Krakow, Poland is a city that bustles with history, culture and soul. Alive from day to night, whether you are looking for the most historic church or the best jazz lounge in town, Krakow features countless cultural opportunities.
These are the best historical spots you cannot miss and is best explored in a two to three day itinerary. Although you may want to see it all, some of the best moments in Krakow are when you lose yourself, wandering down an old alley way, wondering, "What should I do next?"
These are the best historical spots you cannot miss and is best explored in a two to three day itinerary. Although you may want to see it all, some of the best moments in Krakow are when you lose yourself, wandering down an old alley way, wondering, "What should I do next?"
St. Peter and Paul Church
In Poland, there is no lack of Catholic Churches. Built between 1597-1619, this is the biggest church in Krakow in terms of seating capacity. The Baroque Jesuit church is most known for its facade, containing the 12 apostles. The church was built shortly after the arrival of the Jesuits to defend the Catholic faith after signing the Council of Trident.
In Poland, there is no lack of Catholic Churches. Built between 1597-1619, this is the biggest church in Krakow in terms of seating capacity. The Baroque Jesuit church is most known for its facade, containing the 12 apostles. The church was built shortly after the arrival of the Jesuits to defend the Catholic faith after signing the Council of Trident.
Between St. Peter and Paul Church and Market Square, it is common to find elder locals playing musical instruments along Grodzka Street.
Old Town Market Square
This is the area where most people congregate to, and once you lay eyes on the square you’ll know why. The grandiose square contains spirit of the past and the present. Small birds circle the cathedral and horse and carriage loop around the square. It is the largest medieval square in Europe, which dates back to 1257. St Mary’s Basilica is one of the most popular churches in town.
Explore the 10th Century St. Adalbert Church, which is a mix of pre-Roman, Roman, Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Explore what is left of Krakow Town Hall with its tower as the rest of the facility was demolished to open up the square. The 13th Century Town Hall Tower stands 70 meters, but leans 55 centimeters as a result of a storm in 1703. Two stone lions guard the tower, which were brought from the Classicist Palace. The tower climb is steep, but worth the view and the experience to understand life in the medieval days.
During the holiday season, enjoy the Christmas Market in Market Square. This is the perfect place to discover affordable Polish cuisine. Be sure to check out Wierzynek, the oldest restaurant in town with roots dating back to 1364.
This is the area where most people congregate to, and once you lay eyes on the square you’ll know why. The grandiose square contains spirit of the past and the present. Small birds circle the cathedral and horse and carriage loop around the square. It is the largest medieval square in Europe, which dates back to 1257. St Mary’s Basilica is one of the most popular churches in town.
Explore the 10th Century St. Adalbert Church, which is a mix of pre-Roman, Roman, Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Explore what is left of Krakow Town Hall with its tower as the rest of the facility was demolished to open up the square. The 13th Century Town Hall Tower stands 70 meters, but leans 55 centimeters as a result of a storm in 1703. Two stone lions guard the tower, which were brought from the Classicist Palace. The tower climb is steep, but worth the view and the experience to understand life in the medieval days.
During the holiday season, enjoy the Christmas Market in Market Square. This is the perfect place to discover affordable Polish cuisine. Be sure to check out Wierzynek, the oldest restaurant in town with roots dating back to 1364.
Market Square also contains the Cloth Hall. The 14th Century Cloth Hall contains countless souvenir stands. Some claim cloth hall is the oldest “shopping mall” and the edifice dates to 1555. It's one of the best spots to purchase a souvenir.
And while on the topic of shopping, be sure to explore the countless shops in town and in the Cloth Hall that contain the popular Polish Pottery. These hand painted pieces of ceramic are a popular Christmas gift and is known for its stylish kitchen tools. Discover everything from spoons to baking dishes to coffee mugs.
One popular shops is Mila Polish Pottery located at: Sławkowska 14, 31-014 Kraków, Poland
One popular shops is Mila Polish Pottery located at: Sławkowska 14, 31-014 Kraków, Poland
Another popular traditional Polish relic are the amber jewelry. The handcrafted jewelry is expensive (according to backpacker standards) but is a notable symbol of Poland.
Krakow is also known for its bustling music scene. The Poles know how to party so there is no lack of techno clubs. But for the finer side of Polish culture, be sure to check out of the many jazz shows in town. You'll discover many jazz clubs in and around Market Square.
The two places I recommend are Harris Piano Jazz Bar and Piwnica Pod Baranami. These two establishments are next to eachother, both located underground with exposed brick walls and quirky, historical art on the walls.
The two places I recommend are Harris Piano Jazz Bar and Piwnica Pod Baranami. These two establishments are next to eachother, both located underground with exposed brick walls and quirky, historical art on the walls.
On the corner of Florianska and Pijarska street is an outdoor painter's market called, Galeria obrazów pod Bramą Floriańską. Discover everything from landscapes to nature to dancers. The paintings are perched alongside an old stone wall and features art from over 100 artists. In operation for decades, this is the spot for an affordable canvas painting; however, they own a nearby shop that sells paintings with a frame,
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Wawel Castle
Built between the 13th and 14th Century, Wawel Castle is the most impressive landmark in the city. Fifty thousand years ago, people lived on Wawel Hill during the Paleolithic Age. In the early 16th Century, King Sigismund I the Old brought in some of the best native and foreign artists to create the castle you see today. Permanent exhibitions include the State Rooms, Oriental Art, The Lost Wawel, The Royal Private Apartments and the Crown Treasury and Armory. Don’t be in too much of a rush, and be sure to stop and smell the flowers.
