"Krakow" Krakow by mvtouring

Krakow Travel Guide: 4,393 reviews and 10,167 photos

Krakow

This city was exactly what I expected. I was told that it was on par with Praha, and I must agree. The Renaissance arcades, enchanting onion domes, Baroque spires, storybook streets, and the stunning beauty of this 1,000-year-old city with its sights attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Krakow (Cracow), seat of Poland's oldest university and the former capital of Poland, is one of the few Polish cities that escaped devastation by Hitler's armies during World War II. UNESCO listed Krakow as a World Heritage site in 1978 for its historic buildings and sites.
Today Krakow's fine towers, facades, and churches, reflecting seven centuries of Polish architecture, continue to make it the shop window of Poland. Until as recently as the 19th century there was a moat encircling the Old Town; now the parkland, called Planty, encircles the city. The center of Krakow is the Main Market Square, a medieval textile bazaar where Polish kings came the day after their coronations to meet the city's burghers and receive homage and tribute in the name of all the towns of Poland.

Cloth Hall

A visit to the cloth hall is a must, but then again I do not think that it is possible to miss it when visiting Krakow

Pros and Cons

Pros:Lovely people
Cons:Very little English spoken

Last visit to Krakow: Dec 2007
Intro Updated Sep 3, 2008
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Reviews (33)

Explore the streets Things to Do (12)

Exploring the streets is a great way to get fantastic shots with your camera. more travel advice

Tourist info office Favorites (2)

You will find this one on the old town square, The staff is extremely friendly and helpful more travel advice

Shop till you drop Shopping (6)

What a fantastic shopping centre. Whatever you are looking for, you will find it here. more travel advice

Zakopane Off The Beaten Path (3)

Zakopane is Poland's premier centre of mountain hiking and skiing. Although its local population is only about 30,000,... more travel advice

Restaurants (3)
See All Pod Krzyzykiem
Transportation (5)
See All Main Railway station

Comments (5)

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LoriPori Mar 29, 2010 at 2:52 PM

Some useful tips for us, for when we visit Krakow for the VT Euromeet in May, esp shopping and transportation.
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Pawtuxet Oct 21, 2009 at 10:11 AM

So glad you enjoyed one of my very favorite cities. Such an easy place to enjoy w/ so much history, beauty, good food, and a warm friendly feelling.
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PierreZA Oct 18, 2008 at 1:34 AM

Dagsê Mariana, dit lyk na 'n baie mooi plek. Your "Off the beaten track" tips are very interesting. Groete en lekker travel, Pierre
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matcrazy1 Mar 9, 2007 at 10:09 PM

I'm glad you enjoyed your visit to Krakow (+ salt mine in Wieliczka and Auschwitz museum). The last building in your Things to Do tips is Slowacki Theater which, indeed, houses opera for a few years.
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circeo May 11, 2004 at 1:34 AM

Nice page of a nice city....I hope to visit it this summer. Ciao from italy :)))