Krakow: Main Market Square & Old Town, Poland
For this trip, we are setting our sights on Krakow, the former ancient capital of Poland and a city brimming with history and culture. A journey to Krakow is simply incomplete without immersing oneself in the charm of its Old Town. Our first destination is the magnificent Main Market Square, which serves as the vibrant heart of Krakow's historic center and offers a perfect starting point for any exploration.
Parking in Krakow
Navigating parking in a historic city center like Krakow can be challenging, but with some planning, you can find convenient spots near the Old Town. Public transport is highly recommended for getting around the city, but if you choose to arrive by car, a good parking strategy is essential to avoid city traffic and zone restrictions. The designated parking lots offer a balance of accessibility and security, allowing you to enjoy your visit to the Old Town without worrying about your vehicle.
There are many parking lots in the vicinity of Krakow's old town. Interesting are two locations at Karmelicka street, that are practically opposite to each other (Karmelicka 26 - 1; GPS: 50.065439, 19.929920 and Karmelicka 21 - 2; GPS: 50.065491, 19.931163). Both are quite capacious - the second one is a bit cheaper. If you are interested in price, check the information in Parkopedia.
The Main Square
Stepping onto Krakow's Main Market Square is like walking onto the stage of history, surrounded by architectural masterpieces and centuries of tradition. As one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, it has served as the city's central hub for trade, festivities, and public life since the 13th century. The sheer scale and beauty of the square, framed by historical tenement houses and landmark buildings, create a truly awe-inspiring atmosphere that is both grand and welcoming. It's a place where history and contemporary life intertwine in a fascinating tapestry of sights and sounds.
The Main Square is remarkably large yet maintains a quaint and intimate feel, making it a truly breathtaking place to visit. We found it bustling with tourists and local life, creating an outstanding and vibrant atmosphere. This is a remarkably well-preserved piece of living history, still an active part of city life throughout the day and night, with a constant buzz of activity. The whole place is beautiful, and you must visit landmarks like the majestic St. Mary's Basilica (A; GPS: 50.061706, 19.939022) and the iconic Renaissance Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) (B; GPS: 50.061685, 19.937356) at its very center. As you can see, something is always happening in the square—children playing, tourists strolling, and restaurants tempting you in, all of which make you want to explore everywhere.
As you can see, always something is happening in the square. Children playing, tourists strolling and restaurants tempting you in, all of them make you want to explore everywhere.
The Old Town
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, Krakow's Old Town is a meticulously preserved urban masterpiece that extends far beyond its central square. The district is a labyrinth of charming cobblestone streets, lined with centuries-old buildings, and it holds a rich architectural tapestry that spans from the medieval to the Baroque period. Its status as a living museum, where every corner tells a story, makes it an unparalleled destination for history buffs and casual explorers alike. Walking through the Old Town is a journey through time, revealing layers of history at every turn.
The whole Old Town itself is simply fabulous. It is impeccably clean and feels immensely safe, allowing you to explore with complete peace of mind. While horse-drawn carriages and electric trams offer a picturesque way to see the sights, the true essence of the area is best experienced on foot. By walking, you can truly absorb all the attractions and architectural wonders that Krakow's Old Town has to offer, savoring a unique blend of history and modernity where the past gracefully intertwines with the present.
The Barbican
The Krakow Barbican stands as a magnificent and imposing testament to the city's medieval fortifications, serving as one of the few remaining examples of its kind in Europe. This massive circular fortress, with its impressive brick walls and numerous turrets, was once an integral part of a sophisticated defensive system. It was designed to protect the Florian Gate and the city from northern invaders, and its strategic placement and robust construction highlight the engineering prowess of the era. A visit to the Barbican offers a vivid glimpse into the defensive architecture that once shielded Krakow from harm.
Don't miss the Barbican, the last remaining watch tower (C; GPS: 50.065401, 19.941573), the Florian Gate (D; GPS: 50.064826, 19.941358) and its open air art exhibition. The St. Florian Gate (Brama Floriańska) was one of the eight defence gates in Krakow existing in medieval walls of the city. We entered the Haberdashers' Tower (Baszta Pasamoników) (E; GPS: 50.064719, 19.942179) located next to St. Florian Gate. It was originally defended by haberdashers, that means craftsmen who manufactured belts, braids and fringes. We went up the stairs to the second floor and then walked a long and narrow balcony towards the chapel of Czartoryski located just opposite the street of St. Florian. We came back the same way, and then went through the Florian Gate to get to the Barbican itself. There we accidentally hit an interesting staging of the series "The Middle Ages is cool! Become a medieval detective". It was a kind of interactive game about unraveling the mystery of the murder of one of Krakow's councilors.
