What to see in Krakow? Tourist Guide
Sightseeing by car opens up all kinds of travel possibilities. You can head for seaside resorts or, on the contrary, go to the mountainous areas and visit Krakow on the way. It is certainly a city that offers an exceptionally large number of tourist attractions - for both young and old. The center of Krakow is rich in churches that delight with their architecture.
Krakow, with its rich cultural and historical heritage, has real architectural and cultural gems in its center that attract tourists from all over the world. In the center of this picturesque city, everyone will find something for themselves - from monumental monuments to charming cafes and shops. It is worth knowing that Krakow's Old Town has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The heart of Krakow is the Main Market Square – the largest medieval market square in Europe, which has been the centre of city life for centuries. Surrounded by impressive tenement houses and full of life at any time of day or night. The dominant feature is the Cloth Hall, a Renaissance market hall that today serves as a place where you can buy local handicrafts and art. Inside, there is also the Gallery of Polish Art of the 19th Century, where works by the most outstanding Polish painters are presented.
Next to the Cloth Hall stands the majestic St. Mary's Church, known for its impressive altar by Veit Stoss, which is one of the most valuable examples of Gothic sculpture in Europe. Every hour, the St. Mary's bugle call resounds from the church tower, reminding us of the historical defence of the city.
From the Main Square, narrow, winding streets branch off, creating a labyrinth full of charming nooks to discover. Grodzka Street, one of the oldest streets in Krakow, leads straight to Wawel, passing numerous historic churches and palaces along the way, such as St. Andrew's Church and the Bishop's Palace.
Another important street, Floriańska, leads from Floriańska Gate, one of the few preserved parts of the medieval city walls, to the Market Square. This is a street full of life, with numerous galleries, shops and cafes, where you can stop for a coffee and cake, watching the city bustle.
Krakow also offers many green spaces where you can relax from the hustle and bustle of the city. Planty, a green belt surrounding the Old Town, is the perfect place for a relaxing walk or a picnic in the shade of the trees. The outdoor cafés dotted around the market square and along Planty offer space to relax and enjoy local delicacies.
Krakow's city centre is also an important cultural centre. The Juliusz Słowacki Theatre, with its richly decorated façade, offers high-class theatre performances. Bunkier Sztuki, a contemporary art gallery, attracts lovers of modern art with exhibitions by Polish and international artists.
After visiting St. Mary's Church, it's time for the Wawel Royal Castle. This is a must-see for anyone visiting Kraków. The castle, once the residence of Polish kings, is now a national symbol and a treasure trove of national culture and art.
The Wawel Royal Castle was built in the Gothic style, but its current appearance is mainly due to Renaissance reconstructions that took place during the reign of King Sigismund the Old. The castle's Renaissance architecture, with its characteristic green roofs, arcaded courtyards and richly decorated facades, is one of the most beautiful examples of art from this period in Poland.
The Wawel Royal Castle, one of the main tourist attractions in Krakow, has a beautiful interior. Visitors can admire the richly decorated halls that served various functions, from ballrooms to private royal apartments. It is worth paying attention to the Senators' Hall, where the most important state councils were held, and the Vasa Hall, named after the Swedish dynasty that sat on the Polish throne in the 17th century.
One of the main attractions in the Royal Castle is the artistic collections, which have delighted the residents of Krakow for years. The castle houses one of the largest collections of tapestries in Poland, which King Sigismund Augustus brought from Flanders. These richly decorated tapestries depict scenes from the Bible and mythology, constituting not only decoration but also evidence of the artistic achievements of the time.
The Armoury Museum at Wawel is another place that attracts history and military enthusiasts. The collections of armour and weapons, from medieval swords to decorative sabres and rifles, testify to Poland's rich military tradition. Visitors can see not only Polish armour, but also that which was captured from enemies or received as gifts from other monarchs.
Next to the Royal Castle on Wawel Hill is the Wawel Cathedral, the place of coronation and burial of Polish monarchs. It is here that the tombs of kings are located, including the legendary Casimir the Great and Jan III Sobieski. The cathedral is also home to many national relics, including the famous Sigismund Bells.
Visiting the Royal Castle is also a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Polish legends. The most famous of these is the legend of the Wawel Dragon, whose cave is located just below the castle hill. According to the story, the dragon terrorized the city's inhabitants before being defeated by a clever shoemaker.
The Municipal Engineering Museum and the Ethnographic Museum are just a few of Krakow's attractions. Before you set off, remember to plan your Krakow sightseeing carefully. Start with the three main sites.
The National Museum in Krakow is the oldest and one of the largest museums in Poland, founded in 1879. The museum has rich collections covering Polish and international art, from antiquity to the present day.
Among the most famous exhibits is the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in Poland - "Lady with an Ermine", which attracts crowds of tourists. The museum's collection also includes significant works by Rembrandt and Polish painters such as Jan Matejko, Jacek Malczewski and Stanisław Wyspiański.
The Historical Museum of the City of Krakow, spread across various historic locations in the city, focuses on documenting and presenting the rich history of Krakow. The main branch of the Krakow museum is located in the Town Hall on the Main Market Square, but it is its branches, such as the Krzysztofory House and Schindler’s Factory, that attract the most attention.
Schindler’s Factory, dedicated to the history of Krakow during World War II and the fate of Jews during the occupation, gained international fame thanks to Steven Spielberg’s film Schindler’s List. A visit to this place is an emotional and educational experience that allows for a deeper understanding of the tragic events of that time.
MOCAK, opened in 2011, quickly became one of the most important points on the cultural map of Kraków. It is located in the former Schindler factory, which additionally combines historical heritage with modern culture. The museum focuses on promoting contemporary art, presenting works by both Polish and international artists.
MOCAK's permanent collection includes works by artists such as Ai Weiwei, Anselm Kiefer and Olafur Eliasson. MOCAK not only exhibits art, but also actively participates in social and cultural debates, organizing numerous workshops, lectures and film screenings, making it a living center for contemporary art.
When planning a trip, it is worth considering renting a car from a car rental company (Krakow and other cities). Mobicars is a great choice! Thanks to this, you will gain not only the convenience of moving around the city, but also the opportunity to visit many places in the vicinity of Krakow. MobiCars offers a wide fleet of vehicles that will allow you to freely and comfortably explore both the city center and its picturesque suburbs.
