What to visit in Krakow. Krakow in two days: the main attractions of the city that you need to see. Guide to the old streets

Krakow is a recognized cultural capital Poland. The richness of the historical heritage and the beauty of the architecture of the ancient quarters attract thousands of tourists to the city every year. Local residents are very proud of the city, since the history of the formation of Polish statehood is inextricably linked with it.

During the Middle Ages, the city became an important spiritual, cultural and educational center. Since the 11th century, temples and monasteries have been built here, including the magnificent St. Mary's Church and the Romanesque Church of St. Andrew, and in 1364 the Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest educational institutions in Europe, appeared.

Krakow museums are no less interesting, where you can learn the history of Poland and get to know its culture better. Oskar Schindler's Factory and the Museum of Modern Art will certainly interest tourists interested in the history and heritage of the 20th-21st centuries.

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What to see and where to go in Krakow?

The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

The residence of the Polish kings of the 13th century, located on the banks of the Vistula River. Construction began under Wenceslas II and continued under Casimir III the Great. During the Northern War, the castle was burned by Swedish troops, after which it was reconstructed in 1724-28. For a long time, Wawel Castle belonged to the Austrian Empire, and only at the beginning of the 20th century the Poles managed to buy it back.

A Catholic cathedral with the status of a minor basilica. Previously, on the site of the temple there were churches of St. Wenceslas from the 11th century (destroyed as a result of hostilities) and St. Stanislaus from the 12th century (burned down). A new temple was built to replace the lost ones. The facade of the building is made in the Gothic style. At a later time, Renaissance chapels were added to it. The temple houses a tomb where kings, poets and national heroes of Poland are buried.

The Market Square is located in the historical center of Krakow. There are many iconic landmarks located here. One of the most notable buildings is the Cloth Hall, a shopping gallery that appeared under King Boleslav V. Over the following centuries, the complex was rebuilt several times, acquiring decorative elements, loggias, arches and columns. The building acquired its modern appearance in late XIX centuries.

Catholic church located near the Main Market of Krakow. The first wooden church on the site of St. Mary's Church appeared in the 13th century. The modern building began to be erected at the beginning of the 14th century. The building is built of red brick in the early Gothic style and decorated with magnificent stained glass windows. The interior space is dominated by Baroque and late Gothic features.

Until the beginning of the 19th century, there was a full-fledged town hall building on Market Square, erected in the 14th century. All buildings were demolished due to disrepair, but the tower managed to survive. In the 1960s The structure was reconstructed, after which it came under the jurisdiction of the city museum. The tower reaches 70 meters in height. At an altitude of 50 meters there is an observation deck from where you can admire the magnificent architecture of the old quarters.

A quarter in the historical part of Krakow, on the territory of which the Jewish community lived from the 16th century until the occupation of Poland during the Second World War. In the period 1335 - 1818. Kazimierz was an independent city; from 1800 it became part of Krakow. The Jewish Quarter is one of the main tourist centers. Many historical monuments located on its territory are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

A small street with a length of just over 330 meters, located in the historical part of the city. It is built up with picturesque mansions in the Renaissance, Baroque and Classicist styles, most of which served residential buildings for the Krakow aristocracy. The street got its name from an ancient defensive tower, which was once the entrance to the city - the Florian Gate.

Architectural monument of the 15th century, the most Northern part defensive wall around Krakow, which was demolished in the 19th century. The Barbican served as a fortification that protected the entrance to the city through the Florian Gate. It is equipped with seven watchtowers and 130 loopholes. The thickness of the walls reaches 3 meters. Today, the Barbican houses a branch of the Krakow historical museum.

Collegium Maius (“greatest college” in Latin) is the oldest building of the Jagiellonian University. The building itself was included in the educational institution by the will of Vladislav II Jagiello. There were classrooms, professors' rooms and a library here. In the 19th century, the Collegium Maius was restored in the neo-Gothic style. Today, the University Museum is located on its territory.

In May 1942, a ghetto was formed in one of the city squares, where more than 4 thousand Jews were herded for further transportation to concentration camps. In 2005, a memorial monument was erected here in the form of rows of chairs, which symbolize the furniture thrown out of apartments during the Nazi pogroms. Unlike other squares in Krakow, there are usually few tourists here.

A factory for the production of metal utensils, founded in 1937 by Jewish industrialists M. Gutman, V. Gleitman, I. Kon. In 1939, it went bankrupt and was taken over by O. Schindler, who modernized and revived production. During World War II, Jews from the Krakow ghetto worked here. Thanks to Schindler's efforts, many workers managed to avoid death in the concentration camp. In 2010, a memorial museum of the same name was opened on the territory of the factory.

The exhibition is housed in one of the Schindler factory buildings, modernized in 2010. The museum specializes in organizing exhibitions of art objects created in the last decades of the 20th century and at the beginning of the 21st century. There is one here permanent exhibition, which is exhibited on the second floor. The gallery has a library, a bookstore and a restoration workshop.

The catacombs are located under the Market Square. They were created to house a branch of the Krakow Historical Museum in 2010. In the Market Dungeons there is an exhibition consisting of finds from archaeological excavations carried out in 2005 as part of the reconstruction of the Market Square. The dungeons are equipped with modern multimedia equipment, with the help of which historical reconstructions are created.

One of the largest aviation exhibitions in Poland. The museum was created on the site of a former airfield in 1964. Airplanes, helicopters and gliders produced in the Czech Republic, Poland, Russia, the USA, Great Britain and other countries are exhibited here. There is also a large collection of aircraft engines. The exhibition is located in three hangars, as well as on a wide open-air field.

