Unusual places in Krakow. Must-see attractions in Krakow

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Krakow is deservedly considered the most beautiful Polish city. Its majestic architecture is impressive and its atmosphere is mesmerizing.

It’s better to start exploring the city and getting to know its main attractions with Barbican, which once served as a reliable means of protection from uninvited guests and the only entrance to the city.

From here you can walk along Royal Route, which will reveal to you the main historical and cultural attractions of the city and allow you to enjoy its grandeur.

We can safely call it the heart of the city Market Square, founded back in the 13th century. But this is not only one of the oldest, but also one of the largest European squares. Most of the buildings were built in the 14th-15th centuries and rebuilt in the 17th-18th. Thus, we can say that most of them bear quite a distinct imprint of bygone eras.

Here you need to pay attention to Town Hall Tower, St. Wojciech Church, Adam Mickiewicz Monument and Zbaraski Palace. And without a doubt, the most visited place in this square is Mariacki costal. The attention of all tourists is immediately attracted by the skyward tower of the church, from which a gilded pipe protrudes every hour, emitting wonderful sounds. True, the trumpeter never plays his melody to the end. This is due to a legend according to which, back in the 14th century, a trumpeter at his post noticed an approaching enemy and played an alarming melody. But he didn’t have time to finish the game, as he was killed by an enemy arrow. At the cost of his life, he managed to warn the townspeople about the impending danger. In memory of this event, the trumpeters still do not finish playing their melody to the end, reminding us of the beautiful legend.

At the other end of the square there is a high, 70-meter tower, the remains of the town hall that was once located here, which was burned down by lightning in the 17th century. It is noteworthy that the elements left their mark on the tower - it tilted from a strong blow. And despite the fact that it was strengthened on one side, you can notice its slight tilt.

A 100-meter building takes pride of place in the center of the square. shopping arcades(Sukennitsa), built back in the 14th century and completed with state halls and galleries in the 16th - 18th centuries. These days, the first floor of the gallery is occupied by small shops where you can buy all kinds of souvenirs. On the second floor there is a museum where Polish painting and sculpture are presented.

Walking along the streets of Krakow, it is impossible to pass by Jagiellonian University- the oldest and most authoritative higher education institution in all of Europe. Now here you can visit a museum whose exhibitions are dedicated to the history of the university, or simply wander around the courtyard of this powerful and respectable institution.

One of the most beautiful cathedrals in Krakow is considered to be the Jesuit Church, built in the Baroque style in the late 16th century - early 17th century as a gift from the Polish king. In front of the temple there are figures of the 12 apostles, and the facade of the cathedral simply amazes with its grace and luxury.

It is impossible to get to know Krakow without visiting its Royal Palace - Wawel. After all, this is not just a palace - it is a real architectural ensemble that has survived many owners, each of whom left their own, unique mark here. During the tour you will probably be shown Sigmund's Chapel, which contains a huge bell, which, according to legend, you can look at only once, without forgetting to make a wish.

There is also a magnificent Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas, at the entrance to which hang mammoth bones, bringing good luck and happiness to the city. This temple also houses the tomb of the Polish kings, as well as the famous Altar of the Fatherland, to which all the monarchs at different times brought their war trophies.

At Wawel Palace you can not only admire evidence of Krakow's historical past, but also simply walk around enjoying the beautiful view or sit on a bench on the platform, which offers an unrivaled view of the Vistula and the city itself.

There is a picturesque park ring around the Old Town - Plants, where you can feel an unforgettable atmosphere of peace and romance.

If you have time, you can visit Kazimierz- a Jewish city that was once a Krakow suburb. It was here that the world famous film "Schindler's List" was filmed. There are also two amazing cathedrals in Kazimierz: Church of St. Catherine And Church of the Corpus Christi, which houses the famous painting “The Adoration of the Magi” by Tomasso Dolabella, who was the court artist of the Polish king Sigmund III.

Krakow boasts many interesting museums, among which we can highlight Krakow National Museum, Archaeological Museum, Czartoryski Museum of Art and Photography Museum.

In general, I would like to note that Krakow is essentially a real museum under open air, where every building, especially when it comes to the Old Town, has its own unique and fascinating centuries-old history. This is simply a unique, masterpiece place that is definitely worth a visit!

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The beautiful Warsaw was not always the capital of Poland, for more than 300 years (XIV-XVII centuries), the capital was rightfully Krakow, where the Royal Route is still the main attraction. From the 10th century until the 16th century, all Polish kings passed along this road on their way to their Royal Castle on Wawel.

At the very beginning of this road is Matejki Square, famous for that that the Church of St. is located here. Floriana, built in the 14th century. Be sure to listen to the legend from local residents about why construction of the temple began in this particular place. By the way, in 1945-1951, the late Pope John Paul II served as vicar here in the church.

To imagine a medieval city, this will help you watchtower The Barbican, which stands in front of the fortress walls, erected in 1498-1499. The tower is located at Basztowa Street, Planty. Also take a walk along the defensive walls and the city arsenal (ul. Pijarska).

On Mariatskaya Square. 5 (Pl. Mariacki 5) stands the famous Cathedral of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Mary. It is famous for its perhaps the largest Gothic altar in Western Europe. The altar is truly impressive not only for its size, but also for its very rich decoration and framing.

No less beautiful is the Jesuit Church, with statues of the twelve apostles, located at st. Grodskaya 64

(ul. Grodzka 64).

All of the above attractions are just a small part of everything valuable that is located on this tract.

