What to Do in Krakow? An Essential Guide

Krakow is rapidly becoming one of the most popular cities in Europe for travelers. Often referred to as “the Paris of the East”, Krakow is an amazing mix of old-world charm, stunning architecture, and incredible nightlife. But what specifically are people drawn to Krakow for? What should you check out when you visit it for the first time? Whether you’re drawn to the city for its cultural attractions, wild night life, or architectural marvels, there’s no shortage of things to do – but what really should be among your top priorities? Here’s our ultimate guide to the best activities and attractions Krakow has to offer!

Explore the Old Town

Krakow’s Old Town is the jewel in the city’s crown. Its medieval layout, cobblestoned streets, and UNESCO World Heritage-protected market square are responsible for drawing millions of travelers every year. Here, you can visit incredible churches, admire the amazing defense towers, explore monuments and gardens, and be amazed by hordes of beautiful Renaissance buildings. Be sure to also include time in your itinerary to visit The Cloth Hall (known as “Stara Sukturia”), a beautiful old market hall built in the 14th century, selling all manner of beautiful arts, crafts, local specialties, and souvenirs. If you want to delve deep into Krakow’s culture and history, the magical Old Town should be your first stop.

Witness Aerial Art

Not too far away from the Old Town is where visitors will find one of the most unusual sights in Krakow: a flying chapel! The hanging chapel of Częstochowa is part of the Benedictine abbey on Mont Jasna Gora – an extremely important site to Poland, as it is believed to have been where King Jan Sobieski was blessed before he headed out to Kyiv in 1683 (transforming the fate of Christian Europe in the process). The abbey itself is an incredible mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture – but when you look high up, you’ll find a small chapel that bizarrely hangs from the wall of the main tower! It was hung there in 1979 by Father Sivazinski and is known as one of the most intriguing landmarks in all of Poland.

Learn About Schindler’s List

Krakow is a place filled with history – both incredibly uplifting and incredibly depressing. If you want to witness an important part of Poland’s troubled past under Nazi rule, take a trip out to the Plaszow concentration camp – located just outside city limits but still easily accessible by tram, bus or taxi. It’s a haunting reminder of an ethnic extermination policy, but also serves as an important addition to a truly unique city. Plus, Plaszow was made famous by Steven Spielberg’s 1993 masterpiece “Schindler’s List”, making it even more significant.

Discover Jewish History

Kazimierz district – once the Jewish quarter of Krakow – is one of the most fascinating areas of the city. A beautiful mixture of art and culture, Kazimierz is full of old buildings, tiny winding streets, and synagogues from all across Central Europe – all merged into one interesting melting pot. The synagogues themselves remain integral parts of these neighborhoods and continue to reveal unique stories of Jewish life in Krakow before and after WWII. Combined with a vibrant electronic music scene and all kinds of delicious food, Kazimierz is a must-see when visiting Krakow that truly cannot be missed.

Experience Authentic Polish Cooking

Krakow has something to offer every fan of gastronomy! Traditional Polish cuisine features all kinds of influences from Italian, French and German cookery – plus plenty of local twists that make it special. Much like in other parts of Poland, many restaurants feature homemade dishes made with fresh ingredients and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include noodles with cheese (haluski), dumplings (pierogi) filled with different meats and vegetables, roasted pork with buckwheat kasha, beef stew (bigos), stuffed cabbage and much more. For any ambitious gastronomes out there – a trip to Krakow just isn’t complete without trying authentic Polish cuisine!

Marvel at Impressive Architecture

Krakow’s architecture reflects its long and unique history: beautiful walls built within centuries-old borders made centuries ago still stand tall – including Wawel Castle, St Mary’s Basilica, and the UNESCO World Heritage-protected Sukiennice (Old Town Hall). All three stadiums were built during the Second Polish Republic era between 1921-1939 when it experienced significant economic growth. Be sure to have your camera at the ready – these stunning landmarks are sure to take your breath away!

Experience Craft Beer Tours

Krakow is well-known for its craft beer scene – offering a huge selection of premium quality brews from microbreweries all over the city. If you’re a beer connoisseur looking for a unique experience while visiting Krakow, then you should consider booking a craft beer tour. With knowledgeable guides knowledgeable guides providing information on everything from the history of brewing in Poland to the different types of beers available in Krakow today, craft beer tours offer an informative way to sample a variety of local beers and learn more about this vibrant part of Poland’s culture. Plus – there’s nothing quite as fun as visiting multiple breweries with friends and enjoying a few pints along the way! To get fully immersed in this amazing experience, why not book Krakow Guided Craft Beer Tour? Take it from us: you won’t regret it!

Krakow offers plenty to keep even the pickiest of travelers satisfied – whether you’re looking for culture, history or nightlife, there’s something here for everyone! And – better still – you can experience it all with ease: Krakow has a well-developed public transportation system that can get you anywhere in the city quickly and easily. So don’t delay any longer – come to Krakow today for an experience unlike any other!