Discovering Krakow
Krakow (Kraków) is the city everyone falls in love with. While Warsaw was destroyed in the war, Krakow remained almost completely intact — legend has it that a Soviet general prevented its destruction at the last minute. The result: one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, whose historic center has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1978 (one of the first twelve worldwide!).
Krakow was Poland's capital for 700 years and the coronation city of its kings. Today, with 800,000 inhabitants and over 150,000 students, it is a vibrant, young city that combines high culture with a lively pub scene. In summer, the alleys of the Old Town are full of life until late at night — street musicians, flower sellers, and the clinking of glasses from the cellar bars.
Plan at least 3–4 days: one day for the Old Town and Wawel, one for Kazimierz and Schindler's Factory, one for Wieliczka or Auschwitz, and one for the atmosphere — sitting in a café on the Rynek and watching the hustle and bustle.
Orientation
Krakow's historic center is compact and walkable — it's better to leave the car behind:
- Stare Miasto (Old Town): The center surrounded by the Planty green spaces with the Rynek Główny at its heart. Here stand the Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Church, and dozens of churches, palaces, and museums.
- Planty: The green belt surrounding the Old Town — a 4 km long park, laid out on the former city moat. Perfect for walks.
- Wawel: The castle hill south of the Old Town with the royal castle and cathedral. Krakow's historic and symbolic heart.
- Kazimierz: The former Jewish quarter southeast of the Old Town. Today Krakow's most creative district with vintage shops, cafés, Klezmer music, and nightlife.
- Podgórze: Across the Vistula — this was the Krakow Ghetto. Schindler's Factory and the "Under the Eagle" pharmacy are now museums.
- Nowa Huta: The socialist planned city in the east, built from 1949 as an "ideal workers' city." Today Krakow's most interesting insider tip for architecture and history.
💡 Tipp
Krakow is a pedestrian city. The entire Old Town and Kazimierz are easily accessible on foot. For Wawel and Podgórze/Schindler's Factory, take the tram (single ride 5 PLN / 1.20€). The "Krakow Card" (from 130 PLN / 30€ for 2 days) includes museums and public transport.
