Krakow what to visit. Must-see attractions in Krakow
According to one legend, Krakow is named after Prince Krak, who founded this city in the 10th century. At the beginning of the 11th century, the small city, having received the status of the capital of the state, began to rapidly develop and expand, turning into the main residence of the Polish kings. During its existence, Krakow more than once experienced major political and military uprisings, but managed to maintain its “face” as a cultural and scientific center. It has many ancient monuments and cathedrals, which are real works of architecture from different directions.
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This unusually beautiful building is located on the Market Square, serving as its main architectural decoration, which embodies three styles: lush Baroque, elegant Renaissance and strict Gothic. Otherwise it is called the Church of the Assumption Holy Virgin Maria. The central facade of the church faces the square with two quadrangular towers of different heights, topped with short turrets on the upper platform and a long spire in the center. A tall (82 m) square tower, rising upward, turns into an octagon due to 8 short turrets that shoot upward into an openwork of thin graceful spiers. The second, lower tower serves as the cathedral's bell tower. It contains a chapel made in the Renaissance style, outside the window of which there is a bell that rings for the dead. Its top in the corners is crowned with 5 domes: 4 small ones in the corners and one large one in the center, crowned with low spiers.
The interiors dazzle with their luxurious beauty and the rich splendor of the decoration of the altar and vaults. The Gothic carved wooden altar is unique among others of its kind in the size of its gates, decorated with huge figures of saints. The entire altar is painted with scenes from Holy Scripture, decorated with rich sparkling gilding, has a side chapel depicting the family tree of Christ.
Wawel Castle
The significance of the ancient castle in Wawel for the Poles can be compared with the significance of the Moscow Kremlin for the Russians. For many years, Wawel was the political and administrative center of the state, until the capital was moved to Warsaw. The royal castle, the cathedral, and a number of defensive fortifications located on the banks of the Vistula are part of the Wawel castle complex. Now it is essentially a museum, where excursions are organized for those who want to get acquainted with the historical past of Poland. At the entrance to the castle, everyone is greeted by a sculptural monument to Tadeusz Kościuszka, depicted sitting on a mighty horse. Everyone enters the main royal courtyard through the Armorial Gate, to the right of which is the Cathedral with mammoth bones hanging above the door - a symbol of prosperity; on the left is the Cathedral Museum.
On the territory of the courtyard there are thematic exhibitions introducing the royal rooms, luxurious chambers, and the art of the East; There is a treasure repository here, the Armory. Through the main courtyard you can enter the Dragon's Cave. Polish rulers were crowned in the Cathedral and buried here. The current building, built in the 14th century, is a striking example of Gothic style with characteristic pointed spiers, square columns and an abundance of long windows. Here are the chapels in which the remains of the Sigismund kings are buried, and the rotunda of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Wawel Castle is a whole city that personifies the history of the Middle Ages of the Polish state.
Bishops' Palace
This strictly majestic building of light yellow tones is connected with the history of one of the most noble and kind-hearted popes of Rome - John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla), who settled in it back in 1944, while a student at the seminary of the Archdiocese of Krakow. He left it with the rank of archbishop in 1978, when he was elected pope. The Poles sacredly honor this palace as a memory of their wonderful fellow countryman: after his death, for more than a month, the square in front of the palace was filled with flowers, candles and people praying.
The entrance to the palace is unusually beautiful, where, surrounded by picturesque bushes and flowers, stands a monument to John Paul II with his hands raised in blessing to the flock. Above the entrance door there is a symbolic window from which the pontiff greeted the Krakow youth who came to meet him. Now inside the palace there is a museum of the pope's heritage, the exhibitions of which present collections of gifts presented to him by heads of state around the world; objects of ancient painting and sculpture. The Palace of Bishops is never empty during the day; there are always people there who come to pay tribute to the memory of a wonderful man and religious figure with a pure and kind soul.
