Overview to Krakow: Travel Guide and Tourist Information
- Krakow Information
- Eating & drinking in Krakow
- Night life in Krakow
- Getting around in Krakow
- Things to do in Krakow
- Where to stay in Krakow
- Krakow street map
Krakow is one of the finest old cities in Europe; once the capital of Poland, it's steeped in history and culture. A former home of kings and the cream of the European art world, as well as renowned scholars, the city is also becoming an increasingly popular base for backpackers and student travelers!
In recent years Krakow has flourished. Like many other parts of Central and Eastern Europe, it has emerged from the cocoon of communism and is becoming a major center for tourism and commerce.
Many of the city's buildings reflect the huge influence that Krakow once held, not just in Poland but around the world. Impressive gothic structures bear down imposingly on the visitor as they wander through the streets.
Krakow’s Old Town is such an important example of medieval architecture that the whole area has been designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. St Florian’s Gate, the Barbican and the ancient fortified complex of Wawel Castle, sitting proudly atop the city, stand out as symbols of Krakow's military might.
For a less warlike beauty, Kanonicza Street - surely one of Europe’s most attractive thoroughfares - runs near Planty Park, a wonderful collection of parks and gardens. Rynek Glowny, the city’s fine old market square, has acted as its heart for hundreds of years.
The city has a wealth of stunning churches. The magnificent Wawel Cathedral stands inside the castle. Nearby are the churches of St Peter’s and St. Paul’s whilst, at over one thousand years old, St. Wojciech is one of the oldest churches in Poland.
The former Jewish ghetto of Kazimierz - which stands between Dietla St, Starowislna St. and the Vistula river - is another fascinating part of the city; its atmospheric old streets, synagogues and the Remuh Cemetery are at once beautiful and moving.
The city has a wealth of historical and cultural attractions thanks to its long and vibrant history. In addition to the monuments dotted around the city, the galleries and museums are full of rare artifacts and art treasures.
But, in some ways, all this is missing the point of the place. Krakow may be a grand city of elegant architecture and refined culture, but it’s also a city of intimate and rundown charms.
Taking a walk through Krakow is to feel in touch with an older and simpler past. As with other cities that haven’t been extensively renovated, many of its pleasingly dilapidated streets have a romantic and slightly mournful air.