Don't forget to also visit the Czartoryski Museum - St. St. Jana (Sw. Jana). The most famous and wealthy Czartoryski family lived in the house where the museum is now located. Here, in addition to other exhibits on public display, there are paintings by Leonardo da Vinci “Lady with an Ermine” and Rembrandt “Landscape with a Good Samaritan”.

The next exhibit, along the way, but not least, is Wawel Castle, which includes the royal palace and cathedral. In the Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas, in one of the towers there is the largest bell in the country, Sigismund.

After you get acquainted with the historical monuments of the city, you can also visit the botanical garden (Botaniczna) or the zoo, located at Tadeusza Kostuszki street.

Fans of more active recreation will find the largest water park in Poland, the pride of which is the longest slide in Europe, the descent time of which is almost 3 minutes. The address of this entertainment center is ul. Dobrego Pasterza 126.

Getting to Krakow is very easy because it is large city with its own airport (planes fly even to New York) located in close proximity (11 km) and a railway station from which trains depart to almost all large cities in Europe, both Western and Eastern.

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All attractions in Krakow are related to architecture and culture, so you need to be prepared for a long walking around the city.

The first thing you should definitely visit in this city is the Main Market Square (Rynok Glavna). There are ancient shopping arcades on it, which were once a museum, but have now returned to their original function - the Cloth Hall, several churches, a monument to a lost head and stunningly beautiful residential buildings.

From the Market Square, walk down the street, where all the other attractions are concentrated: monuments, buildings and churches, of which there are a great many in Krakow, since the city is Catholic and pious. This way you can walk to Wawel Castle, which is located on the banks of the Vistula. Below you can see a monument to the dragon Smaug, spitting out flames, and at the top the castle itself, which, as usual, has its own church, a courtyard, a monument on which the palace complex can be seen in miniature, several towers, Smaug’s cave and a gallery in which you can see Leonardo da Vinci's painting "Lady with an Ermine".

In addition, the neighborhoods on the other side of the Old Town are also of interest: Dodguzhe, where there is the Krakus mound, and Nowa Huta - a sort of proletarian part of the city.

There is also a Jewish quarter in Krakow - Kazimierz. It contains synagogues and Jewish centers, where you can get acquainted with the history of the Jews of Krakow and see objects of Jewish life.

The main museum of Krakow is National Museum, located near the Cracovia stadium. As a rule, it houses 4-5 exhibitions at once: three permanent ones related to the history of Poland and Krakow, and several imported ones (this can be anything from photographs to modern installations). The museum is open one day a week for free, and is closed on Monday.

In addition, in Krakow there are biographical museums of Polish artists, museums of history, archeology, geology, ethnography and even Japanese art; usually they also provide the opportunity to view the exhibition for free once a week.

If you are traveling to Krakow with children, then the Krakow Zoo should be included in the compulsory program. It is located in the forest, outside the city, but you can easily get there by bus from the city center. The zoo is small, but very good, a visit will take no more than three hours, tickets cost 250 rubles, children's and student tickets are cheaper.

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It’s best to start exploring Krakow from the Main Market Square. Here you will find holiness (the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Church of St. Wojciech), and power (Town Hall Tower), and national cuisine. Of the more than 30 cafes and restaurants, Europejska is worth visiting: the interior is in the style of secession, early breakfasts, a cafe from the venerable Kelleran factory. One of the best cheesecakes in Galicia is prepared here.

From morning to evening, something is happening at the Main Market. In between church processions, processions, performances of theater and circus troupes, concerts of rock stars, street guitarists and folk orchestras, dancing Krakow, it is customary here to chat with the sellers of fair stalls, feast on salted pretzels, and feed pigeons with grain purchased on the spot.

The Cloth Hall, an imposing building in the center of the square, has been the center of Krakow's trade for several centuries. True, now the assortment of cloth is a rarity; mostly they offer souvenirs that are more familiar to any tourist. The purchase and sale takes place in the Cloth Hall in a solemn historical atmosphere: on the stone vaults, above the trading pavilions, old coats of arms of Polish cities are placed.

The best art collection in Krakow is the Czartoryski Museum, where the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci “Lady with an Ermine” is exhibited. But this exhibition is in no way inferior to the holdings of the Gallery of Polish Art of the 19th Century, the halls of which are located on the second floor of the Cloth Hall.

At the end of the 18th century, Galicia, of which the Poles consider Krakow to be the capital, fell under Habsburg rule. Austro-Hungarian traditions are preserved to this day by the Hawelka restaurant on the Main Market Square. It traces its history back to Antoni Havelka's grocery store, which was converted into a beer hall in 1913. Now everything here is the same as under Emperor Franz Joseph.

It is a long-standing Polish tradition to build earthen mounds in memory of great patriots and great events. There are four such mounds in the vicinity of Krakow, and the tallest one was created in honor of Tadeusz Kosciuszko, a general, leader of uprisings, participant in revolutions and wars of liberation in the USA, France and Poland. The height of the mound is 35 meters. It was poured in the 1820s after the death of the hero in exile.

Since 1320 and for four centuries, Polish monarchs have been crowned on Wawel Hill. The most famous of them, as well as heroes of modern times (from Chopin to Pilsudski), are buried in the crypts of the Cathedral of Saints Wenceslas and Stanislaus. Wawel Castle was built and rebuilt over several centuries, and now its halls and corridors display rich collections of paintings and tapestries, church relics and state regalia, jewelry and weapons, palace utensils and other things. The cathedral is also proud of the relics of St. Stanislaus, whose silver sarcophagus is decorated with scenes from the life of the preacher. The 13-ton Sigismund Bell has been ringing from the Sigismund Tower for 500 years.

