Table of Contents
What to See in Kraków, Poland?
Kraków (also spelled Cracow) is the second largest city in Poland; it is the country’s capital and a major tourist destination. It is situated in the south of Poland and has a population of about 770,000 people. The city is filled with important historical monuments, museums and art galleries, churches, and theatre and music venues. Kraków is also home to majestic castle ruins, a stunning hilltop marketplace, and charming cobblestone streets.
Kraków has something for everyone – from fascinating historical sites and vibrant cultural attractions, to dynamic nightlife spots and family-friendly activities. In this guide, we will explore the must-see sights within Kraków. Whether you’re planning to spend a few days in the city or just passing through on a day trip, here is what you shouldn’t miss!
Historical Sights
Kraków was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. It is full of magnificent monuments and buildings that date back centuries. Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral are among the most popular historical sites in the city. The castle complex contains a museum, the State Rooms, and the Dragon’s Den – all of which provide fascinating insight into Kraków’s medieval history. In addition, Wawel Cathedral is a beautiful Romanesque-Gothic building, with stunning stained-glass windows, murals, and a crypt containing the remains of Polish rulers throughout history.
The Rynek Główny (or Main Market Square) is another must-see sight in Kraków. This large central square is surrounded by cobbled streets and houses many historical buildings that provide an interesting view of the city’s past. The Town Hall Tower dominates the square, and its 8-meter long trumpeter still plays the Heynal melody every hour. In addition, the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) – the city’s oldest shopping centre – is located in this square. The many shops within offer souvenirs, knick-knacks, hand-crafted goods, food, antiques, and more.
Museums and Art Galleries
Kraków is an ideal destination for both art and history lovers. Throughout the city, you can find plenty of museums and art galleries offering a wide variety of exhibits and collections. For those interested in Polish history, the Schindler Factory Museum offers an eye-opening look at places associated with WWII. On the other hand, art lovers must make sure to visit the Czartoryski Museum – the country’s oldest museum space made up of old master paintings and an extensive collection of goldsmiths’ works. Nearby, the National Museum showcases an extensive collection of Polish works spanning from ancient times to the present day.
For a unique cultural experience, visit the National Artistic Centers in Kraków – a group of three galleries: MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow, Manggha Museum of Japanese Art & Technology, and Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory. All three centres offer one-of-a-kind attractions for art lovers.
City Walks
Kraków is a great place to explore on foot. There are plenty of guided walking tours around the city, which can be both fun and informative. One of these is a Walking Tour through Jewish Kraków – an insightful look at Jewish life in this historic city. The guided tour takes visitors through areas like Kazimierz – once considered one of the most important hubs of Jewish culture in Europe – and stops at fascinating sites such as synagogues and memorials. Other options include a tour of the former communist quarter – Nowa Huta – and an exploration of Kraków’s most iconic places of worship: The churches of Mariacki and St Anne’s Basilica.
Nightlife & Bars
Kraków is known for its lively nightlife scene which draws locals and visitors alike. From laidback spots with delicious food and local craft beer to vibrant nightclubs and bars hosting live music, there are plenty of options depending on what you’re looking for. Beer drinking culture is especially popular here – so much so that there are even beer tasting tours that take visitors around the city freely sample local brews!
Family-Friendly Activities
Kraków provides numerous options for things to do with the whole family. If you’re travelling with young kids, City Park on the edge of town should be near the top of your list. This large nature reserve features animals from around the world; kids can feed lemurs, learn about exotic reptiles, or explore the butterfly greenhouse here.
If you’d like to make your trip truly memorable for your family, then why not take them on one of Kraków’s legendary sleigh rides? These cars resemble horse-drawn carriages which transport passengers around town while offering stunning views of Wawel Castle and Main Market Square. The sleighs run daily from 11am to 6pm during wintertime and offer family-friendly rides at great prices!
Conclusion
With its wealth of historical sights, museums and art galleries, guided city walks, lively nightlife spots, and family-friendly activities, it’s easy to see why Kraków has become such an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years. Whether you’re planning to spend a few days in this beautiful city or just passing through on a day trip, you won’t be disappointed no matter which way you decide to explore it! To make your visit even more special why not join in on a Kraków beer tasting tour, where you get to sample local craft beer while learning about Krakow’s brewing tradition?
