Coming to Krakow for the first time and looking for some cool inspirations? Read our short guidebook and check out the best attractions, as well as bars, restaurants or clubs to hang out with friends.
Rynek Główny (Main Square)
Start from the must-see for every traveller. The heart of Krakow’s old town enchants everyone with its ornate townhouses, impressive, historic Cloth Hall and really central building, which is the Town Hall. Along with its Tower, it constitutes one of Krakow’s symbols, just like Wawel and its Dragon. Next to the Main Square you will find St. Mary’s Basilica with its stunning Veit Stoss’ Gothic Altar. Below the Main Square’s surface, you can find one of the coolest museums in Krakow. The Museum of Krakow’s history is a hi-tech, fully interactive cultural spot, which will amuse both older tourists, as well as the youngest ones.
Kazimierz
Beautifully revitalized, the historic Jewish quarter didn’t have the best opinion a few decades ago. Now, thanks to various investments, Kazimierz became one of the most bustling areas in the city, maintaining its cool, bohemian vibe at the same time. Take a walk from the Main Square, going through picturesque Planty Garden, which constitute an oasis of calm for the citizens and students. Once in Kazimierz, you have to visit Szeroka street, the former main drag of Jewish Kraków. Now it is packed with restaurants, bars and cafes, which bring wonderful vividness to the area. It is the place, where you can find two major synagogues – Remuh Synagogue and the Old Synagogue.
Wawel
Every visit to Krakow shall sooner or late lead to Wawel. Prepare for a longer sightseeing tour here, as it is the repository of Polish art and history. On spot, you can focus on royal chambers or Wawel Cathedral or visit both. The Castle encompasses several permanent exhibitions and seasonal attractions. After a condensed lesson of Polish history you’re ready to stand eyeball to eyeball with te famous Wawel’s Dragon, breathing with fire every five minutes. Afterwards, you can relax a bit, admiring the marvelous panorama of the city, unfolding from the castle’s hill.
Nowa Huta
Once planned to be a masterpiece of the Socialist architectural thought, Nowa Huta district was designed from scratch in 1949 by the government. Assumedly, it was aimed to be a fully sustainable “town within the town”, providing large employment in the industrial sector along with all the amenities inhabitants may need (schools, clinics, restaurants, post offices etc.) For sure it is worth to see Sendzimir Huta – one of Krakow’s biggest industrial attractions and the second largest steelwork in Poland, operating since 1954. You shall also visit Lord’s Ark Church, built in 1977, named after ark-resembling shape.
Axe Throwing Club
Last, but not least, one of the hottest attractions in Krakow, enjoyable even when it rains outside (here’s the magic trick). Bad Axe throwing club, located in the heart of the city (Basztowa 10). A great way to spend time with your friends and check out who has the best accuracy or simply shift off the pressure and relax solo after a tiring day. On spot, you can count on some refreshments and take a commemorative photo in a Viking’s suit.
