’s oldest Jewish communities and there are still traces of this community throughout the city. Visitors can take guided tours around Jewish sites in Krakow, such as synagogues, cemeteries, and historical buildings, to learn more about the city’s Jewish past.

Go on a Guided Tour

There are a number of guided tours available in Krakow, which offer visitors an easy way to explore the city’s attractions without getting lost or overwhelmed by the number of things to do. These tours are offered by several different companies and cover a range of topics, from history to art to food.

Visit Schindler’s Factory Museum

The Schindler’s Factory Museum is housed in what was once Oskar Schindler’s enamel factory during World War II. The museum offers visitors an insight into Schindler’s actions during the war, which saved thousands of Jews from death at Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. The museum also contains a number of artifacts related to Schindler’s story, such as letters from Jewish families he saved.

Popular Tours in Krakow

Krakow offers plenty of unique experiences for visitors looking to explore its history and culture on guided tours. Here are two popular tours that are perfect for first-time visitors:

Auschwitz & Salt Mine Day Trip

This full-day tour takes visitors on a journey through some of Poland’s most important sites related to World War II history. The tour begins with a visit to Auschwitz I & II concentration camp memorial followed by a visit to Wieliczka Salt Mine, which served as an important strategic asset during World War II and was also used by Oskar Schindler as a shelter for Jews he employed at his factory during Nazi occupation. The tour also includes lunch at a local restaurant and an introduction to Polish culture and traditions by a local guide. Book an Auschwitz & Salt Mine Day Trip here.

Kazimierz & Jewish Culture Guided Tour

This guided tour takes visitors through Kazimierz District – once home to one of Europe’s oldest Jewish communities – as they explore its rich history and cultural heritage. The tour includes visits to some of Kazimierz’s most iconic sites, such as Remuh Synagogue, Isaac Synagogue, and High Synagogue; exhibitions at Galicia Jewish Museum; and lectures on Jewish rituals, beliefs, traditions, and culture by knowledgeable local guides. Book a Kazimierz & Jewish Culture Guided Tour here.

Oskar Schindler’s Factory Tour

This two-hour tour takes visitors inside Oskar Schindler’s former enamel factory – now home to a museum dedicated to his life – as they learn about his heroic actions during World War II in saving thousands of Jews from death at Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. The tour includes visits to some of Schindler’s former offices as well as exhibitions featuring artifacts related to his story, such as letters from Jewish families he saved. Book an Oskar Schindler’s Factory Tour here.

Conclusion

Krakow is an amazing city with plenty of things to do for first-time visitors looking to explore its rich history and culture. From visiting historical sites like Wawel Castle to exploring Jewish culture at Kazimierz District or taking part in guided tours like Auschwitz & Salt Mine Day Trip or Oskar Schindler’s Factory Tour, there are plenty of activities for tourists to enjoy in Krakow. With its stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, excellent cuisine, and friendly locals, Krakow is sure to be an unforgettable experience for visitors from all over the world!

harpal singh 0MPtSJfg9J4 unsplash

Krakow To Do

Experience Adventure Like Never Before: Book Your Tour Today!