Things to see and do in Krakow
Krakow City Centre and Old Town:
If you are only here for a weekend break, then you will only be scratching the surface of what this beautiful city and its surroundings have to offer. Many of our guests are repeat visitors to Krakow, choosing our luxury apartments in preference to hotels.
The best way to see the city is on foot. A good place to start is at the undoubted focal point of the city, the magnificently preserved old town and the central square (Rynek Glowny). Highlights include the imposing twin spires of St Mary’s Church, where every hour a trumpet call can be heard from one of the highest windows, a tradition dating back centuries. In the centre of the square is the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) where you can buy Polish souvenirs.. In summer, sitting at one of the many outdoor cafes on the square is an experience to remember. Walking the cobbled streets of the old town, you will see magnificent churches and museums, and find a plethora of bars, restaurants and cafes.
A short walk along the Royal Way on Grodzka Street leads you to Wawel Castle, situated on a hill overlooking the Vistula River. This towering castle complex was once the Royal Seat of Poland and is now home to various museums dedicated to Poland’s noble history.
Keep walking and you will enter the wonderfully evocative Jewish district of Krakow, Kazimierz. Currently undergoing rapid gentrification from ruins to trendy bars and luxury apartments. Following years of neglect in the aftermath of the second World War and the decimation of its original population, Kazimierz nevertheless retains much of its Jewish history, including synagogues and cemeteries. It is now also the artistic and bohemian hub of the city, boasting a rapidly expanding array of cafes, art galleries and restaurants amongst its cobbled streets.
Cross the Vistula river from Kazimierz and you will enter the equally beautiful district of Podgorze. Home to the Jewish Ghetto in the second World War and the site of Oscar Schindler’s factory, it also boasts its own high street, parks and Austrian fort overlooking the city.
Other walking highlights of Krakow include Blonia Park and adjacent Park Jordana. The Blonia is a massive open air field which, during the last visit of Pope John Paul II in 2001, saw an estimated 2 million Poles gather for mass with their favourite son. From Blonia, it is possible to walk up the Salwator Hill to Kopiec Kosciuszko, the man-made mound which boasts panoramic views of Krakow and its many landmarks.
Krakow Suburbs and surrounds:
If you have some more time and want to venture further afield, here are some highlights of the suburbs and surrounds of Krakow:
- Nowa Huta – a suburb of Krakow which is accessible via tram from the city centre, Nowa Huta (New Steelworks) is a fascinating example of Soviet socialist planning. One of only two cities in the world designed from scratch by the Soviets, it was built in the 1950s at the request of Stalin, who decided that Krakow was far too cultured and that what it really needed was one of the largest steelworks in Europe, and a city to service it.
- Auschwitz – known as Oswiecim in Poland, this nondescript town about 60km from Krakow was the scene of the greatest human atrocity of the 20th century, when the Nazis executed over 1m Jews and other racial minorities during the Second World War. Now home to a museum, it is an emotional but highly rewarding experience for many visitors to Krakow.
- Wieliczka Salt Mine – only a short distance from Krakow, this Unesco-listed underground mine presents a fascinating glimpse of underground life. Once one of the largest salt mines in the world, it comprises over 200km of passages and 2000 caverns. A highlight is the beautifully carved underground chapel where Pope John Paul II once held mass.
- Zakopane – Poland’s premier ski resort is only 2 hours from Krakow. It seems to teem with tourists all year round, as skiers hit the slopes in winter and hikers hit the trails in summer. The high tatra mountains are spectacular and offer a myriad of sights and a glimpse of Poland’s unique mountain culture.
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