The museum is located in the Kazimierz quarter. It was created in 2004 on the initiative of journalist K. Schwartz and professor D. Webber. The exhibition is dedicated to Jewish culture, traditions and way of life, as well as the events of the Holocaust (mostly the suffering of prisoners of the Auschwitz concentration camp). Galicia regularly hosts meetings, seminars and lectures on various aspects.

The museum is located in the building of a stained glass workshop, which was erected in 1907 in the Art Nouveau style, fashionable at that time, according to the design of L. Voytychko. The exhibition was founded in 2000 for the purpose of studying, preserving and developing Polish stained glass art. In addition to viewing the exhibits themselves, in the museum you can observe the process of making paintings from colored glass.

The exhibition is located on the territory of the former Kazimierz Town Hall. The museum became an independent institution from the ethnographic department National Museum Krakow in 1910. The collection contains more than 8 thousand exhibits that are related to the history and culture of Poland. Most of items date back to the 19th century, but there are also artifacts belonging to earlier historical periods.

The museum opened in 1796 on the initiative of Princess Isabella Czartoryska. In 1801, as a result of the November Uprising, the exhibition was looted, and the surviving remains were taken to France. In 1970 the collection returned to Poland. The most valuable exhibit of the museum is Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “Lady with an Ermine” - the only creation of the master that is located in Poland.

One of the best dramatic scenes in Poland, founded in 1893, which was already at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries. gained wide popularity and significance among the theater public. Famous Polish directors and many talented actors worked here, and plays by world-famous authors were staged here. The building was erected according to the design of the architect J. Zaveisky.

Roman Catholic cathedral of the first half of the 13th century, located in the historical part of Krakow. It is believed that the founders of the temple could have been princes Henry II the Pious or Boleslav V the Bashful. Researchers do not have a consensus on this issue. The Gothic facade of the building has been preserved in its original form, having undergone minor changes during the reconstruction of the 19th century.

The temple was built in the Gothic style at the turn of the XIV-XV centuries. In the appearance of the external façade, as well as in the interior design, features of Baroque and Renaissance can be traced, which were introduced here during later reconstructions. In 1566-1582. a baroque belfry was attached to the main building. An important relic is kept inside the basilica - the relics of the Polish preacher St. Stanislaw Kazimierczyk.

The church is the first building in Krakow built in the Baroque style. It was built according to the design of the Italian architect D. de Rossi at the end of the 16th century for the Catholic Jesuit Order. After the dissolution of the brotherhood in the 18th century, the church changed owners several times and was eventually transferred to the Cistercian Abbey. Since 1820 it has belonged to the Krakow parish of All Saints.

The building was erected in the 11th century in the Romanesque architectural style. Appearance The cathedral underwent changes in the 18th century during reconstruction. It acquired some Baroque features, although the general architectural concept was left the same. Adjacent to the temple is a monastic monastery where ancient church relics are kept. There is also a library with a large collection of theological literature.

Dominican temple of the 13th century, built in the Gothic style. After a devastating fire in 1850, the building was almost completely destroyed. The entire interior burned out, and the walls of the facade partially collapsed. The temple was restored in the period 1853-1872. During construction work it was necessary to dismantle the surviving part of the facade, as it was very fragile due to damage. As a result of restoration work, the original appearance of the basilica has changed significantly.

Since 1992, the sanctuary has been called a complex of religious buildings, which includes the Chapel of St. Joseph, the monastery of the Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, the Chapel of Perpetual Adoration, the Basilica of Divine Mercy and other objects. This place was declared a pilgrimage center due to the fact that the relics of St. Faustina Kowalska and the famous icon “Jesus, I trust in You” are kept on its territory.

Memorial mound dedicated to the national hero of Poland Tadeusz Kosciuszko. It is located in the west of Krakow on the natural Sikornik hill. The monument was erected in 1823. In 1854, a fortress was built around it to house the Austrian garrison. During the battles for the liberation of Krakow in 1944, the hill played the role of an important observation post for Soviet soldiers.

The very first menagerie appeared in Krakow on the territory of Wawel under King Sigismund III, when the city was the capital of the Polish state. After Krakow lost its capital status, the zoo gradually fell into disrepair. The modern menagerie was founded in 1929. At that time, only about 200 mammals and birds lived there. Today, the Krakow Zoo is home to more than 1,500 thousand individuals (260 species).

In the 18th century, on the site where the Botanical Garden is now located, the Czartoryski family park was laid out, which was sold to the Jesuit Order in 1752. In 1783, the university department of chemistry and natural history received it at its disposal after the dissolution of this monastic brotherhood. At first, the garden occupied a small area of 2.4 hectares. Medicinal and ornamental plants were grown here. Gradually its area increased to today's 9.6 hectares.

A city park located on the border of the historical part of Krakow on the site of former fortifications (fortress walls and ditches). It was broken in XIX century. After World War II and until 1989, the park was in disrepair until a decision was made to begin restoration work. Today Krakow Plants – beautiful place for walks in nature, decorated with numerous sculptures and monuments.

The most long river Poland, whose length is 1047 km. It originates in the Western Carpathians mountain range and flows into the Baltic Sea. The Vistula flows through several major Polish cities, including Krakow and the country's capital, Warsaw. Within Krakow, along the banks of the river there are picturesque public parks and several protected natural areas were created.

