Holidays in Krakow – Prepare for It with Us!

Wondering if holidays in Krakow are good idea? We will convince you to visit this amazing city!

The fact, that you came to our blog is the proof that you already know about the existence of Krakow.

Do you want to find out more?

In this point let us tell you why this city is unique and why holidays in Krakow are the best thing you can do!

Get the basic knowledge about Krakow and see what exactly this city offers you before choosing Krakow tours.

Now, let’s explore the reasons why holidays in Krakow can be great!

Are you ready?

Holidays in Krakow – city introduction

First of all, Krakow is the previous capital of Poland, one of the oldest city of Poland, and the second largest. The sites approved for UNESCO World Heritage List. According to local legends, the city protected by dragon. Its Old Town is the perfect place for both, young and older people. The Main Square is the unique combination of renaissance, baroque and Gothic style buildings, crowded with locals, tourists and over 200 000 students from all over the world!

Krakow’s unique atmosphere is not describable! ~Thomas

You have to see and feel it on your own. Holidays in Krakow is something you just need to try!

So much to do!

Many arrive to Krakow to study. Many want to visit an amazing centuries old monuments that show the history of Poland — the country that western and eastern European civilisations mix together. Some come to have some party time there. That’s why Krakow is lively, vibrant and – as other big cities in Europe – almost never sleeps! The city offers a huge variety of museums, wonderful art galleries, interesting theaters, places for concerts and charmful parks.

The city has even more than 6000 historic monuments and architectural gems, one of the oldest universities in the world, rich history of every street and extended shore of the Vistula River. That should be enough to start with!

But there are amazing places to see not only in the middle of the city. It’s also good to go outside and see attractions and sights around Krakow. It will make your holidays more complete! Read about Auschwitz Concentration Camp of Wieliczka Salt Mine here. You can not forget about the proximity of the Polish Tatra mountains and the lovely city between called Zakopane either.

During your holidays in Krakow you are going to feel the positive energy, atmosphere of happiness and taste of both, medieval and modern city. In addition, Krakow is full of delicious restaurants, lovely outdoor cafes and terraces with really nice and helpful staff as well.

How about the nightlife?

Krakow by night is also crowded and still living, thanks to pubs and clubs on every corner!

And last but not least: Krakow is a perfect city for all seasons, no matter when will you decide to come!

The one thing is sure: there are as many reasons as people, and seems like Krakow can fulfill almost all their dreams!

What will be YOUR reason for Krakow holidays? 🙂

Let’s check it out!

Magnetic Main Market Square

You can not start your holidays in Krakow, by visiting something else than the Main Square!

Krakow has the largest medieval square in Europe. Its Main Market is located in the centre of Old Town.

It measures approximately 200 metres by 200 metres. It was laid out when the city received its charter in 1257. The famous Cloth Hall is located in the middle. You should definitely go inside as the gift shops with local souvenirs are placed there.

Then go up, down and look around!

• On the first floor of the Cloth Hall there is the one of the permanent exhibition of polish art.
• Under the Cloth Hall you will find very interesting underground museum about Krakow’s history.
• In front of Main Market Square you will see the Town Hall Tower and Adam Mickiewicz Monument.

Unfortunately the original Town Hall did not survive to the present day but the Main Square is surrounded by historic town houses and amazing, centuries old churches, like Gothic towers of St. Mary’s Basilica.

As a result, the square is famous for the events that took place there, so it is always crowed with tourists and students by day and night. Many pubs and all kind of restaurants and beer-gardens are located there, so everyone can find something for himself. But be careful of rock pigeons as there are many of them and horse-drawn carriages.

The Royal Road

The historic centre of Krakow is a wonderful place and everything there is rather close, so you can explore it by foot.

We reccomend you to take a walk from St Florian’s Gate to Wawel Castle. This route is called “the Royal Road” because once it was a parade route for Polish kings. Along the way you will have a lot of opportunities to spend your Polish zlotys as the Main Square is full of tempting stores and stalls.

It will be the perfect first step of your holidays in Krakow!

Wawel Castle – the national pride

Did we mentioned Wawel Castle? You can not miss this sight during your trip around Krakow!

Within the walls of the impressive Wawel Castle you can find 500 years of Polish history. Situated on a hill just next to the Vistula River, the Castle was the command center for Polish kings. Now it’s a treasure for history lovers. Furthermore, according to many sources, Wawel is also a place of one of the seven world’s chakras – a psychic-energy centers.

The interiors of Royal Castle and the Wawel Cathedral are a must, but don’t forget about a magical view of the impressive river and the dragon’s statue just next to it.

To sum up, Wawel is an amazing place to visit. The architecture is stunning and the cathedral is a work of art inside. You’re going to feel like in the past, so it’s totally worth your time!

And from it there is only a short walk to the next attraction of your holidays in Krakow: Kazimierz District!

Artistic Kazimierz District

Ready for more?

Go and visit Kazimierz District which is also called Jewish Kazimierz – you can’t miss it during you  holidays in Krakow!

What is most noteworthy, Kazimierz was found in 14th century as a separate city. The purpose was to better protect the capital, so the city wall with bastions and gates were built. Unfortunately they did not survive to a present day.

