A Weekend In Krakow – A 360° Sneak-Peek

Kraków is undoubtedly one of the best cities to visit in Poland. It is full of artistry, beauty and history. It still carries the stigma associated with WWII which - despite being quite gracious for Kraków - was still not completely neutral for it. Kraków is full of ups and downs. It is always ready to stay the course and never ceases to amaze.

The relative benignity of the occupier during WWII made Kraków a unique city. Although Krakow also saw significant destruction during the turmoil of war, fortunately, most of its historical monuments survived intact or almost intact.

Perhaps that is why Krakow cannot be adequately described in words. You have to visit this place to really get to know it, feel its spirit and atmosphere. You will never be disappointed. Discover and experience countless places that will fascinate you. Some will even amaze while others will leave you feeling perplexed. However, none will make you feel indifferent.

Krakow Tourist Attractions: The Beauty of Saint Mary’s Basilica

If you visit Krakow and miss Saint Mary’s Basilica it is like you were never there. You cannot let that happen. It is a beautiful Gothic church with two impressive towers, the taller one being known as Hejnalica. The trumpet call known as the 'Hejnał Mariacki' has been played from that tower every day for long ages, and spreads to the four corners of the world. Listening to the sound of the trumpet call is one of the top things to do in Krakow.

Take a look inside. There is a real treasure hidden there. The Main Altarpiece was designed by that great sculptor, Veit Stoss, as a true work of art. A group of Poles sacrificed a lot to save it from theft in 1939. It comprises the biggest Gothic retable in Europe, and includes over 200 figures sculpted from solid lime wood.

Krakow Tourist Attractions: A Piece of History Hidden in the Barbican

Krakow is full of history, and the Barbican is a part of that history. It is a fragment remaining from the old fortifications. It was built during the reign of Jan Olbracht, and was designed to protect the city from Italian and Turkish invasions. It survived intact until the 19th century, when it faced the threat of demolition, partially for sanitary reasons. Fortunately, it survived.

Today, the Barbican, affectionately known as the Rondel ("saucepan"), stands guard on history. Its walls enclose the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow. Take a look inside, discover Krakow’s history at its best - sometimes beautiful, sometimes dreadful, but always fascinating.

Krakow Tourist Attractions: The Irresistible Charm of the Krakow Cloth Hall

The Krakow Sukiennice, or 'Cloth Hall', completes Krakow. If you are wondering what to do in Krakow, here is your answer. Inside are stalls with the most beautiful and interesting souvenirs. The old, historical market stalls for cloth have been replaced with ones where you can buy anything. After shopping why not relax in the famous and historical Noworolski café, adored by Krakow’s elites, the artistic and scientific upper crust, ever since it opened. Relax there, because you will need some more energy later. Breathe in the artistic atmosphere of the place, and then take a look at the upper floor.

The first floor of the Sukiennice is an art sanctuary, home to the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art. It features works by Jan Matejko, Marcello Bacciarelli and Jacek Malczewski. You can soak up the atmosphere of the old days there.

Things to do in Krakow: Meetings at the Adam Mickiewicz Monument

You should not miss the Adam Mickiewicz Monument, standing proud in the Main Market Square. It is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Krakow, being a strong symbol of the city and its invincible spirit.

During WWII, the occupier wanted to break the spirit of the people of Krakow. He wanted them to forget all about Polish symbols and the great poet, and so the monument disappeared without a trace. However, the rebellious and brave residents continued to bypass the place where the monument had once stood, just like it was still there. It was rebuilt and unveiled again nine years after the war.

Things to do in Krakow: A Walk around Planty

Now it is time to get some fresh air! You can use some time away from it all. Take a walk around the Planty park and marvel at the numerous statues, sculptures, fountains and shrines. It is one of the most popular places in Krakow. When the weather is pleasant, you can sit back on a bench and watch the crowds of people passing by.

A walk around Planty will take you to many interesting places in Krakow, such as the famous Wawel Dragon, or at least its fire-breathing sculpture. Krakow would not be the same without the Wawel Dragon. It is a must-see.

Visiting Krakow is one of the top things to do in Poland. Each year the city attracts crowds of visitors and is one of the best cities to visit in Poland. It deserves that title. A stroll with a talented storyteller will help you discover all the magical elements. There is no other city like Krakow - enchanting with the imprint of the history that took place there, its beauty seductive, and welcoming everyone sensitive to the beauty of history.

Kraków is full of history, and the Barbican is a part of that history. It is a fragment remaining from the old fortifications. It was built during the reign of Jan Olbracht, and was designed to protect the city from Italian and Turkish invasions. It survived intact until the 19th century, when it faced the threat of demolition, partially for sanitary reasons. Fortunately, it survived.

Today, the Barbican, affectionately known as the Rondel ("saucepan"), stands guard on history. Its walls enclose the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków. Take a look inside, discover Kraków’s history at its best - sometimes beautiful, sometimes dreadful, but always fascinating.

If you visit Krakow and miss Saint Mary’s Basilica it is like you were never there. You cannot let that happen. It is a beautiful Gothic church with two impressive towers, the taller one being known as Hejnalica. The trumpet call known as the 'Hejnał Mariacki' has been played from that tower every day for long ages, and spreads to the four corners of the world. Listening to the sound of the trumpet call is one of the top things to do in Krakow.

The Krakow Sukiennica, or 'Cloth Hall', completes Krakow. If you are wondering what to do in Kraków, here is your answer. Inside are stalls with the most beautiful and interesting souvenirs. The old, historical market stalls for cloth have been replaced with ones where you can buy anything. After shopping why not relax in the famous and historical Noworolski café, adored by Krakow’s elites, the artistic and scientific upper crust, ever since it opened. Relax there, because you will need some more energy later. Breathe in the artistic atmosphere of the place, and then take a look at the upper floor.

Adam Mickiewicz Monument as seen form the Saint Mary’s Basilica's tower.

During WWII, the occupier wanted to break the spirit of the people of Kraków. He wanted them to forget all about Polish symbols and the great poet, and so the monument disappeared without a trace. However, the rebellious and brave residents continued to bypass the place where the monument had once stood, just like it was still there. It was rebuilt and unveiled again nine years after the war.

Now it is time to get some fresh air! You can use some time away from it all. Take a walk around the Planty park and marvel at the numerous statues, sculptures, fountains and shrines. It is one of the most popular places in Krakow. When the weather is pleasant, you can sit back on a bench and watch the crowds of people passing by.

A walk around Planty will take you to many interesting places in Kraków, such as the famous Wawel Dragon, or at least its fire-breathing sculpture. Kraków would not be the same without the Wawel Dragon. It is a must-see.

Visiting Krakow is one of the top things to do in Poland. Each year the city attracts crowds of visitors and is one of the best cities to visit in Poland. And the Wawel Castle is the jewel in its crown.