Krakow is the second largest Polish city, one of the most cultural cities in Poland. It’s a historical city with impressive churches, museums and its beauty and atmosphere attract thousands of tourists every year. If you believe in legends, Krakow was built on the cave of a dragon.
Why is this city is so special that I’m dedicating a post with reasons why you should visit? Krakow is a city which has captured my heart and below I’m listing you some reasons why you should visit this beautiful city.
Visit Europe’s Largest Square
Krakow’s main square, Rynek Glowny, is the largest medieval square in Europe. The Cloth Hall hosts a lot of market stalls selling local clothing, jewellery, lacework, cloth handicrafts, wood carvings, rugs and all sorts of Polish souvenirs at reasonable prices. Here you’ll find St. Mary’s Basilica, a gothic church which is amazing to see.
A city which can be explored by foot
Krakow is a small city and everything is very close to each other. You can walk around and explore the city and its surroundings. There’s some beautiful walking routes from Florian’s Gate to Wawel castle. Other highlights of Krakow are the Jewish district and The Barbican.
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Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camps
Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps is one of the largest camps in Europe which has been turned and maintained as a museum. This place is worth a visit. Be prepared for an emotional tour since you’ll leave there with mixed sad feelings. I have a dedicated post with photos regarding the concentration camp which I encourage you to read at: Auschwitz, a death camp worth visiting
Visit a Cathedral made of salt, 135m underground
Another great tour from Kraków is to visit Wieliczka Salt Mine. Find more information on my dedicated post at: Wieliczka Salt Mine in Krakow, 135 meters underground.
Delicious Food
Krakow has some great restaurant where you can try typical Polish cuisine. I always like to try local traditional dishes so since I was in Krakow I tried Pierogi (dough filled with meat, vegetables or cheese), polish hotdogs, sausages which were quite cheap. I got to try some dishes with marmalade as the main ingredient and were delicious.
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Low budget
Yes, Poland still remains a low budget country compared to other Western European countries. It’s affordable to go out for drinks and food. It was one of the cheapest cities I’ve visited up to now.
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Wow – the city looks incredible and sounds like there’s tons to see and do. Will definitely add this to my bucketlist!
Looks like an amazing city to walk around and enjoy! Thanks for sharing, you’ve convinced me to head over there!
I Love Poland! I secretly want it to remain this little country that hasn’t become overrun by tourist, bc it really has so much to offer.
Krakow sounds awesome! And I would totally drive that painted car in one of your photos. Totally my style, haha! Great information. Thanks for sharing! xx
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My ex was from Krakow and I’ve always wanted to visit – it sounds and looks like such a diverse and vibrant city that would be so fun to explore. Wouldn’t mind a ride in that colourful car either!
Really great article. I am planning a road trip through Poland in September.
Very nice coverage. Yes Kraków is a jewel.
Good tips. I would go for the Cathedral and to the largest square. The food looks amazing too.
Such an amazing city, it’s definitely on my travel list. Thanks for the detailed info. I had no idea that Krakow had the largest square in Europe.
Learned so much about Krakow from your post. The largest square in Europe? Wow. It truly looks like a place that is worth visiting. Great pictures and perspective. Will get there soon!!
I lived in Warsaw for 3 years when I was a little girl and I remember Krakow being like a magical fairytale city from the medieval era. Wieliczka was amazing – still have so many salt lamps from there – and Auschwitz… the sadness was stiflingly palpable. Thank you for sharing and taking me back to my childhood!
I like Krakow very much. There are some interesting sites near Krakow and in the city centre there are a lot to see and experience. There are some very good restaurants and cafes. I remember hot beer.
Thanks Dora! This will be my next stop! I will follow your footsteps 😉 will let you know shorty my inside and any other secrets i get to explore !
Great post! Krakow looks so amazing. I have visited Poland few times, but I always went to Warsaw. Krakow is definitely next on the list 🙂 Warsaw is also a place worth going to, as it is very diverse and everybody would be able to find something appealing for themselves. I especially enjoyed going to all the cozy restaurant and bars, as I just love food :p The one that I always go back to is called Bubbles and it is in the Warsaw’s downtown. They serve really great champagnes but also delicious, high quality food. Everything about this place is perfect!
Thank you Casey for the nice comment and the recommendation for Warsaw. I haven’t been yet but its on my future list.