Krakow Market Square
Do you want to see the place where Polish trade began? Then head to Krakow's Market Square soon! This is a huge territory, which in the 13th century was set aside for business negotiations and trade. It is believed that the square is included in the list of the largest markets in Europe. In addition to the opportunity to plunge into local traditions and learn Interesting Facts from the history of the city, tourists will be able to see the famous sights of Krakow, including the Town Hall tower, the Church of St. Wojciech, the monument to the local celebrity A. Mickiewicz and some others.
The buildings surrounding the market deserve close attention. Many of them were created during the Renaissance and Renaissance periods, they are distinguished by strict forms and are a real decoration of the square. At the end of the walk, do not deny yourself the pleasure of purchasing souvenirs sold here. Entrance to the square is free and it is open 24 hours a day. It is better to visit during the daytime, when local attractions are open. The market is located at Stare Miasto, Rynek Glowny. You can get there by trams and buses, as well as on foot.
Kazimierz
Surprisingly, Kazimierz is a city within a city. This is the part of Krakow that was historically occupied by representatives of the Jewish community. Therefore, it should not be surprising that Jewish synagogues in this part of the former capital of Poland predominate over Catholic churches. All lovers of Jewish history should definitely visit this place, which is overflowing with Jewish cemeteries, Jewish cultural sites and religious sites. By the way, this particular place was chosen by the authors of the film about the Holocaust “Schindler’s List” as a filming location.
If you find yourself in Kazimierz, we advise you to visit Special attention to the two main attractions of the center of Jewish culture - the Church of St. Catherine and the Cathedral of Corpus Christi. The first one will enchant you with the sound of a huge organ that no other can compare with. musical instrument in Krakow. Well, in the second temple, tourists will have the opportunity to see in person the famous painting “The Adoration of the Magi.” You can find the Jewish quarter at Szeroka 24. As you understand, entry to the center of Jewish culture is free. You can get to the attraction by trams that run along Starovishchlna Street.
Do you love the dizzying attractions of water parks and their amazing atmosphere? Then we invite you to visit one of the largest and most famous complexes in Eastern Europe! Guests can enjoy riding huge water slides, swimming in pools with clean water, relax in the jacuzzi and just have fun with friends or family. The main pride of the water park is a 202-meter slide, which will give visitors a three-minute descent along dizzying turns and fall into a pool with warm water. There are simply no analogues to this attraction in Europe. All attractions are divided into four groups and differ in color.
Some will provide indescribable emotions with a downhill ride, others will add adrenaline to the blood with the help of all sorts of effects, and others will be suitable for young vacationers. Of course, such a landmark cannot go unnoticed. That’s why it’s always crowded here: together with tourists, Poles ride the slides and come to the water park from all over the country. Amusement park open all year round. Tourists can buy a full-day pass, which costs about 15 euros. Children under 3 years old are admitted free of charge. You can find the Krakow water park at Dobrego Pasterza, 126. You can get there by bus, getting off at the “Park Wodny” stop.
Planty Park
But for those who are tired of the bustle of the city and visiting the sights, the best place to take a break will be the park ring - Planty. People like to spend their time here free time Poles. Young people hide in the dense green thickets in search of solitude and romance, older people breathe free air or play chess, and tourists enjoy taking pictures against the backdrop of magnificent plants. But even here you won’t be able to hide from the sights that are found at every step. Here you can find amazing sculptures, monuments, historical and cultural buildings, and even an archeology museum.
By the way, his collection contains many exhibits from the history of Ancient Egypt and the Middle Ages. To find Planty, you just need to be in the Old Town area. This park ring surrounds its entire territory. According to historical information, this place was previously occupied by huge stone walls, which were designed to protect residents from uprisings and warriors. Entrance to the park is free, but you will have to pay a small amount to visit certain attractions on its territory. You can visit the park at any time of the day (although until recently tourists were prohibited from being here in the evening).
Florian Gate and Barbican
It is recommended to visit these two attractions of Krakow as part of one excursion. The Florian Gate is located in the city wall and was built in 1307. They owe their name to the patron saint of Krakow. The peculiarity of the gate is that it contains a chapel Mother of God, and as decorations a coat of arms with an eagle and a relief depicting St. Florian were used.
