Top 10 Things to do in Krakow

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Top 10 Things to do in Krakow
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Krakow is one of the most underrated cities in
Europe. But as tourists begin to uncover its
unique mix of history and contemporary culture,
its not going to stay that way for long.
Krakow has long rivalled Warsaw to be the best
city in Poland. But while it might have lost out
as capital to Warsaw a few hundred years back,
Krakow definitely has the best architecture, and
arguably the best food and drink in the country.
Explore the cobbled streets of Krakows Old
Town, gorge on pierogi dumplings and Polish
beers, and delve into its sobering World War II
history and modern art and culture. There are a
lot of great things to do here on a trip to
Poland. Here are our top 10 favourite things to
do in Krakow.
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Krakow Old Town
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Krakow has a long history dating back well into
Europes medieval era. Despite the relatively
recent destruction of World War II, much of the
Old Town is remarkably well preserved. No visit
to Krakow is complete without taking a walk
through the Old Town, where youll find historic
buildings, centuries-old churches and the remains
of fortresses and gates. Recognised as one of
Polands best UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Krakow
Old Town is where youll find such iconic sights
as St Marys Basilica, the Barbican Gate, Wawel
Castle and the Main Market Square.
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Wawel Castle and Wawel Cathedral
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Two of the most important places to visit in
Krakow are Wawel Castle and Wawel Cathedral.
Part of Krakows historic Old Town, these
famous buildings are built atop Wawel Hill, from
where they have long dominated the rest of the
surrounding city. Wawel Castle dates back to
the 13th century and is a beautiful example of
medieval Polish architecture. Wawel Cathedral,
found within the Wawel Hill complex, is where the
Polish kings and queens were crowned through the
ages.
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Main Market Square
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Also found within the historic walls of the Old
Town is Krakows Main Market Square, which is
easily one of the best places to visit in the
city. The square dates back to at least the 13th
century, and its been the centre of life in
Krakow for hundreds of years. In fact, this is
the largest surviving medieval square in Europe,
and its still a lively and beautiful place to
visit. You can enjoy the endless street
performances held in the square, take photographs
in front of the spectacular skyline, or simply
sit back and enjoy a coffee or a beer while the
world passes by.
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Cloth Hall
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One of the best things to do in Krakow is to
explore the world-famous Cloth Hall. Located in
the centre of Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall
is one of Krakows most iconic buildings. This
has long been the centre of commerce in the city,
dating back centuries. When Krakow was the
capital of Poland until the 16th century, it was
the largest trading hub in the country. Today,
you can still find a huge number of market stalls
and shops inside Cloth Hall, selling traditional
goods, artisanal products and souvenirs. On the
top floor, you can find a huge museum dedicated
to Polish artwork through the ages.
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MOCAK
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If youre an art lover then youll want to take a
trip to MOCAK, Krakows excellent museum of
modern art. MOCAK, or the Museum of Modern Art
in Krakow, is home to the best contemporary works
in Poland, with both permanent and temporary
exhibitions to explore. This is one of Krakows
newest tourist attractions, but its found
outside the city centre built on an old segment
of a factory that was once run by a certain Oskar
Schindler during World War II.
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Oskar Schindler Enamel Factory
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You can visit the remaining parts of the Oskar
Schindler Enamel Factory in Krakow, too. Oskar
Schindler was the true-life subject of the
renowned Holocaust Drama, Schindlers List, and
the factory depicted in the film is now a museum.
It offers a fascinating insight into the darker
days of Krakows history, but also an inspiring
look at what one individual did to redeem himself
in the face of war.
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Kazimierz District
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To learn more about Krakows Jewish history, take
a tour through the citys Kazimierz
District. Once the bustling hub of Jewish
culture, the district lay derelict for decades
after World War II, but in recent years has seen
a dramatic revitalisation. Its now a UNESCO
World Heritage Site and a wonderful hub for art
and modern Polish culture in Krakow.
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Auschwitz-Birkenau
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Just one hour away from Krakow, you can find one
of the most infamous places in European history.
Auschwitz-Birkenau needs no introduction,
because this is where the worst of the Holocaust
was perpetrated. Its now a memorial site, and
while its not exactly the happiest place to
visit on holiday, its an incredibly important
place that attracts millions of visitors every
year. Learn about the history and make sure
Krakows World War II past isnt forgotten.
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Wieliczka Salt Mine
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Another unique day trip to make from Krakow is a
tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Dating back to
around the 13th century, this was once one of the
largest salt producers in the world. Today,
its an important historical landmark, where you
can learn about Polands salty history. Its also
a surprisingly beautiful place, with vast
underground caverns and an elaborate network of
tunnels and mine shafts that can be explored.
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Eat Pierogi
Polish food isnt quite as international as it
perhaps should be. However in Krakow, youll soon
start to wonder why there arent more Polish
diners elsewhere in the world. The countrys
staple dish is pierogi, a delicious dumpling
thats stuffed with meat, cheese or vegetables,
or in some cases all three. For the most
traditional pierogi, then head to a Polish
Milkbar, a type of canteen serving cheap, Polish
food that became popular during the Communist
era. Contact Baltic Travel Company today to
find out more about our great travel itineraries
for Krakow and Poland, and to book your next
getaway!
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