In 15th century the Jews living in the Krakow were allocated to Kazimierz due to conflicts and intolerance.

Since then Kazimierz became the Jewish cultural centre with synagogues and another symbols of Jewish culture. During the World War II all Jews were transported to another district of Krakow, whereas their monuments, synagogues and Jewish cemetery were destroyed all together with any manifestation of Jewish culture.

After the Second World War up to 2000s, Kazimierz was known as a poor, neglected and even dangerous district. But it got its second chance and, furthermore, it used it well. Nowadays Kazimierz is one of the most famous districts of Krakow, attracting more and more tourists every year.

I haven’t heard about Kazimierz before coming to Krakow but I’m glad that I get know that charmful place! ~Jenna

It is a unique and wonderful place to visit with its own monuments and museums. There are also many pubs and restaurants in Krakow Kazimierz so you can try a local cuisine. Therefore, during the night there are even more people hanging around then in Main Market Square.

This is especially relevant, that Kazimierz is definitely not all about party. There are also monuments that reflects its history that should be on your must-see list.

List of the most important attractions of Kazimierz:

• Skałka Monastery – one of the most important churches in Poland. The legend says it used be a pagan temple transformed into Christian Monastery. Underneath there is a crypt were Jan Długosz, Stanisław Wyspiański, Karol Szymanowski i Czesław Miłosz are buried.
• Corpus Christi Basilica – found by Kazimierz Wielki, one of the most impressive buildings in Kazimierz, combining Romanian, gothic and baroque style. The 17th century aisle is definitely the piece art you should see.
• The Ethnographic Museum – previously the City Hall of city of Kazimierz – the museum devoted to polish, European and exotic tradition and customs.
• Old Synagogue Krakow – one of the few places where Jewish service are conducted.
• Remu Synagogue – the complex of sacred building from 16th century in the renaissance style, named in the honour of scientist and rabbi Moses-Remuh. The services are still conducted there, it is visited by Jews from all over the world.

Quite a lot to see, right? But don’t worry! Holidays in Krakow are not only about sightseeing.

There can be a lot of fun as well!

Fun things to do during holidays in Krakow

If you saw all the traditional sites devoted to tourists, it is time to have some real fun.

•  Most of all, after so much sightseeing it is time to eat. Have you already tried the traditional Polish cuisine? Probably you would like to learn how to cook it? If so, definitely take part in Pierogi Cooking Class and make your memories last forever and share them with your friends back home!

• Looking for an interesting event? Here you can attend to is almost every day! Concerts, festival, art exhibition – whatever you like is just waiting for you in Krakow!
• Do you like to watch something new? Visit one of the cinema, polish cabaret or theatre!

Other unforgettable attractions

• Take a ride by a horse-drawn carriage on a Main Market Square.

• Would you like to take some rest? A simple walk by the Wisła river can be a good choice. It is also a good place to admire the Krakow monuments from a distance.
• What most tourists do not know you can go diving in the middle of Krakow! The site is called Zakrzówek. The water is may not be very warm even in the summer (so a dry suit or two wet suits must be needed) but if you are diver it is definitely worth trying! And do not worry if you don’t have your equipment with you, because you can rent it for about 25 Euros.

• Looking for more of city’s history? Visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory, which is not only the historical building but also the place, where Spielberg’s movie “Schindler’s List” was filmed. You can find very modern museum there and get a huge lesson about the Nazi occupation and Polish and Eastern European contemporary art.
• Finally, if you are interested in nature and geography, you have to visit an Krakow’s aquarium, Natural History Museum and Miniature Park as well! There is a crazy Aqua Park in Krakow too!

In conclusion, there are many reasons why Krakow is full of tourists all year round. People from all over the world travel there to admire the renaissance, baroque and Gothic styles combined all together.

What is the effect?

As a result, Krakow is probably visited by over 10 000 000 tourist annually!

But it’s not the end now! We have some more arguments for holidays in Krakow.

Krakow interesting facts

Now you have to learn few interesting facts about Krakow that make this city uniqe!

• The trumpet played hourly from St. Mary’s Basilica stops short as a symbol of a legendary trumpeter that was killed while trying to warn the locals of approaching enemy with his play.
• Krakow has its one version of the Leaning Tower. Although the Town Hall Tower deviates from the base just for 55 cm, it is well noticeable due to its height (700).
• The famous wooden altarpiece of St. Mary’s Basilica was carved by VeitStoss for 12 years.
• Some trees of Planty Park are centuries old.

• Krakow University founded in 14th century is the oldest in Poland, and second in Europe.
• In 1038 Krakow became the capital of Poland.
• There are over 700 000 residents of Krakow.
• You can meet the famous “Lady with an ermine” in Krakow. That Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting is located in Krakow National Museum.

Here you can find more Krakow Interesting Facts and Numbers.

Krakow Map

As a Krakow is quite a big city, full of attraction, be sure you are always on the right track.

Here is our free Krakow map for you!

Krakow Map – Free Download, Get It Now (2018)

So? Are you ready for holidays in Krakow?

Find a way to go there, book one of Krakow Grand Tour and get unforgettable memories!