Polish Krakow arose on the border with the Czech state and throughout its history remains one of the most politically and culturally significant cities in the country. The sights of Krakow have become a colorful mixture of architectural structures, horrific historical monuments from the Second World War, a string of cafeterias and restaurants.
The charming old town, spread out on the banks of the Vistula, seems to be the authentic soul of Poland. The modern layout of Krakow corresponds almost exactly to the one dating from 1257. This is the birthplace of many great creative personalities, which is reflected in the cultural component. The diversity and diversity of Krakow make it an excellent tourist destination for people from all over the world. Not only impressive monuments are concentrated here, but also fresh energy, which can be fed in original establishments and bars.
What sights to see in Krakow in the first place
The sights of Krakow are of great value for a modern person, as they become a kind of historical textbook that visually reflects the great past of the city.
In architecture, the influence of eras is noticeable, so it will be especially interesting to spend time here for those people who are interested in unusual forms.
It is difficult to isolate the best sights of Krakow from the general picture, because the city is rich in non-standard locations. But if you set a goal and put together a plan of masterpieces or the most important monuments, then you can meet the top ten.
Top 10 top attractions in Krakow
Sightseeing tours in Krakow
Even if you have a few days to see all the sights of Krakow, it can sometimes be very difficult. This requires detailed planning and planning of routes, and it is not always possible to develop them without specific knowledge. And if the stay is also significantly limited, then you generally need to try. To help vacationers who want to visit Poland with the maximum benefit for themselves and learn more about it, there is a convenient online service.
This resource is a collection of the best guided tours that take place in Krakow. Here you can order a group or individual tour with a Russian-speaking guide, picking up something to your taste.
Krakow City Card - save on attractions and museums in Krakow
As in many European cities, Krakow has developed a system that allows you to visit popular places with the Krakow City Card tourist card. You can buy it for 2 or 3 days.
This guarantees:
the opportunity to visit 40 museums;
free round-the-clock travel by trams and buses;
the opportunity to get acquainted with other locations of the city;
spending time at music events.
A complete list of Krakow attractions that can be visited with the Krakow City Card is issued upon purchase of the card.
You can buy a card online, through the GetYourGuide service at this link>>>
Sights of Krakow and surroundings with photos and descriptions
The dignity and beauty of one of the most significant cities attracts visitors from all over the world. World-class cultural events are often organized here, which is also a big plus for a European city. The sights of Krakow in Poland have their own magical appeal, so some of them have already acquired legends and myths.
The main attractions of Krakow have received their own history, which is not always positive. The war brought its own adjustments, adding new monuments, which are now intended to be a special reminder.
Top 30 attractions in Krakow
1. Market Square and Cloth Hall
Two sights of Krakow have united in one space for a reason. Cloth Hall is a building located right in the center of the Krakow Market Square. In addition, the top floor of the building is now occupied by the National Museum, and on the 2nd floor there is a small art gallery with paintings by Polish artists.
On the square, you can not only take a few good pictures against the backdrop of a majestic building, but also buy souvenirs. The cute old market is an attractive place with its own atmosphere. Nearby there are small cafes where tourists can have a bite to eat.
2. Wawel Castle
A significant historical building has become a real symbol of Poland. The fortress has been located above the Vistula River for almost a thousand years, and during this time it has managed to survive many wars and reconstructions. A gentle road paved with paving stones leads to the building, and at the very entrance tourists are greeted by a majestic sculpture by Tadeusz Kosciuszko. Inside there is an exposition, which is dedicated to the life of the Polish kings, because for a long time the castle was their residence. Here you can also see the Wawel Dragon - Smoke, which spews fire every few minutes.
A visit to the Wawel Castle is divided into different zones, each of which received its own entry price: from 8 zlotys (140 rubles) to 25 (440 rubles).
3. Kazimierz
The Jewish quarter of Kazimierz remained a city until the 19th century, so it can be called the spiritual center of Krakow's Jews. Of the most widely known attractions, there are two unique buildings - the Church of the Body of the Lord and the Church of St. Catherine. The historic district belongs to the Old City, which in turn is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The area is pleasant for walking and allows you to mentally travel back to the era that is reflected in the film "Schindler's List", because it was filmed here. Today it is an important tourist and cultural center.
4. Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas
The Cathedral was once the place where Polish kings were crowned. Here they were buried. At the moment, the Catholic Church is active. Its shape is a rectangle with 18 chapels. The building is decorated in the Gothic architectural style. Of the interesting monuments, there are dragon bones and the largest bell in Poland.
You can enter the cathedral for free. Only the entrance to the museum and the Sigmund Bell Tower is paid. The ticket price will be 12 zlotys (211 rubles) for adults and 7 (123 rubles) for children.
5. St. Mary's Church
The Catholic parish church has become an excellent example of Gothic Polish architecture. It is located on the Market Square and is a three-nave building with six chapels, two towers and an octagonal presbyter.
Most of all, the basilica became famous for the fact that four times a day a special melody is heard from the highest tower, which has become a kind of musical symbol of the city, consisting of five notes.
The church is divided into two parts: free for believers and tourist with paid entrance. The price of a regular ticket is 10 zł (176 rubles), a reduced ticket is 5 (88 rubles).
6. Ghetto Heroes Square
This is a fairly quiet and peaceful space with a tragic history. Previously, the area was used as a walled Jewish ghetto. In memory of the inhuman treatment of the inhabitants of the city, a permanent exhibition in the form of 70 iron chairs was later installed on the square.
The nearby Museum of Memory, which opened in the area in 1983, tells about life in the ghetto. Across the street from the square is Schindler's Factory with an equally sad story. Despite the heavy atmosphere, this place is worth a visit without fail.
7. Krakow Planty
Planty is a park ring that surrounds the Old Town. Previously, the city walls were located here, which were demolished in the 19th century. The first trees were planted here in 1819. The park has become one of the favorite places for locals and tourists due to the atmosphere of tranquility and unity with nature. The length of the Krakow Plants is about 3-4 km.
During the walk, visitors will be able to get acquainted with multiple monuments and various structures. Chestnuts, poplars, maples, lindens, ash trees and even exotic trees are planted here. Many artists have used Plant's image in their art.
8. Oskar Schindler Factory
Initially, the factory was engaged in the production of metal utensils and belonged to the German industrialist Oskar Schindler. Jews worked in the production shops, and they were included in that famous Schindler's List. During the hostilities, workers received shelter within the walls of the factory.
Now on the territory there is a historical museum with a permanent exhibition about the occupation regime. Full ticket - 24 zlotys (417 rubles), preferential - 18 (313 rubles), family - 55 (957 rubles). The entrance to the territory of the Factory is covered by the Krakow City Card.
9. Florian street and Florian gate
Both sights of Krakow are located in the middle of the Old Town. The name of the street, which is 335 meters long, comes from the Florian Gate. In the Middle Ages, the fortification served as the entrance to the city. One of the eight defensive towers managed to survive here in an incredible way. Today the gates are of great importance for the city. They can still lock up.
Buildings of the 14th century, souvenir shops and shops are located on Florianskaya Street. It ends with the Market Square.
10. Museum of Polish Aviation
The largest Polish aviation museum includes 150 exhibits, including a variety of aircraft and helicopters. There is also an interactive room, which presents the principles of operation of many mechanisms. In addition, you can inspect the cockpit from the position of the pilot. The exhibition is located both indoors and outdoors.
Admission fee: 15 zlotys (261 rubles) - adults, 7 (121 rubles) - children and students. The museum is free to visit on Tuesdays. For vacationers, there is also free admission with the Krakow City Card.
11. Dungeons of the Market
Under the Market Square, an equally interesting sight of Krakow was discovered, namely the Market Underground. This is one of the most entertaining archaeological museums you can ever visit. The exhibitions tell about the excavations carried out on the Market Square. Significant artifacts, stone pavements, houses and even a cemetery were found here.
12. Krakow Barbican
The northernmost component of the ancient city walls is now a historical and architectural monument. Today the barbican is a branch of the Krakow Historical Museum. It itself was built in 1498-1499 and is currently used as a venue for exciting exhibits and interesting events. The most attractive is the exterior of the fortification.
