After leaving Bratislava, I hopped on a long-distance bus and headed to southern Poland, arriving in the historic city of Kraków. Once the royal capital of Poland, Kraków is often called the country’s most beautiful city—and it’s not hard to see why.
Wandering through Kraków feels like flipping through the pages of a living history book. Medieval castles, Gothic churches, colorful old buildings, and the sounds of street musicians mix with the aroma of coffee from nearby cafés. Everything invites you to slow down and soak in the charm of this amazing city.
Although Kraków isn’t Poland’s largest city, it’s perfect for exploring on foot. Most attractions are clustered around the Old Town, making it easy to discover local history, architecture, culture, or just the simple joy of daily life here. The Old Town and Market Square stole my heart right away. Honestly, if you can only visit one Polish city, many would tell you—make it Kraków.
I arrived in the evening, tired and carrying a heavy backpack while searching for my hotel. Poland doesn’t use the Euro—it uses the local currency called złoty, which I still don’t really know how to pronounce! After checking in, I went straight to bed to rest for the adventures ahead.
Kraków Barbican
One of the first landmarks you’ll notice in Kraków is a round, fortress-like brick structure near the Old Town entrance—it’s the Kraków Barbican.
Built in 1498, this Gothic-style fortress was part of the city’s medieval defense system, meant to protect against the Ottoman Empire. It’s made of thick red brick walls, over 3 meters thick, with seven towers, arrow slits, and passageways. Back in the day, no enemy could get into the city without first getting through this tough outpost.
Today, the Barbican is a museum and event space, hosting exhibitions on medieval warfare, knights, and local history. It sits right in front of St. Florian’s Gate, once the main entrance to the city. Walking through this area, you really feel like you’re stepping back in time.
St. Mary’s Basilica
Located at the edge of the Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica is one of Kraków’s most iconic landmarks.
This Gothic church, built in the 14th century, is famous for its two uneven towers. Every hour, a trumpeter plays a short tune (called Hejnał Mariacki) from the taller tower. The melody ends abruptly to honor a legendary guard who was shot in the throat while warning the city of an invasion centuries ago.
Inside the church is absolutely stunning. Brightly painted ceilings, stained glass windows, and detailed murals create a magical atmosphere. The highlight is a massive wooden altar carved by Veit Stoss in the 15th century, showing scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. It’s one of the largest Gothic altars in Europe.
If you’re visiting Kraków, this should definitely be your first stop. It’s not just a church—it’s the heart and soul of the city.
Main Market Square
Kraków’s Main Market Square is truly the city’s beating heart—and one of the largest and oldest medieval squares in Europe, dating back to the 13th century.
The square is surrounded by historic buildings, churches, cafés, and restaurants. It’s paved with elegant stone tiles, giving it an old-world charm that makes you feel like you’re in a European fairytale.
Some highlights around the square:
- St. Mary’s Basilica: That hourly trumpet call you hear? It’s from here.
- Cloth Hall (Sukiennice): A long market building in the center selling souvenirs, amber jewelry, and crafts. There’s also a nice café inside.
- Town Hall Tower: A leftover from the old town hall—you can climb it for a view over the square.
- Street performers and horse-drawn carriages: Whether it’s music, juggling, or art, there’s always something happening. And those horse carriages? Super charming.
If you’re hungry, you’ll find lots of restaurants nearby offering Polish classics like pierogi (dumplings), beef stew, and cabbage rolls. At night, the square lights up beautifully—perfect for a stroll, photos, or a quiet drink at a bar.
Quick tip: I noticed a lot of women on the streets asking if I wanted to grab a drink. I politely declined them all. I later read online that some of them lead tourists to bars where you’re pressured to buy expensive drinks. So be careful and stay alert.
Wawel Royal Castle
If the Market Square is Kraków’s heart, then Wawel Castle is definitely its soul.
Located on a hill next to the Vistula River, the castle is a 15-minute walk from the city center. The higher you go, the more majestic it feels.
From the 11th to the 17th century, this was the royal residence of Poland’s kings. It’s where they were crowned, ruled the country, and made major political decisions. This place has seen centuries of history and glory.
The castle complex includes:
- Royal Palace: Open to visitors, with royal rooms, throne halls, banquet spaces, and tons of historic artwork and furniture.
- Wawel Cathedral: The coronation and burial site of Polish kings. You can also climb the bell tower for an epic view of Kraków.
- Dragon’s Den: A legendary cave beneath the castle, said to be home to a dragon long ago. Now there’s a fire-breathing dragon statue outside—great for photos!
This whole area is full of beauty and mystery, with a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. I recommend spending at least half a day here. Take your time, enjoy the views, and soak up the royal vibes.
Auschwitz Concentration Camp
Out of all the places I visited in Poland, Auschwitz left the deepest impression on me. It’s not a fun place. It’s not for selfies. It’s a powerful reminder of one of the darkest chapters in human history.
Auschwitz isn’t just one site—it includes three main parts. The two you can visit are Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau.
Auschwitz I
Originally a Polish army barracks, this site became a Nazi concentration camp. It’s now a museum with preserved prison blocks, execution walls, and exhibition halls. At the entrance is the chilling phrase: “Arbeit macht frei” (“Work sets you free”).
Inside, I felt a heavy silence. No joking, no chatting. Just heartbreak. You see piles of victims’ belongings—shaved hair, children’s shoes, glasses, suitcases—all that remains of lives lost.
Auschwitz II – Birkenau
This site is even larger, almost endless. It’s where the trains arrived and where thousands were sent straight to gas chambers or forced labor.
Walking past the “Gate of Death,” barbed wire, and collapsed crematoriums, I could feel the overwhelming despair of this place.
This isn’t a tourist stop—it’s a memorial.
Important Tips:
- Join a guided tour. The guides explain the history in detail and help you understand what you’re seeing.
- Be respectful and silent. This is a place of remembrance.
- There are day tours from Kraków that include transport and a guide, which I highly recommend.
That wraps up my 3 days in Kraków. Tomorrow, I’m flying to Dubai!
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