Old Town Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Old Town Krakow, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the city's rich history, culture, and culinary scene with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Old Town

Old Town is the historical center of Krakow, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Poland. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Town is a must-visit destination for culture and history lovers. With its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and stunning architecture, Old Town offers a unique blend of the past and present.

List of Places to Visit in Old Town

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you want to delve into Krakow’s rich history and culture, these are the must-visit museums and historical places in Old Town:

  • Wawel Castle: Home to the Royal Castle and Cathedral, which are the symbols of Krakow’s power and wealth under the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Also houses a collection of art and precious objects.
  • Main Market Square: The heart of Old Town, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and restaurants. Every hour, the famous bugle call is played from the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica.
  • Rynek Underground Museum: An interactive museum showcasing the history of Krakow’s Main Square, from its beginnings as a medieval market to its present-day role as a hub of tourism and commerce.
  • Jewish District: A historic area filled with synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, and museums, including the Galicia Jewish Museum, which explores Jewish culture, traditions, and heritage in the region.

Natural Attractions of Old Town: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you’re looking to soak up the natural beauty of Old Town, these are the places to visit:

  • Planty Park: A green oasis in the heart of Krakow, surrounding the historic center. The park was created in the 19th century on the ruins of the town’s medieval walls. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
  • Vistula River: The longest river in Poland, flowing through Krakow. Take a river cruise or a walk along the banks of the river to enjoy panoramic views of the city’s skyline.
  • Kopiec Krakusa: A man-made hill located on the outskirts of Old Town. Hike to the top for a breathtaking view of the city.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Old Town

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the numerous hiking and biking routes in and around Old Town. Some of the most popular routes include:

  • The Royal Way: A scenic route connecting Wawel Castle and the Main Market Square. The route follows the coronation route of Polish kings and queens.
  • Vistula Boulevards: A bicycle and pedestrian path along the Vistula River, offering stunning views of the city.
  • Krakow-Czestochowa Upland: A mountain range located 30 km north of Krakow, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.

Best Things to Do in Old Town: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities and tours to choose from in Old Town, depending on your interests:

  • Segway Tour: A fun and unique way to explore Old Town, riding a Segway with a guide who will show you all the major attractions.
  • Food Tour: Discover the culinary scene of Old Town with a food tour, sampling traditional dishes and learning about the local ingredients and cooking techniques.
  • Cultural Tour: Explore the Jewish Quarter, visit the Royal Castle and Cathedral, admire the stunning architecture and landmarks of Old Town with a knowledgeable guide.

Week-Long Itinerary for Old Town

If you have a week to spare in Krakow, this itinerary will take you through the highlights of Old Town:

  • Day 1: Visit Wawel Castle and Cathedral, explore the Rynek Underground Museum, and enjoy a stroll around the Main Market Square.
  • Day 2: Visit the Jewish Quarter, including the Galicia Jewish Museum and the Remuh Synagogue and Cemetery.
  • Day 3: Take a Segway tour of Old Town or a bicycle tour along the Vistula River.
  • Day 4: Visit St. Mary’s Basilica and climb the tower to hear the bugle call, explore the Cloth Hall, and visit the Adam Mickiewicz Monument.
  • Day 5: Visit the National Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Polish art and artifacts.
  • Day 6: Take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site located just outside of Krakow.
  • Day 7: Relax in Planty Park, or take a day trip to the Tatra Mountains, located about two hours from Krakow.

Food and Drink Scene of Old Town

Must-Try Dishes

Krakow’s culinary scene is a blend of traditional Polish dishes and modern international cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes in Old Town include:

  • Pierogi: Dumplings filled with various ingredients, such as meat, cheese, or vegetables.
  • Bigos: A stew made with sauerkraut, beef, and pork.
  • Kielbasa: A type of sausage, often served with fried onions and sauerkraut.
  • Obwarzanek: A traditional bread in Krakow, similar to a bagel but shaped like a pretzel.

Local Beverages

Poland is known for its beer and vodka, and Old Town offers plenty of options to try them:

  • Zywiec Beer: One of the most popular Polish beers, with a crisp and refreshing taste.
  • Krakus Vodka: A local brand of vodka made with rye and distilled multiple times for a smooth taste.
  • Honey Mead: A sweet and fruity drink made with honey, perfect for a cold winter day.