13. Collegium Maius
This is one of the oldest buildings, which is part of the Jagiellonian University of Krakow. The building is used as a museum that tells the history of the educational institution. The courtyard is decorated with Gothic arcades, statuettes of kings and knights moving at certain times, as well as local musical clocks. Here you can sit or take a walk in peace and tranquility.
14. Tower of the Krakow City Hall
The city hall is chosen by visitors, as it offers an amazing panoramic view of the city. The upper floors are used as space for a small exhibition. Inside is a spiral staircase made of stone. Stone lions greet guests at the entrance. The theater stage is located in the basement. Here you can also use the Krakow City Card.
15. Juliusz Slowacki Theater
The Krakow Drama Theater, decorated in an eclectic style, opened back in 1893. The building of amazing beauty quickly entered the list of important sights of Poland in Krakow. Sculptures of several famous cultural figures were installed on the pediment of the structure, and the interior space was decorated with frescoes.
16. Church of St. Francis of Assisi
The Roman Catholic Cathedral is located in the historical part of the city. The building is most famous for its elaborate stained-glass windows and exterior decoration in the Gothic architectural style. There are several important religious relics here, including a replica of the Shroud of Turin. The place is breathtaking thanks to the amazing work of the architects.
17. Basilica of the Body of God
One of the largest churches in the city is built in the Gothic style. The stone building appeared in 1405 and is still a majestic architectural complex. Not only the appearance of the building attracts attention, but also the interior decoration, in particular, the main altar. On the walls there are paintings by the famous Polish artist Lukasz Porebski.
18. Church of Saints Peter and Paul
Another monument of religious architecture is a Catholic church in the Baroque style, which is active. The most interesting point is that the longest Foucault pendulum in the country hangs in the walls of the church. The interior of the temple is also striking, especially the vaults, decorated with scenes from the life of saints. Before entering, tourists are greeted by sculptures of 12 apostles.
19. Church of St. Andrew
The Roman Catholic Church is decorated in the Romanesque style and is located in the historical part of the city. The church was erected in 1079-1098 and was repeatedly destroyed. However, this practically did not affect the appearance of the building. The temple remains a defensive building with its original Romanesque form.
20. Basilica of the Holy Trinity
Another Gothic church located in the Old Town. It appeared in the 13th century and today is a functioning temple. The Dominican Church is famous for the miraculous image of the Mother of God of Ruzhantsova and the relics of St. Jacek. Inside, you can see amazing chapels and sculptures, as well as masterpiece paintings and skillful wooden details.
21. Sanctuary of Divine Mercy
The Catholic Pilgrimage Center is a modern building, the construction of which continued during the period 1999-2002. The elliptical shape of the two-story building makes this church stand out from the background of ancient buildings. Up to 5 thousand people can be here at the same time. Nearby is a military burial.
22. Mound Kosciuszko
The artificial hill was created in honor of the national hero - Tadeusz Kosciuszko. The construction was completed in 1823, and in 1860 a memorial stone was erected on the top, which was later destroyed. The war had a bad effect on this location, because it was used as an observation post. Later, the mound also suffered from natural disasters. To visit there, you will need to pay a certain fee.
23. Museum of Modern Art
The Center for Contemporary Culture appeared in 2011 and quickly became famous all over the world. Since a part of the territory of the former Schindler's Factory was chosen for the location, the architect tried to preserve the urban context and adapted the production workshops to the art site. The building is made in the spirit of neomodernism. Admission is free for tourists with Krakow City Card
24. Jewish Museum "Galicia"
Another tribute to the memory of Krakow Jews is the Museum of Culture and Jewish Life. It is located in the aforementioned Kazimierz quarter. The museum was created in 2004, and its distinguishing feature was the possibility of organizing meetings with Jews who survived the genocide. The bulk of the exhibits are photographs. Musical events are regularly held here.
25. Stained Glass Museum
The modernist building became the home of a stained-glass workshop. In 2000, a museum dedicated to stained glass art was opened here. Since the workshop is active, visitors will be able to watch the process of making stained glass windows in real time. In addition to the main expositions, temporary exhibitions are exhibited here - modern glass works.
26. Ethnographic Museum
The museum has collected a collection that reaches 8 thousand exhibits, which are directly related to the history of Poland and Europe. For example, on the first floor there are interior rooms, there are expositions dedicated to national costumes and religion. The Krakow City Card is also valid here.