Polish old City on the banks of the Vistula, former capital The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Krakow captivates tourists with its mysterious beauty.

Below, we have selected for you a list of the most beautiful and famous places in Krakow. Each city attraction is supplemented beautiful photo and description:

1. Old Town

In the old part of Krakow, Stare Miasto, founded in the 13th century, there are more than one and a half thousand attractions representing a variety of architectural styles from the Middle Ages to the present. The old town has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978.

2. Market Square

The Main Market Square in Krakow is one of the largest in Europe. It is surrounded by houses from the 14th and 15th centuries, each of which has a unique history.

3. City Hall

From the observation deck itself tall building The Main Market offers breathtaking views of Krakow.

4. St. Mary's Church

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Mary is one of the main shrines of Krakow. More than one legend describes the striking difference in the heights of its towers. Since the time of the Mongol invasion, a trumpeter has been on duty under the roof of the highest of the towers, who hourly plays the melody of “Hejnal” and greets the townspeople.

5. Market Dungeons and Adam Mickiewicz Monument

The dungeons, located under the Market Square, are a branch of the Krakow Historical Museum. Today it is a monument of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, with a total area of about 6 thousand square meters. Not far from the entrance to the dungeons, a monument to the great Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz was erected in the 19th century.

6. Cloth racks

In the center of the Main Market Square there is the longest building on the square - the Cloth Rows. The first shopping arcades were founded in the 13th century, but to this day the building has been reconstructed and completed several times. Today, the first floor of the Cloth Hall is occupied by souvenir shops, and on the second floor there is a branch of the National Museum of Krakow.

7. Church of St. Wojciech

An unusual building in the south-eastern part of the Market Square is the upper part religious building. The church was built at the beginning of the 12th century on legendary place, where Saint Wojciech baptized the Poles.

The picturesque park area enclosing the Old Town instead of fortress walls is beautiful at any time of the year. Its length is 4 km, and total area 20 hectares.

9. Wawel Royal Castle

The main attraction of Krakow is located on the Wawel Hills and is a castle complex that was the residence of Polish kings until the 17th century. IN architectural ensemble includes royal chambers, as well as three towers with their own legends. The most famous of them is the Sigmund Chapel, where the largest bell in Poland from the 15th century is located. In addition, Wawel Castle is the repository of the Szczerbiec sword, which was used to crown Polish rulers. Also buried on the territory of the complex are Adam Mickiewicz and Juliusz Słowacki.

10. Wawel Dragon

An ancient legend tells of the dragon Smoke, who lived under Wawel Hill, terrorized the inhabitants and was defeated by a tailor using a chemical reaction. Today, the dragon monument regularly spews flames for guests of the Royal Castle.

11. Jagiellonian University

The oldest and largest higher education institution in Europe was founded by Casimir III in 1364. However, after the death of the king, the work of the university was suspended. The university owes its revival and name to Wladyslaw Jagiello, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania. The most famous graduates are Nicolaus Copernicus, Stanislaus Lem and John Paul II.

12. Krakow water park

A visit to the largest water park in Eastern Europe is a must for lovers water activities. Total 740 m roller coaster, the largest of them is a 201-meter black pipe with a unique backlight, 18.5 m high. The pools with ozonated water at about 30°C cover an area of 1586 m2.

13. Salt mine

In the suburb of Wieliczka, 8 km from Krakow, there is an interesting attraction - the salt mines. Salt mining has been carried out here since the 13th century. The mine consists of corridors and galleries on seven underground levels at depths from 57 m to 198 m with a total length of more than 200 km. At a depth of 101 m there is the world's deepest museum and a working chapel.

See the main square of the country

Krakow is a unique city, the unofficial capital of Poland. Much of the city was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in subsequent years. The city was built so skillfully that the center of Krakow was included in the list world heritage UNESCO. The heart of the city is Market Square, where there is a beautiful St. Mary's Church, monument to Adam Mickiewicz, luxury shopping arcades Cloth Hall, urban town hall and original sculpture “Bound Eros” or simply “Head” - favorite place for photographs by city guests.

Walk around the Wawel Royal Palace

Most beautiful palace Poland and the home of many generations of Polish kings is 1 km from Rynok Square.
On the territory of the palace there is royal garden with an observation deck, Cathedral Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas, many museums, a post office where you can buy and send beautiful postcards to friends and relatives.
You can visit the cathedral and the royal treasury for free. There is a museum adjacent to the cathedral, entry to which costs an additional fee. On Mondays you can visit almost all museums and exhibitions in Wawel for free, but to do this you need to get free ticket at the box office (so come early, there may not be enough tickets for everyone).

See thousands of beautiful details

Krakow is a city of art, beauty and inspiration. There is beauty here at every step, behind every second gate, behind every third door. Feel free to turn into gateways, look at the streets and rooftops, look into the windows, stop halfway and admire the moment.

Try the National cuisine

In Krakow, you definitely need to organize a marathon in cafes and restaurants, fortunately the prices allow it. The city has a lot of establishments for every taste and budget, and there is no point in going to the same place, even if it seemed ideal to you. The basis of Polish cuisine is meat, stewed or pickled vegetables and beer. Try the soup in bread, which is called zurek, bigos- a dish of cabbage, meat and mushrooms, knuckle and other meat dishes, which are prepared simply excellent here.

View the city from above

There are a lot of excellent observation platforms in Krakow, from which there is definitely something to see. We talk about the most popular ones.

