Anybody who’s ever gotten a taste of Central and Eastern Europe have learned to count on a few things when traveling to a new destination in the area: castles, town squares, churches, and lots of uphill walking. Krakow is no different in that regard. However, one thing it does have that draws well over a million visitors to Poland every year — and growing — is historical relevance, culture and an unmistakable quaint charm that makes it a priority destination for globe trotters. Below are the top 5 things to see when you get here.
Twilight in Main Market Square
The Old Town
Considered the heart of Krakow, the city Old Town is perhaps the most common destination for visitors. The site has shown vast improvements since the end of communism in 1990, heralding a plethora of modern shops, café’s, pubs, restaurants, and an eyeful of cultural and historical sites.
Amongst one of the many sites of Old Town are the Krakow National Museum, which features one of the largest collections of modern Polish art in the country. Visitors may also visit the famous Juliusz SÅ‚owacki Theatre, home to several operatic favorites and the Krakow Film Festival held every June.
Perhaps one of the more memorable charms of the Old Town district is simply a nice slow walk throughout its small, yet plentiful streets. One might indulge in Krakow’s Jewish heritage by purchasing a bagel from one of several bagel carts. Just be careful though: Krakowiak’s share their famed city with an overwhelming pigeon population who are not afraid to take what they want.
Wawel Cathedral
Also located in the Old Town is the 1,000 year old Gothic Wawel Cathedral, chalk full of history, beauty and national pride. The cathedral comes complete with 18 chapels, and houses a museum, library, and national archives. It is also famously the site of coronation for Polish kings, and in its catacombs, the burial place of royalty and national hero’s such as poet Juliusz Slowacki, and 11th C. Bishop of Krakow Saint Stanislaus the Martyr.
Assessable to guests is the 800 plus pound Sigismund Bell, engraved with lovely religious images and Latin inscriptions of dedications to God.
Wawel Hill with Royal Castle as seen from the Vistula River boulevard
Wawel Royal Castle
Another cultural gem to sprout up on Wawel Hill is the Royal Castle, which looks over the Vistula River. It is full of state rooms, exhibitions, the royal gardens, and stunning courtyard. Once inside, a guest may visit the Crown Treasury, which contains memorabilia of Polish monarchs and royalty.
The location of the castle is also home to the “Dragon’s Den,” a limestone cave that was once residence to the Polish folklore legend Wawel Dragon, who pillaged the town until it was killed by the whims of a cobblers apprentice.
Wieliczka Salt Mines
Complete with numerous chapels, an open reception hall, and underground salt lake, the Wieliczka salt mine is not your average salt mine, but a virtual underground civilization that puts Jeanne DuPrau’s fantasy-fiction, City of Ember, to shame.
The descent to the mines via its spiraling stairwell is seemingly never ending, extending nearly a quarter mile into the ground. But if you don’t mind a little calve swelling the next day, the 700 year old salt mines are a must for any visitor. The mine’s feature attraction is arguably Saint Kinga’s Chapel, whose walls and décor are almost entirely carved from the stone. The sculptures and other decoration that adorn the chapel include scenes from the New Testament, including Jesus before Herod and a nativity scene.
The mines also include an impressive array of other statues and chandeliers hand carved from salt rock. Who hasn’t ever wanted to see Da Vinci’s Last Supper carved from salt rock? Well, here’s your chance.
If you’re looking for a real treat and happen to find yourself in Krakow for an extended visit in September, you can participate in the 4 day Underground IPA Soccer Tournament, taking place in the mines!
Auschwitz
Where many Catholics visit Krakow for its density of chapels, cathedrals, and history, many Jews too make a pilgrimage here for the city is rich in Jewish ancestry; and to visit nearby Auschwitz, the site of history’s most well known and substantial atrocity, the Holocaust. As most know, Auschwitz during World War II became the unfortunate location of the war’s largest extermination camp, killing more than one million people, 90 percent of whom were Jews during the years of operation from 1942-1944.
The remaining preservation of the site serves as a haunting reminder of what transpired during the war, using existing structures to show portraits taken of victims, showcases filled with thousands of gallons of hair, and luggage and suitcases. Visitors may also visit Block 10, where the Germans conducted the uncovered “medical experiments” and may even go down into the chambers where mass executions were carried out.
Rich in history and culture, Krakow is a must-see destination in Eastern Europe. And while these 5 attractions give you a good start on all there is to do and see in this city, keep in mind that there is much more of Krakow to explore. So take your time!
- Philip Heijmans
Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s things to do in Krakow and Poland in general.
June 29, 2010 at 2:55 AM
Krakow is beautiful, but I would recommend to avoid it in the summertime. From May until September the city is very, very crowded and food in restaurants is more expensive. I always do city breaks in early spring, when is warm enough to avoid freezing but millions of tourists are still 2-3 months away.
February 22, 2012 at 9:57 AM
I loved Krakow in winter, really attractive city with lots of cosy bars, cafes and restaurants for some good vodka, coffee or dumplings.
Auschwitz is a strange one. It feels like something you need to visit given the proximity but many other people on our tour regretted the visit. Personally think it’s very dark, sombre but eye opening and worthwhile if followed up with something more positive in the afternoon / evening.
April 5, 2012 at 10:49 AM
Glad to see both the salt mines and Auschwitz on the list. I think, especially with Auschwitz, it is important to see and remember… I understand what Iain said above and i completely agree with how eye opening and worthwhile a trip like that could be. Another place in Poland i would like to go is Zakopane. It is, from what i’m told, the most visited resort area in Poland, but I personally do not know much about it… looks beautiful though!