Krakow is the most popular destination city in Poland, with a beautiful old center that captures the history of the city in castles, churches, and squares. Stroll through the old town with your camera or take a guided tour so you don’t miss a thing. Your introduction to Krakow begins with these must-see sights!
The pavilion
The Cloth Hall is a huge structure that divides the Main Market Square in Krakow. Once a place for merchants selling practical goods, it is now a souvenir market where you can buy traditional handicrafts, amber jewelry and trinkets. Find handmade amber gifts, textiles, ceramics, jewelry and other souvenirs to remind you of your visit to Krakow.
Around the square are many restaurants and shops, and this central space is home to the Krakow Christmas Market, as well as the Polish Easter Market, unique opportunities to buy seasonal gifts and decorations. You will also get an idea of how Holidays are celebrated in Poland.
Church of Santa Maria
The Church of Santa María, with its tall bell tower and red brick facade, is an important feature of the Main Market Square. Hear the bugle play a strangled tune to remember a similar player who was shot in the throat by an invader.
Krakow City Hall
The Krakow City Hall Tower was once part of a larger structure, and a model of the original building was placed nearby for curious visitors to peruse. Climb the tower to enjoy views of the Main Market Square and the old town, or take advantage of its shade for a drink or an aperitif at one of the nearby restaurants.
Wawel castle
Polish history has been made over and over again at Wawel Castle, where Polish kings were crowned, married, and buried. The grounds of Wawel Castle contain a cathedral, archaeological remains of past structures, palaces, and an observation post over the Vistula River. The castle grounds can be visited for free, although you will have to purchase a ticket to enter the castle structures. Don’t forget to find the Wawel Castle dragon, which protects it against attacks in the water.
Calle Grodzka
Grodzka Street connects the main market square with Wawel Castle. In addition to the many shops and restaurants that you will find on Grodzka Street, you can also see notable places. The church of San Pedro and San Pablo, with its figures of the twelve apostles, is unmissable, and next to it is the Romanesque church of San Andrés. Stop at a major crossroads in Grodzka, and you will see the Franciscan church on one side and a Dominican church on the other – the streets are named after their respective churches.
Kazimierz District
Krakow’s Kazimierz district, which lies south of Wawel Castle, is as historic as it is modern. Krakow’s Jewish Quarter is home to synagogues and churches alike. This rejuvenated neighborhood also enjoys a lively nightlife and is the center of cultural and food festivals that make up an important part of Krakow’s calendar of events.
Florianska Gate
This gate was once an entrance to the city. It dates back to the 14th century and is connected to all that remains of the old walls of Krakow. Here you will find representations of Krakow artists that you can buy as a souvenir of your visit to the city.
Barbacana
The Barbican was once a defensive structure (as evidenced by its 10-foot-thick walls), but now stands as a monument to bygone times amid the greenery of a park. It is possible to enter the Barbican from May to October.