Observation deck of St. Mary's Church- 82 meters, 409 steps and a beautiful view of Krakow at your feet. The observation deck can be visited from 11.30 to 20.00. Cost of visit is approximately 2 euros.
Kosciuszko Mound- this mound is visible from almost anywhere in the city and, of course, the entire city is visible if you climb to the very top. The mound is part museum complex, the entrance to which costs approximately 3 euros. You can get to the mound by public transport(bus No. 100 or No. 101) or by taxi. It is better to climb the mound in the warm season; firstly, the ascent must be done on foot, which is difficult to do in winter, and secondly, at the foot of the hill there is a beautiful deciduous park, which is much more beautiful in summer than in winter.
Piłsudski Mound- the most high point Krakow is located 8 km from the center of Krakow, close to the Krakow Zoo. The Piłsudski Mound is located on the territory of Bielsko-Tyniecki national park. You can climb the mound for free, and get there by bus (No. 134) or by taxi. From the hill there is a magnificent view of Krakow, the surrounding area of the city and Krakow airport. The city center is better visible from the Kraka Mound, which we will discuss below, but the Pilsudski Mound has a bonus - a beautiful forest with many paths where you can spend at least the whole day.
Kraka Mound— is located 3 km from the city center and provides an opportunity to look at Krakow from a bird's eye view. Residents and visitors of the city love to come here in the evening to enjoy the sunset and the rays of the sun reflecting from the roofs of Wawel. You can climb the hill for free, and you can get here from the center on foot.
Tvardovsky Rocks- one of the most beautiful non-tourist places Krakow. The rocks are located 3 km from the city center. You can get there by bus, taxi or even on foot. There used to be a quarry here, which is now filled with water, and from the top of the rock there is a magnificent view of the city. People come here to take a break from the bustle of the city, have a picnic, watch the sunrise or spend the sunset and, of course, admire the panorama of Krakow.

Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine

Walk along the Vistula boulevards and have a picnic

The Vistula Boulevards are located on both sides of the Vistula River and are a favorite place for walks among citizens and guests of Krakow. Multi-kilometer embankment, slopes overgrown with thick green grass and the measured splash of waves. There are benches along the embankment where you can sit and relax, ducks and swans swim near the shore, dog owners walk their pets here, companies have picnics on the lawns, lovers spend time here romantic evenings- you definitely need to come here.

Visit the former Jewish quarter of Kazimierz

The Kazimierz quarter is considered one of oldest ghettos in the world— Jews have lived here compactly since 1495. Until 1800, the city, named after the Polish King Casimir, was separated from the rest of Krakow by a high wall. For many years Kazimierz was educational and cultural center, schools, universities, and synagogues were built there. The Nazis exterminated most of the inhabitants of Kazimierz, with only a small remnant of their descendants living outside Poland today. Worked on the territory of Kazimierz Oskar Schindler's factory, where he and his wife Emilia saved hundreds of Jews from a terrible fate.
The quarter today is a cultural landmark. There are cafes and restaurants serving Jewish and European cuisines, exhibition centers, galleries and museums.

Visit Auschwitz (Auschwitz)

A monument to human cruelty - the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp (that’s what the Poles call it in the German version) is a place tragic death 4 million people. This is the place where the largest mass murder of people in the entire history of human existence was carried out.
Entrance to the museum free, excursion is paid separately (optional). Independent visits (without a guide) are possible early in the morning (before 8 am) and after 17.00. You can view the schedule of excursions on the official website of the museum.
In order to definitely get into the group or get a ticket to independent visit, better free register online on the museum website.
Auschwitz is located 55 km from Krakow. You can get there by bus or train (you can buy a ticket at the station or online). Train departs from the main station (address: Kraków Główny), fare approx. 2 euros.

See the beautiful Tatra Mountains and Zakopane

Year-round resort, cradle of the Tatras and winter capital Poland - Zakopane - located just 111 km from Krakow. In summer it is a wonderful place for walks in the mountains, and in winter it is a mecca for budget tourists from all over Europe.
The easiest way to get here from Krakow is by train. Travel time is 4 hours. Travel cost approx. 3.5 euros. Trains depart from the main station (address: Kraków Główny). Tickets can be purchased at the box office or on the railway lines website.
Zakopane - beautiful city in the lap of nature, where you can spend several days. Average cost of good double room 25-35 euros. Find hundreds of budget hotels on Booking.com

Go shopping

Krakow pleases huge selection of brands and amazing low prices , people from all over Europe come here to spend a pleasant shopping weekend. We have already told you, and you come and see for yourself.

City of Krakow (Poland)

Krakow is one of the oldest and the most beautiful cities Poland, located in its south on the banks of the Vistula River. This is the former capital of the Polish kingdom, historical heritage which survived the firestorm of World War II, and the historical center is included in the UNESCO list. Krakow is impressive unique architecture and ancient sights that are closely connected with the history of Poland and are of great importance for the Polish people: the legendary Wawel, the Main Market and St. Mary's Church, the Florian Gate and the Barbican.

Krakow is a city with rich history, the former capital of Poland (in the 14th-17th centuries) and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Until the 18th century, Polish kings were crowned here. Despite all the disasters that Poland experienced in the 20th century, including World War II, Krakow has remained remarkably well preserved. Now Krakow - modern city, With beautiful architecture and interesting traditions. It is often called magical, magical, the pearl of Poland. This is a city that you fall in love with immediately and forever.

