Known as Krakow, Cracow or under the Latin name of Cracovia, it is still the same magical city you have probably heard a lot of. Visited by over 10 million of visitors a year, the city is among the top European travel destinations, while it continuously manages to maintain certain charm of intimacy, even in its typically popular areas. Krakow holidays is a totally great idea and if you still haven’t visited this unique royal city, let yourself be convinced of how right the choice of having a summer break in Krakow is! Don’t miss Full Holidays in Krakow Guide.
1. KRAKOW IS CLOSER AND MORE UNIQUE THAN YOU THINK
“Where is Krakow?” is the first question that needs to be answered. Located in Central Europe and southern part of Poland, being a capital of the Lesser Poland region (known for high temperatures in summer), Krakow occupies a convenient spot that is less than 100 kilometres away from the highest Polish mountain range – the Tatras. The city has 760,000 inhabitants, the largest population of students in Poland, the largest main square of the medieval world and is one of the 6 places where it is possible to see the works by Leonardo da Vinci. Its festivals are always organised according to the best standards there exist.
Krakow is the city of legends of dragons, mysterious pagan mounds and – by contrast – a place where 138 shrines were erected. This is where countless pubs & clubs operate next to noble museums and art galleries, and castles giving testimony to the mighty past of the city are juxtaposed with the thrilling remains of Nazi occupation. For those curious of Krakow secrets, travelling to Kraków Airport may be the simplest way of reaching the city, as located 17 kilometres away from the Old Town only. So, where is Krakow then? The answer is: Krakow is too close to you to miss it.
2. THINGS TO SEE IN KRAKOW ARE AMONG EUROPE’S BEST
Visit Krakow to see some of the most iconic views Europe has to offer! The remains of the pagan past of the settlement, the medieval fortifications of massive Wawel Castle, where breathtaking art galleries and stunning royal interiors indicate the power once accumulated there or the Renaissance facades of the Main Square of the Old Town.
Descend under the surface of the Main Square to visit one of the most unique museums on a global scale – Cracow Underground Museum, where the exhibition of multimedia and archaeological artefacts will play with your mind in the dark taking the reign there or climb the Kosciuszko Mound to take delight at the panorama of this charming city from the distance. See the legendary Wawel dragon belching out fire at the boulevard of Vistula, the disturbing Cricoteca where the oeuvre of world-famous artist Tadeusz Kantor is on display, or the wood-carved altar masterpiece of medieval art inside the St. Mary’s Church.
Do not miss the greatly reconstructed Schindler’s factory to learn of the cruelty of World War II that affected Krakow. Each day of your holidays spent in Krakow will surprise you with the well-preserved beauty of its attractions, many of which do not have any counterparts elsewhere. To prepare yourself well enough not to omit any treasure of Krakow, check the list of top attractions that await you there this season.
3. TOP KRAKOW THINGS TO DO WILL NEVER FAIL TO AMUSE YOU
Fancy a pint of cold beer in a dungeon-like pub, a romantic stroll along a path of the ancient Planty Park or an inspiring bike ride along the trail filled with attractions? Choose Krakow as your holiday destination! Whatever you choose to be your time-filler during your stay in this charming royal city, you will never be disappointed. Explore the commercial premises at the historical Main Square, feed your senses with the souvenirs sold inside the Reinassance Sukiennice Cloth Hall or go on a shopping spree to one of Krakow modern shopping malls.
Discover the mystical Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz, with its bustling restaurants, pubs and public flea markets, have a traditional gourmet meal at Wierzynek – the oldest restaurant still operating at Krakow Main Square, with truly regal conditions offered to its customers or find out what a typical day of a citizen of a communist country would look like by visitng the industrial Nowa Huta district – a utopian social-realist estate from the 1950’s, only to pick another stylish pub inside one of Krakow cellars.
Take a cruise along the Vistula to sightsee the picturesque Tyniec Abbey, jump inside a traditional horse-drawn carriage to lead you through the cobbled streets of this fascinating historical city or join a group of Krakow Crawlers in a spontaneous way to take advantage of the vivid nightlife of Krakow with a group of fun-loving strangers.
This is not even a fraction of what activities you can take while in Krakow – to see what the most recommended things to do in Krakow are, definitely consult the comprehensive guide.
4. KRAKOW QUALITY HOTELS MAKE FOR A PLEASANT STAY
Your visit to Krakow may be full of experiences, and trying to collect them in a way not letting you miss anything may also require some physical effort. Fortunately, marvellous Krakow has a rich hotel base, with its top premium hotels located just in the centre of things. Comfortable beds, flawless service and perfect locations will let you relax after long hours spent on the exploration of Krakow.
Additionally, you may expect the accomodation providing you with a great dose of luxury, ranging from its ultra-modern apartments of well known chain-brand hotels like Sheraton Krakow or Radisson Blu, to historical and sumptuous spaces of renowned Copernicus or Palac Bonerowski hotels. Check the best 5-star hotels of Krakow to pick the one that responds to your preferences or – alternatively – decide to stay at one of many diverse hostels Krakow abounds in, that are perfect for backpackers, students and short-time visitors.
5. KRAKOW IS BEAUTIFUL ALL YEAR ROUND
The question of when it is the best to visit Krakow is asked by many before they decide to come. Summertime is when visiting Krakow seems to be the most convenient option – hot weather, a large beach arranged at the Vistulan bank opposite to Wawel and plenty of open-air festivals held in the city complement the impressively wide range of attractions the city provides.
At the same time, a special aura surrounding the medieval corners of Krakow early Autumn, the refreshement that blooming trees of Planty Park give during Spring or the Christmas Market occupying the Main Square with the scent of gingerbread in Winter (not to mention the vicinity of the skiing capital of Poland Zakopane is) make Krakow worth visiting at any time of year. If you feel a sudden urge to visit Krakow, it is not necessary for you to wait for summer to come – simply, check the weather conditions, pack your suitcase with the right clothes and board the nearest plane. You will never be disappointed!