27. Krakow Zoo
There are about 260 species of different animals in the Krakow Zoo. The territory is located 8 km from the city center and is perfect for visiting with children. There are many interesting monuments and small sculptures here. In the zoo, the whole family can enjoy nature and wildlife.
28. Krakow Aquapark
Opened in 2000, the aqua complex remains the largest in Poland. Many jacuzzis, pools, slides and saunas are perfect for a memorable vacation. The longest of the slides has a length of 202 meters, which involves three minutes of descent. The water park in Krakow is open almost all year round.
29. Czartoryski Museum
One of the branches of the National Museum is a major art museum opened by Princess Isabella Czartoryska in 1796. Art objects from different countries and eras are presented here as expositions. There is also a rich library with 70 thousand ancient books and manuscripts. For enterprising tourists, the Krakow City Card is valid here.
30. Wawel Dragon
Legend has it that Tsmok Wawelski lived in a cave called the Dragon Pit at the foot of the hill and regularly terrorized the population of Krakow. To calm the beast, sacrifices had to be made regularly until the shoemaker Skub defeated him. A reminder of the events was a sculpture at Wawel.
Sights of Krakow and surroundings on the map
The most convenient option for preparing a suitable tourist route in advance is a map of Krakow with sights in Russian. After viewing all the most interesting locations in real time, you can make a plan for each day of your stay in the city. If you plan to see the sights of Krakow in one day, it is best to choose places located within walking distance from each other.
See the main square of the country
Krakow is a unique city, the unspoken capital of Poland. Much of the city was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in subsequent years. The city is built so skillfully that the center of Krakow was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The heart of the city is Rynok Square, where a beautiful Mary's Church, monument to Adam Mickiewicz, luxury shopping arcade Sukennitsa, urban town hall and original sculpture "Bound Eros" or simply "The Head" - a favorite place for photographs among guests of the city.
Walk around the Wawel Royal Palace
The most beautiful palace in Poland and the home of many generations of Polish kings is located 1 km from Rynok Square.
On the territory of the palace is royal garden with an observation deck Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas, many museums, a post office where you can buy and send beautiful postcards to friends and relatives.
You can visit the cathedral and the royal treasury for free. At the cathedral there is a museum, the entrance to which is carried out for a separate fee. On Mondays, you can visit almost all Wawel museums and exhibitions for free, but for this you need to get a free ticket at the box office (so come early, tickets may not be enough for everyone).
See thousands of beautiful details
Krakow is a city of art, beauty and inspiration. Beauty is here at every step, behind every second gate, behind every third door. Feel free to turn into gateways, look at the streets and roofs of houses, look into windows, stop halfway and enjoy the moment.
Try the National cuisine
in Krakow, you definitely need to arrange a marathon in cafes and restaurants, since the prices allow. There are a lot of establishments in the city for every taste and budget, and it makes no sense to go to the same place, even if it seemed ideal to you. The basis of Polish cuisine is meat, stewed or pickled vegetables and beer. Try the soup in bread, which is called zhurek, bigos- a dish of cabbage, meat and mushrooms, knuckle and other meat dishes, which are cooked here just fine.
View the city from above
In Krakow, there are a lot of excellent viewing platforms from which there is definitely something to see. Let's talk about the most popular.
- Observation deck of St. Mary's Church– 82 meters, 409 steps and a beautiful view of Krakow at your feet. The observation deck can be visited from 11.30 to 20.00. Entrance fee approx. 2 euro.
- Kurgan Kosciuszko- this mound is visible from almost anywhere in the city and, of course, the whole city is visible if you climb to its very top. The mound is part of the museum complex, the entrance to which costs about 3 euro. You can get to the mound by public transport (bus No. 100 or No. 101) or by taxi. It is better to climb the mound in the warm season, firstly, you need to climb on foot, which is difficult to do in winter, and secondly, at the foot of the hill there is a beautiful deciduous park, which is much more beautiful in summer than in winter.