The four-kilometer ring of boulevards with the general name Planty, arranged along the line of the former city walls, is a pleasant park with many flower beds and all kinds of monuments. The boulevards were covered with a wide ribbon Old town almost in a circular siege. Not much of the defensive structures has survived. Most noteworthy is the fortification of the Barbican. Above its northern entrance is a white eagle, the coat of arms of Poland. Above the south, from the side of St. Florian's Gate, is an image of this important righteous man for Krakow.

Next to the monument to the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Grunwald, celebrating the victory of the Polish-Lithuanian army under the command of King Władysław Jagiello over the knights Teutonic Order, - an excellent restaurant of national Polish cuisine, Jarema, with a delicious menu: pickled herring, red borscht with sorcerers (a type of dumplings) and bigos (lazy cabbage rolls). The best local beer is Zywiec.

The former Polish capital and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, which, by the way, is included in the list world heritage UNESCO, the city of Krakow annually receives hundreds of thousands of tourists. Belarusians are also frequent guests of the city. In this article we will tell you about the most famous places in Krakow that you must see during your trip.

Krakow was once the capital of the Republic of Poland. There is an opinion that it is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Since it dates back to ancient times, Krakow is famous for its history. Tourists often come to it, because there are many attractions worth seeing.

Picturesque places and ancient architecture fascinate tourists. I want to come here again and again to feel the historical atmosphere.

Market Square

The first place to visit is the market square. Even though sales are in full swing here, there is still something to see. At one time the market area was much smaller. Over time, it was expanded, the population increased, and, accordingly, the number of trading tents increased.

On the market square you can buy any product at your discretion. It is noteworthy in that its size is included in the list of one of the largest squares in Europe. Plus, there are many fascinating buildings and establishments around the market that are worth checking out.

Wawel Castle

It is considered a symbol of Poland. The castle is an architectural complex that is visited by tourists from all over the world. In front of the main entrance stands the Coat of Arms Gate. They are distinguished by their sophistication.

In front of the main entrance to the castle there is a bronze monument dedicated to the national Polish hero. It was he who organized the uprising back in 1794. The hero's name was Tadeusz Kosciuszko.

Wawel Cathedral

In the courtyard there is a temple in memory of the holy martyrs Svyatoslav and Wenceslas. It is periodically restored and today it contains several styles. These are Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance.

In the courtyard you can see many interesting and ancient buildings that have been preserved since 975. As you can see, Wawel Castle must be visited at least once in your life.

The interior of the cathedral is distinguished by sophistication and luxury. There is the Mausoleum of St. Stanislaus and many other wonderful sights to see.

Bishops' Palace

Since 1944, John Paul II lived in this building. He became an archbishop in 1978, when he was elected by the Pope. The building itself looks outdated, although it is periodically restored, and near the entrance there is a monument to John, which is surrounded by bushes of amazing beauty and to this day they do not forget to look after it.

There is a museum in the palace. You can see the legacy of the Pope in it. There are various exhibitions, ancient paintings and several sculptures. All this was once brought as a gift.

Kazimierz

There is a wonderful Jewish district in Krakow called Kazimierz. This quarter has its own culture, religion and architecture. Kazemierz is the highlight of Krakow. It turns out to be a different civilization in one city.

When a tourist enters this quarter, a change in religion is immediately felt. There are no longer Catholic cathedrals here, but synagogues. Tourists will be interested to see this unique and original area.

Plants

Krakow is famous not only for its ancient architecture. The city also has many beautiful picturesque parks. There is an opinion that Planty is the most beautiful, vibrant place to relax. When you walk along the path, the aroma is amazing. Birds sing, deciduous trees seem to invite you to listen to the sounds of nature.

Not only friends, but also residents of the country come to Planty on vacation. After all, it’s worth seeing the beautiful landscapes and breathing in the clean air. You can come here at any time of the year, as it is beautiful here in any weather.

St. Mary's Cathedral

This is the main thing holy place in Krakow. Back in the XIV century. began to erect. True, its construction was completed only half a century later. The cathedral has two large towers that look royal. One of them has a golden crown and a high spire on top. There is a helmet on the other tower.

The interior of the cathedral delights not only tourists, but also residents of the country. After all, the building looks like an ancient castle. Paintings, sculptures and stained glass windows make you visit this attraction again and again.

Town Hall Tower

Every city has a town hall and Krakow is no exception. Once upon a time, it was here that the rulers of the city met. Now the town hall is gone, but only the tower remains, which has become one of the most beautiful landmarks of the city.

Near the entrance to the building sit two huge lions made of stone. If you go to the second floor, then you can see many artifacts. They were the ones that once belonged to the Polish government. Now these are only antiques that are of great value to the citizens of the country.

But in the basement there is a treasury and a theater. Their guides recommend visiting them first. After all, what you saw cannot be described in words, the beauty is so breathtaking.

Bastion Barbican

This is the cultural and historical value of the country. The Bastion is a must-see for every tourist. This building stands in memory of the fortified defensive structure. After all, it was from this point that they shot at the enemy and defended the city. The Barbican is the symbol of Krakow, and it is the one depicted on the coat of arms of the city of Krakow.

Any citizen can visit the Barbican. Inside, tourists will see exhibitions and learn a little history from them. A tourist should visit here, since he will not see such an attraction anywhere else.

