It's the medieval marketplace located in the middle of Old Town square. It originally started in…read morethe 13th century with uncovered vendors in wooden stalls selling cloth. The first covered building in the Gothic style was funded by King Casimir the Great in the 14th century. A fire in 1555 destroyed it, but then it was reconstructed in the Renaissance style. Today, it still has elements of both architectural styles. There are some plaques written in Latin, gargoyles with satirical faces, and female angelic figures that were added to the facade over the years. There's even a knife hanging down from the entrance on the side of St. Mary's Basilica. It's tied to a legend of the 2 brothers who built the church towers. There are some uncovered and restored advertisements near one of the archways. The building has a lot of character. There is a branch of the Museum of Kraków featuring 19th century Polish art that is located on the top level. It's closed on Mondays with free admission on Tuesdays. There is a restaurant called Café Szal that boasts beautiful views of the square. The shopping within the Cloth Hall is mostly souvenirs and touristy items. There were many tourists buying their goods. We had a better cultural experience at the Stary Kleparz market which had a little of everything (including food and wine). The Cloth Hall is still worth a visit, and shouldn't be missed.

The market square in Krakow is another must visit. The "bazaar" here is very interesting. Lots of…read morestores selling kitschy stuff, local goods and souvenirs. I did not buy anything but enjoyed the visit and looking around.

Do not go after the rain! I was stuck in mudd for a few…read moreminutes, landed on my butt beside a snail/slug it was nice let me cross while screaming lol Gorgeous view tho Just gotta hop through the fence and voila

It's the medieval archway at the beginning of Floriańska Street. The one with the emblem of St…read more Florian who protects the city from fires and all harm. It was built into the defensive walls of the city. There was once a covered passageway leading to this gate from the outpost, or Barbican. It's where royalty and visiting leaders would meet before heading to the castle. It's probably where the young Habsburg prince entered the kingdom on his way to visit his intended bride-to-be, Jadwiga of Poland. He could have also been kicked out of Kraków from here. This gate has certainly seen a lot of historical moments. All of it is still there. It was more Gothic in nature until the Baroque period. That's when they added more architectural features to adorn it. There is also an altar in the middle of the archway. You'll see it as you're walking under the tower. It was a great meeting point for our Walkative tour of Old Town & Wawel Castle. I can't think of a better place to start than at the entrance to this beautiful city. There are musicians playing songs, and even art for sale along the the wall near the gate. It's a nicely preserved part of history that deserves a visit.

This is a basic must-see on any trip to Kraków; especially since it is free. Be sure to check out…read morethe high-quality artists displaying their paintings along the wall. You can sometimes get some phenomenal artwork at a very good price.

The Wawel Cathedral was the highlight of a visit to Wawel Castle and grounds…read more Outside was an impressive view and more than the castle itself. Tickets were purchased across from the cathedral entrance. Admission included a climb up to the bell tower, crypts and the separate Archdiocesan Museum. When climbing the stairs up to the entrance make sure to check out the huge bone hanging above to the left. Maybe a whale or purported dragon bone. Inside was ornate and full of royal or VIP tombs as expected. Not all chapels were open for visitors that day but St JPII's one was a popular stop eventhough it was empty. The royal crypts were accessible but not the crypt holding many of Poland's famous poets or authors. It was under renovation until the end of March. The climb up Sigismund tower was narrow at times but does open up to a decent size room with Krakow city views from two sides. Lots of closeups with the various bells. Traffic jams do happen on the way up when a tour group beats you in so be prepared for slow progress. The crypts were brightly lit and held the remains of a US Revolutionary War general and other military heroes, a Polish President and First Lady, and of course royals. It was brightly lit and well organized. Mass was held regularly and open to the public. You have to let the security guard in the front know you want to attend and he will go over the rule of attendance. Seating was limited and visitors not allowed to wander in the cathedral before or after.

