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Kraków [a] (Polish: ⓘ), also spelled as Cracow or Krakow, [8] is the second-largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River in Lesser Poland Voivodeship, the city has a population of 804,237 (2023), with approximately 8 million additional people living within a 100 km (62 mi) radius. [9]
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, nightlife, and more with our comprehensive guide and map.
- Stare Miasto (Old Town) Kraków’s oldest quarter is a planned city drawn up in 1257 just after the Mongol invasion laid everything to waste. The whole city was encircled by walls, now a belt of parkland, and hoisted above its southernmost point was the mighty royal ensemble on Wawel Hill.
- Rynek Główny (Main Square) One of the largest Medieval squares in Europe, Kraków’s central marketplace has been the commercial, social and administrative focal point of the city since the middle of the 13th century.
- Wawel Castle. A monument of immeasurable national importance, the UNESCO-listed Wawel Castle completes an ensemble with the cathedral on its lofty perch above the Old Town.
- St Mary’s Basilica. Built on the foundations of an earlier church also levelled by the Mongols, this Brick Gothic wonder is from the beginning of the 14th century, and would be reworked over the next few decades.
- 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.
Sep 10, 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.
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