Discover the Top 10 Attractions in Krakow

Krakow is a city in Poland brimming with history, culture, and incredible sights. From the cobbled streets of the Old Town to the grandeur of the Wawel Castle, there is plenty to explore and experience in this beautiful city. Here is our guide to the top 10 attractions in Krakow.

1. Main Market Square

The Main Market Square is the beating heart of Krakow. It has been the city’s main public square for centuries and is still a popular meeting point today. It is the largest medieval town square in all of Europe and is filled with beautiful buildings, churches, and other monuments. The square is also full of lively street performers, lively cafes, and bustling restaurants.

The centerpiece of the square is the beautiful Cloth Hall, a Renaissance arcaded market hall that was built in the 15th century. It is now home to many souvenir stalls, galleries, and restaurants. Make sure to also take a look at the Town Hall Tower, the highest tower in the square, which offers incredible views over the city.

2. Wawel Castle

The Wawel Castle is one of the most iconic sights in Krakow. It is a magnificent castle that was once the royal residence of Polish monarchs. The castle is made up of several buildings including the Gothic Cathedral, the Renaissance Royal Palace, and the fortified castle walls.

The castle is also home to a remarkable collection of art and artifacts, including the Sigismund Bell, one of the largest bells in the world. It is also home to the Royal Tombs, which are the final resting places of famous Polish kings and queens.

3. Oskar Schindler’s Factory

Oskar Schindler’s Factory is a museum dedicated to Oskar Schindler, the German industrialist who saved the lives of hundreds of Jews during the Holocaust. The museum is housed in the building where Schindler’s famous enamelware factory once stood. It is a poignant reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust, and is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the region.

The museum contains a variety of interactive exhibits, including a recreation of Schindler’s office in the factory. It also includes personal artifacts, photographs, and video testimonies from some of the survivors of the Holocaust.

4. St. Mary’s Basilica

The St. Mary’s Basilica is one of the most beautiful churches in Krakow. It is an impressive Gothic structure built in the 14th century. The church is adorned with stunning stained glass windows, intricate sculptures, and a grand altar.

Inside the church, the most impressive sight is the wooden altar, which was carved in the 15th century. The altar is made up of more than 200 intricately carved figures depicting scenes from the Bible.

5. Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is an incredible underground network of tunnels and chambers carved out of salt. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the oldest salt mines in the world. It is an incredible feat of engineering and a must-visit for anyone in Krakow.

The mine consists of over 300 kilometres of tunnels and chambers, some of which are still used to extract salt. It is also home to some remarkable sights including sculptures, chapels, and underground lakes.

6. Kazimierz

Kazimierz is one of the oldest and most historic parts of Krakow. It was once the heart of the Jewish community of Krakow and is now home to a vibrant Jewish culture. The area is full of small cobbled streets, traditional synagogues, and lively cafes.

Kazimierz is also home to the historical Remuh Synagogue and the Old Cemetery, which is the final resting place of many of Krakow’s Jews. It is a great place to explore and experience the city’s culture and history.

7. Schindler’s Museum of Krakow

Schindler’s Museum of Krakow is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Oskar Schindler. It houses a large collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs from Schindler’s life. The museum also includes interactive exhibits and audio-visual displays, which tell the story of Schindler’s heroic efforts to save the lives of 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust.

8. Auschwitz-Birkenau

Auschwitz-Birkenau is a sobering reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. It was once a concentration and extermination camp used by the Nazis during World War II. Today, it is a memorial to the millions of people who were killed there.

The memorial consists of several buildings and exhibits, including the Auschwitz I Camp, the Auschwitz II-Birkenau Camp, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. It is a powerful and heartbreaking reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust.

9. The Dragon’s Den

The Dragon’s Den is a network of underground caves located beneath the Wawel Hill. The caves are said to be the home of a fearsome dragon, which was slain by the legendary dragon slayer Wanda. The caves are full of winding tunnels and chambers, which are said to be the home of the dragon’s hoard of treasure.

The caves are also home to some fascinating rock formations and sculptures, which are said to have been created by the dragon himself. The Dragon’s Den is a great place to explore and experience the myth and legend of Krakow.

10. Wawel Hill

Wawel Hill is the site of the Wawel Castle and is one of the most iconic sights in Krakow. It is a great place to explore and experience the city’s history and culture. The hill is home to a variety of historic buildings, monuments, and sculptures.

The hill is also home to the Royal Gardens, a beautiful park filled with lush greenery and exotic plants. It is a great place to take a stroll and take in the stunning views of the city.

Conclusion

Krakow is a city filled with amazing attractions, from the grandeur of the Wawel Castle to the vibrant culture of Kazimierz. This guide has highlighted the top 10 attractions in Krakow, all of which are must-see sights for any visitor to the city. Whether you’re looking for culture, history, or adventure, Krakow has something for everyone.