Key attractions
The main focal point of Krakow is the massive central square in the Old Town, which is loaded with pretty buildings, monuments like the Statue of Adam Mickiewicz and Sukienniced, and numerous cool cafés. The nearby Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, a funky area to the south that is hemmed in by the Vistula River and features the ancient Remuh synagogue, is a major talking point among tourists. Farther along the river is the Royal Way, which leads to pretty Wawel Castle. For a stark contrast, visit the Nowa Huta district for its intimidating communist-era buildings.
Having fun
Cultured entertainment in Krakow comes in the form of the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra in the Philharmonic Hall, shows at the Slowackiego Theater on the edge of the Old Town, and the nearby National Stary Theater. The Old Town is best for eating out; Polish dishes are meat and potato-heavy, filling and cheap, while the signature Krakow snack, the obwarzanek bagel, is found street side. Kazimierz is your best bet for enjoying yourself at night in its trendy bars and nightclubs.
Shopping
If you’re in the market for clothes, art, handicrafts or souvenirs, the Old Town should be your first port of call. Try the Rynek Główny market for the best of it, along with Royal Way, while nearby Plac Nowy in Kazimierz is especially good for antiques. There are a couple of modern shopping malls in the center, including Galeria Krakowska at the train station and Galeria Kazimierz near the river. Be sure to haggle firmly in the markets.
Nearby
Take time out to explore the countryside, which is pretty and rises to the Tatra Mountains, a 1 hour, 30 minute drive to the south and home to numerous cave systems and great hiking territory. En route, just six miles from the city, is the Wieliczka Royal Salt Mine; a World Heritage site that includes a subterranean town dating back centuries. The main attraction of the region, however, is the sobering site of Auschwitz-Birkenau, 40 miles west of Krakow and where more than a million Jews were gassed in WWII.
Our recommendations in Krakow
Hotel Alexander I
Located in Krakow's Kleparz neighborhood, Hotel Alexander I is in the city center. Oskar Schindler Factory and National Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Main Market Square and Wawel Castle. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Wisla Stadium or Tauron Arena Kraków.
Hotel Matejko
In the city center and near a train station, Hotel Matejko is in an area with good shopping. Oskar Schindler Factory and National Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Main Market Square and Wawel Castle. Aquarium and Natural History Museum and Park Wodny are also worth visiting. Our guests love the hotel's central location.
Bonerowski Palace
Located in Krakow's Old Town neighborhood, Bonerowski Palace is in the city center and connected to a shopping center. Oskar Schindler Factory and National Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Main Market Square and Wawel Castle. Traveling with kids? Consider Aquarium and Natural History Museum and Park Wodny.
Hotel Wawel
Located in Krakow's Old Town neighborhood, Hotel Wawel is in the city center and near the boardwalk. Oskar Schindler Factory and National Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Main Market Square and Wawel Castle. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Wisla Stadium, or consider a night out at Cellar Under the Rams. Our guests love the hotel's central location.
4Seasons Apartments Cracow
Located in Krakow's Kleparz neighborhood, 4Seasons Apartments Cracow is in the city center and near a train station. Oskar Schindler Factory and National Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Main Market Square and Wawel Castle. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Wisla Stadium or Tauron Arena Kraków.
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Apartwawel
Located in Krakow, Apartwawel is in the city center and near a train station. Oskar Schindler Factory and National Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Wawel Castle and Main Market Square. Aquarium and Natural History Museum and Park Wodny are also worth visiting. Our guests love the property's central location.
Home ApartHotel
Located in Krakow, Home ApartHotel is in the business district and connected to the convention center. Oskar Schindler Factory and National Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Wawel Castle and Main Market Square. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Wisla Stadium, or consider a night out at Cellar Under the Rams.
Hotel Europejski
Located in Krakow, Hotel Europejski is in the city center and near a train station. Oskar Schindler Factory and National Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Main Market Square and Wawel Castle. Aquarium and Natural History Museum and Park Wodny are also worth visiting. Our guests love the hotel's central location.