It's the cathedral at Wawel Castle. If anything, visit it to learn about the Polish Kings and to…read moreclimb up to Sigismund Tower. It is said that touching the heart of Sigismund Bell will bring you good luck. We were told that it will bring you marriage. One husband is enough for me. Haha! There are 5 bells in the tower, so be sure that you're touching the right one. This is also the cathedral where Father Wojtyła (Pope John Paul II) celebrated his very first Holy Mass at the crypt of St. Leonard. I would have taken a picture of it, but they don't allow photography in the cathedral with the exception of the bell tower. I was only able to snap one of the informational signs next to the tomb of King Władysław II Jagiełło (former Duke of Lithuania) before being told it's not allowed. He was married to King Jadwiga of Poland. Yes, female monarchs held the title of "King" in those times. Isn't this the first diarcy in history? It's my first time reading about 2 Kings ruling over a country. He became the sole King of Poland after her death from complications after childbirth. Did you know that she was only 12 years old when they married in 1836? Apparently, it wasn't controversial at the time. The only controversy was regarding her previous marriage or unmarriage to the 14 year old William of Austria (Habsburg Dynasty). Was it consummated, or not? We'll never know because he was expelled out of Poland. All controversy aside, she did a lot of good for the Polish people during her 15 year reign. You'll get to see her tomb in the cathedral, and many others. It's a beautiful cathedral, and well-worth the small entrance fee. The ticket office is in a separate building near the entrance. We purchased an individual ticket without the tour option. I didn't think it was needed since the most important parts had description markers. Don't forget to take pictures of the dragon bones hanging at the entrance on your way in. You will exit through a different path that takes you through more crypts on your way out. It's a part of Kraków's history that shouldn't be missed.

The city's (and maybe country's) most beautiful church made sure that the square nearby is also a…read morescenic attraction. See the small streets, food shops, and street performers that make the outside of the church almost as interesting as the inside.

This is the beautiful green space surrounding the Vistula River. The best time to visit is early in…read morethe morning. There aren't as many people around during that time. You'll see people walking their dogs, joggers in the jogging lane, and bicyclists in their own lane on the pedestrian walkway closest to the river. All parts of this park are utilized for various activities. Many people just lay on the grass on beautiful sunny days to bask in the sun. The left bank of the river is the most popular place to be. By midday, it's full of people walking through it to get to the castle. There are vendors selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs, as well as floating restaurants that open for lunch & dinner along Bulwar Czerwieński. You can also book a river cruise from this location. We just happened to see the Avenue of Stars while passing through from a different direction. There were all kinds of things to discover. It's also where you can find the famous Wawel dragon statue. What's also great is that there is a continuous wall on the upper walkway where you can sit after a long walk through the city. A wonderful place to relax and take in the beautiful scenery of the castle and the river. It's just a great start or end to the day.

It is so nice to walk along the river banks in Krakow. I was wondering for a while if it is…read moreSouthbank or Northbank , but I have found out due to my thorough investigation that it is Right Bank and Left Bank. So they are divided: Right Bank: Poleski, Wolynski & Podolski Left one: Rodla, Czerwienski, Inflancki, Kurlandzki... Left bank is really popular, there are boat trips and also boats adjusted for catering and drinks, giving lots of pleasure in the sun. River banks are green and considered as park area at some points. Most famous tourists attractions are located on the left. Wianki Krakowskie- in June- every year bringing lots of toursits and spectators to watch performances and fireworks. The best way to see banks is to board the boat and go for a trip down or up the river- or maybe left or right :)

I love the design of Old Town Kraków! This park used to be the remnants of the city wall and moat…read more It totally surrounds all the historical areas of interest. You can find all kinds of hidden sights just by walking around it. We actually walked through it every day during our stay. There are memorial statues, playgrounds, and water features throughout the park. Although, like any city park, you will see someone passed out drunk or performing some kind of bodily function in front of you. It's an eye full. But hey, other than that it was a very relaxing walk under the shaded trees of this beautiful park. You'll have to pass through it at some point so you might as well enjoy it.

What an awesome park! The entire park surrounds Krakow Old Town and is full of beautiful trees and…read morenice wooden benches to rest and simply people watch. I was here in May and the trees provided a nice shade against the hot sun. I find it best to walk around the morning when it is not too crowded and simply get a nice peaceful walk in where I can be one with nature. I even witnessed a guy in a blazer and matching pants vomit from a park bench. I guess somebody enjoyed the nightlife too much. Tip, there are some restrooms which you get to by going down these stairs. You'll have to pay a few zlotys but it's not too bad. For guys, some charge differently depending on if you use stall or urinal.