Story

The city is conveniently located on the river. Vistula. It is at this point that the river becomes navigable, which played a big role in the development of Krakow. The first mention of a settlement on this site dates back to the 10th century. Archaeological research has shown that already in the 11th century there was a fortification of the Slavic Vistula tribe here. During the appanage era, many Germans settled in the city.

The rise of Krakow over others began in the 14th century Polish cities. At the end of the 14th century, the famous Jagiello was crowned here. In the era of his descendants, the importance of Krakow is increasingly increasing, and the city is rapidly becoming richer. The population already then numbered about 100 thousand people.

In 1610, the capital of Poland was moved to Warsaw, but until the 18th century, kings continued to be crowned in Krakow. The transfer of the capital to Warsaw and the wars led the city into decline. At the end of the 18th century, only 9.5 thousand people lived in Krakow.

In 1795, Krakow came under Austrian rule. From 1809 to 1815 it belonged to the Duchy of Warsaw. After the Napoleonic Wars, Krakow became a free city (an independent neutral republic). This had a beneficial effect on the city. Krakow recovered from past hardships and gradually regained its former glory. But the free city of Krakow did not last long. In 1846, according to the Vienna Agreement, Krakow was transferred to Austria.

Until 1918, Krakow was part of Austria-Hungary. In 1918, after the unification of Poland, the city again became Polish.

During the Second World War until 1945, Krakow was occupied by Germany. The city was liberated by Soviet troops on January 19, 1945. During the retreat, German troops wanted to blow up the city, but thanks to a joint operation of the Soviet and Polish armies, the city was preserved almost unscathed.

During socialism, Krakow's industrial importance increased and the city's population began to grow rapidly.

Now Krakow is the administrative center of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, the largest scientific, cultural, tourist and economic center of Poland. The city consists of an inner city and 7 suburbs.

Accommodation

Krakow offers a wide range of accommodation options for all groups of tourists. The city operates great amount hotels, hostels. You can also find inexpensive apartments. Krakow - very popular tourist destination, so you need to plan your stay in advance.

Kitchen and food

Krakow is perfect place for gastronomic tourism, and there should be no problems with food here - restaurants with Polish and European cuisine, fast food, bars. Especially for you, we have marked interesting restaurants with Polish and regional cuisine on the map of Krakow. Their prices are slightly higher than average. If you know a cool restaurant, write in the comments!

Interesting regional dishes have also developed in Krakow:

żurek po krakowsku - flour and bran soup with meat
barszcz czerwony krakowski - Krakow borscht
sułkowicka krzonówka - thick soup with meat, egg, herbs, horseradish
pierogi łomniczańskie - dumplings or dumplings
rosół polski - chicken soup
kapuśniak z grzybami - cabbage soup with mushrooms
strojcowskie zawijoki z ziemniaków - cabbage rolls with potatoes and mushrooms
prażone – prażonki polańskie - fried potatoes with sausage, bacon, onions
kaszana – kiszka z kapustą zasmażaną
strząska - egg, bacon, sausages

Among traditional local products, pay attention to:

Obwarzanek Krakowski - baked bagels
Chleb prądnicki - black sourdough bread
Bryndza podhalańska - feta cheese
Oscypek - cheese
Redykołk - cheese
Suska sechlońska - dried fruits
Kiełbasa lisiecka - sausage
Jabłka łącki - local apples
Karp zatorsk - carp
Fasola Piękny Jaś z Doliny Dunajca / fasola z Doliny Dunajca - beans
Jagnięcina podhalańsk - lamb
cognac and plum brandy

Parks

Despite its old age, Krakow is a fairly green city. It is especially interesting that the historical center of the city is literally surrounded by green zones. We have marked several parks in Krakow on the map, Botanical Garden and a zoo.

Krakow Zoo - contains more than 1,300 inhabitants, which belong to 270 species: giraffe, Przewalski's horse, pygmy hippopotamus, panda, snow leopard, Amur tiger, wolves, antelopes, chimpanzees, lemurs, Indian elephant, Humboldt penguins, etc. The zoo is located in a beautiful green area - Volsky forest. One of the favorite vacation spots of local residents.

Guide to Krakow - tourist routes and attractions on the map

The most interesting tourist routes around the pearl of Poland - Krakow with descriptions and maps.

Tourist route along the Royal Road

The Royal Road is a historical route that leads from the Florian Gate to the Wawel Royal Castle. It was along this route that Polish kings passed when Krakow was the capital of Poland. Here you can see the main attractions of Krakow and enjoy its ancient architecture.

Guide "Krakow in 2-3 days"

If you come to Krakow for a few days, we offer a guide that includes all the main attractions of the city. Krakow is a city that you can get to know quickly, but always discover something new. Even such a short visit can bring a lot of impressions and a feeling of complete, genuine satisfaction. It should be noted that all the city’s attractions are located very compactly and you can see everything without haste. Another plus is that most of the historical center is closed to cars, which makes it easy to enjoy walking.

Tourist route through industrial Krakow (Podgorska)

Route through the old industrial district of Krakow - Podgorska. Formed at the end of the 18th century on the right bank of the Vistula, until 1915 it was a separate city with its own coat of arms, market and town hall. This industrial centre, where traders and artisans lived, factories and factories were built. During World War II there was a Jewish ghetto here.

Guide to the old streets

A route through the ancient streets of Krakow, known since the 14th century, to experience the authentic atmosphere of the old city.

