Kraków Poland is a fantastic place to visit. I have been to Poland many times since the 1970’s, but only 3 times to Krakow. I’ve seen it during Communist times when everything was dull & grey, and visited more recently, long after the fall of that horrible totalitarian system. Krakow, dating back to the 7th century, has a lot of history. It used to be the capital of Poland and it is where the Kings are buried, including the last King of Poland, Stanisław Augustus Poniatowski.
The old town is on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List and is cited as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, as well as one of the most unique destinations in the world. Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture includes the Wawel Cathedral and the Royal Castle, the St. Mary’s Basilica, Saints Peter and Paul Church and the largest medieval market square in Europe. Kraków is home to the Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest universities in the world, and traditionally Poland’s most reputable institution of higher learning. In 2000, Kraków was named the European Capital of Culture.
For tourists, the great thing is that the 5 star hotels are inexpensive, the restaurants are outstanding, the bars have live music, and there are many attractions. You get the old world experience, but at a good price. Many restaurants and bars are in medieval buildings with old brick facades and curved ceilings. They are unique and ooze with atmosphere. It’s not as hectic as some of the key cities in Western Europe, and feels much less commercialized. In my opinion, Central European cities such as Prague, Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk and Budapest are much more interesting than many Western European cities (cities in Italy being the exception – it’s hard to beat Italian charm and quality everything).
Famous Krakowians
Karol Wojtyła, Archbishop of Kraków, was elevated to the papacy as Pope John Paul II — the first Slavic pope ever, and the first non-Italian pope in 455 years.
Roman Polanski, Film Director, spent his childhood in Krakow.
Tadeusz Kantor was a Polish painter, assemblage artist, set designer and theatre director. Kantor is renowned for his revolutionary theatrical performances aka “happenings” in Krakow. During the Happenings, he directed the actors just like a conductor would an orchestra. The video below shows one of my favourite pieces “Dead Class”. It is the full original version, filmed by Andrzej Wajda, with English subtitles.
What to See?
- Old Square (note: cars are not permitted in the Old Square area)
- Wawel Castle – inside you will find the individual chapels belonging to Noble families, and the tombs of the Polish Kings.
- Wawel Dragon, or Dragon’s Den is a famous dragon in Polish folklore. His lair was in a cave at the foot of Wawel Hill on the bank of the Vistula River.
- The Barbican
- St. Mary’s Basilica
- Cloth Hall
- Glass figurine shops – Poland is well known for producing high quality glass artifacts
- Kazimierz – is the old Jewish quarter of Krakow
- Wieliczka Salt Mine – is about half an hour outside of town
- Auschwitz – the Nazi Germany concentration camp, is about an hour outside of Krakow
- Harris Piano Jazz Bar
- Piec Art Acoustic Jazz Club
We saw a great band called Don’t Ask Smingus. Don’t Ask Smingus is an Anglo-American-Polish Krakow-based five-piece rhythm and blues rock band. We bought his CD and still listen to it today.
Where to Stay?
We stayed at Hotel Stary, a 5-star hotel in the old town, with an amazing pool, roof top lounge, and salt room where you can sit and breathe in salt air. It provides the same therapeutic qualities as breathing in ocean air, which according to some studies, is beneficial for lung ailments.
The pool at Hotel Stary. This has got to be the nicest pool I have ever swam in! It has a waterfall in one part of it that you can sit under.
You can lounge in the Salt Room and breathe in some good old salt air. Supposedly it helps with respiratory issues.
Other Options
- Hotel Copernicus – 5 star
- Kanonicza 22 – 5 star
- Bonerowski Place – 5 star
- Imperial Hotel
Where to Eat?
- Pod Aniolami is a gem on Krakow’s culinary scene. Located in the gothic cellars of a 13th-century building it is brimming with old world atmosphere. And great food!
- Hotel Stary, has two restaurants: Michelin rated Trzy Rybki and Restaurant Hotel Stary.
- Cyrano de Bergerac, a French restaurant, ranks among the top restaurants in Krakow. Apparently, Roman Polanski and Prince Charles ate here.
- Old Town Restaurant and Wine Bar
- Aqua e Vino
- Starka
Enjoy your visit to Krakow!
For more photos please visit Wonderland Photography.
