Rynek Główny, the Main Square of Krakow, is one of the largest medieval plazas in the whole of Europe. Surrounded by historic townhouses, the square centers around the 16th-century Cloth Hall, a majestic Renaissance structure topped with a traditional Polish Parapet and intriguing carved masks. The grand hall is flanked by the Town Hall Tower on one side, while the Adam Mickiewicz Monument and the 10th-century Church of St. Adalbert stand on the other. With origins that go back to the 13th Century, the Main Square of Krakow was once a bustling market. It is now the core of the city's cultural scene and the venue of choice for minor and major events. Museums, restaurants, and entertainment venues jostle for space alongside the historic square, making for a lively gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Encircling the Old Town, Planty Park dates back to the 19th Century. Among Krakow's largest parks, it was planned as part of the city's urban development. Segregated into eight distinct gardens, it features several monuments and fountains. Majestic pines and flowering shrubs dot the maze of pathways all across this serene park. People watching, walking, jogging and dog-walking are quite popular at this park. A green oasis amidst historic structures, it is definitely the place to be for those who want some serenity. There are many benches all over the park, so it is a nice spot to enjoy reading a book as well.
The building of the Collegium Maius is not overly impressive, so it could be easily overlooked. However, once your through the low, arched doorway entrance, you will enter what feels like a secret world. The inner courtyard is a Gothic wonder. Built in the 1300s and still used by the university, there is a small museum to visit as well as a gift shop. Famous alumni here include Nicolas Copernicus. The museum showcases a remarkable collection of artifacts, manuscripts, scientific instruments, and artworks that reflect the rich history of the university and its intellectual heritage. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of education and scholarly pursuits in Europe.
Founded in 1964 on the grounds of an old military aerodrome, Polish Aviation Museum boasts a collection of more than 200 planes, helicopters and gliders. Some of them are unique specimens such as a German warplane dating back to World War I, the only existing Russian M15 flying boat of 1916 or the famous 1917 Sopwith F.1 Camel fighter. There are even more attractions awaiting aviation enthusiasts: 200 aircraft engines (one of the largest collections in the world), a huge library and a photo archive. The staff are genuine aficionados, eager to answer all your questions.
One of the most lavishly decorated churches in the continent, St Mary's Basilica, or St Mary's Church, with its asymmetrical facade dominates the Old Town Square. Dating back to the 13th Century, this monumental church will wow you with its grandeur, especially the Altarpiece of Veit Stoss. In the lower tower five bells are housed while the higher tower served as a watch-tower since the Middle Ages. From here you can hear a trumpeter playing the Hejnal on the mark of every hour. . An architectural marvel, it is an exemplary example of Polish Gothic architecture.
The Sukiennice is one of the city's premier attractions. It is, in essence, a Renaissance shopping mall. It was rebuilt in 1550, which indicates how long the structure has been a part of the town. Inside is full of stalls selling anything and everything. Items range from souvenirs to fabric, hand embroidered items, carved wooden objects, amber jewelery and more. There are several cafes dotted around and the whole building has a wonderful atmosphere. Be sure to spend a few moments admiring the impressive architecture and the design of the roof.
In operation since March 15, 2006, Cruising Krakow is one of the best tour companies in the city. Known for allowing visitors to take a tour of the city at their own leisurely pace on quality bicycles, the company offers long rides of up to 12 kilometers (7.45 miles) in which participants get a chance to explore the various attractions of the city while indulging in some flavorsome local delicacies. Suitable for a group of friends, the city tour usually lasts for 4 hours. For those interested in tours amidst nature, the company also organizes bicycle tours on mountain trails. Feel free to interact with the tour guide as they are friendly and quite knowledgeable about the city. If you are in the mood to explore the city with your group, then booking a tour with Cruising Krakow can certainly be a great idea.
In operation since 2016, the Krakow Pinball Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum that. Known for being home to numerous exhibits related to pinball, a gaming machine that was often seen in bars, arcades and hotels until a couple of decades back, the museum is a must-visit for fans of this iconic game. Located within a 15th century cellar, one can take a glimpse of 300 pinball machines that are known for holding some top rated game titles. However, the cherry on the cake is that the gaming machines are free to use and pinball enthusiasts can gladly play to their heart’s content. If you are in a mood to spend some quality time, gaming with your friends or family, or simply wish to learn more about this historic arcade game, then certainly head to the Krakow Pinball Museum.
Rynek Główny, the Main Square of Krakow, is one of the largest medieval plazas in the whole of Europe. Surrounded by historic townhouses, the square centers around the 16th-century Cloth Hall, a majestic Renaissance structure topped with a traditional Polish Parapet and intriguing carved masks. The grand hall is flanked by the Town Hall Tower on one side, while the Adam Mickiewicz Monument and the 10th-century Church of St. Adalbert stand on the other. With origins that go back to the 13th Century, the Main Square of Krakow was once a bustling market. It is now the core of the city's cultural scene and the venue of choice for minor and major events. Museums, restaurants, and entertainment venues jostle for space alongside the historic square, making for a lively gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Encircling the Old Town, Planty Park dates back to the 19th Century. Among Krakow's largest parks, it was planned as part of the city's urban development. Segregated into eight distinct gardens, it features several monuments and fountains. Majestic pines and flowering shrubs dot the maze of pathways all across this serene park. People watching, walking, jogging and dog-walking are quite popular at this park. A green oasis amidst historic structures, it is definitely the place to be for those who want some serenity. There are many benches all over the park, so it is a nice spot to enjoy reading a book as well.
The building of the Collegium Maius is not overly impressive, so it could be easily overlooked. However, once your through the low, arched doorway entrance, you will enter what feels like a secret world. The inner courtyard is a Gothic wonder. Built in the 1300s and still used by the university, there is a small museum to visit as well as a gift shop. Famous alumni here include Nicolas Copernicus. The museum showcases a remarkable collection of artifacts, manuscripts, scientific instruments, and artworks that reflect the rich history of the university and its intellectual heritage. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of education and scholarly pursuits in Europe.
Founded in 1964 on the grounds of an old military aerodrome, Polish Aviation Museum boasts a collection of more than 200 planes, helicopters and gliders. Some of them are unique specimens such as a German warplane dating back to World War I, the only existing Russian M15 flying boat of 1916 or the famous 1917 Sopwith F.1 Camel fighter. There are even more attractions awaiting aviation enthusiasts: 200 aircraft engines (one of the largest collections in the world), a huge library and a photo archive. The staff are genuine aficionados, eager to answer all your questions.