Kraków

With its extensive architectural landmarks, distinctive churches, ancient castles, and numerous historical sites, Krakow has long captivated the attention of both visitors and admirers of fine art.

With a population of nearly 800,000, Krakow ranks as Poland’s second most populous city, following the capital, Warsaw, which boasts just over one million residents.

Crowned by an impressive royal castle and characterized by its church spires and world-class museums, Kraków integrates the historical with the contemporary.

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter Travel

Crowned with an impressive royal castle and adorned with church spires and world-class museums, Kraków seamlessly merges historical significance with cosmopolitan vibrancy.

It’s summertime. The relentless sun is baking the narrow streets of Kraków’s Old Town, where the heat seems to radiate from the very buildings. You’ve done what you can to stay cool: consumed epic quantities of ice cream, haunted various museums to keep out of the sunlight, and hidden out in your hotel room. None of it seems to do the trick.

The only major city that wasn’t reduced to rubble during WWII, Kraków is Poland’s most charming urban destination.

Let’s be honest, you’re in Kraków to see the breathtaking market square, probably Europe’s largest and certainly its prettiest. This 16th-century canvas of churches, palaces, and aristocratic mansions is best admired while sipping a Tyskie beer on the ancient cobblestones. However, Kraków is more than this famous fairytale view.

Much of what visitors want to see in Kraków is found within the largely pedestrianized streets of its historic Old Town. This makes the city a place that is best explored on foot.

Poland’s liveliest city appeals at any time of year.

Kraków is packed with more museums than any other Polish city. There’s so much to see: venerable age-old edifices, architecturally striking former homes of renowned Polish painters, modern spaces showcasing contemporary art and multimedia exhibitions, and quirky little museums dedicated to local institutions such as the Kraków bagel.

With a glorious medieval town square, an immense food scene, and many fascinating historical districts, Kraków is the cultural capital of Poland. However, venturing out of the city for a day will add even more context to your travels, all while allowing you to experience different aspects of local life.

Home to a beguiling centuries-old medieval center, terrific museums, award-winning boutique hotels and many of the country’s best restaurants, the most popular city in Poland can be hard on your wallet if you really live it up. However, getting the most out of your visit to Kraków needn’t have you drifting into insolvency; Poland overall is not a massively expensive destination.

Kraków, the historical royal capital of Poland, offers an abundance of sights and activities, serving as an excellent base for numerous day excursions.

Kraków packs a lot into a compact space. Two days will provide you a decent shot at experiencing most major sights, but even then you’ll have to keep moving and focused. Thankfully, there are plenty of cafes along the way for an energising cup of coffee or a piece of cake. If you have just a weekend to spend in this fantastic city, follow GoTravelDaily’s guide to making it perfect.