The Barbican is also located here, which is a fortification structure in the form of a massive tower. There is a historical museum here and on certain days real knightly competitions are held. You can find attractions at ul. Basztowa, 30-547. They are open daily from 10.30 to 18 hours. You can get there by trams or buses, the route of which runs through this area. The ticket price for adult visitors is 7 zlotys, and for beneficiaries and children it is 2 zlotys cheaper.
Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas
The Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas is one of the most revered churches in Poland. The basilica rises on Wawel Hill among the monumental and luxurious architectural ensemble of Krakow. The residence of the kings of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was located here, so the cathedral occupies a sacred place in Polish history. From time immemorial, the basilica was intended for the ceremonial coronation of monarchs, holding divine services, and also served as a tomb for rulers, bishops, politicians and generals.
The cathedral was erected at the turn of the 11th-12th centuries. The original church building was a small Romanesque basilica made of white limestone. In the 14th century, the temple was rebuilt, thereby expanding the cathedral with three naves, chapels and towers. Numerous reconstructions of the church have significantly changed it appearance. Today the cathedral reflects an amazing accumulation of different architectural styles- from Romanesque to Art Nouveau.
Along the perimeter of the quadrangular brick basilica with elongated window openings there are chapels, treasuries and a church. The façade of the cathedral is majestically decorated with three towers, a triangular pediment, relief ornaments and sculptures of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas. On the north side of the temple rises the Sigismund Tower. It houses a massive cathedral bell, which weighs 11 tons. In the halls of the cathedral, separated by high arched openings, there are luxuriously decorated altars and royal stone and marble sarcophagi.
The relics of the patron saint of Poland, Bishop Stanislaus, rest here. His remains are preserved in a silver tomb, which is a masterpiece of jewelry art. The sarcophagus is decorated with twelve relief images of scenes from the life of the saint. The cathedral's high altar, erected in 1650, features a large painting of Jesus crucified on the cross. The panel is framed by a gilded arch, pilasters and a pediment in the center.
Krakow Town Hall Tower
In the central square of Krakow stands a Gothic structure made of red brick and creamy stone. This is the town hall tower, which was erected at the beginning of the 14th century. The structure was part of a municipal building that was demolished due to disrepair in the 19th century. The austere façade of the tower, which is 70 meters high, is decorated with lancet and square windows, a mechanical clock, and is also framed by protruding vertical ribs. Throughout the history of its existence, the structure has undergone several reconstructions after fires caused by lightning strikes. The tower is crowned with a baroque dome mounted on a polyhedron with arched window openings. A raging strong wind in 1703 tilted the structure 55 centimeters to the side.
The tower's narrow and spiral staircase leads to an observation deck, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Krakow. Inside the building there are museum exhibits related to the history of the municipality. Noteworthy are the tower's basements, which were originally intended to store beer and wine. Later there were dungeons with torture chambers there. Today, the building’s dungeon attracts visitors with aromatic coffee prepared in the cafe.
Collegium Maius
More than 100 thousand students live in Krakow. Most of them study at the Jagiellonian University, which is considered one of the oldest in Europe. An illustrious graduate of the college is the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. The main historical building of the institution is called Collegium Maius (Great College). The three-story Gothic structure with two stepped pediments, a small octagonal projection and rectangular windows was erected from red brick in the 15th century. The walls of the college form a quadrangular courtyard, surrounded by an arched gallery with a vaulted ceiling and massive white stone columns. There is a well in the center of the courtyard.
The beginning of the 20th century was marked by the transformation of the Collegium Maius into a museum. Here you can visit the personal chambers of professors, lecture and ceremony halls, and the dining room. The premises display original wooden furniture, unique scientific instruments, astronomical instruments, and a collection of globes. On the walls of the large hall of the university are hung picturesque portraits of professors who taught for 600 years.
Ghetto Heroes Square
Among the many attractions of Krakow, there is one place that reflects sad events in Polish history. This is the Ghetto Heroes Square. What stands out here are the memorial cast iron and bronze chairs standing on the paving stones. They symbolize the tragedy of the Jews of Krakow, imprisoned in the ghetto by the German occupiers during World War II. Ghetto Heroes Square is located on the site where in 1941 the Nazis herded all the city's Jews behind the fence. More than 20,000 people lived in this territory with their belongings and furniture in inhumane conditions. From here the ghetto residents were transported to Auschwitz.
