The old capital of the Kingdom of Poland - Krakow, attracts tourists with its cozy location on the banks of the Vistula River and its fascinating atmosphere. This city, imbued with a thousand years of history, witnesses the coronation of monarchs and the victory over the legendary dragon.
Its architectural heritage reflects the richness of the Middle Ages, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods, intertwined with modern elements and the youthful energy that characterizes the city today. Krakow and its famous Wawel Hill are the soul of Poland, the embodiment of craftsmanship and artistic inspiration. Here, every corner is imbued with history, and the variety of music festivals, street performances and authentic establishments, from beer bars to themed restaurants, makes it a magnet for tourists from all over the world.
What to see, attractions of Krakow
Being the cultural capital of Poland, Krakow offers numerous festivals, celebrations and exhibitions that are certainly the city's key attractions. Every year the list of cultural events is rich in diversity, delighting numerous visitors. One of the magnificent aspects of Krakow is its stunning architectural ensemble, which will impress even the most seasoned traveler. In the city you can find hundreds of valuable architectural monuments, each of which preserves the historical heritage of Krakow and the whole of Poland.
Districts of Krakow
Krakow is divided into 18 districts, which are designated by Roman numerals and, in turn, are divided into microdistricts. Not all of them are administrative units; some of them simply have historical names. Several areas are particularly attractive to tourists. The Old Town, surrounded by the picturesque Planty Park, in the south of which the Wawel district with the famous Wawel Castle is located, is considered one of these areas. Klepazz, where the railway station, the Krakow Gallery shopping center, as well as hotels with affordable prices and a high level of service are located. Kazimierz is a very atmospheric place where concerts and exhibitions are constantly held, as well as many cozy cafes, bars and clubs.
Population
In 1815, 95 thousand people lived on the territory of autonomous Krakow, and by 1843 this figure had grown to 145 thousand. About 80% of the inhabitants professed Judaism, but during the Second World War most of the Jewish population of Krakow was exterminated.
Today the city is home to many foreigners who came here to work, mainly from post-Soviet countries such as Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldova. Students from all over the world come to study at universities in Krakow. That is why during school semesters the city is populated mainly by young people, and Krakow is proudly called an academic center, the epicenter of high-level student life.
The people of Krakow respect the history of their ancestors and have a cheerful and friendly character. They are always happy to share tips on how to find this or that attraction, accompanying their explanations with jokes and funny remarks.
Brief historical overview
The history of Krakow is permeated with beauty and mystery, surrounded by legends and myths. One of the most famous legends tells of the dragon Smoke, who was bravely defeated by either a brave knight, the son of King Krak, or a skilled shoemaker. This legend, although it has several versions, emphasizes the valor and courage of the inhabitants of Krakow, who knew how to resist evil. The first mention of Krakow dates back to 965, and already in 1000 the city began to actively develop, becoming the center of culture and power, and then the capital of Poland, where the main residence of the kings was located.
In the 14th century, the first coronation took place in Krakow, and the city became a royal capital city, flourishing under the influence of Western European culture. At this time, the Jagiellonian University was founded here, which became one of the leading in Europe, teaching such outstanding scientists as Nicolaus Copernicus. In the 14th and 15th centuries, many buildings were built in the Gothic style, including the town hall, Cloth Hall, city walls and St. Mary's Church. This period was also characterized by the active development of painting and sculpture.
In 1569, Poland and Lithuania sign a union, which leads to changes in the status of Krakow - it loses its former position in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and finds itself on the periphery, giving its place to the central capital of Warsaw. However, it remains the site of the coronation and burial of Polish kings.
The 18th century becomes a testing period for Krakow. The city is attacked by Prussian, Russian and Swedish armies, falls under the rule of the Austrian Empire, and then Russian troops. Only in 1815 did it receive the status of a Free City, which local residents still look at with pride to this day.
From 1918 to 1939, Krakow experienced a period of new cultural and economic growth. During World War II, the city was occupied by German troops, which led to the death of thousands of Jews living in the Kazimierz ghetto. During the retreat of German troops, historical monuments, which are an invaluable cultural heritage, were undermined. However, thanks to a carefully planned operation, many of them were saved.
Modern Krakow is a beautiful, sophisticated and cozy city that attracts many tourists and is the cultural center of Poland.
