What Does Krakow Offer?

Krakow is a charming city that captivates the heart at every turn making it a delight to explore. Rich in history, particularly the poignant stories from the Nazi occupation of World War II, it offers profound reminders that resonate deeply through its vibrant streets and haunting corners.

Krakow Main Square

The Old Town’s Main Square is the gateway to the enchanting world of Krakow. Here, every corner beckons you to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant soul. Majestic gothic architecture towers magnificently around the square, accompanied by charming cafes and delightful restaurants, as buzzing swarms of tourists revel in the atmosphere. Strolling through the square, I was enveloped in a sense of wonder, a feeling that only a genuine and atmospheric old town can inspire.

At the centre of the Main Square is the historic Cloth Hall. The building exterior is pleasant enough, but the inner arcade is what makes the Cloth Hall memorable. Nowadays, the arcade mostly exists to sell souvenirs and trinkets.

Krakow City Beyond The Square

Beyond the Main Square, there are plenty of other places to visit in Krakow’s Old Town. Much of the city’s gorgeous architecture is found within the limits of the old town and is best uncovered on foot. Walking is easy, it’s free and it’s genuinely one of my favourite things to do in any new city. Plus, so much of Krakow Old Town is pedestrianised.

What sets Krakow apart from most big cities in Poland is that WW2 left it with minimal damage. Krakow wasn’t a centre of industry so it wasn’t seen as an overly strategic place to be bombed.

I must confess I have an undeniable passion for a walled city. Even though Krakow is no longer encircled by its ancient fortifications a remarkable stretch remains, beautifully preserved at the northern edge of the old town. Just standing there is enough to ignite your imagination and transport you to a time of chivalry and grandeur. The iconic St Florian’s Gate and the magnificent Barbican that lies just beyond it are remnants that whisper tales of a glorious medieval past.

St Florian’s Gate | Barbican

Wawel Royal Castle

At some point during your visit to Krakow you will walk up Wawel Hill with Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral, both overlooking the Vistula river. Wawel Royal Castle is one of the largest castles in Poland and was once Poland’s cultural and political heart. It’s a great place to wander around. It’s free to wander around the castle walls and courtyard but admission fees apply if you wish to venture inside.

Wawel Cathedral

Next door to Wawel Royal Castle stands beautiful Wawel Cathedral. Wawel Cathedral is originally a Gothic cathedral, but later on chapels in different styles were added.

At the iron entrance door you will find huge bones hanging onto a chain. According to the legend, these are the bones of the Wawel dragon. If they fall, the world will end.

Near to Wawel dragon is a small statue of Dzok statue. Dzok the Dog was a black mongrel whose owner died of a heart attack near the Grunwaldzkie Roundabout. Over the months that followed, the dog waited for his master to return, surviving on snacks supplied by local residents. After about a year, he allowed himself to be taken in by a new owner; when she passed away, he wandered off, listlessly, to meet his end under a train.

Krakow Walk of Fame

Krakow’s Walk of Fame, known as the Avenue of Stars, graces the picturesque Vistula riverbank near Wawel Castle. This enchanting promenade proudly showcases brass plaques adorned with the handprints and names of illustrious Polish and international figures in the realm of arts and culture, echoing the grandeur of the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame.

St. Mary’s Basilica

Standing proudly overlooking the main Market Square stands the impressive St. Mary’s Basilica, a Gothic style 14th church with stained glass windows and the famous 13 metre high altar piece. Every day the panel doors of the altarpiece close at 1730.

Explore Kazimierz (known as the Jewish Quarter)

For hundreds of years a mixed Jewish and Christian population resided in Kazimierz. The eastern part of Kazimierz was once the ‘Jewish district’. Here you can still visit the Galicia Jewish Museum, synagogues, kosher restaurants with live klezmer music, the Jewish cemetery and see the passageway that was the backdrop for some scenes in the famous film Schindler’s List.

My hotel was an easy 10 minutes walk from the bustle of Kazimierz. This district is home to hipster bars, vintage shops and restaurants serving dishes from all corners of the world. Make your way to Plac Nowy square to try Zapiekanka (crispy baguette with melted cheese, mushrooms and other toppings), nice cafes and they have a small flea market on Saturdays.

Neighbourhoods like Kazimierz were only under Nazi occupation from 1939-45 that the ghettos were formed.

Day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau

Its proximity to Krakow makes a trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps a must-do. This is the most famous Nazi concentration camp and needs no introduction. You can handle the transport on your own and just buy the tickets, but honestly, taking a tour from Krakow is so much easier and very affordable.

