Cracow (Kraków in Polish), due to its location, went through enormously difficult times in both ancient and recent history. Squeezed between the Europe's most powerful empires, it suffered invasions, raids and pillages from all directions. Miraculously, unlike Warsaw - the Polish capital, it survived the atrocities of the second world war almost intact, therefore, you can still sense its medieval charm strolling down the colorful cozy streets or having lunch in the largest medieval market square in Europe.

How to get to Cracow

Many European airlines offer cheap flights to Cracow's Airport - Balice. It's also very easily accessible from other cities in Poland by bus or train. However, the trains in Poland may be often delayed and quite slow. After arrival in Balice, you can get a special tram that runs between the city center and the airport every 30 minutes - for around 20 PLN (5 EUR/6.40 USD). The return ticket is a bit cheaper. The journey takes only about 20 minutes. Another option, much cheaper (although longer - around 1 hour) is to take a public bus - it will cost less than 4 PLN (0.90 EUR/1.30 USD).

The good thing about Cracow is that you are always close to the city center, both from bus or train station is just a short walk to the main square.

St. Adalbert's Church and St. Mary's Basilica in the Background

One of the city streets (Floriańska) leading to the market square, St. Mary's Church in the background

What to see in Krakow

The main market square

The main Market Square (Rynek Główny), situated within the old town walls, is the largest among all market squares in medieval towns in Europe. It dates back to the 13th century and occupies the space of almost 40.000 square meters (430.000 ft). Many of the most important Cracow's monuments are located somewhere within the square. It's architecture is truly impressive, it will take you back in time to medieval Europe. It was an important center in Polish history where many significant events took place. After the communism era, the buildings have been restored and now Cracow's main square is one of the most beautiful in Europe.

There is one thing you must try in summer in Krakow - ice cream! They are completely home made, full of flavor, with wild berries (and I mean real wild berries) and are so cheap! To be honest, I tried the most expensive ice cream in the world in Florence and I must admit I still prefer the Cracow's one!

Cracow's Main Market Square and The Cloth Hall are the most important landmarks and the most photographed sites in the city, however you will come across multiple other little beautiful squares in a very near proximity to the main one.

Sukiennice (Cloth Hall)

Sukiennice, dating back to as early as the 13th century, was, initially in the form of wooden stalls in the center of the square, used for trade. During later centuries, it was modernized and rebuilt numerous of times, especially after the fires that destroyed the town completely. The Cloth Hall, the way we can see it today, dates back to 1879. After that date however, it was subjected to some minor changes and repairs. Today it serves mainly as a magnificent monument and it's a place were you can purchase some of the highest quality regional hand craft products and souvenirs.

Town Hall Tower and St. Adalbert's Church

Another two important monuments within the market square, right beside the opposite corners of Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) are the Town Hall Tower and St. Adalbert's Church. The original 12th century town hall doesn't exist anymore as it was destroyed by the Austrians during the Austrian partition of Poland in the 19th century. The tower still stands until this day and provides beautiful views over the main square, Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Church. You must pay a fee to enter the tower, however it's really low.

St. Adalbert's Church (Kościół Św. Wojciecha in Polish) is the little white building with a dome on top on the opposite side of the square. It's foundations, found underground date back to the ninth century, making in the oldest church in Poland. The legend has it that St. Adalbert had preached there before he went on further north to Prussia to bring Christianity.

Cracow Shopping Mall, right beside the train station

The head - modern art - you can get inside it!

St. Mary's Basilica

St. Mary's Basilica (or St. Mary's Church) is another point of interest right at the corner of the Market Square. This dark red, Gothic-style building was erected in the 13th century and later rebuilt a century later. What is interesting about St. Mary's Church is that every hour, from the top tower, a broken trumpet melody is played. This is due to the events that took place in the 13th century, when a trumpeter tired to sound the alarm during a Mongol invasion. He was shot dead in the middle of the play, thus the tune suddenly breaks off. It is performed in the exact same way until today.

Inside the basilica, there is a masterpiece - the world's largest Gothic altar created by German sculptor Veit Stoss. It was carved in the 15th century when Veit Stoss moved from Germany to Cracow. It's 13 meters (42 ft.) high and each individual statue is almost 3 meters (10 ft.) tall.

Entry fee is 10 PLN (2.40 EUR/3.20 USD) for an adult and 5 PLN (1.20 EUR/1.60 USD) for a child. Unfortunately, taking photograph inside s is not allowed.

Cracow Underground Museum And Exhibition

The Underground Museum in Cracow is located right under the Cloth Hall. It was created as late as 2009 after the discovery of ancient city walls well below the level of today's market square. The visit in the museum will take you a thousand years back in time, you will see the way the city was, the people's lifestyle and daily duties in the middle ages. The museum boasts multimedia and laser presentations as well as the original ruins and artifacts.

