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7 Unmissable Things To Do In Krakow

7 Unmissable Things To Do In Krakow

James Wan | | 4 minutes Read
Europe

Over the past decade, Krakow has slowly gained a reputation for being the top city in Poland to visit, next to the obvious Polish capital, Warsaw. This is for good reason as people are beginning to see that there are some amazing things to do in Krakow.

These are the seven unmissable things to do in Krakow.

The best things to do in Krakow

1. Stroll around the Main Square

For the world’s largest medieval Market Square, you’ll find that in Krakow. The Main Square is the centre of Old Town and has a vibrant atmosphere with fantastic architecture.

Come to this Main Square to feel the energetic presence of Old Town Krakow.

Main Square Krakow

2. Visit St. Mary’s Basilica

Not too far from the Main Square is St. Mary’s Basilica. This Gothic-style basilica was built in 1347 and it’s most prominent architectural features include two towers of different styles and different heights as well.

You need to visit this basilica and admire its intricate architecture and Gothic design.

St. Mary's Basilica Krakow

3. Tour the Wieliczka Salt Mines

The Wieliczka Salt Mines was where miners were able to extract valuable rock salt right underneath the city. Today, it serves as one of Krakow’s biggest tourist attractions and features a beautiful chapel deep inside this salt mine!

If there is one place you must visit in Krakow, let it be the Wieliczka Salt Mines!

Wieliczka Salt Mines

4. See Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

A short trip just outside of Krakow, is the a visit to the sombre Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. A tribute to the 1.1 million lives lost during World War II, this Memorial and Museum teaches visitors about the impact of concentration camps as an important yet brutal piece of history.

This Memorial and Museum may not be for everyone, but serves as an important reminder of the deadly impact of war.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Krakow

5. Check out Wawel Castle

Wawel Castle was once the home of the King of Poland from the 13th to 17th century. Today, Wawel Castle has been transformed into a national museum that showcases the lavish lifestyle the King and monarchy lived in.

One of the coolest artefacts on display here is the Szczerbiec, the coronation sword used for every king from 1320-1764!

Wawel Castle Krakow

6. Go see Wawel Cathedral

Wawel Cathedral is one of Poland’s most revered and important monuments and was completed in the 14th century. This cathedral is where the coronation of Polish monarchs took place.

Check out the Wawel Cathedral to pay your respects to past Polish kings and to admire this beautiful structure.

Wawel Cathedral Krakow

7. Walk around Rynek Underground

Rynek Underground is a museum directly underneath the Main Square. This museum is an accurate depiction of what life in Old Town Krakow was like some 700 years ago. In this museum there are many artefacts on display and includes over 6,000 square metres of galleries, artefacts, electronic displays, and reconstructions of workshops, to name a few.

Come and see how life was like in Krakow over 700 years ago in this underground gem of an attraction.

Rynek Underground Krakow

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James Wan Photo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, James has always had an inquisitive nature and traveling is now his biggest passion. His biggest thrills are visiting places he's never been to and exploring different cultures. James counts Athens, Tokyo, and Rome as the top three places he's visited.

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