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Things To Do And See In Krakow

Things To Do In Krakow

Krakow is a beautiful city in southern Poland with a rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture.
Buda Castle in Budapest - Things to do in the city
Photo: Wawel Hill & Castle Krakow

  Here are some of the top things to do in Krakow:

  • Visit Wawel Castle: This iconic castle is situated on a hill in the heart of the city and dates back to the 14th century. It has been the residence of Polish kings and queens for centuries and is now a museum with exhibitions showcasing its history.
  • Explore the Old Town: The historic center of Krakow is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features stunning architecture, including the famous Main Market Square, St. Mary's Basilica, and the Cloth Hall. It's a great place to wander around and soak up the atmosphere.
  • Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum: This powerful museum is located about an hour outside Krakow and is dedicated to the memory of the Holocaust victims. It is a sobering reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II.
  • Take a tour of Wieliczka Salt Mine: This historic salt mine is located just outside Krakow and dates back to the 13th century. It is now a popular tourist attraction, with guided tours taking visitors through the underground tunnels and chambers, showcasing the salt sculptures and chapels carved by miners.
  • Sample the local cuisine: Krakow is known for its delicious food, and there are plenty of opportunities to try traditional Polish dishes, such as pierogi, kielbasa sausage, and bigos stew. The city also has a thriving café culture, with many coffee shops and bakeries serving sweet treats.
  • Visit the Jewish Quarter: This historic district is known as Kazimierz and has a rich Jewish heritage. It is home to several synagogues, museums, and historic sites, as well as many bars, restaurants, and cafes.

    These are just a few of the many things to do in Krakow. The city has a rich history and culture, and there are plenty of attractions and activities to suit all interests. If you are a regular traveller you might want to consider our Multi Trip Travel Insurance.
Twardowski Rocks Park Poland
Photo: Twardowski Rocks Park Poland

Krakow Weather

Krakow has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The weather in Krakow can vary throughout the year, and it is important to plan accordingly. Here is a breakdown of the weather in Krakow by season:

Spring (March - May): Spring in Krakow can be unpredictable, with occasional snow and frost in March and early April. However, temperatures start to rise in May, with average highs of 16°C (61°F) and lows of 6°C (43°F).

Summer (June - August): Krakow experiences warm and sunny weather during the summer months, with average high temperatures of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 13°C (55°F). July is the warmest month, and rainfall is generally low.

Autumn (September - November): The weather in Krakow during autumn can be mild and pleasant, but it can also be wet and chilly. September is generally the warmest month, with average highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). Temperatures start to drop in November, with average highs of 6°C (43°F) and lows of 0°C (32°F).

Winter (December - February): Winters in Krakow can be cold, with frequent snowfall and freezing temperatures. The average high temperature in December is 2°C (36°F), and the average low temperature is -3°C (27°F). January is the coldest month, with average high temperatures of -1°C (30°F) and lows of -6°C (21°F).

Overall, the best time to visit Krakow is in the spring (March - May) or the autumn (September - November), when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. However, the city is also beautiful in the winter, with Christmas markets and snowy landscapes, while summer is perfect for outdoor activities and festivals.

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Krakow

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is a complex of former Nazi concentration and extermination camps located about 70 km west of Krakow in Poland. It was established in 1947, following the end of World War II, as a memorial and museum to honor the memory of the victims of the Holocaust.

Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest of the Nazi concentration camps. The complex consisted of three main camps and several subcamps, including Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II-Birkenau, and Auschwitz III-Monowitz.

The museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and significance of the camp through a variety of exhibitions, displays, and guided tours. Some of the most important sites within the museum include the barracks where prisoners lived, the infamous "Arbeit Macht Frei" gate, the gas chambers and and the Wall of Death.

Visitors are encouraged to book guided tours in advance to ensure availability and to gain a deeper understanding of the history and significance of the site. The museum also offers a range of educational programs, workshops, and research opportunities for students, scholars, and researchers.

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is an important reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Krakow Hotels

Krakow has a wide range of hotels to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some popular options:

  • Hotel Stary - A luxurious five-star hotel located in the heart of the Old Town, with elegant rooms, a spa, and a rooftop terrace.Grand Hotel - A historic five-star hotel located on the main square of the Old Town, with spacious rooms, a spa, and an elegant restaurant.
  • Hotel Copernicus - A boutique five-star hotel housed in a 14th-century building, with unique rooms, a spa, and a gourmet restaurant.
  • Hotel Gródek - A charming four-star hotel located in the Old Town, with comfortable rooms and a cozy restaurant.
  • Hotel Indigo - A modern four-star hotel located near the Jewish Quarter, with stylish rooms, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
  • Hotel Wawel - A contemporary four-star hotel located next to Wawel Castle, with spacious rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a restaurant.
  • Q Hotel Krakow - A budget-friendly three-star hotel located in the city center, with comfortable rooms and a restaurant.
  • Ibis budget Krakow Stare Miasto - A budget-friendly hotel located near the Old Town, with simple rooms and a breakfast buffet.

    There are many other hotels to choose from in Krakow, depending on your budget, location, and preferences. It's a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and get the best rates.

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