Sights of Krakow

The attractions of Krakow are concentrated in the historical center of the city - Stare Miasto, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Among all ancient cities Poland, Krakow was the only one that miraculously survived the Second World War. Therefore, it is very popular among tourists all over the world.

Historical Center

The main wealth of Krakow is its historical center. It is here that the almost thousand-year history of the city is reflected. The Old Town of Krakow is a unique treasury of art, historical monuments and attractions that represent almost all architectural styles - from the Middle Ages to the present.

The center of the city for hundreds of years has been the Market Square (Main Market) - the largest medieval Town Square in Europe, which has remained unchanged since 1257. The Jagiellonian University is also located here - the oldest, after Prague, university in Central Europe.

Other famous place Krakow - Wawel. Former residence of Polish kings. Currently, Wawel Castle serves as a museum, with many interesting exhibitions on display in its 71 halls.

All this, as well as ancient streets, squares, churches and buildings create a special magical atmosphere in the city.

Main market

The main market is the old square of Krakow. It was built in the mid-13th century and is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. The buildings located along the perimeter of the square were built in the 14th and 15th centuries. Modern facades of houses are made in a classical style after numerous reconstructions of buildings in the 18th and 19th centuries. Historical Center Krakow is closed to traffic (except for public transport and local residents' cars), so it is pleasant to walk here. There are many attractions in the Main Market and its surroundings - St. Mary's Church, Cloth Hall, Town Hall, Jagiellonian University, various monuments and sculptures.

Also pay attention to the monument to Adam Mickiewicz, the national poet of Poland. Behind the Cloth Hall building in the corner of the Main Market lies the Church of St. Wojciech - one of the oldest stone buildings in Krakow, whose history goes back 1000 years. The architecture of the church dates back to the beginning of Polish Romanesque architecture of the early Middle Ages.

From the Krakow City Hall, which was built in the 14th century, only a 70-meter tower with an observation deck remains. For a fee you can go up there and see a beautiful panorama of Old Krakow.

Near the town hall tower there is a sculpture Bound Eros, which symbolizes crazy, blind love that makes people lose their heads.

St. Mary's Church

St. Mary's Church or Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Krakow is the main cathedral of the city. Architectural style - Gothic. St. Mary's Church is the main architectural landmark of the Main Market and the most beautiful church in Krakow.

The first church in the Romanesque style was here in 1221-1222. It was destroyed during the Mongol-Tatar raids. In 1290-1300, an early Gothic temple was built on this site. In the mid-14th century, the modern presbytery was erected. At the end of the 14th century, as a result of reconstruction, the church turned from a hall church into a basilica (the church acquired its modern appearance).

In the first half of the 15th century, the side chapels were completed. In the mid-15th century, the church was damaged by an earthquake. At the end of the 15th century, St. Mary's Church acquired one of its main decorations - a sculptural masterpiece of late Gothic - the Great Altar - the creation of Vit Stwosz.

The façade of the church is decorated with two towers. The tall tower (also called Hejnalitsa) has a height of 82 m. It has a square shape in plan, turning into an octagon closer to the top. The tower is covered with a Gothic helmet made by Matthias Heringkan in 1478. The low tower, 69 m high, is the church bell tower. The plan is square in shape and has a clearly defined division into floors, emphasized by cornices and window openings. The tower houses the Renaissance chapel of the Conversion of St. Pavel.

The interior of the temple combines Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau styles. The presbytery is covered with a star vault, created by master Chipser in 1442. The capstones depict the coats of arms of Poland, Krakow and Bishop Ivo Odrowonz - the founder of the first stone St. Mary's Church. In the wall niches there are sculptures of the prophets Jeremiah, Daniel, David, Ezekiel, Jonah and Isaiah.

Cloth Hall (Polish: Sukiennice) - a building on market square in Krakow. There used to be shopping malls here. Cultural monument of Lesser Poland Voivodeship. Cloth stalls begin their history in 1257, when King Bolesław V the Bashful built a double row of cloth trading establishments from stone in the middle of the market square.

In the middle of the 14th century, King Casimir III the Great built a new building of the cloth halls, which was in the Gothic style. This building burned down in 1555.

At the beginning of the 15th century, the cloth rows were rebuilt: Big hall The cloth rows received an arched vault, the outer walls received a decorative attic with mascarons, and loggias with columns appeared.

From the Main Market Square you can go to Wawel along Grodzka Street. This is an old street in Krakow with beautiful architecture, the history of which dates back to the 13th century. It was part of the Royal Road, along which Polish kings passed on their way to Wawel. On Grodzka Street there is also a huge number of churches, among which stand out: the Church of the Holy Trinity (at Stolarska 12), the Church of St. Joseph (Poselska 21), Church of St. Peter and Paul (Grodzka 52A) and the Church of St. Idziego (Grodzka 67).

Wawel

Wawel (Polish: Wawel) - architectural complex and the main attraction of Krakow. Located on a hill 228 meters high in the Stare Miasto district. The emergence and development of the city is associated with it.

For a long time it was the center of the entire Polish state. Polish kings were crowned here, and they were buried here. The main attractions of Wawel are the Royal Castle and the Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas - a beautiful 14th century Gothic cathedral in which the Queen of Poland, Saint Hedwiga, is buried. Cost of visiting Wawel - adults - 20 zlotys, children - 12 zlotys

Wawel is closed: January 1, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, November 1, November 11, December 24 and December 25. From November 1 to March 31, all exhibitions are closed on Mondays.

The Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas is a cathedral on Wawel Hill. The cathedral is Catholic. Previously, two other temples were located in its place. The first is the Church of St. Wenceslas was built in 1020 and destroyed by the Czech prince Břetislav in 1038. In 1142, there stood a three-nave church of the bishop and holy great martyr Stanislav Shchepanovsky, which was destroyed in 1305. Later, Bishop Nanker began to build a third, already Gothic temple.

The Church of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. In 1399, the Queen of Poland, Saint Jadwiga, was buried here.

Florian Gate and Barbican

Florian's Gate (pol. Brama Floriańska w Krakowie) is a medieval gate with a tower located in the Old Town. They are the remains of ancient city walls. The Florian Gate has been mentioned since 1307. The royal road to Wawel began from here. The height of the gate tower is 34.5 m. Inside the gate there is an altar in the classicism style of the early 19th century.

A little to the side of the Florian Gate is the Basztę Pasamoników tower, built in the 15th century.

Barbican(Polish: Barbakan) - a historical and architectural monument. Previously, it was the northernmost part of the ancient fortress walls of the city. The Krakow Barbican was erected in 1498-1499 during the reign of the Polish king John I Olbracht. The Barbican was originally protected by the Florian Gate and was connected to it by a bridge. The Barbican had two gates, which were connected by a drawbridge placed over a moat filled with water.

Currently, the Barbican is used to host displays of various museum exhibitions, sports competitions, and historical reconstructions.

Kazimierz is the Jewish district of Krakow. One of the most mysterious places in the city. Jews began to settle in Kazimierz as early as the 14th century.

Before World War II, Kazimierz was the center Jewish community Krakow. More than 64,000 Jews lived here.

Today Kazimierz is one of the most recognizable places in Krakow.This vibrant cultural and artistic district attracts those who want to experience the bohemian spirit. Here you will find originalcafes and famous art studios, galleries and shops.

- an amazing city that you want to return to again and again. And the more other cities you visit, the more you become convinced of the attractiveness of Krakow.

We have compiled for you optimal route for one day, which will allow you to get the most complete picture of the city and leave a feeling of slight understatement, so that you will be happy to come here again.

Florian Gate and Florianskaya Street

Address: ul. Florianska, Krakow

So through the majestic Florian Gate you enter the most beautiful street in the city- Florianskaya. It is also called Royal Road , main a tourist route , uniting all the most valuable attractions. Starts at Matejko Square and runs through the entire Old city and leads to Wawel Castle. At the beginning of the street there are many small souvenir or book shops, pharmacies and shops like Douglas, as well as cute cafes and eateries.

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Address: Rynek Glowny, Krakow

Just like any old European city in is, on which, like hundreds of years ago, life is in full swing. In the center of the square are located: on the ground floor they sell souvenirs, and on the second there is a Gallery of Polish Art of the 19th Century.

Opposite the Cloth Hall there is a majestic church, the favorite church of all city guides, because many legends can be told about it. At the entrance to the cathedral there are shackles chained to the building, which were previously put on criminals who had to repent of their offense. Entrance to St. Mary's Church free, except for the part where the altar is located.
Every hour from most high tower is heard trumpeter playing, which commemorates the day when a Polish trumpeter saw the Tatar horde approaching the city and began to play to warn hometown about danger. But a Tatar arrow piercing his throat interrupted his play mid-sentence. Nevertheless, the city residents heard the melody in time and were able to repel the enemy attack. From that day until today, the trumpeter playing from the church tower does not play the melody to the end.

On the market square there is information Center where can you get free card cities, read free booklets and ask questions that interest you.
A little life hack on how you can beautifully use advertising brochures or cards: wrap them in gifts and souvenirs that you buy for your loved ones.

Small Market Square and

Address: Mały Rynek 8, Krakow

Small Market Square not as famous as the big one, but very authentic and atmospheric. She exudes a special comfort. Small Market Square much more compact than a large area, and in addition, the houses on it are much brighter and more sophisticated from an architectural point of view. Be sure to check it out. The main attraction of the square is, which is beautiful and elegant both inside and outside. This place is very rarely mentioned in tourist guides, but in vain - it is literally imbued with originality.

The most interesting excursions in the Old Town of Krakow

for 48 euros per person
for 50 euros per excursion for 1-10 people
for 69 euros per tour for 1-8 people

Address: ul. Sw. Agnieszki 1, Krakow
Web site: http://www.chlopskiejadlo.pl

If you want to have an inexpensive meal in a soulful establishment, then this is the place for you. The restaurant is located in a courtyard not far from. This place is recommended on many forums and travel websites, and this is exactly the case when you need to heed the advice: it’s very tasty, more than inexpensive, the portions are huge, and for some reason there aren’t very many people - finding a secluded table in the corner is quite possible . Try it Polish zurek soup in a loaf of bread and amazingly delicious knuckle.

Address:ul. Grodzka 53, Krakow
Web site: http://www.maius.uj.edu.pl/

Ancient And largest university, and also one of the oldest in Europe. Founded in 1364. It received its name in honor of the Grand Duke of Lithuania Jagiello, the husband of Queen Jadwiga. The most famous student of the university was Nicolaus Copernicus.
The museum is located in the oldest building of the university, which is also called or the Greatest College. The museum has a rare collection of exhibits, including, for example, Jagiellonian globe- the first globe in the world to depict the continent of America.
If you are in the city for only one day, limit your visits to the university picturesque old courtyard, which is located near the market square. The main attraction of the courtyard is the clock, which opens five times a day, at 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 o'clock, to a beautiful melody and figures show a small representation of the history of the university. There are carved arches around the perimeter of the courtyard, and in the middle there is a deep well, where tourists usually sit and relax. But if you come here in the morning, you most likely won’t find any tourists.

