The Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) in Krakow is the largest medieval market square in Europe - a perfect place to feel the city's atmosphere from the very first moments of your visit. Around the Square you'll find the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary's Basilica with its trumpet call (hejnał), and many cafés and restaurants inviting you to pause between walks.
Climbing the tower of St. Mary's Basilica gives a wide panorama of the city, and the hourly hejnał is one of Krakow's most charming traditions. The Cloth Hall hides a small art gallery upstairs and stalls with handicrafts, while beneath the Square a modern museum presents archaeological and multimedia stories about the city's history.
Wawel Hill is a must-see: the Royal Castle and the Cathedral are the sites of coronations and burials of Polish kings. It's worth visiting the royal chambers, the crypts and the Sigismund Bell (Dzwon Zygmunta) in the cathedral.
On the riverside embankments below Wawel stands the Wawel Dragon statue, which occasionally breathes fire - a great attraction for families. Don't forget to look at the castle from the Vistula side - the view often surprises even those who brought photos.
Practical tip - tickets for different parts of Wawel are bought separately; in high season it's better to book in advance. If you have a limited budget, check whether some exhibitions offer free admission days.
Kazimierz, the former Jewish quarter, is now a lively area of meeting places, cafés, galleries and atmospheric courtyards. Walk the narrow streets, visit the synagogues and let yourself be tempted by the local café and dining scene.
Podgórze, with Oskar Schindler's Factory and MOCAK nearby, is an area with a strong 20th-century history and a modern cultural scene. Both districts give a more complete picture of Krakow than just the Old Town.
In the evening Kazimierz offers a variety of bars and small restaurants - it's a great place to try zapiekanki, discover new flavors or relax with street murals and local music.
The National Museum and its branches are essential for art lovers - with rich collections from painting to applied arts. MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow) shows contemporary art that is often provocative and topical.
Rynek Underground is a modern museum under the Market Square that tells the story of archaeology and urban trade in an engaging way - a real treat if you want to learn less obvious threads of Krakow's history.
If you travel with children or enjoy hands-on experiences - consider the Living Obwarzanek Museum: short workshops show how the local baked snack is made and let you bake your own.
Krakow has a great food scene: from traditional restaurants to modern bistros. If you want to try classics, we recommend places known for Polish and regional Lesser Poland cuisine.
A few places to consider while walking the Old Town and Kazimierz: Pod Baranem (traditional cuisine), Miód Malina (local flavors with classic dishes), Jama Michalika (historic café interior and atmosphere) - each has its own character and memorable dishes.
For a quick local snack try an obwarzanek from a street vendor, and in Kazimierz look for the iconic zapiekanki near the 'Okrąglak' - small, inexpensive pleasures often recommended by locals.
1 day - focus on the Old Town: Main Market Square, Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Basilica (tower visit), a walk to Wawel and a short riverfront stroll or a moment by the Wawel Dragon.
2 days - add Kazimierz with an evening out and visit Oskar Schindler's Factory or MOCAK. In the evening taste regional cuisine at one of the recommended restaurants.
3 days - beyond the above, choose one lesser-known place: the Stained Glass Museum, the Living Obwarzanek Museum, a walk along the Planty, a short trip outside the city (if you have time) or relax on the Vistula boulevards.
Mistake 1 - only walking around the Market Square and missing the surroundings - Krakow has many corners beyond the central square. Give yourself time for Kazimierz, Podgórze and a stroll along the river.
Mistake 2 - not booking in season - especially for Wawel, popular museums and well-known restaurants it's worth buying tickets or reserving a table in advance.
Mistake 3 - following only the map and skipping breaks - Krakow tastes best when you pause in cafés, pop into small craft shops and try local snacks.
The St. Mary's trumpet call (hejnał) is suddenly 'cut off' - this honors the trumpeter who, according to legend, died warning the city of an attack. If you hear the melody stop abruptly, remember it's tradition, not a technical problem.
Under the Rynek Underground archaeologists found traces of centuries of trade and buildings, showing that the place was lively long before the visible townhouses appeared.
Obwarzanki are locally protected as an element of Krakow's culinary identity - don't confuse them with pretzels, as the baking process and taste are different.
Is Wawel open every day? - Large parts of the castle and the cathedral are accessible on most days, but specific exhibitions have different hours and occasional free-entry days; check current information before you go.
Where to buy museum tickets? - The most convenient option is online, especially in high season. For popular exhibitions it's wise to reserve entry in advance to avoid queues.
Is it worth eating on the Market Square? - You will find many restaurants around the Square, but prices can be higher than a few streets away. If you seek local flavors and better value, look beyond the Square.
Share your impressions: take a photo from an unusual angle, try a local dish, visit a lesser-known museum. Small choices can turn a typical trip into an unforgettable experience.
If you'd like to explore Krakow with someone who will show you the city from a local perspective and take care of logistics - consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact and details are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
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