Entry fee is 19 PLN (4.50 EUR/6 USD) for an adult and 16 (3.90 EUR/5 USD) for a student ticket.

More information on the official site here.

St. Andrew's Church

St. Andrew's Church, together with St. Adalbert's Church is one of the oldest in Poland, built in 1058. It's located in Grodzka street, a few minute walk from the main square. It is the only building in Cracow that survived the 13th century Mongol invasion. It is today in the same form as it was in the middle ages. It differs from other churches in Poland having its Romanesque style and white stone in contrast to the more common brick constructions. It was also used as a fortress. The interior is lavishly decorated with golden ornaments and statues. The entry is free of charge.

Barbican and old city walls

Barbican, near Basztowa Street, also a few minute walk from the old town, together with the city walls are constructions that comprised the defensive system of the city in the medieval era. Barbican is one of only three fortresses of this kind still standing in Europe. It is best preserved of all of them. It dates back to the 15th century and it used to be connected to the old town. Now, as a typical medieval building is a popular tourist attraction. Crossing the park where there used to be a moat will take you to the remaining city walls and the Floriańska (St. Florian's) Gate leading to the Market Square.

Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral

Wawel Royal castle, on the river Vistula was once the seat of Polish Kings, when Cracow was still the country's capital. Some of the oldest buildings on the site, now in ruins date back to the 10th century. The Wawel Castle is a profoundly important place in Polish ancient history. The Polish state was formed here in the 10th century, however the fortifications and settlements existed in Wawel much earlier. The beautiful cathedral was erected in 13th century and then additional structures were added over the following centuries.

The Renaissance period was the most fortunate in Polish history, and in the 15th century, during the reign of the Jagiellon dynasty, Wawel castle was restored and the beautiful Renaissance courtyard added with the help of artisans from Florence in Italy.

Entry fees vary, depending on which parts of the castle you wish to visit. There are also days when you can visit it free of charge. Full info available here.

Funny shapes of alcohol bottles in one of the stores

Kazimierz District - Old Jewish Quarter

Kazimierz district, located between the Vistula River, The Old Town and Wawel Castle is an important site for more recent history. The Jewish Ghetto was formed by the Nazis during the second world war. Before the war, thousands of Jews lived in this district, now - barely any.

In Kazimierz, you can find the most important synagogues in Krakow as well as other Jewish sites. Neglected by communist authorities, now Kazimierz is enjoying renovation and is being brought back to life. It's also a place with many underground clubs and pubs popular among young people. Supposedly, you can have the best "zapiekanka" there - a local snack - pizza baguette with tons of different ingredients to choose from. You must try!

The district has become famous especially after the renowned Steven Spielberg's film - Schindler's list. Many scenes of the movie were filmed here, where the real events took place. Schindler's factory is still there - now turned into a museum - however, completely restored, it looks like any other apartment block.

To explore the city and understand the horrific events that happened in Kazimierz disctrict, take part in one of the free city tours that leave daily from the market square near the St. Mary's Basilica.

Open-air museum and monument in the former Jewish Ghetto

Outside Cracow

Around 70 km (43 miles) from Cracow, in the town of Oświęcim lies the most infamous concentration camp - Auschwitz. A visit there, although completely depressing, is a must. You can see it only with a guided tour which is available in multiple languages. After listening to unbelievable atrocities that fellow humans are capable of, you might feel shame you are one of them... However, looking at what's going on in the world right now makes you think that really not much has changed since those times.

Wieliczka Salt Mine, only 14 km (8 miles) from Cracow is a UNESCO site that will take your breath away. You will admire many chambers and sculptures carved out of salt. Don't miss the museum on the third level, it's very interesting with many artifacts from Bronze Age.

Zakopane,100 km (62 miles) from Cracow, is the most famous ski resort in Poland offering many entertainment options and it's considerably cheaper than the resorts in the Alps. In the summer it attracts those who love mountain hiking and climbing. Tatra Mountains offer unforgettable views, snowy peaks (even in summer) and beautiful mountain lakes (like Morskie Oko or even better Dolina Pięciu Stawów). After a strenuous hike, indulge yourself in the local delicacies and watch regional folk performances.

If you love mountains, forests and unspoiled nature completely off the beaten bath, choose the trails of Beskid Sadecki. You can hike there for hours through primeval forest without encountering any signs of civilization. On the way there, you can also visit the medieval cities of Nowy Sacz and Stary Sacz.

To find more information and useful tips (for example how not to get scammed), see detailed articles in the Related Posts section below.

If you liked this article, you can also download it via the GPSmyCity app - you will be able to gain access to the guide, which will direct you to all the attractions described above, even if you're offline. Download it here.