Back view of traveler woman walking on old Market Square in Krakow holding tourist map. (irinashatilova (123RF))
Heading to Krakow anytime soon? Here are the best places to go in Krakow, Poland.
One of my top places in Krakow is Kazimierz, located in the heart of Poland. It emerges as a captivating destination: weaving together a bit of history, culinary delights and vibrant street art. Furthermore, this area is so much fun in any season! I always wander the streets aimlessly pointing my camera at little details. Stepping into this district is akin to entering a time capsule!
You can feel the history of Kazimierz as it is subtly etched into its street facades. One of the focal points of Kazimierz is the Old Synagogue, a venerable structure that stands as a testament to the district’s cultural heritage. Visitors are beckoned into its hallowed halls, where I swear you can feel the echoes of prayers and the whispers of centuries past reverberate off the walls.
I found myself at Judah Street Food Market, one of the many food markets in the area that serve up delectable treats. The market is a mosaic of flavors, each stall narrating a unique story through its dishes. Here you will find Pierogi, Zapiekanki, Chimney Cakes, and even Asian food. I settled on Zapiekanki as I hadn’t had this in forever. The Zapiekanki food truck offers a whole menu with different toppings. I went with the classic version!
Places to go in Kazimierz (put these in Google Maps)
This is a must-visit when in Krakow. Wawel is a historic complex enveloped in tales of regal grandeur and architectural splendor. I grabbed an audio guide from the ticket sales counter and headed inside. Equally important, you aren’t allowed to take pictures of the inside of the Cathedral. However, you can take pictures of the Poets Crypt and the Bell Tower. These structures were constructed over several centuries. The castle and cathedral both boast remarkable Gothic and Renaissance elements and are imbued with a rich history. Ticket prices for entry into this cultural haven reflect the invaluable opportunity to traverse through the annals of Polish royalty, revealing a nominal fee that opens the doors to a treasure trove of historical significance.
At the heart of Wawel Cathedral, Sigismund’s Bell stands as a resounding symbol of the past. Cast in 1520, the bell bears intricate decorative motifs and inscriptions, narrating the story of its creation and the reign of King Sigismund I. Wawel serves as both an auditory and visual testament to the craftsmanship of its time, captivating those who dare to climb up narrow and uneven stairs. Once up to the top, there were beautiful views of the city!
The interiors of Wawel Cathedral offer a captivating journey through the artistic legacy of the region. Orthodox paintings, with their passive allure, adorn the sacred walls, depicting biblical scenes and saints in vibrant hues. Each painting tells a story. Each altar is a view into the past. Intricacies of the Cathedral’s history are unveiled as one explores the various chapels, crypts, and royal tombs within. The sepulchral grandeur of the Cathedral becomes a gateway to the historical continuum, linking past and present in an architectural embrace.
For the Castle
Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.
Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m. – 4:20 p.m.
Online tickets: check availability on the website here
For the Cathedral
Individual Tourists 23 PLN, Audio Guide Hire: 13 PLN
Since 1915, Podgórze been an important district of Krakow. This district is just south of Old Town Krakow and very easy to get to from Kazimierz. I chose to walk over Bernatka Bridge to get to Podgórze. This provided a beautiful view of the river. On a warm sunny day, this would have been a perfect walk. I recommend to grab a Bolt (or other taxi/car service) during the winter.
Podgórze district played an important role in trade to Hungary and Ruthenia salt transports. After the first partition of Poland in the 18th Century, the Vistula River became the state’s border. Podgórze fell to Austria! This was a period of dynamic development for Podgórze. The young city could be not only a competitor but also a partner for Krakow. Around the 20th century, Krakow was becoming a bustling city and needed to expand, and In 1915, Podgórze became part of Kraków. In the spring of 1941, the Nazis created a ghetto – a closed, walled district intended for people of Jewish origin.
Places to go in Podgórze (put these in Google Maps)
Nowa Huta, located in Kraków, Poland, is a district with a rich history shaped by its industrial past. Established in the aftermath of World War II, Nowa Huta was envisioned as a socialist ideal city. The centerpiece of the district is the monumental Central Square, surrounded by large, identical residential buildings, embodying the principles of socialist architecture and urban planning.
Despite its initial purpose as an industrial and ideological project, Nowa Huta has evolved over the years into a vibrant and diverse community. The district now boasts parks, cultural facilities and a mix of architectural styles. Its historical significance, combined with the transformation it has undergone, makes Nowa Huta a compelling area to explore, offering a glimpse into Poland’s complex past and the resilience of its people.
Check out Kimberly’s blog, Kimberly Kephart Travels, for more entertaining and informative articles.