- Mound Pilsudski– the highest point of Krakow is located 8 km from the center of Krakow, not far from the Krakow Zoo. The Piłsudski mound is located on the territory of the Beliansko-Tynetsky National Park. You can climb the mound is free, and get there by bus (No. 134) or by taxi. The hill offers a magnificent view of Krakow, the surroundings of the city and the Krakow airport. The city center is best seen from the Kraka Mound, which we will discuss below, but the Piłsudski Mound has a bonus - a beautiful forest with many paths where you can spend at least the whole day.
- Mound Krak– is located 3 km from the city center and provides an opportunity to look at Krakow from a bird's eye view. Residents and guests of the city love to come here in the evening to enjoy the sunset and the rays of the sun reflecting from the roofs of Wawel. You can climb the hill is free, and you can get here from the center on foot.
- Rocks of Twardowski is one of the most beautiful non-tourist places in Krakow. The rocks are located 3 km from the city center. You can get there by bus, taxi or even on foot. There used to be a quarry here, which is now filled with water, and a magnificent view of the city opens from the tops of the cliff. People come here to take a break from the bustle of the city, have a picnic, meet the sunrise or spend the sunset and, of course, admire the panorama of Krakow.
Visit the Wieliczka salt mines
Walk along the Vistula boulevards and have a picnic
The Vistula boulevards are located on both sides of the Vistula River and are a favorite place for walking among the citizens and guests of Krakow. Multi-kilometer embankment, slopes overgrown with dense green grass and measured splash of waves. There are benches along the embankment where you can sit and relax, ducks and swans swim near the shore, dog owners walk their pets here, companies have picnics on the lawns, lovers spend romantic evenings here - you definitely need to come here.
Visit the former Jewish quarter of Kazimierz
The Kazimierz quarter is considered one of the the oldest ghettos in the world- Jews compactly lived here since 1495. Until 1800, the city, named after the Polish king Casimir, was separated from the rest of Krakow by a high wall. For many years Kazimierz was an educational and cultural center, schools, universities, synagogues were built there. The Nazis destroyed most of the inhabitants of Kazimierz, only a small remnant of their descendants live today outside of Poland. Worked on the territory of Kazimierz Oskar Schindler Factory where he and his wife Emilia saved hundreds of Jews from a terrible fate.
The quarter today is a cultural landmark. There are cafes and restaurants of Jewish and European cuisines, exhibition centers, galleries and museums.
Visit Auschwitz (Auschwitz)
A monument to human cruelty, the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp (that's what the Poles call it in the German version) is the site of the tragic death of 4 million people. This is the place where the most mass murder of people in the entire history of mankind was carried out.
Museum entrance free Excursion paid separately (optional). Independent visits (without a guide) are possible early in the morning (before 8 am) and after 17.00. You can get acquainted with the schedule of excursions on the official website of the museum.
In order to accurately get into a group or get a ticket for an independent visit, it is better register online for free on the museum website.
Auschwitz is located 55 km from Krakow. You can get there by bus or train (you can buy a ticket at the station or online). Train departs from the main station (address: Kraków Główny), the fare is approx. 2 euro.
See the beautiful Tatras and Zakopane
The year-round resort, the cradle of the Tatras and the winter capital of Poland - Zakopane - is located just 111 km from Krakow. In summer, this is a great place for walking in the mountains, and in winter it is a mecca for budget tourists from all over Europe.
The easiest way to get here from Krakow by train. Travel time 4 hours. Fare approx. 3.5 euro. Trains depart from the main station (address: Kraków Główny). Tickets can be bought at the box office or on the railway lines website.
Zakopane is a beautiful city in the bosom of nature, where you can spend a few days. The average cost of a good double room is 25-35 euros. Find hundreds of budget hotels on Booking.com
go shopping
Krakow pleases huge selection of brands and amazing low prices, people from all over Europe come here for a pleasant shopping weekend. We have already told you, and you come and see for yourself.
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In the ancient Polish city of Krakow, there are no less tourists than in the capital of Poland, Warsaw. Krakow is interesting for tourists with numerous museums, ancient streets, inimitable architecture and ancient monuments. In this city, any tourist will find a lot of interesting and unforgettable things for himself. In addition to just walking around this ancient and rich in history city, there are many museums in Krakow.
So, what can you see and where does it go in Krakow?