Who doesn't love shopping? Of course, tourists will be happy to go shopping and buy a few souvenirs as a souvenir. So, the Krakow Gallery is what visitors need. There are a lot of stores (more than 100) of well-known brands in Europe. Moreover, if you take into account permanent discounts, and not just seasonal ones, you can profitably buy both a souvenir and a more expensive item in the form of clothing.

There are so many cafes and restaurants here that guests of the city never dreamed of. Therefore, while walking around the shops, you can safely go to any cafe you like and have a snack. The prices are quite reasonable. There are also several studios and even a cinema. As you can see, there are a lot of interesting things in one place.

The gallery differs from other well-known stores in that there are many sellers who are fluent in Russian. This is a nice bonus for tourists. Near the gallery there are many public gardens and a central square where you can take a break from shopping and unwind.

What to see in Krakow in one day

It's nice to know that Krakow is quite small town and the main attractions can be seen in one day. Moreover, this applies to those people who are passing through the city.

We need to start from the center of Krakow. The most interesting and fascinating places are collected here. For example, Stare Myasto and the market square. Here you can linger a little and buy yourself something interesting as a souvenir.

There is St. Mary's Church on the square; a trip there will not take much time. Then you can visit the Jagiellonian University. Afterwards you should definitely visit the museum called Czartoryski.

A little further from the market square is the National Museum, which preserves the history of the city. There are 11 halls and almost 1000 antiques and art objects. You can spend a lot of time here, so it's best to see the most famous and fascinating antiquities.

You can also visit the Bishops' Palace and see the beauty of the Florian Gate. Not far from the castle is the Kazemiž district. This is an interesting place because you immediately find yourself in a different religion and culture. It feels like there is a completely different country in this area, not Poland. Moreover, here citizens also lead a different life, which is very different from the Polish one.

Krakow Meadow is a beautiful and large area, and once upon a time there was a very ordinary pasture. Here you can relax after your trip and have a snack. Citizens walk here, especially in the evenings. After all, the air in this place is special and you can feel a friendly, calm atmosphere.

Plus, there are many restaurants in Krakow with reasonable prices. Therefore, after a grueling hard day, you can just go and relax, even if you drink a cup of tea.

What to see in the vicinity of Krakow

If you have seen everything interesting in the city, then you can go to other beautiful places. For example, in State Museum, which is called Auschwitz-Birkenau. It is located in the western part of Krakow, where the drive is about 60 km.

This museum is also called a death camp. Once upon a time, more than 2 million citizens were killed here. Not every tourist dares to come here. Unless he doesn’t know the true name of the museum.

The Wieliczka Salt Mines are underground corridors, or rather labyrinths, where there are many sculptures, and they are made of rock salt. Tourists can walk no more than 2 km. But this is enough to get tired.

Near Krakow there is an architectural and park area where monasteries and national park. It is very beautiful here and you can just relax and unwind. Because the air and nature are wonderful.

The Niedzica Fortress is another attraction, but it is located a little far from Krakow. Approximately about 100 km. Here you can take wonderful pictures not only against the backdrop of the fortress, but also in nature.

You can also go to a park called Tatransky. It is located in the southern part of Krakow. Here you can see the real mountain peak, caves, glacial lakes birch and fir forests.

The reserve is also located near Krakow. It is also called Babiegursky Park. There are deciduous and coniferous forests, as well as many species of birds (more than 100). Tourists will also be able to see wild animals that do not rush at people, but go about their business. And many species of mammals live in these areas. Citizens who visit the reserve will never forget this amazing and beautiful world.

Any place can be reached either by bus or by train. Difference in ticket prices. Moreover, transport only runs on schedule. If you are late for it, you may have to wait a long time for your transport.

Since bus and railway stations operate 24 hours a day, you can purchase round-trip tickets in advance. Then citizens can have a specific time.

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Krakow (Poland) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Krakow with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Krakow (Poland)

Krakow is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Poland, located in its south on the banks of the Vistula River. This is the former capital of the Polish kingdom, historical heritage which survived the firestorm of World War II, and the historical center is included in the UNESCO list. Krakow impresses with its unique architecture and ancient landmarks, which are closely connected with the history of Poland and are of great importance for the Polish people: the legendary Wawel, the Main Market and St. Mary's Church, Florian's Gate and the Barbican.

Krakow is a city with a rich history, the former capital of Poland (in the 14th-17th centuries) and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Until the 18th century, Polish kings were crowned here. Despite all the disasters that Poland experienced in the 20th century, including World War II, Krakow has remained remarkably well preserved. Now Krakow is a modern city, with beautiful architecture and interesting traditions. It is often called magical, magical, the pearl of Poland. This is a city that you fall in love with immediately and forever.

Story

The city is conveniently located on the river. Vistula. It is at this point that the river becomes navigable, which played a big role in the development of Krakow. The first mention of a settlement on this site dates back to the 10th century. Archaeological research has shown that already in the 11th century there was a fortification of the Slavic Vistula tribe here. During the appanage era, many Germans settled in the city.

The rise of Krakow over other Polish cities began in the 14th century. At the end of the 14th century, the famous Jagiello was crowned here. In the era of his descendants, the importance of Krakow is increasingly increasing, and the city is rapidly becoming richer. The population already then numbered about 100 thousand people.

In 1610, the capital of Poland was moved to Warsaw, but until the 18th century, kings continued to be crowned in Krakow. The transfer of the capital to Warsaw and the wars led the city into decline. At the end of the 18th century, only 9.5 thousand people lived in Krakow.