Over the day you’ll visit the different sites that made up the concentration camp. The museum at Auschwitz, where you’ll see the infamous “Arbeit Macht Frei” sign, that translates as “Work makes you Free”, is informative but haunting. Later, you head to Birkenau, with its recognisable gate and train tracks. The scale of this camp is horrific, as are the gas chambers.

This won’t be a fun day, but it’s a touching and memorable experience that ensures you never forget the horrific lessons from this moment in history.

Schindler’s List Location Spots

Krakow served as the main backdrop for the 1993 film Schindler’s List. It’s very much worth doing some research about this film and spend a day exploring Krakow on foot for those incredible location spots.

Places To Eat and Drink

There are heaps of places to eat and drink around Krakow. For the best places to people watch then it has to be around the main square. However, the restaurants are busy and expensive. Wander down the side streets and the quality, prices and venues become far more agreeable.

Blue Sausage Van

Located outside the entrance to Krakow Grezegorzki train station, this blue van opens at 1900 every evening to serve simple sausages with a white bread roll. Expect massive queues but the food is worth the wait.

House of Beer – houseofbeerkrakow.com

Located just outside the main square at Tomasza 35, 31-027, offers fantastic beers from around Europe. Don’t fret if you’re not a beer drinker there are vast choices of wines and spirits on offer. The food is pretty great too.

Piwnica pod Kominkiem – piwnicapodkominkiem.pl

Located at Bracka 13, 31-005 Kraków, look for a small wooden door with a sign reading “Polish Cuisine” opening off the street, then down the stairs underground to open brick walls and an open fire, serving fantastic Polish food at very agreeable prices.

Pierogarnia Domowa Dumplings – facebook.com/pierogarniadomowakrakow

Found on Szpitalna 3, 33-332 Krakow, this quaint venue serves traditional Polish dumplings. Don’t expect gourmet food here. It’s simple, filling and all served from tables adorned with plastic table clothes. Definitely worth a visit.

Starka Restaurant – starka-restauracja.pl/en

Take a walk into the Jewish Quarte at Józefa 14, 31-056 Krakow. This restaurant is so good I had to give it 5* on Goggle reviews. I have to have had the nicest tasting beef cheeks ever! Book in advance. This place gets busy.

Eszeweria Bar – eszeweria-krakow.pl

Also located in the Jewish District, opposite Starka restaurant, is a great hippy kind of bar offering great drinks and cocktails. It’s a great place to start or finish your evening after dining in Starka. Let’s just say my next trip was booked over drinks in here!

Pub Kawiarnia – facebook.com/pubulicakrokodyli

Located at Plac Wolnica (Jewish Square) is a lovely bar offering a great selection of drinks and food in quaint surroundings.

Wodka Cafe Bar – facebook.com/wodkacafebar

Located in the vibrant Jewish Quarter at Beera Meiselsa 15, 31-058 Krakow, this cosy venue captures the essence of the city with its charm and intimacy. Here, you’ll find a tantalising selection of 6 flavoured vodka shots that beckon to be savoured for PLN65 (GB£13.50/US$17.80). What makes this spot even more special is its proximity to a significant location from Schindler’s List, making every moment here feel steeped in emotion. It truly is a hidden gem, just a stone’s throw away from where past and present intertwine.

Bar Mleczny – facebook.com/people/Bar-Mleczny

This vibrant chain of fast-food venues serves up not just quick and affordable meals, but an experience of wholesome delight. I found myself here, indulging in a steaming bowl of rich tomato and rice soup paired with a warm fresh bread roll. It’s not just simple. It’s simply tasty.

Single Senca Music Bar – singlescena.pl

Nestled at Marka 21, 31-020 Krakow, just a few streets away from the vibrant main square, Single Senca beckons with its tantalising cocktails and exquisite beers, all accompanied by mesmerising music. On the night of my arrival, the air was alive with the melodies of a talented pianist, weaving together an incredible tapestry of classical and modern interpretations.

Final Word…

From conversations with various individuals it struck me profoundly that I was perhaps the sole person who had never set foot in the mesmerising city of Krakow. I must express that this city is nothing short of architecturally breathtaking. It pulsates with a rich tapestry of history, deeply influenced by the shadows of the German occupation during World War II, yet it exudes an undeniable charm that captivates the heart. Be sure to carve out time for a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where the weight of history transforms into profound reflections. Moreover, the city is refreshingly affordable compared to other Eurozone countries, allowing your money to stretch much further, making your experience even more enriching.