A magnificent old town that feels like an open air museum, the largest medieval square in Europe and picturesque neighborhoods with a lovely atmosphere await you in Krakow, the second largest city in Poland that will charm you with its distinctive atmosphere.
Krakow is perhaps the most beautiful city in Poland. It was the countrys capital until the 16th century and unlike Warsaw, which was razed during World War II, it suffered minimal damage, preserving its magnificent buildings that blend Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. With a fairytale old town, a rich architectural heritage, and youthful energy thanks to its students, Polands second-largest city offers visitors beautiful scenes and unforgettable experiences.
Travel to Krakow: What to see
Krakows Old Town
Start your acquaintance with Krakow with a stroll throughthe Old Town (Stare Miasto) whose unique architecture will transport you back in time. Krakows old town was spared the bombings and since 1978 has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here lies Europes largest medieval square, Rynek Glowny, which looks like its straight out of a movie set. Shops, bars, and restaurants alternate with churches and historic monuments.
In the square youll see the 14th-century Town Hall Tower, the impressive St. Marys Church, and the Sukiennice, the medieval cloth hall that today hosts numerous folk art shops in its arcaded gallery. Visit the Historical Museum of Krakow in the Krzysztofory Palace or the Czartoryski Museum, which houses important works by local and foreign artists. Then walk the famed Royal Route, admiring the historic buildings, and climb Wawel Hill with the fairytale castle.
Wawel Castle
For centuries, Wawel Castlewas the residence of Polands kings and the symbol of the Polish state. Today, anarchitectural ensemble of battlemented walls, cobbled lanes, and medieval buildings transports visitors back in time as they enjoy views of the city and the Vistula River. The complex consists of buildings of great historical and national significance, including the Cathedral of Krakow, where Polish monarchs were crowned and buried.
Kazimierz: The old Jewish quarter
Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter made internationally famous by the film Schindlers List, is today a lively neighborhood, with dozens of small shops, pretty cafes, restaurants, and an open-air market that sets up on weekends in the heart of the district. Kazimierz leads Krakows nightlife with many bars and clubs. In addition, there are some very interesting museums worth visiting: the Jewish Museum, the Old Synagogue Museum, and the original Manga Museum of Japanese Art and Technology.
The Wieliczka Salt Mines
Plan a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mines,which lie just 15 km from Krakows center. This is a unique attraction that draws thousands of visitors. On an impressive three-kilometer underground route you will see tunnels, chambers, and chapels with relief decorations carved into walls of salt (www.wieliczka-saltmine.com).
Visit to Auschwitz
A trip to Krakow is not considered complete without a visit to the Auschwitz concentration camp, located about 60 km west of the city. Since 1979 it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A somber memorial of the Holocaust, Auschwitz has today been turned into a vast museum. The museum includes two parts of the camp complex: the main camp (Auschwitz I) in Oswiecim and the Birkenau camp (Auschwitz II) in Brzezinka, whose grounds extend over an area of 1.910 stremmata (www.auschwitz.org).
Krakow: What to try
In the Old Town, as well as in the Kazimierz and Podgórze districts, youll find plenty of restaurants to sample the intriguing local cuisine. Its worth visiting a milk bar (traditional eateries serving coffee and food) to try pierogi (handmade stuffed dumplings) and kielbaski (sausages). Soups like borsch, zurek (a sour soup with sausage and a boiled egg), and bigos (meat stewed with sauerkraut) are among the local specialties. The ultimate street food to enjoy on your strolls is a zapiekanka (an open-faced, toasted baguette with melted cheese and whatever else you add on top) that you can try at one of the citys food stalls.
