Things To DoThings To Do
Main Market SquareMain Market Square
Rynek Główny 1, Kraków, Poland The Main Square, also known as Main Market Square, is the biggest Medieval plaza in Europe. Its 40,000 square meters are truly astonishing. Designed in 1257, it's considered Kraków’s city center and has an important historical, cultural and social significance. It is worth exploring both during the day and at nighttime, where you’ll enjoy it's lively atmosphere and it's charming open-air bars and restaurants. At nighttime, the buildings flanking the square and the Cloth Hall are beautifully lit up. It is considered by many as one of the most romantic corners of Kraków. If you visit the square just before the hour changes, you’ll enjoy St. Mary’s Church hourly bugle call or “Hejnal Mariacki” in Polish.
Zamek Królewski na Wawelu – Państwowe Zbiory SztukiZamek Królewski na Wawelu – Państwowe Zbiory Sztuki
The Wawel Royal Castle and the Wawel Hill constitute the most historically and culturally important site in Poland. For centuries the residence of the kings of Poland and the symbol of Polish statehood, the Castle is now one of the country's premier art museums. Kraków used to be the capital of the country, and the centuries when it was, Poland was a magnificent empire stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. In the cathedral (separate tickets from the castle), see all the artistic graves, climb the bell tower, and count all the different architectural styles you can find in each side chapel. In the castle: take the State Room tour (the best) and any other exhibition that interests you. Make sure to find the Wawel dragon, which still spits out fire!
Kopalnia Soli „Wieliczka”Kopalnia Soli „Wieliczka”
The Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour is definitely worth visiting. It is a fascinating and unique attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into Poland's rich history and culture. This mine was in operation from the 13th Century, up until 1996. It is full of ramparts, sculptures, art, cafe, cathedrals, multiple chapels, a Museum and even a lake! In the 13th century, Salt was better than a Gold Mine. Salt is the flavor of life and everyone needed some of it for treating fish so they would keep, flavoring foods, and so many other uses. Naturally these mines were run by nobles, so be sure to stop by the Wieliczka Castle nearby on your way out. Because it has been mined, it was mined for so many centuries, there are a lot of residual tunnels. These residual tunnels are what the tourists get to walk through and what make up the cathedrals, statues and so forth.
Restaurants and barsRestaurants and bars
There are several bars, restaurants, and clubs in and around the pedestrian streets off of the main square; feel free to explore on your own or try one of these options: Szara Gęś - classic, sophisticated, modern. Copernicus, Szara, and Wesele - upscale polish restaurants, each with a modern twist. Goscina Chata & Morskie Oko - cozy restaurants with original traditional polish dishes Wierzynek - the oldest restaurant in Kraków and one of the oldest in Europe Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa – shot bar - perfect for a casual, quick stop before going out. Charlotte, Miedzymiastowa, Dym, and Loch Camelot - all charming restaurants for brunch Boskaiola and Boccanera - if you are craving Italian food while in Poland Babcia Malina - Get a taste of the polish countryside. Casual options with self service. Mercy Brown – speakeasy bar in Krakow. Burlesque shows. Reservations recommended.