Hi- I have recently gotten confirmation on some business meetings in Krakow, and will have what amounts to two days there outside of the meetings themselves. What are some must-see/do itinerary items for such a quick trip to Krakow?
Thanks in advance!
It’s great that you will have a few days in Krakow, such a lovely city. If you haven’t checked out this info yet, it’s helpful: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/poland/krakow
We enjoyed the Old Town and its magnificent square, Wawel royal residence and cathedral, a pierogi making class through Krakow Urban Tours, and Nova Huta.
Many thanks. Yes- I have checked out Rick's main page on Krakow. I was just looking for any particular favorites among the crowd, which you have been kind to offer. Thanks again!
If you have an interest in WW II, doing an Auschwitz tour will be deeply memorable if completely appalling. Wawei Palace is also excellent.
I found the Schindler Factory tour to be well presented. Can be done in a half day.
Wandering is great in Krakow, especially in Kazimierz.
Thanks so much. Yes- having been to Dachau a couple of years ago, I am thinking that Auschwitz is a must. While not a feel-good stop by any means. Like I did with the Dachau visit, I feel it is important.
Schindler factory is also on the list. Thanks so much.
Note that those two absolutely require advance purchase.
I confess that my main reason to go to Krakow was to see one of my favorite paintings, Lady With an Ermine by Leonardo da Vinci, in person and it was a dream come true. However, after doing some research I decided to spend 3 days in Krakow and visit Auschwitz/Birkenau. That also was worth seeing though definitely sobering and I'm glad I went. Wawel castle and cathedral (Church of Sts Stanislaus and Wenceslaus) is amazing and worth seeing. I did my sightseeing during the days and in the evenings I just hung out at the main square, Rynek Glowny. There was always something going on there and the market in the Cloth Hall was interesting.
Great stuff. Thanks!
We recently returned from a wonderful trip to Poland. I suggest your follow Rick's Kraków's Royal Way self-guided walk in his guidebook. It will give you a good feel for the old town with optional stops at main sights.
Also, we really enjoyed the lively main square at night with the picturesque horse-drawn carriages all lit up in front of St. Mary's Church.
I really enjoyed the museum that is under the huge Market Hall. They have all the archeology there from this hall, going back to the very early middle ages. Everything was in English and it truly was an interesting place. Spent several hours there as there was so much to see.
Visit the old Jewish quarter, have lunch or dinner there, go into the Synagogue and the cemetery.
We just returned from 21 days in Poland, with 5 in Krakow. We have done just about everything in Krakow on our previous five trips. My must sees are: Schindler's Enamel Factory, Wawel, St. Mary's, Cloth Hall, the Krakow Underground Museum, the Czartoryski Museum (Lady with Ermine and some Hussar wings!), The Cloth Hall Museum on the second floor, and the Jagiellonian University. Auschwitz really does take a full day and would be on a subsequent trip unless you really want WWII history and the Holocaust.
Don't forget to visit a milk bar. Google for the options. My favorite is Pod Temida.
Such great suggestions. Thanks all!
Above all else IMO: visit the enormous central square at night. One of the greatest parties anywhere, and everyone's well-behaved and just having fun. Lots of great live music and the shops stay open very late, which is very unusual for Europe.
Thanks for all the great info in this thread. I've a long weekend in DEC reserved in Krakow.
Agreed as to Schindler's Factory - moving and done very well as a museum.
We used the Crazy Guides tour of Nowa Huta in a trabant! Outstanding guide! Highy recommended. Crazyguides.com