In 1795, Krakow came under Austrian rule. From 1809 to 1815 it belonged to the Duchy of Warsaw. After the Napoleonic Wars, Krakow became a free city (an independent neutral republic). This had a beneficial effect on the city. Krakow recovered from past hardships and gradually regained its former glory. But the free city of Krakow did not last long. In 1846, according to the Vienna Agreement, Krakow was transferred to Austria.

Until 1918, Krakow was part of Austria-Hungary. In 1918, after the unification of Poland, the city again became Polish.

During the Second World War until 1945, Krakow was occupied by Germany. The city was liberated by Soviet troops on January 19, 1945. During the retreat, German troops wanted to blow up the city, but thanks to a joint operation of the Soviet and Polish armies, the city was preserved almost unscathed.

During socialism, Krakow's industrial importance increased and the city's population began to grow rapidly.

Now Krakow is the administrative center of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, the largest scientific, cultural, tourist and economic center of Poland. The city consists of an inner city and 7 suburbs.

Accommodation

Krakow offers a wide range of accommodation options for all groups of tourists. There are a huge number of hotels and hostels in the city. You can also find inexpensive apartments. Krakow is a very popular tourist destination, so you need to plan your accommodation in advance.

Kitchen and food

Krakow is an excellent place for gastronomic tourism, and there should be no problems with food here - restaurants with Polish and European cuisine, fast food, bars. Especially for you, we have marked interesting restaurants with Polish and regional cuisine on the map of Krakow. Their prices are slightly higher than average. If you know a cool restaurant, write in the comments!

Interesting regional dishes have also developed in Krakow:

• żurek po krakowsku - flour and bran soup with meat
• barszcz czerwony krakowski - Krakow borscht
• sułkowicka krzonówka - thick soup with meat, egg, herbs, horseradish
• pierogi łomniczańskie - dumplings or dumplings
• rosół polski - chicken soup
• kapuśniak z grzybami - cabbage soup with mushrooms
• strojcowskie zawijoki z ziemniaków - cabbage rolls with potatoes and mushrooms
• prażone – prażonki polańskie - fried potatoes with sausage, bacon, onions
• kaszana – kiszka z kapustą zasmażaną
• strząska - egg, bacon, sausages

Among traditional local products, pay attention to:

• Obwarzanek Krakowski - baked bagels
• Chleb prądnicki - black sourdough bread
• Bryndza podhalańska - feta cheese
• Oscypek - cheese
• Redykołk - cheese
• Suska sechlońska - dried fruits
• Kiełbasa lisiecka - sausage
• Jabłka łącki - local apples
• Karp zatorsk - carp
• Fasola Piękny Jaś z Doliny Dunajca / fasola z Doliny Dunajca - beans
• Jagnięcina podhalańsk - lamb
• cognac and plum brandy

Parks

Despite its old age, Krakow is a fairly green city. It is especially interesting that the historical center of the city is literally surrounded by green zones. On the map we marked several Krakow parks, a botanical garden and a zoo.

Krakow Zoo - contains more than 1,300 inhabitants, which belong to 270 species: giraffe, Przewalski's horse, pygmy hippopotamus, panda, snow leopard, Amur tiger, wolves, antelopes, chimpanzees, lemurs, Indian elephant, Humboldt penguins, etc. The zoo is located in a beautiful green area - Volsky forest. One of the favorite vacation spots of local residents.

Guide to Krakow - tourist routes and attractions on the map

The most interesting tourist routes around the pearl of Poland - Krakow with descriptions and maps.

Tourist route along the Royal Road

The Royal Road is a historical route that leads from the Florian Gate to royal castle Wawel. It was along this route that Polish kings passed when Krakow was the capital of Poland. Here you can see the main attractions of Krakow and enjoy its ancient architecture.

Guide "Krakow in 2-3 days"

If you come to Krakow for a few days, we offer a guide that includes all the main attractions of the city. Krakow is a city that you can get to know quickly, but always discover something new. Even such a short visit can bring a lot of impressions and a feeling of complete, genuine satisfaction. It should be noted that all the city’s attractions are located very compactly and you can see everything without haste. Another plus is that most of the historical center is closed to cars, which makes it easy to enjoy walking.

Tourist route through industrial Krakow (Podgorska)

Route through the old industrial district of Krakow - Podgorska. Formed at the end of the 18th century on the right bank of the Vistula, until 1915 it was a separate city with its own coat of arms, market and town hall. This is an industrial center where traders and artisans lived, factories and factories were built. During World War II there was a Jewish ghetto here.

Guide to the old streets

A route through the ancient streets of Krakow, famous since the 14th century, to experience the authentic atmosphere of the old city.

Sights of Krakow

The attractions of Krakow are concentrated in the historical center of the city - Stare Miasto, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Among all the ancient cities of Poland, Krakow was the only one that miraculously survived the Second World War. Therefore, it is very popular among tourists all over the world.

Historical center

The main wealth of Krakow is its historical center. It is here that the city's almost thousand-year history is reflected. Krakow's Old Town is a unique treasury of art, historical monuments and attractions that represent almost all architectural styles - from the Middle Ages to the present.

The center of the city for hundreds of years has been the Market Square (Main Market) - the largest medieval town square in Europe, which has remained unchanged since 1257. The Jagiellonian University is also located here - the oldest, after Prague, university in Central Europe.