Optimal time to travel to Krakow
Planning a trip to Krakow is recommended between May and October, when the climate is mildest and most pleasant. In summer, night temperatures can drop to +11°C, and during the day the air warms up to +23°C. In Krakow, the weather is quite changeable, and even in the summer months short periods of rain are possible. The annual average air temperature is approximately +8°C. During the autumn-winter period there is a large amount of precipitation, which makes the weather humid and not very comfortable. The average air temperature in winter ranges from −6°C to +2°C. It should also be noted that many older buildings in the city are heated by fireplaces, which can lead to smog during the cold season.
Useful tips for tourists in Krakow
- To save time and money, we recommend purchasing the Krakow Card, which provides access to around 40 museums and attractions with free or discounted entry, as well as transport to and from the airport. Among the objects with free access are the Town Hall Tower, the Polish Aviation Museum, and the Museum of the History of Krakow on the Market Square. Discounts also apply to Moa Burger, Starbucks, Metro supermarket, Paintball Museum, Ars cinema.
- It is best to purchase tickets for public transport at kiosks, since the price will be higher if purchased from the driver. It is possible to buy a single ticket valid for all bus and tram lines. There is also the option to purchase hourly or daily tickets, as well as family tickets for parents and child. When traveling by public transport, you must validate your ticket to avoid penalties.
- During the summer season, many student dormitories are transformed into hotels, which allows you to rent accommodation in Krakow at fairly low prices.
- Visits to Wawel Castle, the former residence of the kings, are free on Mondays from 1 April to 31 October and on Sundays from 1 November to 31 March, but this offer does not include access to museums.
What must a tourist do when visiting Krakow?
- Take a walk through the Tvardovsky Rocks Park. This is a mysterious place, shrouded in many legends. However, its true value lies in the stunning view of Krakow from the park's highest peak. Among the rocks is the magnificent lake Zakrzowek, which seems to be filled with magic, giving strength and inspiration to all visitors.
- Try national Polish dishes: zurek (soup served in bread), bigos (traditional dish of cabbage, meat and mushrooms) and, of course, local knuckle. For dessert, you must try the famous Krakow ice cream "Lodi".
- Listen to the sounds of the trumpet from the tower of St. Mary's Church. Historically it was an alarm signal, but nowadays listening to the trumpet (hejnal) in Krakow is considered special luck. The melody sounds every hour, guaranteeing everyone who comes to this city a share of good luck.
- A walk through the historic city center, where most of the buildings are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, promises exciting discoveries. Here you can admire the architecture of the town hall, the restored monument to Adam Mickiewicz and stroll along the majestic Sukon shopping arcades. This area is a real haven for lovers of authentic Krakow souvenirs, offering a wide selection of postcards, folk costumes and much more.
- A trip to Poland's largest Aviation Museum, located outside the city on the site of the former Krakow-Rakowice-Czyzyny Airport, promises an exciting journey for both adults and children.
- Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase a toy or figurine of a dachshund, the symbol of the city, made from various materials: glass, bronze, porcelain or silver - the choice is yours. It is also worth capturing this moment in a photo, always with this popular dog, which is an incredibly popular specimen in Krakow.
- Don't miss the opportunity to take a photo next to the Bound Eros sculpture, another of the city's symbols, to capture unforgettable memories of your visit to Krakow.
- Visiting the sites where the famous film Schindler's List was filmed in the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz brings deep reflections on the tragic history of this ancient ghetto, reminding us of the dark pages of the Holocaust and genocide, and of the brave people who were able to resist evil.
- Making a wish and touching the tongue of Sigismund's bell on the tower of Wawel Cathedral with your left hand is a tradition that, as they say, will definitely come true.
- Stepping into the Mihalik Pit for a cup of coffee means plunging into the atmosphere of Art Nouveau and Parisian chic, where you can enjoy conversations about art, poetry and theater while enjoying a Viennese breakfast. This Krakow establishment attracts theatergoers, fans of jazz and klezmer music, as well as film lovers.
Visiting Krakow with the help of the travel agency "TurPoisk" is a chance to immerse yourself deeper into the unique atmosphere of this magnificent city. Thanks to the professional approach and experience of managers, your trip will be as comfortable and memorable as possible. We will help you with searching for tours, choosing a hotel and transfer, and also selecting a vacation program that suits your preferences. Contact TurPoisk for quality service and an unforgettable vacation in Krakow.