1. Museum of Polish Aviation. Located at the address: Jan Paul II Alley, open from 9.00 to 19.00. Tuesdays are free.
2. House of Ippolitov (interior decoration of Polish houses from the 17th to the 20th centuries), located on the street. Maryatskaya Square, 3. Open from 9.00 to 16.00, admission is free on Wednesdays.
3. Wewel - the former residence of the Polish kings. Probably the main attraction of Krakow, where all tourists try to get by all means. Open from morning to evening. In the winter months, you can get here for free.
5. National Museum of Krakow. Address: st. Alleys on May 3, d.1. On the top floor there is an art gallery of famous Polish artists.
6. The Czartoryzhsky Museum. The most visited museum in Krakow. The original paintings by Leonardo da Vinci "Lady with an Ermine" and Rembrandt's "Landscape with the Good Samaritan" are exhibited here. This is one of the oldest museums in Europe, located at: st. St. Jan, 19.
7. Museum of People's Memory "Pharmacy under the Eagle". It is located at the address: Ghetto Heroes Square 18. This is the former building of a real pharmacy, the only pharmacy operating during the Second World War.
Monument to Pope John Paul in Vevel.
When we were in Krakow for the first time, we walked almost to the west of the city center around and around Wewel. At home, they began to analyze and recall their adventures, and it turned out that we had not seen Krakow at all, we missed so many interesting things. Poland in general is a very interesting country.
It is very interesting to visit and walk between the shopping malls of the Krakow market on the square of the same name. Here you can buy many different souvenirs and amber products, but pay special attention to green amber. You probably won't find this anywhere else. At one time, for some reason, we did not buy it, which we still regret very much. The market itself is located in an old building, and under it the underground museum "Underground Market Square" has recently opened, where you can see what Krakow looked like many years ago. This museum is open from 10.00 to 20.00. But there is one inconvenience, it is very difficult to get tickets here, which are sold only at the museum box office. For what it is necessary to defend a rather long queue.
Krakow market
It will be very interesting to see St. Mary's Cathedral in Krakow. It is also located on the main square of Krakow. Tourists come here every hour to, with their heads up in the sky, listen to the sad trumpeter playing on the roof of the cathedral. The melody lasts only a couple of minutes and breaks off at half a note, such is the legend. But this is a different story.
Towers of St. Mary's Cathedral
From the side of the Vistula River, at the foot of the Wewel Wall, there is another very interesting and original monument in Krakow. This is the flame-spewing Wewel Dragon. There is also an old legend associated with it. A real flame breaks out of the dragon's mouth every 5-7 minutes. It looks especially beautiful at night.
Another very famous and visited attraction of Krakow is located 10 km from the city. This or the salt museum. You can get to Wieliczka from the main post office of Krakow (the intersection of Westerplatte and Starowislna streets by minibus).
The place is totally unique. The salt museum is located at a depth of more than 60 meters, where you go down on foot via a wooden staircase (back by elevator). It is better, of course, to book a tour, which is also conducted in Russian. There, at depth, there are many tunnels, huge halls and passages, where the walls are decorated with sculptures made from real table salt. Sometimes classical music concerts are held in these halls.
I would also like to add that Krakow is quite well-groomed, you will not find garbage on the street, and on each corner there are corresponding signposts with inscriptions about what and where is located. It is quite possible to see all the main Krakow sights in one day, although one day may not seem enough to someone. By the way, from the main market square, more precisely from St. Mary's Cathedral, every day, twice a day, free three-hour walking tours of old Krakow are organized. Those who wish can join.
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The former Polish capital and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, which, by the way, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the city of Krakow annually receives hundreds of thousands of tourists. Belarusians are not rare guests of the city. In this article, we will talk about the most famous places in Krakow that you must see while traveling.
Krakow was once the capital of the Republic of Poland. There is an opinion that it is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Since it appeared in ancient times, Krakow is famous for its history. Tourists often come to it, because there are many attractions that are worth seeing.
Picturesque places, ancient architecture fascinate tourists. I want to come here again and again to feel the historical atmosphere.
Market Square
The first place to visit is the market square. Although sales are in full swing here, there is still something to see. At one time the market place was much smaller. Over time, it was expanded, the population became larger, and, accordingly, the number of stalls increased.