Modern Art Museum
In 2004, the Krakow municipality bought the building of the former Schindler factory to create a museum of modern art. A few years after reconstruction, the plant's pavilions were transformed into an avant-garde structure with a glass facade and pointed roofs. The museum is divided into several thematic zones. The spacious halls display interesting works that embody current problems of society. These are exhibitions of conceptual art, collections of paintings by contemporary artists, sculptural compositions, photographs and performances with audiovisual accompaniment. Several cinema halls show short films that make museum visitors think about existence.
Catacombs under the Market Square
Under the Market Square in Krakow there is a local history museum. This unique institution reflects the history of the medieval city. The exhibition was opened in 2010 after six years of archaeological excavations. As a result of the research, ancient fragments of houses, buildings, monuments, sidewalks and a market were discovered. The museum, located at a depth of four meters, is an amazing labyrinth of a medieval street in Krakow. Here you can see ancient walls, coins, vases, and trade carts. Among the exhibits there are multimedia displays equipped with touch screens with holograms. Modern Technical equipment recreates the atmosphere of an archaic settlement.
Polish Aviation Museum
On the territory of one of the oldest military airfields in Europe, in the suburbs of Krakow, there is a museum of Polish aviation. Here are real airplanes, helicopters, gliders and engines. The museum has more than 200 pieces of aviation equipment different eras both civilian and military types. The models are located in four buildings of a building built in the shape of a rotating propeller, as well as on the former airport runway. The museum premises include a cinema hall, a library, a flight simulator simulating a cockpit, information stands and interactive displays. The alley where Soviet MiG fighters are parked is especially impressive.
Juliusz Słowacki Theater
The Square of the Holy Spirit is dominated by a majestic palace erected in 1893. This is one of the most famous theaters in Europe, named after the outstanding Polish poet and playwright Juliusz Słowacki. The building is considered a masterpiece of eclectic architecture, embodying the layering of different styles. The sandy facade of the building is decorated with numerous bas-reliefs, a portico with pilasters, balustrades, sculptures, massive vaulted windows and cornices.
The structure is topped with Baroque domes. Architectural decorations give the building sophistication and pomp. The interior of the palace is no less impressive than the exterior. The halls are painted with frescoes by Austrian artists. The theater has four stages where modern and classical dramas, operas, musicals, and comedies are staged.
Church of Saints Peter and Paul
Krakow's Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, consecrated in 1635, is Poland's first Baroque church. The church, built of dolomite and brick, is surrounded by a wrought-iron fence, in front of which 12 statues of the apostles stand on pedestals. The three-tier facade of the temple is decorated with pilasters with ornate capitals, pediments, bas-reliefs, and niches with statues. The basilica building is single-nave with attached chapels and a semicircular apse. The structure is topped with an elegant large dome.
The interior of the church is quite modest and monumental. In the main hall, which is framed by an arched arcade, there are carved benches for parishioners. The apse vault is decorated with bas-relief images describing scenes of the life and death of the apostles Peter and Paul. The main altar, which is a marble pedestal with gilded sculptures, deserves attention. In the center is a picturesque panel “Presenting the Keys to Saint Peter.” In the chapels you can see many paintings and sculptures created according to all the canons of the Roman Catholic Church.
Basilica of the Holy Trinity
Not far from Krakow's Market Square stands an example of Gothic architecture - the Basilica of the Holy Trinity. The temple was erected in the middle of the 13th century under the leadership of the Catholic missionary Jacek Odrowonz. The church is a stronghold of tonsured monks who devote their lives to serving God. The basilica consists of three naves. They contain ten chapels. The brick facade of the building is decorated with lancet windows with ornate bars. The temple is crowned with a large stepped pediment with Gothic turrets. The entrance to the basilica leads through the annex. It is decorated with three graceful arches and pediments decorated with bas-reliefs.
