If you’ve never been to Kraków (Cracow), Poland and aren’t sure whether it’s worth visiting, this essay is for you.
What’s is there to see in Kraków, you may ask? Take a look at the photos below, highlighting just a few places you might enjoy seeing in this beautiful city, with history going back into the medieval times.
The Wawel Castle
The Wawel Castle is, of course, a must. Dating back to the tenth century, it was the seat of the kings of Poland for several hundred years, and includes both Gothic and baroque elements.
You need tickets to go inside the castle, but walking around the Wawel Castle hill, and within the courtyard is free of charge.
Collegium Maius
Collegium Maius, the oldest university building in Poland, is part of the Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364 (one of the oldest universities in the world). This particular building was given to the university in 1400 by King Władysław Jagiełło, and now houses a museum, though some of its room can be rented for conferences or other functions.
Between April and the end of October, the entrance to Collegium Maius is free of charge on Tuesdays, between 3pm and 6pm.
Kraków’s Main (Market) Square
If you’re not into sightseeing, but just want to relax, sip coffee or something stronger, or cool down with a big bowl of ice cream, Kraków’s 13th-century Main Square is lined with cafes and restaurants, where you can sit down and observe the vibrant life of this beautiful place, and admire its architecture.
Walking around the Old Town
If you take some time to just walk around the Old Town and meander around the streets, don’t forget to look up, and admire the interesting architectural details of the buildings around you.
There’s a reason why the Historic Centre of Krakow is on the UNESCO heritage list.
The Planty Park
Don’t be afraid to go beyond the Old Town walls, and if you have time, comfortable shoes, and are in good physical shape, walk the loop in the Planty Park surrounding the Old Town, and established in the early 19th century in the place of the medieval outer walls surrounding the city.
Where to Stay in Krakow
There are plenty of hotels, hostels, B&Bs, and apartment rentals in Krakow.
We stayed for the first week at one of the Sodispar Luxury Old Town Apartments, and the second week at the Sodispar Bracka Residence. Review will be coming soon, but we can say outright we very much liked both.
Pin It For Later
I hope this photo essay convinces you that visiting Kraków is worth your while, and when you do decide to make the trip and see it for yourself, I hope you’ll fall in love with this city just as much as I did. Feel free to pin it to your Pinterest board of interesting places to visit.
If you’re interested in learning even more, keep an eye out for a few more posts about Kraków coming soon, and feel free to repin or follow my Poland | Kraków (Cracow) Pinterest board for even more ideas on what to see and do in Kraków and the area.
Invitation to #WeekendWanderlust Link Up
#WeekendWanderlust, hosted by Chris & Heather from A Brit and a Southerner, Jessi & Tara from Outbound Adventurer, Ashley from A Southern Gypsy, Justin and Lauren from Justin Plus Lauren, and yours truly, is a collaborative effort to share travel blog posts, and to discuss all travel-related things.
The hosts organize each week a link up through which travel bloggers from around the world can promote their posts, in exchange for a promise to give some attention to other travel bloggers. (One of the rules for linking up is to comment on three linked up posts.)
If the link up is still open, feel free to add a link to one of your posts below, then comment on at least three other linked up posts.
If you leave a comment on this post, I will reciprocate with a comment as soon as I can!
Also, don’t forget to join the #WeekendWanderlust chat on Twitter, every Saturday, at 11am EST, 3pm GMT, 11 pm SGT. See the list of upcoming topics on Travelogx.
That looks so beautiful!!
Lydia C. Lee recently posted…Sisterhood of the World Travelling Bloggers
Thank you for reading, Lydia! Glad you like the photos!
I love visiting cities and spending time in their main square and this one looks to be fun as well. It’s so fun to sit in the square and watch the various people both locals and visitors. When we finally make it to Poland, we’ll be sure to try to fit in a visit to Krakow!
Thank you for reading, Brian & Amanda! I hope you will get to see Krakow some day. It’s a charming place, though if you’re there, also go to the Stanislaw Lem Science Garden!
Thanks for the amazing post – I’ve never been to Kraków so this post was definitely for me! I had no idea it was full of so much history and amazing architecture! I’m a big fan of just wandering the streets of a city to discover hidden gems and really take in the atmosphere and vibe, so I think wandering around the streets of the Old Town excite me the most!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Meg Jerrard recently posted…The Best Places to Spot Wildlife & Exotic Seabirds in Iceland
Thank you for reading, Meg! I hope you’ll get to visit Krakow some day. There were plenty of tourists around when we visited, but I wish Krakow was as famous as it deserves to be. It’s a great, really old town, with very interesting history.
Beautiful photographs. You definitely have me convinced to make a trip to Krakow!
Mags recently posted…BruFrou 2015 -An Intro to Colorado Breweries
Thank you for reading, Mags! And I’m glad to hear you are considering a trip to Krakow now. It’s a great place!
I haven’t been to Poland before but I’m hoping to get there soon – thanks for the added dose of inspiration!
Thank you for reading Vanessa, and I’m glad to hear you are considering visiting Poland. There’s so much more to see there than just Krakow, of course!
I was last in Krakow in 2000! I don’t remember much except walking the town square and wondering the random lanes. I loved it though! Back then it felt a bit exotic to me to visit so far east, so i just loved soaking up the culture and people and vibes of the city. I need to go back!
