Top 5 Things to do in Krakow

Guestpost by Michal Kniec

Found in the 7^th century, Krakow has had a long and colorful past, gaining the reputation of being not only the jewel of Poland but also that of Europe.  Whether you are into uniquely Eastern European architecture or traditional cuisine, you can have it all if you know where to look, especially as planning a head can you save you a great deal of money and time. This is a list of the most popular activates you simply must try if you find yourself in this ancient Polish capital, guiding you along your journey through this beautiful city.

Wawel Castle

Places to Stay

Before you head out to explore the corridors of the city, the most important task is to find ideal lodging. Like many other large European cities, Krakow Hotels offer a great to choose from at an array of prices. Yet even with the strictest of categories the delightful chambers at the Cracawdays Apartments will most certainly live up to your expectations. Seen by many as the top place to stay in the city, it certainly doesn’t come with a top price tag, costing as low as £60 a night. The scenery and food are easily comparable with the best the city can offer, and the charming open kitchen service makes this hostel a truly great place to rest your weary head.

St Peter & Paul’s Church

The Castle

Possible the most recognizable building in the cities skyline is the Wavel Castle. A truly historic fortress that has its roots in the right of King Casmir III the Great, it had gone through a tremendous amount of renovations ad innovations stretching as far back as the 14^th century. There are many different buildings to see within the walls, each costing a different price. The Wavel Cathedral is popular and costs are £3 to climb all the way to the bell tower. There are also the staterooms to explore as well as a large cavern called the Dragon’s Den that was said to have housed a massive dragon.

Hotels in Krakow

The Main Square

Along with the castle, the main square is the postcard illustration of the city. Center of the combined ancient and modern urban market, it is completely flanked by 13^th century buildings. At its center is the Sukienne building that sells anything form polish sausages to beautiful renaissance masks. To its side is the dominating St. Mary’s Basilica where a trumpeter pays tribute, every hour on the hour, to a fellow musician that fell foul to an ancient arrow.

View in Krakow

Oskar Schindler’s Factory

Representing a dark, albeit very important, time in the nations past, visiting the factory that saved the lives of thousands of people is a must. Immortalized by the Steven Spielberg’s film, the museum, costing around £4, focuses on the atrocities committed during the Second World War and those heroes who helped put an end to it. It is a seldom reminder of the past as the roughly 2 hour tour takes you through old uniforms, peoples belongings, as well as a general survey of information about Schindler and those that were saved at the factory. A valuable history lesson, and a precursor to the Auschwitz concentration camp that rests on the outskirts of Krakow, it is a very important place to visit.

Places to Eat

Few places in Poland can compare with the eateries of Krakow, the best of which is the Wierzynek. Located at the center of the old town, this restaurant has quite a bit of pedigree as royalty has dined in it since the 13^th century. Noble air with reasonable prices, it specializes in an array of polish dishes that cost between £10 and £30. Attentive staff and a selection of exotic foods to die for, it is certainly not a restaurant to be missed.

Michal Kniec is a travel blogger and automotive news writer who I still somehow finds the time to study law. Apart from his love of anything historic, he enjoys writing, cooking, and traveling as much as possible on this pale blue dot.

 

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