What I like about living in Europe, is the freedom to spend your weekends in another country. So I saw a sale on Ryanair website and booked 4 flight tickets for me and my friends to explore Krakow. Poland is one of the last countries that I haven’t visited in Europe and somehow it wasn’t on my to do list. But after visiting Krakow, I already wrote a huge list of Polish cities that I need to visit next time 🙂
There is always so much to tell about a city, that is why I separate my articles into 3 very useful parts:
Part 1: Top Places to See in Krakow
Part 2: Best Places to Eat in Krakow
Part 3: Transport and Accommodation in Krakow
What to see?
Krakow is a small, cozy town, with many historical buildings, preserved old town, defence walls and castle. If you only have a couple of days in Krakow, make sure to check our list of Krakow must see attractions to feel the true atmosphere of this city:
1. Market Square (Rynek Glowny)
There is probably no way you can pass around this square, as it is located right in the centre of the city, known as Krakow old town. It is one of the liveliest and busiest place in Krakow, with many sightseeing around. We were there during Christmas time, so there were beautiful little Christmas stalls offering souvenirs, decorations, cookies and street food with grilled meat, cheese and mulled wine on offer.
Besides food, you can see many horse carriages on the market square which you can ride around town. We did this in the evening of our last days, and it was definitely a magical experience. As for prices, you can choose different routes around town, with a short route starting at 200zl (46€) for a whole carriage (fits 4 people). We took a large route going around Wavel castle at a regular price of 300zl (70€), however in the late evening we managed to get a discount and it only cost us 200zl (46€) 😉
2. St Mary’s Basilica
When strolling along the Market Square, you will for sure notice this beautiful church, which at 80 metres tall, dominates the landscape of the Market square. St Mary’s church was built in the 13th century after Tartar raids that destroyed the original church. It is one of the first Gothic churches in Krakow. Every hour you can hear a trumpet playing from the watchtower, which was used to warn the city of the attack. You can also visit the Bugle tower and get a beautiful view over the city. However, it is only opened on certain days which you can check on the tower website. You can also visit the second Bell tower, but it will require an additional ticket. The tickets should be purchased in advance and booked for a certain time slot at the market square ticket office.
You should also make sure to visit the inside of the church to admire its colourful, starred ceiling, glass windows and wooden altar. The altar is on renovation until 2020, but it doesn’t ruin the view 🙂
Price:
– to enter St Mary’s basilica: Regular – 10 ZLT (2 €), Students/Children 5 ZLT (1 €)
– for Bugle Tower: Regular – 15 ZLT (3.50 €), Students/Children 10 ZLT (2 €)
– for Bell Tower: Regular – 15 PLN (3.50 €) (no children allowed)
3. Rynek Underground museum
This museum is quite challenging to find, especially if you have not heard about it before. It is suited completely underground, but you need to enter through the ‘Sukiennice’ building, which is right in the middle of the Market square. This is an interactive museum to learn the history of Krakow and its European identity through archeological pieces. You can see many historical objects that tell a story of Poland’s development, trade and culture.
Price:
Regular 24 ZLT (6 €)
Students/Pensioners 20 ZLT (5 €)
4. Florian’s Gate and Barbican
Until the 19th century Krakow was surrounded by high walls with 47 adjusting towers to protect the city, until most of it was taken down by the Austrian authorities. Florian’s Gate is one of the last surviving defence tower, that surrounded the old city of Krakow in the Medieval time. Back in time, the royal families and parades all passed through the Florian gate on their route across the city. Nowadays, tourists can follow the same route by walking from Florian’s Gate down through St Florian’s Street to the Main square and then to the Wavel Castle. Around the walls there are also many street artists and musicians that are worth exploring.
Just past the Florian’s Gate you will see another Medieval stone building known as Barbican. It was built at the end of the 15th century to protect Kraków’s main entrance and acted as a checkpoint for all who entered the city. It had 130 defensive slots used by archers and riflemen, in case the city was under attack. Nowadays, the Barbican is an outdoor museum which can be visited by tourists from April till November. From November to March they have a light show ‘The Legends of Krakow’ every evening inside the Barbican, which could be attended for 30 ZLT (7 €) (English performance at 18:30 and 20:30).