On the market square you can buy any product at your discretion. It is noteworthy in that its dimensions are included in the list of one of the largest squares in Europe. Plus, there are many fascinating buildings and establishments around the market that are worth seeing.
Wawel Castle
It is considered a symbol of Poland. The castle is an architectural complex that is visited by tourists from all over the world. In front of the main entrance are the Heraldic Gates. They are distinguished by their sophistication.
In front of the main entrance to the castle there is a bronze monument dedicated to the national Polish hero. It was he who organized the uprising back in 1794. The hero's name was Tadeusz Kosciuszko.
Cathedral on Wawel
In the courtyard there is a temple in memory of the holy martyrs Svyatoslav and Wenceslas. It is periodically restored and today it contains several styles. These are Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance.
In the courtyard you can see many interesting and ancient buildings that have been preserved since 975. As you can see, Wawel Castle must be visited at least once in a lifetime.
The interior of the cathedral is distinguished by sophistication and luxury. Here is the mausoleum of St. Stanislaus and many other beautiful sights that you must see.
Palace of the Bishops
Since 1944 John Paul II lived in this building. He became archbishop in 1978, when he was elected by the Pope. The building itself looks outdated, although it is periodically restored, and near the entrance there is a monument to John, which is surrounded by bushes of amazing beauty and to this day they do not forget to take care of it.
The palace houses a museum. In it you can see the legacy of the Pope. There are various expositions, old paintings and several sculptures. It was all given as a gift.
Kazimierz
There is a wonderful Jewish district in Krakow called Kazimierz. This quarter has its own culture, religion and architecture. Kazimierz is the highlight of Krakow. It turns out, as it were, a different civilization in one city.
When a tourist enters this quarter, the change of religion is immediately felt. There are no more Catholic cathedrals here, but synagogues. Tourists will be interested to see this unique and original area.
planty
Krakow is famous not only for ancient architecture. There are also many beautiful picturesque parks in the city. There is an opinion that Planty is the most beautiful, vibrant place to relax. When you walk along the path, the aroma is amazing. Birds sing, deciduous trees seem to call to listen to the sounds of nature.
Not only friends, but also residents of the country come to Planty to rest. After all, it is worth seeing beautiful landscapes, breathing clean air. You can come here at any time of the year, as it is beautiful in any weather.
St. Mary's Cathedral
This is the main holy place in Krakow. Even in the XIV century. started to raise. True, its construction was completed only after half a century. The cathedral has two large towers that look like royalty. One of them has a golden crown and a high spire on top. There is a helmet on the other tower.
The interior of the cathedral delights not only tourists, but also the inhabitants of the country. After all, the building looks like an old castle. Paintings, sculptures and stained-glass windows make you visit this attraction again and again.
town hall tower
Every city has a town hall and Krakow is no exception. Once upon a time, the rulers of the city sat in it. Now there is no town hall, and only the tower remains, which has become one of the most beautiful sights of the city.
Near the entrance to the building sit two huge lions made of stone. If you go to the second floor, then you can see a lot of artifacts. They once belonged to the government of Poland. Now it is only antiques, which are of great value to the citizens of the country.
But in the basement there is a treasury and a theater. Their guides advise to visit first. After all, what you see cannot be described in words, it is so breathtaking from beauty.
Bastion Barbican
This is the cultural and historical value of the country. The Bastion is a must visit for every tourist. This building stands in memory of a fortified defensive structure. After all, it was from him that they shot at the enemy and defended the city. The barbican is the symbol of Krakow, and it is he who is painted on the coat of arms of the city of Krakow.
Any citizen can visit the Barbican. Inside, tourists will see expositions and learn a bit of history from them. A tourist must visit here, since such an attraction will not be seen anywhere else.
Who doesn't love shopping? Of course, tourists will be happy to go shopping and buy a few souvenirs. So, the Krakow Gallery is what visitors need. There are a lot of shops (more than 100) of well-known brands in Europe. Moreover, if you take into account constant discounts, and not just seasonal ones, you can profitably buy both a souvenir and a more expensive thing in the form of clothes.