Wawel Cathedral
Inside the Wawel Castle is the cathedral where visitors marvel and decadent artistry and architectural wonders of the 18 chapels. Most of the Polish King’s and their family members, along with the nation’s greatest heroes, bishops, two poets and four saints, are buried in the cathedral.
Built between the 13th and 14th Century, Wawel Castle is the most impressive landmark in the city. Fifty thousand years ago, people lived on Wawel Hill during the Paleolithic Age. In the early 16th Century, King Sigismund I the Old brought in some of the best native and foreign artists to create the castle you see today. Permanent exhibitions include the State Rooms, Oriental Art, The Lost Wawel, The Royal Private Apartments and the Crown Treasury and Armory. Don’t be in too much of a rush, and be sure to stop and smell the flowers.
Wawel Cathedral
Inside the Wawel Castle is the cathedral where visitors marvel and decadent artistry and architectural wonders of the 18 chapels. Most of the Polish King’s and their family members, along with the nation’s greatest heroes, bishops, two poets and four saints, are buried in the cathedral.
Kazimierz - Jewish Square
Located south of Old Town and between the Wisla River and Ul, the Jewish Quarter is a neighborhood not only for Jewish culture, but for Bohemian artists as well. Near the Jewish Square green space are countless Jewish Restaurants surrounded by five synagogues.
The historical pavilion, Plac Nowy, is a popular antique market that contains a farmers market on the weekend. There are also countless antique shops in this district that are worth exploring.
I recommend visiting the tiny black and white shops, Galeria Lue Lue to discover old black and white images of historic Krakow and Poland.
Located south of Old Town and between the Wisla River and Ul, the Jewish Quarter is a neighborhood not only for Jewish culture, but for Bohemian artists as well. Near the Jewish Square green space are countless Jewish Restaurants surrounded by five synagogues.
The historical pavilion, Plac Nowy, is a popular antique market that contains a farmers market on the weekend. There are also countless antique shops in this district that are worth exploring.
I recommend visiting the tiny black and white shops, Galeria Lue Lue to discover old black and white images of historic Krakow and Poland.
There are countless opportunities to discover Jewish culture and cuisine around Jewish Square. Admire the historic window fronts, hear live music or simply explore your pallate with Kosher and Traditional Polish Food. I recommend Jewish Restaurant, Arial.
Discover more on 7 Authentic Polish Restaurants in Krakow, Poland (for Pierogies & Vegetarians too).
Discover more on 7 Authentic Polish Restaurants in Krakow, Poland (for Pierogies & Vegetarians too).
Schindler’s Factory
The once World War II factory is now a historical museum. The factory housed the former Nazi industrialist who saved the lives of his Jewish workforce during the Holocaust. Guests will see Schindler’s desk intact to what it would look like during the war alongside with walls filled with plates, Nazi propaganda and photos of the factory workers.
Nearby is the popular family-owned restaurant, Jadlodajnia Wczoraj i Dzis. Discover more on 7 Authentic Polish Restaurants in Krakow, Poland (for Pierogies & Vegetarians too).
The once World War II factory is now a historical museum. The factory housed the former Nazi industrialist who saved the lives of his Jewish workforce during the Holocaust. Guests will see Schindler’s desk intact to what it would look like during the war alongside with walls filled with plates, Nazi propaganda and photos of the factory workers.
Nearby is the popular family-owned restaurant, Jadlodajnia Wczoraj i Dzis. Discover more on 7 Authentic Polish Restaurants in Krakow, Poland (for Pierogies & Vegetarians too).
Jewish Ghetto
On March 3, 1941, the Nazi occupation created a dwelling place for Krakow Jews. Podgorze is the conception of the Jewish ghetto located on the right side of the Wisla River. The ghetto consisted of 15 streets and some 320 buildings and 3,200 rooms, completely walled off from the rest of the city. The ghetto's western edge, at Limanowskiego Street near Rynek Podgorski square was the main entrance gate to the ghetto along with another gate on Limanowskiego Street, which was solely for the entrance of German military trucks.
On March 3, 1941, the Nazi occupation created a dwelling place for Krakow Jews. Podgorze is the conception of the Jewish ghetto located on the right side of the Wisla River. The ghetto consisted of 15 streets and some 320 buildings and 3,200 rooms, completely walled off from the rest of the city. The ghetto's western edge, at Limanowskiego Street near Rynek Podgorski square was the main entrance gate to the ghetto along with another gate on Limanowskiego Street, which was solely for the entrance of German military trucks.
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Jagiellonian University - Copernicus University and Museum
Take a walk into history at one of the oldest Universities in Europe, and the oldest University building in Poland with roots dating back to 1400. This historic college is the place where Copernicus did his studies and also experienced a downfall during the Nazi occupation of book burning and extermination of the professors. Take a tour inside the museum to discover countless artifacts, paintings and original astrological devices from the Copernicus era.
If you have two to three days in Krakow, you can explore most of these areas, even if you do not enter some of the museums. However, to take your time in each district or museum, it is best to schedule three days. Luckily, Krakow is not that spread out so it is easy to walk from place to place.
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Take a walk into history at one of the oldest Universities in Europe, and the oldest University building in Poland with roots dating back to 1400. This historic college is the place where Copernicus did his studies and also experienced a downfall during the Nazi occupation of book burning and extermination of the professors. Take a tour inside the museum to discover countless artifacts, paintings and original astrological devices from the Copernicus era.
If you have two to three days in Krakow, you can explore most of these areas, even if you do not enter some of the museums. However, to take your time in each district or museum, it is best to schedule three days. Luckily, Krakow is not that spread out so it is easy to walk from place to place.
Let's Connect!
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