5. Saints Peter and Paul Church
This was one of the most memorable places for me in Krakow, and I visited it several times during the day and the evening. The church is situated right in the middle of the road between the Main Square and Wawel Castle, and it is definitely hard to miss. This is the first Baroque church in Krakow, which was built between 1597-1619 by Italian architect Giovanni de Rossi. As soon as you approach the church you are faced with 12 statues of Apostles rising above you, and the view is really breathtaking. Inside you will find the church fully embracing the Baroque style and luxury decorated in gold. You can also visit the underground of the church to see the tombs of Polish priests and artists.
What is more amazing, the church regularly holds classical music concerts in the evening performed by Krakow Chamber Orchestra of St Maurice. We also found beautiful musicians singing opera on the street in the evening, when passing the church. So I would definitely recommend to visit it for an enjoying and relaxing day.
Price: free to visit
Music concert: 60 ZLT (14 €)
6. Wawel Castle Krakow
Wawel Castle is one of the largest and most important historical buildings in Poland, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The site is a unique mixture of cultures and times, with a unique combination of medieval, gothic, renaissance and baroque architecture.
Wawel Castle, which was once a residence of Polish kings, now host a large museum inside. There are several different exhibitions, which you need to purchase separate tickets for. Make sure to pre book online or come early in the morning, as tickets are limited and sell out fast. My favourite part however, was a Wavel Castle Cathedral, which can be visited for free. But before you visit the inside, make sure to admire its unique exterior. It’s interior reveals a journey through time starting from 14th century as each cathedral tower was built by a different king. Inside the interior is also very vibrant, with 18 chapels, stained-glass windows and mausoleum. It is definitely one of a kind architectural miracle to visit.
Price:
Wawel Cathedral: free
Exhibitions in Wavel Castle:
– State Rooms: normal 20 PLN (5 €), reduced 12 PLN (3 €)
– Royal Private Apartments: normal 23 PLN (6 €), reduced 18 PLN (4 €)
– Crown Treasury and Armoury: normal 20 PLN (5 €), reduced 12 PLN (3 €)
– Oriental Art: normal 8 PLN (2 €), reduced 6 PLN *(1 €)
– Lost Wawel: normal 10 PLN (2 €), reduced 7 PLN (1.5 €)
Here you can find more about exhibitions and book your tickets: https://wawel.krakow.pl/en/exhibition
7. Kazimierz district
To see the alternative side of Krakow head to Kazimierz, Krakow’s historic jewish quarter. You can walk along the colourful streets of Kazimier, filled with small art galleries, atmospheric cafes, grafitis, bars and even historical sites, such as synagogues and cemeteries. From here you can also walk down to the river and see Krakow’s bridges, such as Father Bernatek’s Bridge with intriguing acrobatic, gravity-defying sculptures.
8. Oskar Schindler’s factory / MOCAK
This is one of the museum you definitely have to visit in Krakow. It is located in the original building from Oskar Schindler’s factory. The museum brings you right back in time and tells you the story about Krakow and Poland during the occupation Occupation in 1939. There is also a cinema with a running movie with stories from Jewish and Polish employees at the Schindlers factory. Oskar Schindler himself was a German entrepreneur who came to Krakow after the occupation, but is known for employing 1200 Jews in his enamelware factory and saving their lives.
The museum makes you live the history, as each room is arranged to resemble a very specific place from the past, such as a train station, a hair salon, a typical house and many more rooms. It is one of the most uniquely build museums, with so much to learn from!
Price:
Adults: 24 ZLT (6 €)
Students up to 24: 18 ZLT (5 €)
Free admissions on Monday
Tip: If you are really interested in history, I would recommend watching ‘Schindler’s List’ before visiting Krakow, as most of the film was shot there.
MOCAK Krakow is a museum of modern art, which is just next door to the Schindler’s Factory, and usually a combo ticket can be purchased for both museums for a little extra. It is worth to have a quick look if you are nearby, but otherwise it was not really my taste.
To find out more about food in Krakow, best locations to stay in and which transport to use, check out my other articles:
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