There are so many cafes and restaurants here that the guests of the city never dreamed of. Therefore, walking through the shops, you can safely go to any cafe you like and have a bite to eat. The prices are quite acceptable. There are also several studios and even a cinema. As you can see, a lot of interesting things in one place.
The gallery differs from other well-known stores in that there are many sellers who are fluent in Russian. This is a nice bonus for tourists. Near the gallery there are many squares and the central square, where you can take a break from shopping and unwind.
What to see in Krakow in one day
It's nice to know that Krakow is a rather small city and you can see the main sights in one day. Moreover, this applies to those people who are passing through the city.
You need to start from the center of Krakow. Here are collected the most interesting and fascinating places. For example, Stare Miasto and Market Square. Here you can linger a little and buy something interesting for yourself as a keepsake.
On the square there is St. Mary's Church, a trip there will not take much time. Then you can visit the Jagiellonian University. After it, you should definitely visit the museum, which is called Czartoryski.
A little further than the market square is the National Museum, which keeps the history of the city. There are 11 halls and almost 1000 antiques and art objects. You can spend a lot of time here, so it's best to see the most famous and fascinating antiques.
You can also visit the Bishops' Palace and see the beauty of the Florian Gate. Not far from the castle is the district of Kazimierz. This is an interesting place, as you immediately find yourself in a different religion and culture. It feels like a completely different country is located in this area, and not Poland. Moreover, here the citizens also lead a different life, which is very different from the Polish one.
The Krakow Meadow is a beautiful and large area, but once there was the most ordinary pasture. Here you can relax after a trip and have a snack. Citizens walk here, especially in the evenings. After all, the air in this place is special and a friendly, calm atmosphere is felt.
Plus, there are many restaurants in Krakow where prices are reasonable. Therefore, after an exhausting hard day, you can just go and relax, even if you drink a cup of tea.
What to see around Krakow
If you have seen everything interesting in the city, then you can go to other beautiful places. For example, in the State Museum, which is called Auschwitz-Birkenau. It is located in the western part of Krakow, where to go about 60 km.
This museum is also called the death camp. Once upon a time, more than 2 million citizens were killed here. Not every tourist dares to come here. Unless he does not know the true name of the museum.
Salt mines "Velichka" - underground corridors, or rather labyrinths, where there are many sculptures, and they are made of rock salt. Tourists can walk no more than 2 km. But even this is enough to get tired.
Near Krakow there is an architectural and park area, where monasteries and a national park are located. It is very beautiful here and you can just relax and unwind. Because the air and nature are wonderful.
The Niedzica Fortress is another attraction, but it is far from Krakow. Approximately 100 km. Here you can take wonderful pictures not only against the backdrop of the fortress, but also in nature.
You can also go to the park called Tatra. It is located in the southern part of Krakow. Here you can see a real mountain peak, caves, glacial lakes of birch and fir forests.
The reserve is also located near Krakow. It is also called Babiegur Park. There are deciduous and coniferous forests, as well as many species of birds (more than 100). Also, tourists will be able to see wild animals that do not rush at people, but go about their business. And many species of mammals live in these parts. Citizens who visit the reserve will never forget this amazing and wonderful world.
Any place can be reached both by bus and by train. The difference in ticket prices. Moreover, the transport runs only according to the schedule. If you miss it, you can wait a long time for your transport.
Since bus and railway stations are open around the clock, you can buy tickets in advance for both directions. Then citizens can have a specific time.
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But don't worry, you won't get lost. All paths in the forest are marked and there are signs. Otherwise, this is an ideal option for a trip to nature for the whole day: the forest is full of equipped parking lots, and the steep paths will be an excellent workout for outdoor enthusiasts.
How to get there : by buses No. 102 and 134.
10. Historical Museum of Krakow
Where else to get acquainted with the history of Krakow, if not in the historical museum? In the Krakow Historical Museum, on Rynek Główny Street, 35, you will find out what life was like in medieval Krakow, see old city maps, decorations and clothes of the townspeople of those times, as well as household items and much more.
Working hours
: The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
Address:
Rynek Główny, 35, Old Town (near the Barbican).
Those who wish to fully plunge into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages are invited to an excursion where you will get acquainted with the rich history of the city, as well as find out the answers to your questions.
