Krakow – city break

Cracow – The Beating Heart of Polish History

Cracow (Kraków) is a city with a thousand-year history – the former royal capital of Poland and one of Europe’s most beautiful historic cities. Here, the past harmoniously blends with the present. The Old Town is a true treasure trove of art, monuments, and architecture representing almost every historical era – from the Middle Ages to modern times.

This city is full of legends, mystery, and unforgettable charm. Welcome to magical Cracow!

Day One: The Historic Old Town and Its Secrets

An evening stroll through Cracow’s Old Town is the perfect way to start your visit.
Begin at Planty Park, pass the Barbican, and walk through St. Florian’s Gate, which leads straight to the Main Market Square – the heart of the city and the largest medieval square in Europe. Since 1257, it has been preserved in its original layout and was one of the first sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978.

From the gate, you’ll soon spot the iconic St. Mary’s Basilica, where every hour the famous St. Mary’s Trumpet Call (Hejnal Mariacki) is played – a melody that has echoed over the city for more than 600 years.

At the center of the square stands the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) – a historic trading hall filled with stalls selling amber jewelry, handicrafts, and charming souvenirs such as little Wawel dragons. Beneath the square lies one of Cracow’s most fascinating attractions – the Rynek Underground Museum, a multimedia journey through the city’s medieval history with holograms, steam screens, and interactive displays.

⏱️ How much time? Around 3 hours for a walk, but if you plan to visit museums – set aside at least half a day.

Taste Cracow – The Obwarzanek

Every city has its symbol – for Cracow, it’s the obwarzanek krakowski, a braided ring-shaped bread that resembles a bagel. Baked daily, sprinkled with salt, sesame, or poppy seeds, it’s a must-try street snack.

To learn more about this culinary icon, visit the Live Obwarzanek Museum, where you can bake your own obwarzanek during fun interactive workshops.

🎌 A Touch of Japan – The Manggha Museum

Fans of Japanese culture shouldn’t miss the Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology – a unique institution founded by film director Andrzej Wajda and his wife Krystyna Zachwatowicz. Inspired by Wajda’s passion for Japan, the museum showcases woodblock prints, ceramics, fabrics, and weapons, along with rotating exhibitions devoted to Japanese art, design, and traditions.

🐉 Day Two: Wawel Castle and the Dragon’s Legend

No visit to Cracow is complete without a trip to Wawel Hill, the former seat of Polish kings and one of the nation’s most important landmarks. Explore the Wawel Royal Castle, its magnificent arcaded courtyard, and exhibitions displaying Renaissance art and royal treasures.

Descending from the castle, meet Cracow’s most famous inhabitant – the Wawel Dragon. The statue breathes real fire every few minutes, delighting children and adults alike. You can also visit the Dragon’s Cave (open from April 20 to October 31).

🐲 According to legend, the dragon terrorized Cracow until a clever shepherd fed it a cowhide stuffed with sulfur. The beast drank so much water from the Vistula River that it finally exploded!

✡️ Kazimierz – The Soul of Cracow

From Wawel, take a relaxing walk or bike ride along the Vistula River toward Kazimierz, Cracow’s historic Jewish quarter and one of its most atmospheric neighborhoods.
This district charms visitors with its narrow streets, synagogues, tiny cafés, and creative vibe.

The area around Szeroka, Izaaka, Miodowa, and Józefa streets tells the story of Polish Jews through architecture and tradition. Don’t miss Nowy Square, famous for its local specialty – the legendary zapiekanka (Polish-style open-faced sandwich). Whether you love it or not, it’s a must-try slice of Cracow’s street food culture.

⏱️ How much time? At least 4 hours – or stay longer and enjoy the nightlife!

Day Three: Discover Nowa Huta – Cracow’s Modern History

For a completely different side of the city, visit Nowa Huta, Cracow’s youngest district and a masterpiece of socialist-realist urban planning. Built after World War II as an “ideal workers’ city,” it now impresses with monumental architecture, wide avenues, and symmetrical design.

Highlights include Central Square, Rose Avenue, and the Administrative Centre of the Steelworks – often called “the Polish Pentagon.”

You can also explore unusual attractions such as the Wanda Mound (linked to the legend of Princess Wanda) and the Church of Our Lady Queen of Poland, known as the Ark Church for its resemblance to Noah’s Ark.

⏱️ How much time? Around 3–4 hours.

❤️ Which Attraction in Cracow Will You Choose?

Whether you follow the royal trail on Wawel Hill, explore the bohemian charm of Kazimierz, or discover the unique architecture of Nowa Huta – Cracow will captivate you with its diversity, stories, and atmosphere.