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Address:ul. zamek Wawel 5
Web site: http://www.wawel.krakow.pl/en/

This castle is main attraction countries and cities. Polish kings lived here before the capital was moved to. The palace was erected at an altitude of 228 m above the Vistula level.
There are small observation decks, a post office, a souvenir shop called , as well as many museums. A visit to the cathedral is carried out for free On all days except Sunday, services are held on Sunday. Entrance to the cathedral museum is available at a separate cost. You can also visit the royal treasury and the exhibition “Lost Wawel” for free, and the royal chambers and chambers, as well as historical exhibitions, for a modest fee.
Most Mondays Wawel expositions are free, but in order to get a free ticket, you need to stand in line at the ticket office. The number of tickets is limited, as on any other day, so there may not be enough for everyone.

Erected by Polish architect Broneslav Chromy in honor of the symbol of the city. According to legend, a huge dragon named Smoke plagued the inhabitants of the city during the reign of King Krak. And no one could cope with him, except for the cunning apprentice shoemaker named Scoob. He slaughtered a ram, filled its belly with sulfur and resin and left it as a treat for the dragon. The dragon tried to devour the ram, but it caught fire in the dragon's stomach and the dragon rushed to the Vistula to extinguish the flame. He drank and drank and burst. And the shoemaker's apprentice made many beautiful boots from dragon skin. And as a token of gratitude, he received the king's daughter and half of the kingdom.
Dragon statue erected at the foot of Wawel Castle right next to the river. Every five minutes a cloud of fire and smoke bursts out of the dragon's mouth.
If you want the dragon to breathe fire at your command, you need to send an SMS to 7168 with the text “smok”.

Address:ul. Szeroka 24, Krakow
Web site: http://www.krakowski-kazimierz.pl/

Lovers shopping or those wishing to have an inexpensive meal can go to Kazimierz Gallery, which is literally around the corner. There you will find eateries and cafes such as McDonalds, Burger King, KFC or Subway, as well as many shops and entertainment. Also on site shopping center There is parking, which is open from 10.00 to 21.00, and for the first two hours you can park a car there for free. From the Kazimierz Gallery it is very easy to get to the next point on our route - Vistula embankment— you just need to cross the road and go down to the river.

On both banks of the Vistula there are so-called. Previously, embankments on both sides of the Vistula were needed to prevent the river from flooding the city, but today it is a stunning place to relax. There are few places where you can relax so well: many kilometers embankment, slopes covered with thick emerald grass, seagulls soaring overhead, cyclists, people walking dogs, couples in love, smiling families. There are plenty of lawns where you can lie down, exposing your face to the rays of the sun, or have a picnic, benches where you can relax and read a book. You can walk on the Vistula embankment for hours...
We did not mark this point on the route map, because it significantly affects the duration of the walk, but you can easily find the descent to the river (to do this, you need to cross the road from the Kazimierz Gallery and go down a few steps), and walk along it yourself, and then walk a little to the city center.

Address:ul. Pawia 5, Krakow
Web site: http://www.galeriakrakowska.pl/ru

At the end of the day, you will definitely want to have a snack or buy something for yourself or your loved ones - ideal place will become - huge shopping and entertainment center, which is located right next to the bus station and railway station. Apart from people with suitcases, there are absolutely no signs of a station that we are used to; on the contrary, there is soft music, pleasant aromas of fresh baked goods and coffee, restaurants and cafes, many fashion stores, souvenir shops, pharmacies, places to relax, fountains, restrooms, everything that may be useful to a traveler.
On the territory of the shopping center there is parking. First hour free, for the second you need to pay 2 zlotys, for each subsequent one you need to pay 4 zlotys. Parking is open from 8.00 to 22.30, on Sunday from 10.00 to 21.30
Regarding parking, it is worth noting that cheapest parking in

Krakow is a unique city, the unofficial capital of Poland. Much of the city was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in subsequent years. The city was built so skillfully that the center of Krakow was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The heart of the city is Market Square, where there is a beautiful St. Mary’s Church, a monument to Adam Mickiewicz, luxurious shopping arcades of the Cloth Hall, the city hall and the original sculpture “Bound Eros” or simply “Head” - a favorite place for photographs among city guests. We have developed for you interesting route to the most beautiful sights of Krakow...

	Krakow - amazing city, to which you want to return again and again. And the more other cities you visit, the more you become convinced of the attractiveness of Krakow. We have compiled for you the optimal itinerary for one day, which will allow you to get the most complete picture of the city and leave a feeling of slight understatement, so that you will be happy to come here again.
	Top 5 Best Budget Hotels in Krakow with Ideal Value for Money Last time we told you about the cheapest hostels in Krakow with ideal value for money, and today we are sharing a selection of ideal hotels. From hundreds of hotels and guest houses, we have selected five budget hotels where you will feel as comfortable as possible and at the same time be able to save money.
	Krakow is not just a city with amazing architecture. This is a city that is located on the banks of a wide river framed by green hillsides. It's easy to find a green island to relax here. We will tell you about the most popular parks and gardens in Krakow. Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University Ogród Botaniczny Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego address: ul. Mikołaja Kopernika 27 Founded in 1752, this incredibly beautiful garden is one of the favorite places to relax among local residents and city guests.