Karilyn recently posted…Things To Do in Kerala with Kids
Thank you for reading, Karilyn! And yes, you do need to go back. A LOT has changed in the last 15 years, and while the buildings are still the same in the Old Town, a lot of them have been very nicely renovated, and the areas beyond the Old Town have been changing as well. It’s the same but also a completely different city now.
I’ve heard so many great things about Krakow recently! Haven’t been to Poland yet but I’m definitely hooked!
Van (@snowintromso) recently posted…Reykjavik in Black and White // A Photo Tour in Iceland
I haven’t been to Krakow, so seeing your photos was a pleasure. Of course, the city is very reminiscent of other European cities in the same general area.
Traveling to me is manly about learning the history of other places and checking out historical architecture. This certainly confirms that Krakow is a place I MUST visit; it’s absolutely stunning and has everything I want to see! Thank you so much for informing me about this place, I’ve added it to my list! 🙂
Dawn Kealing recently posted…Forest Fires cause ‘Morning of Darkness’ in Prince George, BC
Did you happen to see a group of people standing in one corner of the castle, possibly with their backs against the wall, and possibly with their eyes closed? It’s because the spot is believed to be one of the chakra energy spots in the world. I wrote about it for the Toronto Star – thought it was a fun angle. Yes, there really is a lot to do in Krakow – thanks for reminding me of my trip.
Wandering Carol recently posted…Hidden gems bigger than a breadbox on the Coastal Passage Route
It is always so fascinating to see the old castles and walled buildings still standing and so grandly, in our modern cities. Your photos really capture the city.
Great to take a peek at Krakow thru your camera lens. I do not need a lot of convincing to visit the city. I like everything I have seen here.
Ruth – Tanama Tales recently posted…Highlights of the 2015 Latin Food Festival
We haven’t made our way to Poland yet and Krakow has always been a bit vague in our minds but this really put great visuals to the city and has us looking forward to visiting! Seems like there is so much to explore and see!
Carolann & Macrae – One Modern Couple recently posted…11 Wacky Inventions Found In Japan
Beautiful photos. I’d definitely love to visit Krakow. I enjoyed chatting with you last night for #WeekendWanderlust. 🙂
Karen recently posted…Weekend In Macau
Krakow looks amazing! I love castles and old buildings; Krakow looks like a place I should somehow add when I next plan a trip to Europe. Thanks for this! 🙂
Liz recently posted…Day Trip from Paris: Fondation Claude Monet in Giverny
Love Krakow! and it looks like you had really nice weather during your visit. Thanks for sharing…
Jennifer (Dr. J) recently posted…Ten Things to Do on a Weekend Citybreak in Cork
Pretty amazing, haven’t been to Krakow yet, but we will
Paula McInerney recently posted…Sleeping with The Animals, Jamala Wildlife Lodge, Canberra
Thanks for such an informative post. I didn’t realize how historical some of the buildings are and that the main square’s architecture is a UNESCO sight. I’m definitely going to bookmark this page for the future.
Jackie recently posted…Tips to Help You Ace An Angkor Wat Visit
I’d love to go back to Krakow. I went years ago for a weekend but mostly to go to Auschwitz. I didn’t really get to see any of the city itself. I’d love to see the castle and walk around the Old Town.
Vicky and Buddy recently posted…Malta: Europe’s Top Off The Radar Destination
Ah this brings back lovely memories. I remember looking at amber in the market. Is it still as cheap as it was back in the early 2000s?
Gemma Two Scots Abroad recently posted…You’re so Van… || Vancouver Tips
I had no idea there are midieval remains in Krakow. I have been to Poland several times, but have not been to Krakow. I will have to come back!
Victoria @celebratetheweekend recently posted…American Teenâs Trip to Japan. Part 1
I really want to visit Poland. Krakow looks amazing. I would love to just spent a couple days wandering around and looking at all the buildings. If only the walls could talk.
Jennifer @ Made all the Difference Travel Blog recently posted…My First Cross Country Solo US Road Trip
My friend went to Poland a few years back and said she loved it!! Your pictures are as beautiful as she described it to be! I’ll have to make a visit
Francesca @onegrloneworld recently posted…Finding Lavender Fields in… California?!
We loved visiting Krakow! Seeing all your wonderful pictures definitely make me want to return as it has been too long.
Kirsten recently posted…Favorite Things to Do in Munich with Kids
A great post! Appreciate learning more about a place that I’ve yet to visit.
Claudia recently posted…Ten Things to do in Vancouver before Summer Ends
I love the mix of the stately old history buildings and the green peaceful mood of the Planty Park.
Connie Reed recently posted…MB Financial Park at Rosemont: It’s All about Dining and Entertainment
What a great post! Krakow looks absolutely amazing. I can’t believe I have never made it to Poland. Krakow is definitely high on our bucket list – after reading your post even more so!
Irene recently posted…Day Trips from Palermo
Krakow is amazing city and there are also lots of places to see in its surroundings! I always like seeing pictures from this city!
Julius @ Traveltipy recently posted…Setenil de las Bodegas – town in Spain built into the rock
Good to see your photos. They bring back memories. I spent some nice time in Krakow when I was a student. It was an enjoyable experience. Especially learning Polish – it was really fun at Prolog: http://www.polishcourses.com. We even had to take photos and write our impressions about Krakow, in Polish, obviously. Thus we learnt to view places from different perspectives.
Krakow is an amazing city. I moved here a month ago and cannot get enough of it! I haven’t seen the university yet. I heard that the sightseeing there is quite limited. Is that true?