Things To Do In Krakow Old Town

Krakow’s Old Town is one of the most stunning and vibrant cities in Europe. Located in the south of Poland, it is a city that has a long and fascinating history, having been the capital of Poland from 1038 until 1596, as well as a major cultural center for centuries. It has been an important part of the country’s history for over a millennium, and its remarkable monuments, ancient buildings and bustling squares make Krakow a must-see destination for any visitor to Poland.

Krakow is home to around 800,000 people, making it the second-largest city in the country. The city’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds some of the most beautiful architecture in Europe, with its cobbled streets, medieval churches and Gothic buildings. The Old Town is also home to the world-renowned Wawel Castle and the famous Main Market Square, where visitors can explore the many shops and restaurants.

The city has a rich cultural life and is known for its vibrant nightlife. There are many theatres, music venues, museums and galleries to explore, as well as numerous bars and clubs to enjoy. Krakow also hosts an array of festivals throughout the year, such as the International Music Festival and the Jewish Cultural Festival.

Krakow is also an important religious centre, with its famous churches such as St Mary’s Basilica and St Mary’s Church. The city also has many beautiful parks and gardens, such as Planty Park and the Royal Gardens at Wawel Castle, where visitors can take a leisurely stroll or take in the views of the city from the castle walls.

Exploring The Stunning Architecture Of Krakow

Krakow is home to some of the most stunning architecture in Europe. From grand castles to ancient churches, there is plenty to explore in the Old Town. One of the most iconic sites in Krakow is Wawel Castle, which dates back to the 11th century and was the former residence of Polish royalty. The breathtaking castle complex encompasses a number of buildings and monuments, including the Royal Basilica, the Crown Treasury and Armory, and the Dragon’s Den. Visitors can explore the grounds of the castle and its many gardens, or take a guided tour of the castle’s interiors. Visitors can also take part in a guided tour of Wawel Hill, which offers stunning views of the city.

The Main Market Square is another must-see for any visitor to Krakow. This large square is home to some of the city’s most iconic buildings, including St Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall and Town Hall Tower. The square is also home to many shops, cafes and restaurants, making it a popular spot for visitors to relax and take in the beauty of the city.

Krakow is also home to many beautiful churches, such as St Mary’s Basilica with its magnificent stained glass windows and Gothic architecture. Other notable churches include St Peter’s Church and St Adalbert’s Church. Visitors can also explore the many grand palaces in Krakow, such as Ogrodzieniec Castle and Lubomirski Palace.

A Taste Of Krakow’s Culinary Scene

Krakow is renowned for its culinary scene, with restaurants serving up traditional Polish dishes as well as international cuisine. Visitors can find everything from hearty pierogi (dumplings) to succulent steaks or fresh seafood. There are also plenty of bars and pubs to enjoy a refreshing beer or a glass of Polish vodka. For those looking for something a little different, there are also plenty of vegan restaurants and health food cafes around the city.

One of Krakow’s most popular dishes is zapiekanka, which is an open-faced sandwich made with cheese, mushrooms and ketchup. It is often served with a side of fries and is a popular street food snack. Other dishes to try include pierogi ruskie (dumplings filled with potatoes and cheese), bigos (a hearty stew made with sauerkraut and meat) or kotlet schabowy (breaded pork cutlet).

Enjoying The City’s Arts And Culture

Krakow is home to many museums and galleries which offer visitors an insight into the city’s rich cultural heritage. The National Museum houses one of the largest collections of Polish art in Europe, while other notable museums include the Contemporary Art Gallery and the National Museum of Military History. The Kazimierz Jewish District also has several museums dedicated to Jewish culture, history and religion.

The city also has a vibrant theatre scene with several theatres offering performances ranging from classical ballet to traditional folk music. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is also an interesting attraction just outside of Krakow and offers guided tours through its tunnels and chambers filled with sculptures carved out of salt.

Sightseeing Around Krakow

Krakow offers visitors plenty of opportunities for sightseeing around the city. One of the most popular ways to see all that Krakow has to offer is by taking a walking tour around the Old Town. This way visitors can soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful city while discovering its fascinating history and culture. There are also plenty of guided bus tours around Krakow which offer visitors a comprehensive overview of the city.

For those looking for an adventure outside of Krakow, there are plenty of day trips available from the city. Some of these include visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp or visiting Wieliczka Salt Mine, both of which are important landmarks in Poland’s history.

Touring Krakow By Bike

Touring Krakow by bike is one of the best ways to explore all that this beautiful city has to offer. There are plenty of cycle paths around Krakow which offer stunning views of the city’s architecture and parks. There are also guided bike tours available where visitors can learn all about Krakow’s history while taking in its sights.

Exploring The Jewish Heritage Of Krakow

Krakow has an important Jewish heritage which dates back centuries. This can be seen in its many synagogues such as Remuh Synagogue or Tempel Synagogue, both of which are open for visitors to explore. The Kazimierz Jewish District is also worth exploring as it showcases how life was for Jews in Poland during the 16th century. There are several museums here dedicated to Jewish history such as Galicia Jewish Museum or Schindler Factory Museum which tell stories of persecution during World War II as well as celebrating Jewish contributions to Krakow’s culture over centuries.

Spending An Evening At The Opera

For those looking for a more cultured evening out in Krakow there is no better place than Teatr Wielki – Polish National Opera House. This grand theatre offers visitors a chance to enjoy some of Poland’s best operas as well as ballet performances from world-class dancers. The theatre was built in 1833 in neo-classical style and still retains its original decor which makes it one of the most beautiful theatres in Europe.

Book A Tour Of Auschwitz-Birkenau

A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp is an important part of any trip to Krakow. This site serves as a reminder of one of humanity’s darkest periods and it is important to reflect on this part of history while visiting this memorial site. Visitors can take part in a guided tour which will explain more about what happened at Auschwitz-Birkenau during World War II as well as learning more about those who were persecuted during this time.

Book A Tour Of Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine should not be missed when visiting Krakow. This vast underground salt mine has been carved out over centuries and is now one of Poland’s most visited sites due to its stunning underground chambers filled with sculptures carved out of salt rock and its fascinating history. Visitors can take part in a guided tour through this impressive mine which will explain more about its history as well as providing plenty of opportunities to take some stunning photos deep underground.

Conclusion

Krakow Old Town is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, boasting stunning architecture, cultural attractions, delicious cuisine and plenty more for visitors to enjoy. From exploring Wawel Castle or taking a stroll around Main Market Square to enjoying a performance at Teatr Wielki or visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp — there are plenty of things to do in Krakow Old Town that will allow visitors to get an insight into this vibrant city’s rich cultural heritage while making some unforgettable memories too!