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Krakow – What Can You Do in Krakow?

Krakow is one of the oldest cities in Europe and its colorful history, culture, and stunning architecture has made it one of the most visited cities in Poland. Whether you’re coming for a short break or longer stay, there is no shortage of things to do in Krakow. From outdoor activities to cultural sites and places of historical interest, it’s easy to find something to suit any taste. In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the best activities while giving an insight into the city’s history.

Visit the Old Town (Stare Miasto)

Krakow’s Old Town is a defining feature of the city and is one of the oldest parts of Krakow. Here you can find many of the city’s iconic streets and public squares, including the Main Market Square, which forms the centre of the city. Most of the buildings here have been standing since medieval times, making it easy to let your imagination burst and feel as though you have been transported back in time.

As you walk around Old Town, you can explore many bars, cafes and interesting shops amidst the stunning architecture. The area also contains one of Europe’s largest medieval market squares, which was once home to all types of merchants as well as having been a backdrop for many events. Additionally, you can wander around two of Krakow’s oldest churches, the Basilica of the Virgin Mary and St Mary”s Church.

Explore There are Many Museums and Art Galleries

Krakow has lots of cultural activities for visitors to explore, and many of them are located within the city centre. The Muzeum Narodowe, or National Museum, is a must-visit site. This museum features a large collection of medieval art and Polish art from various periods. It is also home to some stunning sculptures, paintings and frescoes, as well as being an interesting source of information on Krakow’s history.

In addition to this museum, you can find other notable art galleries in the city such as the Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology and the Contemporary Art Gallery. It is easy to spend a whole day going around these galleries looking at the artwork as well as learning about some of Krakow’s most famous artists.

Go for a Walk at Wawel Castle

The Wawel Castle is one of Krakow’s most iconic landmarks, sitting atop a hill overlooking the city. Originally built by King Casimir III in 1320, the Castle has long been an important symbol for Poland’s culture. The complex is now full of interesting attractions open for visitors such as a cathedral with paintings from The Baroque era, Renaissance courtyards and paths lined with ancient trees. You can even visit Catacombs inside the castle walls that contain some unique artworks by Poland’s local artists.

To make the most out of your visit to Wawel Castle, go for a walk around its garden which features some highly impressive views over the city. A visit here makes for a fantastic day out that is jam-packed with history and culture while also giving a true feel for Krakow.

Visit John Paul II Shrine

The John Paul II Shrine celebrates Pope John Paul II who was born in Krakow in 1920 and went on to become one of the most influential spiritual leaders of all time. The shrine contains photographs, paintings, objects related to his life as well as other artifacts donated by people around the world. One particular highlight of this site is his apartment where he lived after World War II which has now been turned into a museum.

The Shrine provides visitors from around world the chance to pay respect to this spiritual leader and is a great way for those who want to learn about faith and religion to do so in an authentic setting. Not far from this site is John Paul II Hospital which is driven by his philanthropic spirit and provides medical care to those less fortunate citizens from all over Poland.

Take a Free Tour

Krakow has an abundance of tourist attractions that visitors can explore, but If you want to learn more about Krakow’s vast history then why not join in on one of many free walking tours available in the area? There are a range of tours covering topics such as Jewish culture and World War II stories as well as tours of essential sites such as Wawel Castle and Vistula River.

These tours are ideal for first-time visitors and allow them to benefit from local knowledge while gaining an extra insight into Krakow’s past. Most tours are run by English-speaking local guides who can offer plenty of interesting facts about the sites you will visit which makes them great for those who want to get off the beaten track and explore some lesser-known gems that Krakow has to offer.

Krakow is a vibrant yet historic city with plenty of activities suitable for all tastes and ages. Whether you are visiting for a holiday or staying longer term, there are activities and attractions to enjoy that will take you back through time while enabling you to have fun exploring what makes Krakow as unique as it is today. To find out more about things to do and see around Krakow, check out this website or for more detailed travel information about Krakow and Poland, visit Poland Travel Company.