Here are some of the best places to visit on your trip to Krakow, Poland.
1. Wawel Castle
Wawel Castle is a medieval castle located in Krakow, Poland that was once the residence of Polish kings. It is an iconic structure in Krakow’s Old Town. Wawel Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many attractions, including Wawel Cathedral, Royal Palace, and Dragon’s Cave.
– Wawel Cathedral: One of the most important cathedrals in Poland, this is where the coronations of Polish kings were held. Inside, you’ll find beautiful stained glass and sculptures.
– Royal Palace: The former residence of Polish kings, now used as a museum. It’s a beautiful piece of Renaissance architecture. Inside the Royal Palace, you’ll find portraits of the kings, furniture, weapons, and other exhibits.
– Dragon’s Cave: It is a cave located under Wawel Hill, and there is a legend that dragons once lived in the past. There are statues of dragons at the entrance of the cave and paintings of dragons on the wall of the cave.
2. Krakow Main Square
Krakow Main Square is one of the largest medieval market squares in Europe, located in the heart of the old town of Krakow, Poland. The square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a variety of historic buildings and cultural monuments.
– St. Mary’s Basilica: This cathedral was built in the 14th century, and its 70m high spire is an iconic building in downtown Krakow. The interior of the cathedral has beautiful stained glass windows and works of art.
– Cloth Hall: A two-story building built in the 15th century, the Cloth Hall was once a place to trade cloth and other goods. Today, the Cloth Hall houses souvenir and art shops.
– Shopping: Krakow Main Square has a variety of shops, including souvenir shops, art shops, and clothing stores.
– Restaurants and cafes: Krakow Main Square is home to restaurants serving everything from traditional Polish food to international cuisine. You can sit on a cafe terrace and enjoy the atmosphere of the square while sipping coffee or tea.
– Festivals and events: Krakow Main Square hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. In particular, the Christmas market is one of the most popular events at Krakow Main Square.
– Street performance: Krakow Main Square is often home to street artists, creating a charming atmosphere.
3. Planty Park
Planty Park is a park surrounding the city center of Krakow, Poland, and was previously the site of a wall for the city’s defense. It is now a popular place for citizens and tourists to relax and take a walk.
– Beautiful scenery: Planty Park is filled with different types of trees and flowers, providing different scenery in each season. Flowers are in full bloom in spring and summer, and maple leaves color the park in fall.
– Historical significance: Planty Park was formerly the site of the medieval city walls, with remnants of the walls and towers from that era still visible.
– Statues and monuments: There are various statues and monuments within the park, allowing you to learn about the city’s history and culture.
– Swimming pool and garden: The park has a small swimming pool and a beautiful garden.
– Walking: Planty Park has a 4km long walking trail so you can enjoy a leisurely walk.
– Biking: Planty Park also has biking trails. You can have fun riding a bicycle through the forest.
– Picnic: There are many areas to enjoy a picnic in Planty Park. You can spend a leisurely time spreading out a mat on the green lawn and sharing food.
4. Krakow Barbican
Krakow Barbican is a medieval defensive structure in Krakow, Poland. Built in Gothic and Renaissance styles, it was one of the most powerful defensive structures in Europe at the time and played an important role in protecting Krakow. It is currently used as the Krakow History Museum. Krakow Barbican features exhibition halls, shops and a cafe. In the exhibition room you can find information about the history and architecture of Krakow Barbican. You can buy souvenirs in shops and relax in cafes.
– Structure: Krakow Barbican has 3m thick walls and is approximately 25m high. Krakow Barbican is structurally round and made of stone. It has a watchtower, making it a perfect structure to defend against enemies.