Kraków is renowned for its historic city centre, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. In 1038, Kraków became the seat of the Polish government. By the end of the tenth century, the city was a leading centre of trade and many of its monuments date back nearly a thousand years!
- Main Market Square (Rynek Glówny in Polish):
Visit the biggest medieval plaza in Europe. The Main Market Square was dates back to 1257 spreads across 40,000 square meters. - Oskar Schindler’s Factory (Muzeum Schindlera in Polish):
Oskar Schindler’s Factory of Enameled Vessels is an important monument in Kraków. During the Nazi occupation, Schindler saved over 1,200 Jews by hiring them to work in his plant, and his story was later formed the basis for the film Schindler’s List. - Wawel Royal Castle:
This beautifully preserved hill-top castle was built during the eleventh century. Throughout the centuries, the castle was reformed and its design was transformed from Gothic-style into a Renaissance-style structure. - Stare Miasto (Old Town):
Stare Miasto means ‘Old Town’ in Polish. It is packed with many traditional Polish restaurants, open-air cafés and souvenir shops and it has fascinating landmarks, such as: Planty Park, one of Kraków largest parks, the Barbican, a fortified gateway, St Florian’s Church, Wawel Hill and its imposing castle. - Wieliczka Salt Mine:
Another site listed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List is the “the Underground Salt Cathedral of Poland”. The mine is nearly 300 km long, 327 meters deep and with numerous subterranean galleries, including 22 chambers with underground lakes, old tools, machines and various sculptures and low reliefs carved out of salt by the miners. The Salt Mine was discovered in the fifteenth century and nowadays it attracts over a million visitors per year. - Kazimierz:
The main sights in the Old Jewish Quarter are the Galicia Jewish Museum, the synagogues, and the New Square (Plac Nowy). The city’s two most popular museums are also located here: the Ethnographic Museum and the Municipal Engineering Museum.
Getting Around
Kraków has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and trams, making it easy to navigate the city.
- Consider purchasing a KrakowCard.com, which offers discounted entry to attractions some of them including unlimited public transportation for a certain duration.
- A public transport pass for 7 days is also available for 68 ZL (approximately €16).
- Information on Kraków transportation system and public transport cards can be found here.
- Information on public transport tickets can be found here.
Keep in mind that popular attractions can get busy, especially during peak seasons. We hope you enjoy your time exploring Kraków and immersing yourself in its rich history, art, and culinary delights!