Things To See In Krakow

Krakow, Poland’s second largest city, is one of the oldest cities in the country and has a rich history. The city is well known for its picturesque old town, the Wawel Castle, and the many churches that dot the skyline. It is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau. The city is filled with vibrant nightlife, great restaurants, and plenty of things to do and see. Whether you are visiting for a short weekend or a longer period of time, there are plenty of things to do in Krakow.

Overview of Krakow

Krakow is located on the Vistula River in the Lesser Poland region of southern Poland. It is one of the oldest cities in the country and has been an important cultural and economic center for centuries. The city is home to around 750,000 people, making it the second largest city in Poland after Warsaw. Krakow is known for its vibrant culture, with festivals and events taking place throughout the year. It also has a rich history, with many monuments and landmarks that tell the story of the city’s past.

The city is most famous for its picturesque old town, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. The old town is filled with historic buildings and monuments, such as St. Mary’s Basilica, Wawel Castle, and the Cloth Hall. Krakow also has several churches, such as St. Peter’s Church and St. Florian’s Church, which are both iconic landmarks in the city. In addition to its many historic sites, Krakow also has a thriving arts and culture scene with theaters, galleries, and museums.

Things To Do In Krakow

Krakow has plenty of things to do for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the top things to do in Krakow:

Explore Old Town

Krakow’s Old Town is one of the city’s most iconic and popular attractions. Stroll through the cobblestone streets and take in the historic buildings and monuments that line the streets. Tour the Wawel Castle and Cathedral, explore St. Mary’s Basilica, or visit the Rynek Glowny (main square) for a glimpse into Krakow’s past.

Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau

A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau is a must for anyone visiting Krakow. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a powerful reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust, and it provides an important insight into this dark period of history. It is one of the most important sites in Poland, and it should be visited with respect and humility.

Explore Krakow’s Undergound

Krakow has a fascinating underground world beneath its cobblestone streets. Explore the city’s many underground tunnels and caves, such as the Dragon’s Den Cave or the Wieliczka Salt Mine. You can also visit some of Krakow’s oldest churches, such as St. Peter’s Church and St. Florian’s Church.

Go on a Food Tour

Krakow’s food scene is one of the best in Poland. From pierogis to zapiekankas (Polish pizza), there are plenty of delicious dishes to try in Krakow. For an authentic taste of Krakow, go on a food tour where you can sample local specialties such as kopytka (potato dumplings), zrazy (stuffed beef rolls) or flaki (tripe soup).

Go Shopping

Krakow is a great place for shopping with plenty of boutiques, markets, and malls to explore. Head to Galeria Krakowska for high-end shopping or explore some of the city’s bustling markets such as Stary Kleparz or Plac Nowy for unique souvenirs or handmade goods.

Visit a Museum

Krakow is home to several excellent museums that showcase its history, art, and culture. Visit the National Museum or Muzeum Historyczne Miasta Krakowa (Historical Museum of Krakow) to learn more about the city’s rich past or explore the Museum of Contemporary Art for a glimpse into Krakow’s modern art scene.

Popular Tours in Krakow

Krakow has a wide variety of tours available to visitors, ranging from food tours to WWII history tours. Here are two popular tours in Krakow:

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Tour

A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is a powerful experience that will stay with you for many years to come. This guided tour takes you through the memorial site and provides an in-depth look at its history and significance. Learn about life at Auschwitz-Birkenau during WWII, from how prisoners were treated to how they lived their everyday lives. The tour includes an audio guide in 17 languages as well as access to all areas of the memorial site. Book an Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Tour here.

Kraków Foodie Walking Tour

Kraków’s food scene has something for everyone and this food tour is a great way to sample some of the city’s best dishes. On this guided tour, you’ll get to try some local specialties like pierogis, zapiekankas and flaki as well as some international favourites like Italian dishes and Middle Eastern cuisine. Your guide will also take you on a journey through Kraków’s history as you explore some of its most iconic sites, from Wawel Castle to St. Mary’s Basilica. Book a Kraków Foodie Walking Tour here.

Conclusion

Krakow is one of Poland’s most vibrant cities with plenty of things to do for visitors of all ages. From exploring historic sites like Wawel Castle and St Mary’s Basilica to sampling local dishes on a food tour, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained while in Krakow. There are also several popular tours available that provide an in-depth look at the city’s history and culture, including tours of Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Kraków Foodie Walking Tours. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer period of time, there’s something for everyone in Krakow!