The interior of the church amazes with its richness. Along the main nave there are arches on high columns. The walls are painted with colorful floral patterns, and the ceiling is in the shape of a cruciform vault. In the halls of the basilica you can see many wooden sculptures, sculptures, frescoes and beautiful stained glass windows.
But don't worry, you won't get lost. All paths in the forest are marked and there are signs. Otherwise, this is an ideal option for an outing into nature for the whole day: the forest is full of equipped parking areas, and the steep paths will be an excellent workout for lovers of outdoor activities.
How to get there : by buses No. 102 and 134.
10. Historical Museum of Krakow
Where can you get acquainted with the history of Krakow, if not in the historical museum? In the Historic Krakow, on Rynek Główny Street 35, you will learn what life was like in medieval Krakow, see old maps of the city, jewelry and clothing of the citizens of those times, as well as household items and much more.
Working hours
: The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
Address:
Rynek Główny, 35, Old city(near the Barbican).
Those who want to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages are invited to take a tour, where you will get acquainted with the rich history of the city, as well as find out the answers to your questions.
The Vistula is the longest and deepest river in Poland, flowing through most of the country's major cities. The river is very beautiful, and in addition, it is of great economic importance.
The Vistula has a length of more than a thousand kilometers, and the total area of its basin is almost 200 thousand square kilometers. The river crosses Poland from south to north, originating at Barania Mountain and flowing into the Baltic Sea. On the Vistula there are such big cities, like Krakow, Warsaw, Plock and Gdansk.
The speed of the Vistula current is about 5 kilometers per hour, and the depth varies greatly from mouth to source.
Also on the river is the largest Polish hydroelectric power station - Wrocławek HPP. Overall, Wisła ranks prominently among the largest European rivers, and in addition, is among the significant natural resources Poland.
Jagiellonian University
Founded on May 12, 1364 by Casimir III, the Jagiellonian University is to this day one of the oldest in Europe and the largest higher education institution in Poland.
Today the university has 15 faculties that provide training in 46 areas.
Since the university has a long history, in its lifetime it has seen many students who later became outstanding people. Among them are Pope John Paul II, John III Sobieski - King of Poland and many others.
However, the Jagiellonian University is famous not only for the quality of its education, but also for its stunning architecture. After the rebuilding, the university building received its current red brick Gothic façade, steep roofs and closed crenellated gables. Passing through the courtyard, the visitor finds himself in museum halls that amaze with their wealth and decoration.
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St. Mary's Church
The main shrine of Krakow is St. Mary's Church, or the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The temple was built in the 13th century in the Gothic style. In the 18th century, the interior of the church was rebuilt in the Baroque style.
Every hour on a high signal tower, a trumpeter plays an old melody that has become the call sign of Polish radio. The melody sounds to all cardinal directions in turn. This tradition dates back to the 15th century, when a trumpeter, at the cost of his life, warned the city about an enemy approaching the walls.
In 2001, after a long break, the tower opened to the public.
The church has two entrances and two parts: the back part with the entrance through the square is intended for worshipers, and on the right there is a paid entrance for those who came to admire the ancient architecture and decoration. Of particular interest is the three-winged altar of St. Mary's Church. Its height is over 12 meters and its width is about 11 meters. This altar in Poland is the most significant work of wooden sculpture made in the late Gothic style. Behind the altar there are ancient stained glass windows, and the walls of the church are painted by famous Venetian artists.
In the evenings, free organ concerts are held here.
The Town Hall Tower is the only surviving part of the town hall, built in the early 14th century and dismantled in the 19th century.
The town hall building, built of brick and stone, was intended for the work of the Gchoroda Council and included a place for the city treasury, a court and even a prison, which was located in the basements of the building.
After reconstruction in 1960, the tower was transferred to the Historical Museum, the exhibition of which is dedicated to the history of the city authorities.
The entrance staircase is decorated with stone lions brought from the Morstin Palace in Plavovice, and on the second floor there are late Gothic portals and stone mascarons from the 14th century. In addition to the museum tour, you can visit the former treasury of the town hall, the satirical Mascaron theater and cafes located in the ancient cellars.