The Grodzka Street
Grodzka Street is a crucial part of Krakow's historic Royal Route, a ceremonial path that once connected the city's two most important landmarks: the Main Market Square and the Wawel Royal Castle. This bustling street is a showcase of magnificent architecture, from stunning tenement houses to historic churches, reflecting centuries of religious and commercial life. Walking along Grodzka Street allows you to follow in the footsteps of kings and nobles, experiencing the grandeur and historical significance of this primary artery of the Old Town. Its vibrant atmosphere makes it a key part of any walking tour of Krakow.
Make sure to also take a stroll the Grodzka Street leading to the Wawel Royal Castle. We start at the All Saints Square (F; GPS: 50.059126, 19.937836). As you can see in the video, the street is quite crowded - everyone wants to walk to the Castle :). On both sides of the street we see beautiful tenement houses, with a variety of restaurants, boutiques and shops. Finally we got to the church of Saints Peter and Paul built in 1597–1619 (G; GPS: 50.056946, 19.938488). Opposite the church, in the Square of Mary Magdalene, we find a monument of Piotr Skarga, jesuit theologian and preacher. By the way, we also saw Lajkonik, a symbol of Krakow - bearded man resembling a Tatar in a characteristic pointed hat. Going farther in the direction of the Wawel Royal Castle we pass another three sacred buildings: the church of St. Andrew, built in the years 1079-1098, the church of St. Martin, built in the years 1637-1640, and a very old church of St. Giles - it was built in the end of the eleventh century.
Gastronomy in the Old Town of Krakow
Exploring Krakow's Old Town is not just a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the palate, with a vibrant and diverse gastronomic scene that caters to every taste. The historic center is dotted with an extensive selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars, from traditional eateries serving authentic Polish cuisine to trendy spots with modern, international menus. The culinary offerings here reflect the city's rich history and its dynamic present, making food an integral part of the Krakow experience.
What to Try?
- Traditional Polish Cuisine: Krakow is known for its hearty and delicious Polish dishes. Look for pierogi (dumplings with various fillings), żurek (sour rye soup), bigos (hunter's stew), and oscypek (smoked sheep cheese, especially popular with cranberries).
- Obwarzanki Krakowskie: These ring-shaped, braided bread snacks (pretzels) are a Krakow specialty, perfect for a quick and cheap bite while exploring. You'll find vendors selling them all around the Old Town and near Wawel.
- Sausages and Street Food: For a more casual experience, explore the local street food scene, which often includes various grilled sausages (kiełbasa) and zapiekanka (an open-faced baguette pizza).
- Craft Beer: Krakow's craft beer scene has been booming. Many pubs and restaurants offer a wide selection of local and regional craft beers.
- Sweets and Desserts: Don't miss out on traditional Polish cakes and pastries, such as sernik (cheesecake) or makowiec (poppy seed roll), often found in local bakeries and cafes.
Where to Eat?
The Old Town offers a plethora of dining choices, from elegant restaurants to cozy cafes, ensuring you'll find the perfect spot to dine and relax.
- Main Market Square (Rynek Główny): As the central hub, the Main Market Square is surrounded by countless restaurants, pubs, and cafes. It's a great place for a lively dining experience, though prices can be higher due to the prime location.
- Grodzka Street: This main street leading to Wawel is lined with numerous restaurants and cafes, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets. You'll find traditional Polish restaurants as well as international cuisine.
- Kanonicza Street: One of Krakow's oldest and most picturesque streets, located just off Wawel, offers more upscale and intimate dining experiences in beautifully restored historical buildings.
- Kazimierz District: For those willing to venture a little further (a short walk or tram ride), the historic Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz offers a vibrant culinary scene with trendy cafes, traditional Jewish eateries, and a diverse selection of international restaurants.
Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a leisurely meal, the area around Krakow's Old Town provides ample opportunities to savor the flavors of the city and replenish your energy after exploring this historic site.
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