Other famous place Krakow - Wawel. Former residence of Polish kings. Currently, Wawel Castle serves as a museum, with many interesting exhibitions on display in its 71 halls.

All this, as well as ancient streets, squares, churches and buildings create a special magical atmosphere in the city.

Main market

The main market is the old square of Krakow. It was built in the mid-13th century and is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. The buildings located along the perimeter of the square were built in the 14th and 15th centuries. Modern facades of houses are made in a classical style after numerous reconstructions of buildings in the 18th and 19th centuries. The historical center of Krakow is closed to traffic (except for public traffic and local residents' cars), so it is pleasant to walk here. There are many attractions in the Main Market and its surroundings - St. Mary's Church, Cloth Hall, Town Hall, Jagiellonian University, various monuments and sculptures.

Also pay attention to the monument to Adam Mickiewicz, the national poet of Poland. Behind the Cloth Hall building in the corner of the Main Market lies the Church of St. Wojciech - one of the oldest stone buildings in Krakow, whose history goes back 1000 years. The architecture of the church dates back to the beginning of Polish Romanesque architecture of the early Middle Ages.

From the Krakow City Hall, which was built in the 14th century, only a 70-meter tower with an observation deck remains. For a fee you can go up there and see a beautiful panorama of Old Krakow.

Near the town hall tower there is a sculpture Bound Eros, which symbolizes crazy, blind love that makes people lose their heads.

St. Mary's Church

St. Mary's Church or Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Krakow is the main cathedral of the city. Architectural style - Gothic. St. Mary's Church is the main architectural landmark of the Main Market and the most beautiful church in Krakow.

The first church in the Romanesque style was here in 1221-1222. It was destroyed during the Mongol-Tatar raids. In 1290-1300, an early Gothic temple was built on this site. In the mid-14th century, the modern presbytery was erected. At the end of the 14th century, as a result of reconstruction, the church turned from a hall church into a basilica (the church acquired its modern appearance).

In the first half of the 15th century, the side chapels were completed. In the mid-15th century, the church was damaged by an earthquake. At the end of the 15th century, St. Mary's Church acquired one of its main decorations - a sculptural masterpiece of late Gothic - the Great Altar - the creation of Vit Stwosz.

The façade of the church is decorated with two towers. The tall tower (also called Hejnalitsa) has a height of 82 m. It has a square shape in plan, turning into an octagon closer to the top. The tower is covered with a Gothic helmet made by Matthias Heringkan in 1478. The low tower, 69 m high, is the church bell tower. The plan is square in shape and has a clearly defined division into floors, emphasized by cornices and window openings. The tower houses the Renaissance chapel of the Conversion of St. Pavel.

The interior of the temple combines Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau styles. The presbytery is covered with a star vault, created by master Chipser in 1442. The capstones depict the coats of arms of Poland, Krakow and Bishop Ivo Odrowonz - the founder of the first stone St. Mary's Church. In the wall niches there are sculptures of the prophets Jeremiah, Daniel, David, Ezekiel, Jonah and Isaiah.

Cloth Hall (Polish: Sukiennice) is a building on the market square in Krakow. There used to be shopping malls here. Cultural monument of Lesser Poland Voivodeship. Cloth stalls begin their history in 1257, when King Bolesław V the Bashful built a double row of cloth trading establishments from stone in the middle of the market square.

In the middle of the 14th century, King Casimir III the Great built a new building of the cloth halls, which was in the Gothic style. This building burned down in 1555.

At the beginning of the 15th century, the cloth rows were rebuilt: the large hall of the cloth rows received an arched vault, the outer walls received a decorative attic with mascarons, and loggias with columns appeared.

From the Main Market Square you can go to Wawel along Grodzka Street. This is an old street in Krakow with beautiful architecture, the history of which dates back to the 13th century. It was part of the Royal Road, along which Polish kings passed on their way to Wawel. On Grodzka Street there is also a huge number of churches, among which stand out: the Church of the Holy Trinity (at Stolarska 12), the Church of St. Joseph (Poselska 21), Church of St. Peter and Paul (Grodzka 52A) and the Church of St. Idziego (Grodzka 67).

Wawel

Wawel (Polish: Wawel) is an architectural complex and the main attraction of Krakow. Located on a hill 228 meters high in the Stare Miasto district. The emergence and development of the city is associated with it.

For a long time it was the center of the entire Polish state. Polish kings were crowned here, and they were buried here. The main attractions of Wawel are the Royal Castle and the Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas - a beautiful 14th century Gothic cathedral in which the Queen of Poland, Saint Hedwiga, is buried. Cost of visiting Wawel - adults - 20 zlotys, children - 12 zlotys

Wawel is closed: January 1, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, November 1, November 11, December 24 and December 25. From November 1 to March 31, all exhibitions are closed on Mondays.

The Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas is a cathedral on Wawel Hill. The cathedral is Catholic. Previously, two other temples were located in its place. The first is the Church of St. Wenceslas was built in 1020 and destroyed by the Czech prince Břetislav in 1038. In 1142, there stood a three-nave church of the bishop and holy great martyr Stanislav Shchepanovsky, which was destroyed in 1305. Later, Bishop Nanker began to build a third, already Gothic temple.

The Church of Saints Stanislaus and Wenceslas has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. In 1399, the Queen of Poland, Saint Jadwiga, was buried here.

Florian Gate and Barbican

Florian's Gate (pol. Brama Floriańska w Krakowie) is a medieval gate with a tower located in the Old Town. They are the remains of ancient city walls. The Florian Gate has been mentioned since 1307. The royal road to Wawel began from here. The height of the gate tower is 34.5 m. Inside the gate there is an altar in the classicism style of the early 19th century.

