what to see in krakow

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Krakow is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are many things to see and do. Here are some of the top attractions and activities to consider:

  1. Wawel Castle: This castle is a must-visit attraction in Krakow, with its mix of gothic, renaissance, rococo, and romanesque architecture.

  2. Stare Miasto (Old Town): Krakows oldest quarter is a planned city drawn up in 1257 just after the Mongol invasion laid everything to waste. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many historic buildings and landmarks.

  3. St Mary's Basilica: This is one of Krakow's iconic sites, located at the main square. Its interior is decorated with bright blues and dazzling golds and can be visited by spending just a few Polish Zloty.

  4. Auschwitz Concentration Camp: This is a sobering but important historical site to visit, located just outside of Krakow. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II.

  5. Wieliczka Salt Mine: This is another UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Krakow. Visitors can take a tour of the mine and see the underground chambers and sculptures carved out of salt.

  6. Rynek Glowny Central Square: This is one of the largest Medieval squares in Europe and has been the commercial, social, and administrative focal point of the city since the middle of the 13th century.

  7. Krakow Cathedral: This is located on the Wawel hill, within the immense walled area of the Castle. Access to this area is free, but access to the Cathedral and to the Castle is on payment. The Cathedral visit is carried out following a designated route that touches all the points of interest in the church.

  8. Communism tour: Consider taking a tour to discover the city’s, and the nation’s turbulent past. Many communist artifacts are still around today (including Cold War bunkers), so hop into a Trabant with a history-savvy guide and head on a 4-5 hour tour full of insights and stories.

  9. Kazimierz: This is the hipster neighborhood of Krakow, with many trendy bars, restaurants, and shops. It is also home to the oldest synagogue in Krakow.

  10. Tatra Mountains: These mountains are located just outside of Krakow and offer beautiful hiking trails and stunning views.

  11. Polish cuisine: Krakow is known for its delicious food, including pierogi (dumplings), kielbasa (sausage), and oscypek (smoked cheese). There are many restaurants and food stalls throughout the city where you can try these dishes.

  12. Nightlife: Krakow has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and music venues. The Old Town and Kazimierz are popular areas for nightlife.

These are just a few of the many things to see and do in Krakow. Whether you're interested in history, culture, food, or nature, there is something for everyone in this beautiful city.