Why visit Krakow?
I befriended a few locals in Krakow, Poland that described their home as a city with a soul. After spending some time in the ‘European Capital of Culture’ (an honor bestowed on the city by the European Union in 2000), it’s pretty easy to feel history emanating from the very depths of the city. Instantly smitten, here are the 5 places that you absolutely can not skip during your first visit to Krakow.
Yes, this fortified outpost is technically closed, but it’s still worth visiting. Gothic in style, it serves as a nice marker before entering the old city. And, the Krakow Barbican is pretty interesting when you actually look at it. The brick fort that was formerly surrounded by a moat has transitioned to grass.
Marking the Polish-Lithuanian victory over the Teutonic order, the Grunwald statue is locally regarded as the fathers who protect Poland. The first time you see the fallen knight, it definitely makes an impression. These days, it’s become more of a place for kids to skateboard. Make sure you touch the defeated man’s fingers for good luck.
Trade up at Cloth Hall.
Krakow Cloth Hall resides in the heart of Old Town, and walking through the enormous building is a fun way to spend the afternoon. Various stalls peddle all kinds of wares, and most of them are admittedly touristy. The space is ornately decorated, and when you look up, you will notice different coats of arms adorning the walls. It’s usually crowded, but the building is impressive, and hidden architectural gems harken back to when Krakow was an international powerhouse of traveling merchants during the 15thcentury. Don’t forget to walk upstairs to check out the Sukiennice Museum which features Rococo and Baroque art.
Located in the main market square, I was originally going to skip going inside, and I’m really glad I changed my mind. St. Mary’s is one of those places that is so opulent that your jaw pretty much hits the floor when you walk through it. Wrapped up in so much glamour, it actually slipped my mind that people attend church here. So, I laughed when I spotted a visitor’s sign.
From the outside, it looks nice and the doors are gorgeous. But, the building doesn’t appear to be anything that’s stylistically over the top. Once you step inside, everything changes; the basilica seems to soar.
Embrace Krakow’s royalty.
Built by King Casimir III the Great, the Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow mixes medieval with renaissance styles highlighted by strong Italian overtones. This place is a stunner, and even the walk up to the palace is steeped in grandeur. Quite honestly, the grounds are so impressive that you could easily spend your time walking around the outside and have an incredible day. Bonus, there is a dragon’s den that you can walk through during the summer months. Unfortunately, it was closed during my visit, but it was fun peaking inside and pretending.
Also, the ticketing area is a little confusing. Initially, I really wanted to see the private apartments, but the emphasis here is clearly on the cathedral. Note, there is a 50-zloty deposit for an audio guide, which you get back when you return it. However, be aware that cash is the only form of payment accepted.
Exploring Wawel Castle is fascinating and click here to watch a video with more insider tips.
I’ve heard that Krakow is a visit-worthy city, and not expensive compared to many European destinations. Thank you for this glimpse of some of the highlights.
Yes, it’s an incredibly cool city. And, it’s so much cheaper than other European cities.