A little further from the Florian Gate is the Basztę Pasamoników tower, built in the 15th century.

Barbican(Polish Barbakan) - historical and architectural monument. Previously, it was the northernmost part of the ancient fortress walls of the city. The Krakow Barbican was erected in 1498-1499 during the reign of the Polish king John I Olbracht. The Barbican was originally protected by the Florian Gate and was connected to it by a bridge. The Barbican had two gates, which were connected by a drawbridge placed over a moat filled with water.

Currently, the Barbican is used to host displays of various museum exhibitions, sports competitions, and historical reconstructions.

Kazimierz is the Jewish district of Krakow. One of the most mysterious places cities. Jews began to settle in Kazimierz as early as the 14th century.

Before World War II, Kazimierz was the center of Krakow's Jewish community. More than 64,000 Jews lived here.

Today Kazimierz is one of the most recognizable places in Krakow.This vibrant cultural and artistic district attracts those who want to experience the bohemian spirit. Here you will find originalcafes and famous art studios, galleries and shops.

What to see in Krakow in 1 and 2 days. Sights of the royal tract. Where is the best place to stay for the night and what is left in your plans for your next trip.

If you stop any Pole and ask “Where to go first in Poland,” you will certainly hear Krakow. This is the first thing that Polish residents have always advised us to do.

I highlighted the road to Krakow and other technical details (where to eat, exchange currency and rent budget accommodation) in a separate story -. Here I will give only a short excerpt.

How to get to Krakow

1. : those who are willing to pay 30 € can order a transfer to and you will be met with a sign at the arrivals area. For those traveling on a budget, I suggest using public transport. The ticket costs 4PLN. During the day, buses 208 and 252 go to the airport, and at night 902. Another option is the train, a ticket for which costs 9PLN.
2. From Warsaw: buses from the capital of Poland cost 20PLN on average. Current schedule and prices for all flights at once on the websites and. More details in the instructions.

Where to stay in Krakow

1. Hotels: First of all, I’ll tell you about two budget hotels in one of which I stayed. The first one has an ideal location near the old town and the train station. The second one is convenient if you are coming from the airport. At early booking a double room in these hotels costs 9-16 €, and if you use it you can get back about 10% of the room price.
2. Apartments: If you prefer apartments, then look on. Private housing provides the opportunity to cook and reduce costs. For those who will use Airbnb, I advise you to read about this service.

What to see in Krakow

I spent a little more than 2 days in Krakow, half of which was spent leisurely checking in and checking out of the hotel. Therefore, we will assume that it was only 2 days. I moved around the city by public transport, as well as on foot, and therefore I didn’t see everything I wanted.

For those who want to see more, I will offer three options to make your stay in Krakow more eventful.

1. If you are going to not only look at the sights but also go inside and visit museums, then you should think about purchasing. The card gives access to 40 museums and includes travel on public transport.
2. Buses are another option to get to know the city and see much more in less time, and during the trip listen to an audio guide in Russian.
3. Excursions with a Russian-speaking guide. It’s worth starting with the simplest one. If there is time left, the best solution would be to go to the city with a guided tour in English.

Sights of Krakow

The first photo taken in Krakow is the wide Pawia street, where it all begins. Behind me (on my right hand) is the road to the historical center, and right in front of me is a budget hotel from 9 €, which I wrote about above, but which did not have enough places on offer for me. Near the big one shopping mall and two train stations. As you can see, everything is concentrated in one place.

Having taken this photo immediately upon arrival in Krakow, we go to the bus stop public transport buy tickets from the machine. The menu was in Russian and there were no difficulties. We picked up a pack of tickets instead of a 48-hour pass, since we will only travel to the hotel for 9 € and back.

What to see in Krakow in 1 day

We arrived yesterday evening, so it was actually the 2nd day in the city, but we only started seeing the sights today. Below is a map of our route along the Royal Highway.

Matejko Square

The historical center and attractions of Krakow begin with Matejko Square and the monument to the Battle of Grunwald. This is also the beginning of the Royal Road. This is what all guides and guidebooks call the main tourist route around the city. In fact, it is just a central street that runs through the entire historical center and ends at the main attraction - Wawel Castle.

Jan Matejko is a Polish artist whose life was spent in Krakow. His paintings are about historical events, including the Battle of Grunwald.

Below is a photo of the same monument, but closer to get a better look at it.

The next attraction of Krakow, the Barbican, will remind you of its historical past. In the Middle Ages, the Barbican, together with the city walls, was used for the defense of the city. If you stand with your back to the Grunwald monument, which was in the photo above, then the Barbican will be right in front of you. Now it houses a branch of the Krakow Historical Museum. The ticket costs 8 zł.

The Barbican is located in the huge Planty Park. The park frames the old town. In the Middle Ages, in the place of this green ring there were city walls, and now there are trees.

Monument to Jan Matejko

In the same park there is a monument to Jan Matejko. It is located next to the Barbican.

Florian Gate

We entered the old city through the Florian Gate, as they did in the Middle Ages. There were several gates in Krakow; people entered and exited the city through them.

The Florian Gate and the Barbican are all that remain of the medieval walls. In the past they were combined into one. The gate is now separate from the Barbican and is located immediately behind it.

