What to see in Krakow?
Krakow is the former capital of Poland and one of its most beautiful cities. What is important, Krakow did not suffer during the Second World War and today you can admire a multitude of monuments here. The most important of them are located in the Old Town, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the first 12 sites worldwide! So what is worth seeing in Krakow? Where should you go during your trip to this city?
Museum lovers will be pleased to know that Krakow is one of the richest cities in Central Europe in terms of museum collections. It is home to almost one hundred museums, and the number is growing every year. Which ones are worth visiting during a short trip to Krakow? The largest and most important of its kind is the National Museum. Its main building is located on Aleje Trzech Wieszczów Street. Other branches are located in Bishop Erazm Ciołek’s palace (medieval art), the Cloth Hall (19th century Polish art), Feliks Jasieński’s Szołayski Tenement House (Young Poland art) and the Czartoryski Museum. In the latter, you can admire, among other things, Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine.
The most important monuments – places you can’t miss during your trip to Krakow!
One of the most recognisable landmarks of Krakow is the royal castle on the Wawel Hill. It is a huge two-storey building in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles – the result of numerous renovations and alterations it has undergone over the years. Its characteristic Renaissance arcaded courtyard, imposing entrance gate and medieval towers are its hallmarks. Inside the castle is now a museum – you can visit more than 70 exhibition rooms, most of which are decorated in Renaissance and Baroque style. Highly impressive are the Eagle Room with its magnificent ceiling, the Crown Treasury or the richly decorated Vasa bedroom. When visiting Wawel, it is also worth going to St. Stanislaus’ and St. Wenceslas’ Cathedral. The Wawel Cathedral, where the remains of Polish kings, the most important artists and national heroes are interred, is also very impressive.
Many of the most important city monuments are located in the Old Town. Almost all tours of Krakow go there sooner or later. While in the city, it is necessary to visit the Main Market Square, where one of the symbols of Krakow rises: the famous Cloth Hall. Nearby, there is also the historic Roman Catholic St. Mary’s Church with its characteristic asymmetrical facade. Its interior is breath-taking – it is here that you can admire, among other things, the elaborate altar created in the 15th century by Wit Stwosz. When strolling through the Old Town, it is also worth going to the Florian Gate. This medieval building is a remnant of the former city walls. Besides the Old Town visit also the former Jewish quarter of Krakow – Kazimierz with its 7 preserved pre-war synagogues. It is truly fascinating and enchanting place.
When visiting Krakow, one should not forget about one of the most horrific and tragic places on the European continent – the former Nazi camp Auschwitz-Birkenau located only 60 kilometres from Krakow.
Helpful guides and articles – Krakow:
- Public transport in Kraków – everything you need to know
- Best places in Kraków when travelling with children
- Kraków in 3 days – how to visit the former capital of Poland to make your stay unforgettable
Free walking tour – Krakow with a professional guide
Tours Krakow with a charismatic professional guide will make you remember your visit for the rest of your life. So where to look for such an experience? The answer is one – on Walkative! website! You will find many tours of the city of Krakow here – including so-called free tours that are ideal for families or couples. There is no entrance fee, you just need to sign up and then, at the end of the tour you decide how much you will pay for your guide’s commitment and knowledge. With us you can go on a free walking tour of Krakow as well as other Central European cities – including Prague, Bratislava, Budapest or Riga. If you decide to take our walking tour, Krakow will hide no secrets from you!