Czartoryski Museum
The museum was founded in 1878 as a continuation of the first art museum in Poland, established in 1796 by Princess Isabella Czartoryska on the grounds of the Czartoryski residence in Puławy. Relics of patriotic nature occupied the “Temple of the Sibyl” (a small rotunda in the park), which was opened to the public in 1801.
Old Theater
The Old Theater in Krakow lives up to its name. This is one of the first theaters in Poland, which was officially opened in 1781. Today, the Old Theater operates four stages in the city center.
The initiator of the opening of the theater was Matthew Witkowski, to whom the authorities issued an entertainment permit at a price of 50 Polish zlotys per month. Vitkovsky became the first director of the theater. The theater has a very rich history. During the occupation, the Germans completely painted over the beautiful ornaments, changed the color of the walls, and turned the theater into a concert hall. But recently, three halls of the building were restored, and soon the turn of the last hall will come. In 1991, the Old Theater was given national status.
It is very difficult to get tickets here; it even happens that a month before the start of the performance, the seats are already booked. The most famous and professional actors and directors in Poland work here. But the most important thing is that over all these years the quality of the performances has been preserved. Even after one such spectacle, the viewer will have enough emotions and memories for a long time.
Are you interested in knowing how well you know the sights of Krakow? .
Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle is a symbol of Poland and occupies a special place of honor in the heart of any Polish resident.
The castle is made in the Gothic style and rises at an altitude of 228 meters above sea level. It consists of several cathedral complexes, of which the most famous are the Royal Castle and the Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas.
The castle has a rich history, which is shared with tourists through exhibitions located inside the castle. The chambers of the Polish kings, the treasury, the Throne Room and the Armory are available for visiting here.
Wawel is especially noteworthy for tourists because there is a tradition of burying Polish monarchs here.
The most popular attractions in Krakow with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places to visit famous places in Krakow on our website.
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Krakow reviews about our trip, September 2014
- Prices in Krakow
- Krakow souvenirs what to buy
- Krakow attractions route map
- Krakow useful links preparing for travel
N.B. Interestingly, this head does not evoke warm emotions among the townspeople of Krakow, but it has become a meeting place and a tourist attraction :)
Some boring information: money, currency, prices in Krakow
Currency: zloty.
How to pay where to change money
You can change it at gas stations, the rate is normal and there is no commission. They can change partially, i.e. 100 euro bill - change 50, 50 - ask for euro change - no problem :)
Comfortable: pay with a card and withdraw some zlotys from an ATM.
Zlotys will be needed to: pay for the toilet, bagels, and other delicacies in street tents. It is simply impossible to pass them by.
In souvenir shops, cafes (even the smallest ones), shops, you can easily pay with a card.
Prices in Krakow
- Magic bagel (bought on the street and eaten on the go - just enough to get to the next bagel machine))): 1.5 zlotys
- Water -1.5-2 zlotys
- Raspberries (taken in season, in September - very tasty) 7.5 zlotys/800 grams
- Polish cheese at the fair (suluguni) - small flatbread (60 grams) - 2 zlotys.
- Bottled beer 3.5 zlotys (in shops)
- Toilet: 1-1.5 zł
Prices in cafes and restaurants in Krakow:
Some of the most expensive restaurants in the tourist area - in Jewish quarter Kazimierz (Kazimierz), opposite the old Synagogue - Szeroka street. They offer Polish, European and European cuisine. Dish from 25 zlotys and above. Near the restaurants there are “barkers” and menus with prices.
On side streets, not in the central one, you can find more affordable prices; in particular, we came across a cafe at the intersection Berka Joselewicza and Sw Sebastiana. It's self-service, but very cozy, tasty and friendly. There is a dish of the day (17 zlotys) - this is a full second course, soups, drinks (no alcohol). First: it is important to try the Polish soup zurek (they say that Russian speakers call it “zhorik”).
Impressions of Polish cuisine: fatty, hearty, salty.
Compliment from the Poles: we were in apple season: everywhere there were fragrant baskets with apples “for nothing”J
Average prices in cafes in Krakow lunch dinner
- On average, a dish costs 10-20 zlotys (meat), 7-18 zlotys for a side dish.