Florianskaya street

And here is the beginning of Florian Street, this is probably half of the Royal Road. It was on this street that Jan Matejko lived and worked. If you reach the end of the street, you will come out to the market square, it is visible in the photo.

Market Square

Market Square, and in the center there is a building called Cloth Hall. The name justifies itself only partially, since the entire first floor is filled with shopping arcades, but only cloth has not been sold here for many centuries.

The market on the square has survived to this day, as you can see there are stalls with flowers.

Town Hall Tower

All that remains of the Krakow Town Hall is its tower. There is a history museum inside the tower, and at the top observation deck. If you look at the photo below, it may seem that the tower is crooked. But in reality it is, it is slightly tilted.

St. Mary's Church

This is the main church of Krakow and its main symbol. The church can be seen on almost all magnets. Officially it is called the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

We returned to the square several times that day and more than once did not hear the “heinal”, which should sound every hour. It had to be performed by a trumpeter. But apparently he had a day off that day or something like that.

As for this melody, in the Middle Ages it was used to notify about a fire or an attack. I don’t know if this is true or not, but one day, the trumpeter on the tower was the first to notice the advance of the Tatars and notified the whole city about it with a signal melody. But he never managed to finish it, his throat was pierced by an enemy arrow. From that time on, the melody was interrupted precisely at the sound at which the death of the young trumpeter befell.

If you turn off the main road, you can wander through these streets of historical Krakow. Here you can find excellent cafes that will be several times cheaper than at central square and at the same time have a very tasty lunch.

We came across a sign for one of these cafes. As far as I remember, lunch with dessert cost less than 20 zlotys. Only part of it was preserved in the photo.

After lunch we returned to the center and walked around a bit more, taking pictures of local attractions.

This is the street with tram tracks that ends the historical center and the Royal Road. An ordinary residential city begins here. From this place you can very conveniently go to the “Schindrer Factory” for those who want to escape from the historical beauty and get into the theme of the Second World War and genocide.

We didn’t go to the factory so as not to spoil the bright impressions of the city. It would probably be wise to devote a separate visit to this dark topic. On this visit you can take a look, and then, to consolidate this gloomy theme, go to, which is not so far from Krakow.

What to see in Krakow in 2 days

On the second day we walked around the Old Town along the perimeter, somewhere on the inside, somewhere on the outside.

Having entered the “Old Place” along the same royal road, we immediately turned off from it and headed towards the Juliusz Słowacki Theater.

Only on the second day did we notice that the corners of many buildings were decorated with figures of Catholic saints. Yesterday there was a lot of interesting things and these statues were simply not noticed.

Holidays in Poland can bring you a lot of bright unforgettable impressions. However, not all of our compatriots know which attractions in Krakow deserve special attention. But this one amazing city is replete with places, the acquaintance with which will become an important event in your life. Moreover, these places are especially interesting for children and young people who are distinguished by curiosity, a lively mind and a developed imagination. Most bus tours to Europe include a visit to Krakow.

Krakow is one of the most visited cities in Poland and is often included in itineraries bus tours, it is located near the Ukrainian border. Many tourists have already visited it, looked at the Market Square, the majestic Wawel and listened to the trumpeter play near the St. Mary's Church. Sometimes they visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Most travelers think that this is where the list of things to do in Krakow ends. However, this is far from the case! Let us tell you what to see in Krakow, offering the five most striking and unusual attractions of this city.

Stanislaw Lem Experiment Park

The Stanislav Lem Experiment Park is a unique educational facility for children of all ages. Here, on an area of ​​6 hectares, you can see many interesting exhibitions, educational equipment, structures and models that allow you to experimentally study physics and other natural sciences. School-age children simply love this place.

Dinosaur Park "Zatorland"

When listing the main attractions of Krakow and the surrounding area, it is impossible to ignore this park, located on Parkowa Street. The Zatorland dinosaur park is ideal for families with children, as it allows you to travel back hundreds of millions of years and look into the world of giant dinosaurs. In Zatorland Park you can admire exotic relict trees, real skeletons and movable models of dinosaurs, and also visit the Museum of Skeletons and Fossils. A holiday here will be remembered for a long time by all members of your family.

Amusement park "Energy Land"

Don't know where to go in Krakow with children? Then visit the most big park attractions in Poland! The Energy Land amusement park is located in the city of Zator, which is located in close proximity to Krakow. Here, on an area of ​​30 hectares, you can find a wide variety of attractions for adults and children. In addition, the park has many cozy cafes and restaurants, 7D cinema, as well as other interesting entertainment.

Polish Aviation Museum

The Polish Aviation Museum is a clear indication that Krakow's interesting places can be very diverse. By visiting here, you will learn everything about the specifics of the development of aviation technology, and see more than 150 interesting models of gliders, helicopters and airplanes. In addition, this museum contains a unique collection of engines, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.

When you've had enough of museums and amusement parks in Krakow, be sure to visit the Barbican Fortress, which is located in the city center, north of Rynok Square. This is a defensive structure designed to strengthen the city gates, which was built back in the 16th century. The fortress is a very interesting historical monument, and inside it there is a small museum, which is also worth a visit for tourists.

Of course, this is not the entire list of entertainment. You can also visit the popular water park Park Wodny, the zoo, and the Anikino children's play park.

As you can see, a holiday in Krakow can bring you a lot of positive emotions and new impressions. Poland is generally ideal for tourists traveling with children. You can get here from Ukraine by bus, train or your own car. Moreover, the trip will not cost much, because prices in Poland are much lower than in Western European countries with the same good quality of service.