17 FANTASTIC THINGS TO DO IN KRAKOW

 

Krakow isn't the kind of destination that would make it to your top 10 of must-see places, let's admit it. It may not seem fabulous enough or worth putting it in your bucket list - I won't blame you for thinking like this, I did so too. Until a trip to the city changed completely my mind.
 

Truth is, there are many exciting things to do during your stay - I experienced 20 awesome Krakow Moments and captured them on my Instagram account for you to check out. On this post, I'll guide you through the top 17 Moments that I'm sure will inspire you to start planning your trip as soon as you're done reading.
 

Krakow will soon find its place among the must-visit destinations around the world - there's already a boost in tourism especially on the weekends. A city that seems restless, it will offer you the chance to experience one of your most exciting trips - one you'll never regret having.

2. For drinks, meals and extra fun, check the Über cool Jewish District area. 

 

Two of the most famous regions in Krakow are the Old City and the Jewish District or Kazimierz. As in the Old City you'll experience the elegance and romance of a historical city, in the Jewish District you'll find the coolest shops, in bars and endless night-out fun.
 

3. Visit the Antiques Market at the Jewish District (on a Saturday).
 

If you have a thing for antiques, vintage bags, spoons, weared-out seals, 30's stamps, grandma-like tea cups and anything old, then this is a market for you! Visit it on a Saturday, keep local currency on you, save bargaining too much (it's not like Istanbul) and stroll around Kazimierz to end a great day.
 

This market is for Krakow, what Porto Bello is for London.

 

4. Plan an Opera evening at the wonderful Juliusz Slowacki Theatre.
 

A baroque monument that counts over 100 years of history, named after the famous Polish poet Juliusz Slowacki, a visit to the Theatre can't be missed, especially if you're a fan of Arts. Even if you're not, you'll love it for its classic beauty - it's a tradermark of the city and there's a reason for that.

5. Eat a yummy "Gulash Soup in a Bread Bowl" at Chata Inn.
 

I would suggest a visit to the Chata Inn without a second thought - one of the best restaurants in Krakow in my opinion. Located near the Old City, in a non-tourist district of Krakow, this is where you'll taste one of the most delicious Goulash soups of life. Not to mention it is served in a yummy bread bowl - can't get better than that!

In there, you won't feel neither like a tourist nor like a traveler. You'll feel like a local, which is great success!
 

6. Visit the Wawel Royal Castle.
 

A symbol of patriotism and cultural power of the city, the Wawel Royal Castle is the cultural centre of Krakow. You'll find 5 different departments in the Castle; Royal Private Appartments, Crown Treasure & Armoury, Lost Wawel, State Rooms and Exhibition of Oriental Art. Each one needs a separate ticket to visit, so it's essential you make a little search what you're interested in visiting. My recommendation is that you spend at least 3 hours exploring the Castle - although I bet you wouldn't wanna leave either way!

7. Book a visit to Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II - Birkenau.

 

To begin with, I would suggest you to book a group tour to the camps - even if you do have your own transportation, you will definitely need a guide. You'll need about an hour to reach the camps and a total of 8 hours for your visit. Apart from this, let me give you a heads up; however prepared you think you are, reality hits you in the face - and it's worse than every imagination, movie or book. I've got a separate detailed and informative post for my visit as it was one of the most powerful moments I've experienced so far in my life - so negatively overwhelming. A visit to the camps alone is worth visiting Krakow for. 

Our trips around the world consist of little parts of history. Auschwitz represents one of the worst and most violent pages in world history. It really can't be forgotten.

 

 

8. HOP ON a bike and ride along the Vistula River.
 

One of the most fun moments of your trip, is a bike ride along the river! Krakow is such a wonderful city, worth exploring each and every corner of it. A ride along the river is a great idea and you can combine a visit to the Old City as well (Kazimierz is more crowded and a bit harder to cross with a bike).

9. Admire Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece, Lady with an Ermine.
 

One of just four portraits of women Leonardo Da Vinci ever created, is located in Krakow at Wawel Royal Castle. Take a moment to visit this part of the Castle even if you're not a big fan of painting or art in general - it's like going to Paris and never seeing Mona Lisa. Don't mind the security precautions, such a masterpiece should have the appropriate attention.
 

10. Drink hot almond chocolate at the garden of Bunkier Cafe.
 

Definitely check it out if you love: 1) chocolate and 2) artistic cafes. The view of the amazing Planty Park and its intellectual visitors give you two great reasons to fall for the city even deeper than before. I mean it!
 

11. Visit Schindler's Factory where the movie was filmed.
 

"Schindler's List", a movie based on the real story of Oskar Schindler, the man who managed to save 1098  Jews from the Nazi concentration camps  by offering them work in his factory at Zablocie district in Krakow. This is the original building located in the Jewish District which has been turned into a museum. By visiting you'll channel the energy from the movie.
 

12. Live a bubble fairytale in front of St. Mary's Basilica.
 

Afternoons of the weekend turn into bubbly fairytales, thanks to thousands of bubbles dancing in the air in front of the Basilica at the Market Square. Luxurious carriages, fairytale bubbles and romantic mood - what more do you need to set a great scenery for your trip? Grap your ice cream and stroll around the Old City (again)!

 

13. Enjoy a walk at the evergreen Planty Park.
 

While on the outside the Old City is surrounded by its wall, on the inside the Planty Park is that extra layer of fairytale beauty that adds a beauty beyond every imagination to the city. Don't miss the chance to walk around the Park or, even better, ride along with your HOP ON bike!
 

14. Ride in a carriage - only if you can stand it.
 

I'm too emotional with animals to do something like that - even though all the horses were taken good care of and were actually well-groomed - but if you feel like it, you should go for it.  Krakow is a city full of carriages and you shouldn't miss the chance to ride in one during night time. I think you'll love it!

 

15. Book a hotel in the city centre.
 

Krakow is one of those cities you can explore on foot, without even having to use a Hop On bus. As everything worth visiting is around town,  I would suggest you to book a hotel in the city centre - not necessarily in the Old City though. My advice would be to book one with a view to the Old City. Nothing is compared with those mornings waking up to such beauty outside your window.
 

16. Pay attention to all those perfect "little" details of the city.
 

Krakow is hiding a whole lot of beauty in each and every corner, whether you decide to explore the Old City or walk down to Kazimierz - or even head outside the city. It's a clean, well-organised town, full of colours and history. Put on your most comfortable shoes, head out and look around for all those pretty details - like the tastes, colours and smells that make the city what it really is.

 

17. Send your loved ones Cartes-Postales from Krakow with love.
 

It's a small habit of mine - I always send Cartes Postales from the places I visit. It's a great way to share your memories and feelings of the trip. Send your own card to your loved ones - do it the Krakow way. Because every trip needs - and has - to be shared .