- Side dish + meat 20-30 zlotys
- Drink (coffee, beer, juice) 7-15 PLN
- Additionally, nothing is written on the check (in any case, we did not encounter)
In addition to Polish cuisine, in Krakow you can find restaurants serving Georgian, Ukrainian, Italian, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Turkish cuisine.
What language is useful in Poland?
Polish. Ukrainian. English.
If you speak Ukrainian, you can speak anywhere, they will understand you, and you will understand (the Poles will not speak quickly and there will be no difficulties)
If you speak Russian, then English is better :) . The older generation speaks Russian; for young people, English is closer.
Souvenirs: what to bring from Krakow
Market Square in Krakow called Rynek Glowny: shopping arcades Cloth rows (Sukiennice). It’s beautiful to stroll through the shopping arcades, but the souvenirs here are expensive. True, you can pay by card. Krakow's business card: amber. There are also many items made of silver, fur (wool), wood, leather (bags, belts). We really liked the fair next door - Maly Rynek. Here you can buy suluguni cheese, bread, beer, honey, honey soap, glass souvenirs, amber, silver, sheepskin and linen products, leather goods.
- Magnitik from 7 to 30 zlotys
- Amber from 15 zlotys(very inexpensive, simple ones) up to 200-300 zlotys for good quality jewelry with silver.
- Salt and cosmetics with salt, Zaja cosmetics
- Herbapol syrups (in supermarkets and some liquor stores)
- Amol tincture (in Krakow it is considered “for all diseases”)
- Polish beer Zywiec, Warka, Tyske piwo, Okocim
- Chocolate
- Minced meat sausages
- Sliwowica tincture
The best souvenirs are impressions, a must in Krakow
- try the cheese
- buy amber
- Walking into a pastry shop is simply a sweet work of art, very tasty and soulful
- Take a look at a shop selling old Polish drinks: authentic and warming:)
What to see in Krakow in 1 day
Krakow is full of attractions, and if you have little time (1-2 days), be sure to explore the old town. On the Internet you can find a lot of general advice on what to see and where to go in Krakow ,You can take a tour or walk on your own. We would like to share a simple walking route Krakow in 1 day
I’ll say right away that we came to Krakow with the clear intention of going around the entire old city. And it turned out that it was elementary. Small, cozy, with winding streets, embankments and a mysterious Jewish quarter Kazimierz, where it seems that life has stood still...
Planning walking tour of Krakow worth considering:
- There are a lot of cyclists and they like to ride fast. It is no coincidence that injuries from collisions with cyclists are the most common case of seeking insurance assistance. Be careful!
- The names of the streets match those you will find on the maps - walking around Old Krakow is very easy.
- If you plan to walk only around the old city, you will not need transport.
- Cars can only enter the old town until 11 o’clock (to deliver goods to cafes and shops). So in the morning it will be difficult to do beautiful photos without trucks, but then - as much as you like :)
Time of our walk-excursion: from 9 am to 18 pm.
Start: near the Barbican and the monument to the Battle of Grunwald. We go through the gates of the old city and walk along Florianskaya Street into the city.
Main square Glowny Rynok(here is the Cloth Hall, Head of Eros, Basilica Mariacka, Town Hall.
Then we go down to the river and pass the Cathedral of Dominics and Francis, at this intersection there is an Office de tourisme - you can take maps, we continue to go down to the bottom.
Let's go to the street Ulica Kanonicza-the oldest street Krakow and along it we go out to Wawel.
There are cafes here where you can refresh yourself. Then we went to the embankment and walked along it to the Jewish quarter Kazimierz. Here is Shirokaya Street- synagogues and Jewish restaurants. Then we returned to the Old Town and spent another hour and a half wandering the streets and buying souvenirs.
I'm attaching a map. If you get tired: shorten the route by Kazimierz or a detailed hike to Wawel Castle. Personally, we skipped the tour of Wawel, but had a blast walking around Kazhimerezh.
Excursions around Krakow are free, and most importantly fun and interesting:
