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Top Attractions in Krakow. From Historic Sites to Scenic Parks
Krakow: A City of Fairytale Views and Rich History Krakow, the second-largest city in Poland, delivers fairytale views, with the towering Wawel Castle, as well as people-watching meccas such as Florianska Street and the Market Square. Dark times in the city’s recent history are evident in the Jewish ghetto memorial and Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, while green spaces such as Planty Park offer plenty of headspace. Market Square: The Heart of Krakow’s Old Town The buzzing heart of the UNESCO-attested Krakow Old Town, the Market Square, is where all the action has played out since the Middle Ages. Come here for bars packed into the cellars of medieval buildings, on-street cafes and restaurants, and landmarks including the central renaissance Sukiennice, or Cloth Hall, and Town Hall Tower (the hall itself was demolished in 1820). Wawel Castle: A Blend of Architectural Styles You can’t visit Krakow without exploring the medley of Gothic, Renaissance, Rococo, and Romanesque architecture that is the great Wawel Castle. The muddle of buildings is on a high point in the city, giving it an imposing presence. It was the home of the Polish kings and queens until the 1600s and has also been used as a barracks, a military hospital, and the official residence of the state governor following World War I. Planty Park: Krakow’s Green Belt The green belt Planty Park rings the whole area of Krakow’s historic Old Town. Pathways weave this way and that past sculptures, babbling fountains, and brick towers, while locals walk their dogs and cafes spill onto the surrounding streets. It’s filled with life in the summer and becomes a veritable winter wonderland during the colder months. Barbican: A Medieval Fortress The Barbican is the only remaining gatehouse of the medieval fortifications that once encircled the whole city. Its redbrick bulwarks and formidable turrets helped to fend off the Mongol hordes during the 13th century, and its circular design was on the cutting edge of engineering at the time. Today, occasional theatre productions and other art shows are hosted inside. Vistulan Boulevards: Scenic Riverbanks As the winding courses of the Vistula River snake through the heart of Krakow, its banks host wide spaces of greenery, ad hoc summertime markets, beer bars, and bobbing boat cafes. Hire a bike or go jogging, stop and watch passing boats on the river, or stroll along as you decide what to see in Krakow next. Plac Bohaterów Getta: A Sobering Memorial Cut through by rattling tram lines and fringed with shops and cafes, this central square of the Podgórze district is home to one of the most sobering memorials in the city. A series of large and small chairs have been placed in a grid across the cobbles, designed as a memorial to the people of the Jewish ghetto in Krakow, which was once located here. There is also a plaque marking the meeting place of the Jewish Combat Organization, a resistance unit that staged acts of sabotage against the Nazis.
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Discovering Krakow! A Journey Through Poland’s Historic Jewel
Krakow: Poland’s Ancient Gem Situated in southern Poland, Krakow is one of the country’s most ancient cities, its former capital, and a real pearl in its crown. The city lies on the banks of the Vistula River, known as the Queen of Polish Rivers. Krakow receives visitors from all over the world. A City That Captivates The town is filled with monuments and is impossible to visit in just one day, which is not really enough to experience the emotions this city can evoke. Its unique atmosphere has inspired artists and writers. Visitors fall in love with Krakow, and if they leave, then it is only to return another day. The city’s rich cultural and artistic life contributes to this fascination as much as the genuine character of its streets and little squares lined with restaurants serving local delicacies. Easy Planning for Your Krakow Adventure The range of accommodation and gastronomic services is very wide and easily available, which makes planning a trip to Krakow very straightforward. It is also a base from which to visit southern Poland. Zakopane, called “the mountain capital” of Poland, and Wroclaw are within easy distance from Krakow. Wawel Castle: A Renaissance Masterpiece The Wawel Castle is the first Renaissance castle and is one of Europe’s finest examples of Renaissance architecture built in Poland. It is open to visitors, and the many valuable works of art and antique furniture are certainly worth seeing. St. Mary’s Church: Gothic Splendor The gothic St. Mary’s Basilica, situated in the vicinity of the town square, was built in the fourteenth century. Its main attraction is the world’s greatest wooden altar, sculpted by Wit Stwosz (Veit Stoss). This church is also well known for its bugle-call played every hour from the top of one of the towers. Town Square: The Heart of Krakow The Town Square, situated at the heart of Cracow’s Old Town, is included on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. It is the largest medieval town square in Europe, measuring 656 square feet. In the past, it was a marketplace and the location for numerous official events. Kazimierz: A Historic Jewish District Kazimierz is a district best remembered as a former Jewish settlement. It was founded in 1335 by Casimir III the Great. The whole district was placed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites – the first such case in the world. Steven Spielberg’s movie, Schindler’s List, was shot in 1993 almost entirely in Kazimierz. Sukiennice (The Cloth Hall): A Renaissance Icon Situated at the heart of the Main Market Square, this renaissance building is one of the city’s most recognizable structures. During its golden age in the 15th century, Sukiennice was a major center of international trade and the source of a variety of exotic eastern products like spices, silk, leather, and wax, while Cracow, in turn, exported textiles, lead, and salt from the Wieliczka Mine.
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Top 3 Party Hostels in Krakow: For Those Who Don’t Need Sleep
Krakow’s Thriving Party Scene: Stay Close to the Action Krakow is known for its party scene, the partying capital as some would call it, but in order to fully experience that indisputably unforgettable scene, you have to be as close as possible to it. No one likes being stuck in traffic on their way to the party, or worrying on their way back to their boring Airbnb, scared they would wake up the host. If you are reading this, then you are in luck! You’ve just discovered one of Krakow’s gems, or if we’re being accurate, three… In this guide, we’ll talk about three of the best party hostels in town, so grab your notes, your Google Maps, and your credit card because you will want to book a room as soon as you’re done reading this. Greg and Tom: Vibrant and Central A 10-minute walk from the old town’s Rynek Główny square, this vibrant hostel is also an 11-minute walk from Kraków Główny train station and 2 km from Wawel Royal Castle. Greg and Tom hostel is known for its colorful, modern dorms that host up to 10 guests. The place is equipped with Wi-Fi access, personal reading lights, and lockers, but that’s not all. In Greg and Tom, you can book a tour, a ticket to a live concert, or a party! Let’s Rock: At the Heart of Krakow’s Nightlife At the heart of Krakow’s main square, Let’s Rock hostel is very special! And don’t take our word for it, check the reviews on their website. Let’s Rock hostel’s uniqueness lies in being close to the greatest pubs and clubs in the city. It also offers a wide variety of daily activities, from Polish Vodka tasting to Karaoke nights. All that at an affordable price, convinced? Havana: Popular and Lively Try walking anywhere in the main square and ask for Havana Club and Hostel, chances are that most people will tell you where it is. One of the most popular party hostels in Krakow, known for its lively colonial style, 24-hour front desk, and a communal modern kitchen. There is also a nightclub, a shared lounge, and a ticket service. The authentic opinions of our guests show that this is their favorite part of the city of Krakow. Couples like this location very much – for a stay for 2 people, they rate it 9.7.
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Exploring Krakow. A Journey Through History, Culture, and Unforgettable Nightlife
A Great History: Krakow’s Medieval Legacy Located in the south of Poland, on the largest Polish river, Vistula, Krakow is currently known as the medieval capital of Poland due to its collection of historical monuments and castles. In 1978, the Main Square and the surrounding chequered pattern of streets were included on the first UNESCO World Heritage List. In 2005, the Main Square was ranked first in the World’s Best Squares by the Project for Public Spaces. The Royal Route: A Journey Fit for Kings Tourists are always amazed by the Royal Route, a historical path leading from the main entrance gate (St. Florian’s Gate) to the Royal Wawel Castle at Wawel Hill. The Route was taken by Polish monarchs during ceremonial entries into the city, coronations, and funerals. Thanks to the Royal Route for Disabled Tourists project, this path can also be discovered by people with visual impairments and disabilities. Under the project, 12 bronze models offering a tactile experience of Krakow’s most popular sights have been produced, complete with inscriptions in Braille and wheelchair-accessible plinths. Krakow’s Infamous Jewish District: Kazimierz Kazimierz, once a separate town and now a district of Krakow, offers the unique atmosphere of a centuries-old coexistence of Jewish and Christian cultures. It’s a space filled with Judaist historical monuments of world importance, but also an area vibrant with life, antiques, art fairs, and live music in local pubs and restaurants. Unforgettable Nightlife: Krakow After Dark There’s no better place to start than in Krakow’s splendid Old Town where, beneath a facade of ancient architecture, are housed countless bars and pubs eager to cater to your pleasures. Those who have spent any time in Krakow will agree that few experiences rival discovering a fantastic new bar hidden down a dark alleyway or in a cloistered courtyard. If you’re new to the city or planning a short visit, don’t worry—we’re here to guide you through a selection of the best bars and pubs in Krakow, of course, after an hour of unlimited drinks to set you up for an unforgettable night. Check out our offers!
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