Krakow, Poland
There are some places you visit that stay with you long after you’ve left… and Kraków is one of them. Our recent trip was a journey through beauty, history, reflection, and pure joy — a city break that felt like many worlds woven into one.
The moment we landed, everything just felt easy. We hopped straight onto the airport train, which glides smoothly into the heart of the city. Within minutes, we arrived directly inside Kraków’s main shopping centre — a bustling, modern hub full of international brands, local boutiques, Polish food counters, coffee shops, bakeries, and the constant hum of travellers passing through. From warm pretzels to pierogi stands, sweet shops to sleek fashion stores, it’s the type of place where you can instantly get your bearings and grab anything you need. And right across the street? Our hotel. You honestly couldn’t ask for better convenience. It was the perfect base — perfectly placed for exploring every corner of Kraków on foot.
Within minutes, we were wandering into Kraków’s glorious Old Town, and suddenly the world seemed to open up. Nothing prepares you for the beauty of Kraków’s main square. It’s enormous, elegant, and full of life — street musicians, flower stalls, artists, horse-drawn carriages clopping past, and cafés spilling out onto the pavements. We wandered slowly, letting ourselves soak it all in.
St. Mary’s Basilica rising proudly above everything
The Cloth Hall, full of traditional crafts and souvenirs
The Town Hall Tower, standing watch over the whole square
We browsed the market stalls, listened to musicians playing violins, and paused for drinks in pavement cafés where the world seemed to slow down. Watching the horse and carriage tours set off under the shadow of the clock tower felt like stepping into a postcard.
From the square, we wandered through the charming streets, passing church after church — each more beautiful than the last. Religion runs deep here, and you feel it in the architecture, the paintings, the candles burning at side altars.
And then suddenly… the castle rises before you. Perched proudly above the river, Wawel Castle is breathtaking. The walk up the hill feels like entering a fairy tale. The gates are grand and dramatic, the walls towering above you. Inside, the courtyards glow in soft cream stone, and every building tells its own story — kings, queens, wars, legends. And of course, the famous Wawel Dragon, whose story is etched into Kraków’s identity. From the top, the views stretch across the entire city — rooftops, church towers, and the Vistula River curving calmly around the city. On the walk back, we passed the place where Pope John Paul II once lived — a hugely significant figure in Poland. His presence is still felt everywhere.
Dinner that night was just off the square — a cosy traditional restaurant with wooden beams, embroidered tablecloths, and the warm smell of hearty Polish cooking.
We enjoyed:
Pierogi (soft and delicious)
Bigos (a rich hunter’s stew)
Żurek (a sour rye soup often served in bread)
And of course… a little Polish vodka to finish
It was comforting, soulful food — the kind that instantly warms you from the inside out.
The next day we joined a walking tour, which took us deep into Kazimierz, Kraków’s historic Jewish Quarter. It’s a place filled with culture, colour, synagogues, art, quirky bars, cafes, and a rich — but tragic — past. We crossed over the river into Ghetto Heroes Square, where the empty metal chairs stand as a haunting memorial to the lives lost. We saw what remains of the homes, the wall, the evidence of how people were forced to live. We learned about the pharmacy — the only pharmacy allowed to remain during the ghetto times — where the pharmacist and his team risked everything to help the Jewish population. The tour took us across the bridge decorated with acrobatic sculptures suspended in the air — a surprisingly artistic moment between such heavy history.
Schindler’s Factory was extraordinary and moving. If you’ve seen the film, so much will feel familiar — the rooms, the machinery, the sense of desperation and hope intertwined. Seeing the Nazi flag hanging there — bold, red, inescapable — was genuinely shocking. It’s a visceral reminder of just how overwhelming and terrifying that chapter of history truly was.
We travelled by train to Auschwitz, and nothing can prepare you for the reality of it. Walking through Auschwitz I, you notice the strange, unsettling beauty — the red brick buildings, the tree-lined pathways, the calmness of the sky above this place of suffering. It’s chilling. Inside the blocks, you see the rooms, the bunks, the stories. Walking through the gas chamber was… unbearable. Terrifying. But necessary. The realisation that we stepped out — and thousands never did — is something that stays with you forever.
At Birkenau, the tracks stretch endlessly forward. Standing where people stepped off the train is overwhelming. The scale is immense. The silence is heavy. This is a place everyone should witness — a reminder of the past so we never repeat it.
The next day brought something completely different — the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a magical underground world created entirely from salt.We walked miles through tunnels carved by hand, past glittering salt sculptures and chapels that feel impossibly beautiful. The underground Cathedral was unbelievable — chandeliers made of pure salt crystals, carvings depicting scenes from the life of Jesus, intricate altars, and vast open chambers echoing with centuries of history.
Back above ground, we enjoyed coffee in the sunshine at Wieliczka, overlooking peaceful parks and tree-lined paths. And again — the trains made everything so easy. No tours needed. No stress. Just simplicity.
One of our favourite evenings was wandering into a colourful part of Kraków where a scene from Schindler’s List was filmed — bursting with flowers, quirky streets, and warm local charm. We found a vodka bar offering tasting flights, and we couldn’t resist. Cherry, honey, lemon, herbal — each one was delicious and surprisingly smooth. A truly fun way to end the day.
As night fell, the main square lit up with golden light. Musicians played, candles flickered under awnings, and the city felt alive with energy. And then — the moment that made the whole trip feel like a fairytale: The bugler in St. Mary’s Tower, playing his hourly Hejnał across the square, his notes echoing into the night sky. Pure magic.
Kraków is beautiful, emotional, moving, and endlessly fascinating. It’s a city that tells stories — some joyful, some heartbreaking — and invites you to carry them with you. Whether you’re drawn by its history, architecture, or culture, Kraków offers a perfect mix of reflection, adventure, and beauty. A city that leaves a lasting impression.
2025-04
25 Things to Do in Krakow, Poland
Explore Wawel Castle – Iconic royal residence overlooking the Vistula River.
Visit Wawel Cathedral – Historic coronation site of Polish kings.
Stroll through Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) – Europe’s largest medieval square.
See St. Mary’s Basilica – Famous for its stunning Gothic altar and trumpet call.
Wander Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) – Historic market filled with local crafts.
Discover Kazimierz District – Trendy area with Jewish heritage and street art.
Visit Schindler’s Factory Museum – Insightful World War II exhibition.
Tour the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial – Powerful historical site near Krakow.
Descend into the Wieliczka Salt Mine – Underground chambers and salt sculptures.
Walk along Planty Park – Green belt encircling the Old Town.
Climb the Town Hall Tower – Panoramic views over the square.
Visit The Barbican – Impressive medieval fortress.
Explore Floriańska Street – Bustling pedestrian street full of shops and cafés.
Admire Collegium Maius – Oldest building of Jagiellonian University.
Experience a Vodka Tasting Tour – Sample Poland’s national spirit.
Take a Vistula River Cruise – Scenic city views from the water.
Discover Podgórze District – Former WWII ghetto with memorials and cafés.
Visit Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory – Moving museum experience.
Enjoy Krakus Mound – Ancient viewpoint over the city.
Dine on Polish Pierogi – Try traditional dumplings in a local restaurant.
Visit Nowa Huta – Post-war socialist district with unique architecture.
Join a Ghost or History Walking Tour – Fascinating tales of the old city.
See Wielopole Theatre – Krakow’s creative performance hub.
Visit MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art – Modern art in a former factory.
Relax at a Café on the Main Square – Perfect spot to people-watch and unwind.