Where to Stay in Old Town: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Old Town offers plenty of options for accommodation, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Some of the best options include:

  • Hotel Stary: A five-star hotel located in the heart of Old Town, featuring a spa and wellness center.
  • Hostel Deco: A cozy hostel with stylish Art Deco interiors, located just a few minutes’ walk from the Main Market Square.
  • Apartments Rynek Glowny 6: A collection of spacious and modern apartments located directly on the Main Market Square, with stunning views and all the amenities of a hotel.

What to Buy in Old Town: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Old Town offers plenty of options for souvenir shopping, including:

  • Amber Jewelry: Poland is known for its high-quality amber, and Old Town offers plenty of stores selling amber jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
  • Handmade Crafts: Old Town is home to many artisan shops, selling handmade pottery, wooden toys, and other traditional crafts.
  • Local Food Products: Bring home some Polish sausages, cheese, or pickles, or try some traditional sweets, such as pierniki or mazurek.

Local Culture and Customs of Old Town

Polish culture is rich and diverse, with a long history and strong traditions. Some of the customs and etiquette to keep in mind when visiting Old Town include:

  • Greeting: Poles usually greet each other with a handshake and direct eye contact. Use formal titles and surnames when meeting new people.
  • Dining: It’s customary to wait until the host invites you to sit down and begin eating. Poles also tend to drink toasts during meals.
  • Religion: Poland is a predominantly Catholic country, and many of the customs and traditions revolve around Catholicism. Respect religious places and practices.

Best Time to Visit Old Town

The best time to visit Old Town is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. July and August can be hot and busy, while December can be cold but charming, with Christmas markets and decorations all over the city.

Do’s and Don’ts of Old Town

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and drinks.
  • Learn some basic Polish phrases, such as hello, thank you, and please.
  • Take a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of Old Town.

Don’t:

  • Visit religious places inappropriately dressed or disrespected.
  • Ignore the traditional customs and etiquette of the locals.
  • take photos of citizens without their consent.

Safety and Health

Safety in Old Town

Old Town is generally safe, with low rates of crime. However, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and to take basic precautions, such as not leaving valuables in plain sight and avoiding dark alleys at night.

Health in Old Town

Poland has a good public healthcare system, and there are several hospitals and clinics in Krakow that cater to tourists. However, it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses.

Getting to Old Town: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Old Town

Krakow has one international airport, John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice, located about 12 km from Old Town. There are several airlines that operate flights to and from Krakow, including Ryanair, EasyJet, and LOT Polish Airlines.

Bus Stations Near Old Town

Krakow has two main bus stations:

  • Krakow-Plaszow: Located south of Old Town, serving regional and national routes.
  • Krakow-MDA: Located east of Old Town, serving international routes.

Other Options

Krakow is well-connected by train to other parts of Poland and Europe, with several daily connections to Warsaw, Prague, and Budapest. There are also several car rental services available in the city.

How to Get Around in Old Town

Most of Old Town’s attractions are within walking distance, but there are also several other options for transportation, including:

  • Public Transport: Old Town is served by several tram and bus lines, with tickets available at designated kiosks or from the bus/tram driver.
  • Bicycle Rental: Several companies offer bicycle rental services, with plenty of bike lanes and cycling routes around the city.
  • Taxi: Taxis can be found at designated stands or hailed on the street. Make sure to ask for the price before getting into the taxi.

Where to Go Next from Old Town: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Krakow is surrounded by many beautiful destinations, perfect for day trips or longer excursions. Some of the best options include:

  • Wieliczka Salt Mine: A UNESCO World Heritage site located just outside of Krakow, with underground chambers and sculptures made entirely of salt.
  • Zakopane: A mountain resort town located in the Tatra Mountains, offering stunning views, downhill and cross-country skiing, and hiking trails.
  • Auschwitz: The site of the former Nazi concentration camp, located about an hour’s drive from Krakow.

Conclusion

Old Town Krakow is a fascinating and beautiful destination, full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in museums, outdoor adventures, or culinary delights, Old Town offers something for everyone. With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to explore the best of Old Town and make unforgettable memories.

''Sukiennice'' at night ''Sukiennice'' at night Wawel inner courtyard Wawel inner courtyard The Barbican The Barbican Town hall tower Town hall tower St. Mary Magdalene Square St. Mary Magdalene Square