Wawel Castle
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Kraków was the official capital of Poland until 1596, and has traditionally been one of the leading centres of Polish academic, economic, cultural and artistic life. Cited as one of Europe's most beautiful cities, [10] its Old Town with Wawel Royal Castle was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, one of the world's first sites granted ...
Find out everything you need to know about Kraków, Poland's second largest and oldest city, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the city's attractions, restaurants, hotels, itineraries, and more with our comprehensive guide and map.
- Pack for the right season and for all occasions. Kraków has a continental climate, so your packing list will vary considerably, depending on the time of year you travel.
- Stay in the best neighborhoods for sightseeing. For a city of its size, Kraków is surprisingly compact, so it’s easy enough to flit between its neighborhoods, either on foot or using public transport.
- Book tickets for popular attractions in advance. Few of Kraków’s museums and attractions require advance bookings, but the must-see sights do, so if you have your heart set on visiting any of the following, make arrangements online ahead of time.
- Pack your ISIC card and consider getting a Kraków Card. Numerous Kraków attractions offer discounts to bearers of ISIC and other associated cards. If you’re planning on frenetic bouts of sightseeing and heavy use of public transport, it’s worth getting a Kraków Card (1, 2 or 3 days) that gives you free entry to 39 museums, free use of public transport and more.
- Main Market Square (Rynek Glówny) This square is enormous. In fact, it’s the largest medieval market square in Europe. The Main Market Square was built in the 13th century after the city was demolished by the Tatars.
- The Cloth Hall. The Cloth Hall is the centerpiece of the Main Market Square. During medieval times, this was a bustling market in the center of Krakow.
- St. Mary’s Basilica (Kosciol Mariacki) The Cloth Hall may be the centerpiece of the Main Market Square, but St. Mary’s Basilica is the the highlight of a visit here.
- Town Hall Tower. For another bird’s eye view of the Main Market Square, climb to the top of the Town Hall Tower. During inclement weather, you are permitted to climb the tower but you are not allowed to step out onto the terrace.
May 24, 2024 · Discover the best attractions and activities in Kraków, Poland's historic and cultural capital. Explore the Old Town, Wawel Hill, Auschwitz-Birkenau, Schindler's Factory, and more with guides, tours, and tips.
Nov 21, 2023 · Discover the historic and cosmopolitan charms of Kraków, Poland's former capital and cultural hub. Explore the royal castle, the main square, the Jewish quarter, the salt mine, Auschwitz and more.
Apr 21, 2024 · Krakow, city and capital of Malopolskie province, southern Poland, lying on both sides of the upper Vistula River. One of the largest cities in Poland, it is known primarily for its grand historic architecture and cultural leadership; UNESCO designated its old town area a World Heritage site.
