Top Things to do in Krakow
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The 10 Best Points of Interest & Landmarks in Krakow, Southern Poland
Krakow is one of the most culturally and politically significant cities in Poland. It was the central site of the Nazi General Government during WWII, and there’s still a residual feeling of solemnity here that’s especially apparent during visits to the Plaszow Concentration Camp and the Oskar Schindler Factory. Both the Historic City Centre and the Jewish District are brimming with cafés, shops, and pubs, and the 10-acre Main Market Square is a medieval feast for the senses.
Restaurants in Krakow
1. St. Florian's Gate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,209 reviews
Encircling the Old Town district, this 14th-century gate and its four towers are the remnants of the city's fortifications, most of which were destroyed at the beginning of the nineteenth century.
2. St Mary's Basilica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,788 reviews
One of the most famous of Poland's churches, this Gothic structure features two striking towers of different heights and surprisingly richly decorated insight, mostly thanks to the vibrant polychromy by great Polish artist Jan Matejko. The greatest masterpiece is though the Main Altar by Veit Stoss - a late Gothic illustration for St. Mary's and Jesus life, including scenes of Mary's death and Assumption. Please note that the church, including Main Altar, is currently under long maintenance and renovation works, which may be of some inconvenience.
Reviewed By alexanderd59 - Lisbon, Portugal
A most beautiful church and during the Christmas market period sands out like a beacon ,we had seen the film of the beautifully carved alter backdrop that the nazis stole in 1940 and was found in Nuremberg after the war , it was repaired ,restored and placed back in the church ,the Krakow square is a magical place ,but below it is a fantastic museum , that shouldn’t be missed ,
3. Krakow's Rynek Glowny Central Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26,455 reviews
Huge 10-acre square, the largest in any of Europe's medieval cities, features the 16th-century Renaissance Cloth Hall and the splendid 14th-century Gothic Basilica of the Virgin Mary.
Reviewed By vickitD6053PZ - Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Lovely place to sit Nd people watch , with plenty of atmosphere lots of restaurants with outdoor seating, you can even take your pick and go for a horse and carriage ride or hire a segway or even a scooter, you will never get bored here and can return time after time
4. Ulica Kanonicza - Kanonicza Street
5. Ulica Florianska
6. Church of St. Peter and St. Paul
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,063 reviews
Reviewed By fozjon - Patna, India
this may well be the most beautiful church building in Krakow. Not only is the front of the building beautiful, but it has statues of the 12 apostles out front of it. There's much to see.
7. Benedictine Abbey of Tyniec
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By thomasozbun - Vicenza, Italy
I had been three times to the abbey, all with different means of transportation. Once by bus, once by bicycle and once on foot. The latter two options should be opted if you have time as it is a nice way to see the area. I decided to rent a bicycle and head to the nearby Abbey of Tyniec located at about 13km from Krakow city center. After crossing the Debniki bridge I got on the bike path running along the Vistula's banks and left the city. Biking along the countryside I had nice views across the river towards the Las Wolski woods where the Camaldolese monastery could be seen on the hilltop. Around 40 minutes later I eventually reached the Abbey of Tyniec. The abbey itself was founded during the 11th century, however, throughout the centuries it was destroyed several times, first my the Mongols in the 12th century then by the Swedish during the 17th century and eventually by the Russians in the 18th century. It was thus consequently reconstructed so it now mainly consists of different styles intermixed. The church itself is mostly Baroque, particularly in the interior, but Gothic traces can also be found particularly in the outer defensive walls and in the cloister. Before heading in, I decided, to head around the abbey; I left the bike on a patch of grass and walked through some bushes until I reached the bank of the Vistula river. From there I could clearly see the fortress-like structure of the Abbey built on top of solid white rock. After enjoying the sun and view I got back on the bike and rode uphill to the Abbey's entrance. I left the bike against a wall and walked inside. I first entered the church with its Baroque altar built by the Italian sculptor Francesco Placidi. Then I came outside once again and headed to the small shop owned by the monks, who by the way produce beer and even some wine. I bought a dark beer and cider which I then later savored at home. The view from the Abbey was really nice, with the Vistula flowing right below and fields all around.
8. Krakus Mound
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By tomj932 - London, United Kingdom
The Krakus mound is a perfect way to get a panoramic view of the city. A short walk away from the Kazimierz area in Podgórze. The walk itself is mostly uphill / steps and is not too strenuous however once you get to the top of the hill there is then the mound to climb. The views from the top of the hill themselves are fantastic and you can see the old town and down into the Liban Quarry with the remains of the Schindlers list set. The climb up the mound itself is a gravel slope circling the mound. There are no handrails and as such there is just the slope if you slip so be sure to wear shoes that you are comfortable in. The views from the top of the mound are brilliant and span the whole of Krakow. Catching the top of the mound at sunrise / sunset would be truly breathtaking. There are not many shops in the area so be sure to pack something to drink and maybe a snack to sit at the top and soak up the sights.
