Kraków
We went to Kraków for two nights and stayed a few days longer — on the very first day, brake fluid leaked from our car in the underground garage and it ended up at the mechanic’s. But we didn’t change our plans. We got around the city by Bolt, which is cheap and convenient here, and in the end we enjoyed Kraków more than we expected.
We walked through the historic centre from the Barbican through St. Florian’s Gate to Rynek Główny, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, and all the way up to Wawel Castle to see the dragon. The next day we went to see Zakrzówek, nicknamed the Polish Maldives for its turquoise water, and then visited the zoo hidden in the forest. And on the last day we took advantage of free admission to the Polish Aviation Museum on Tuesdays.
Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków
The Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków is located on the grounds of the former Rakowice-Czyżyny airport. The museum has a collection of more than 200 exhibits.
Kraków Zoo
A zoo in Kraków, located in the Las Wolski forest on Pustelnik hill.
Zakrzówek Bathing Area
A bathing zone within the Zakrzówek recreational area, with floating wooden decks over a flooded limestone quarry. It has five pool sections of different depths, and entry is free during the season.
Wawel Cathedral
The coronation and burial church of Polish kings on the castle hill. It holds the royal tombs and the Sigismund Bell.
Grunwald Monument
A monumental statue of King Władysław II Jagiełło on horseback on Plac Jana Matejki. It commemorates the victory of the Polish-Lithuanian forces over the Teutonic Knights at the Battle of Grunwald in 1410.
Barbican
A round Gothic defensive bastion from the late 15th century, once part of Kraków's city fortifications. Today it belongs to the Museum of Kraków and is open to visitors.
Florian Gate
A medieval gate 34.5 metres tall that used to be the main entrance to the city on the Royal Route. It's one of the last surviving gates of Kraków's fortifications.
Main Market Square
Kraków's main square, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe — each side measures over 200 metres. Here you'll find the Cloth Hall, St Mary's Basilica and the Town Hall Tower.
St Mary's Basilica
A Gothic church with two towers of different heights, the dominant feature of the Main Square. Every hour a bugle call known as the hejnał sounds from the taller tower and breaks off abruptly mid-note.
Cloth Hall
A historic market hall in the middle of the Main Square, once used for trading cloth. Today it's full of stalls selling souvenirs, amber jewellery and handicrafts.
Wawel Dragon
A bronze statue of the legendary Wawel Dragon below the castle hill, which breathes real fire at regular intervals. It's one of Kraków's best-known symbols.
Wawel Royal Castle
The Wawel hill, for centuries the seat of Polish rulers. Besides the cathedral, you'll find a Renaissance arcaded courtyard and exhibitions from the former royal palace.
Bulwar Czerwieński
A popular riverside promenade along the Vistula below Wawel Castle. The Royal Route runs along it, and in the evening it offers lovely views of the illuminated castle and sightseeing boats.
Młyńskie Koło
An observation wheel nicknamed Diabelski Młyn on Bulwar Wołyński by the former Forum Hotel, standing 35 metres tall. On a clear day you can see all the way to the Tatra Mountains.