Kraków is a jewel city in the middle of Europe and completely different from the country's capital, Warsaw. When I was there, I opted to do a free walking tour around town to get to know more about it. None of the regular tours require booking, just show up in the meeting point - usually in the square in front of the Barbican, a fortified gate from the 15th century. More detailed tours, like about food, art or even the 2nd world war, are also available for free and in different languages. I, on the contrary, did start my visit not in the centre but a few km away, down the Starowiślna street. After crossing the River Vistula, on the right side is the Guetto Heroes Square. For those who don't know it, the square only has 33 spread out iron chairs that represent the tragedy of the Polish Jews who were imprisoned by the Germans in the Krakow Guetto during the WWII. A bit further and before reaching the Park Bednarskiego, you'll get to see the Parish of St. Joseph and with some luck the open market (I think on Saturdays) in its front square. The Bernatek Footbridge is just a few minutes walk north and its hanging sculptures are quite interesting. Cross the bridge and start moving in direction of the Church on the Rock and not along the river. The access to the church is done along the Krakowska and then by turning in the Skaleczna street. The religious sanctuary exists since the 18th century and has a perfect location by the river. In the same area, there's many synagogues awaiting a visit.
Back into the old town and following the standard tour from the Barbican to the St. Florian's Gate and further along the shopping street until you arrive in the main city's square. Back when I visited, the square was full with tends and the Christmas market, but even so you can perceive how big it is. In the centre of it is the Cloth Hall, a market hall with the Polish art museum, and in the entrance corner the powerful St. Mary's Basilica. This one has a gore legend regarding its towers - "Under the reign of King Boleslaus the Modest (Bolesław Wstydliwy, 1243-1279) a decision was made to add two towers to the body of the church standing by the Main Market Square. Soon two brothers embarked on the task. When the younger realised that his tower was much shorter, he murdered his brother out of envy, and the construction stopped. However, the murderer was wracked with remorse: on the day when the church was to be consecrated, he pierced his heart with the same knife he used to kill his brother, and dropped dead from the top of his tower to the ground below". Another monument you should pay attention is the Church of St. Wojciech and why you ask. Well this church was built in the 11th century and in a different level than the square. In fact that was before the actual level of the city and with time and many many debris, garbage and dirt, the city grew in height. Other landmark that is famous between tourists is of course the Wawel Royal Castle. Close to a fairytale, the castle stands on top of hilltop and has a huge complex of monuments inside that cannot be forgotten. I do advise 2-3 days to fully visit the city.
Back into the old town and following the standard tour from the Barbican to the St. Florian's Gate and further along the shopping street until you arrive in the main city's square. Back when I visited, the square was full with tends and the Christmas market, but even so you can perceive how big it is. In the centre of it is the Cloth Hall, a market hall with the Polish art museum, and in the entrance corner the powerful St. Mary's Basilica. This one has a gore legend regarding its towers - "Under the reign of King Boleslaus the Modest (Bolesław Wstydliwy, 1243-1279) a decision was made to add two towers to the body of the church standing by the Main Market Square. Soon two brothers embarked on the task. When the younger realised that his tower was much shorter, he murdered his brother out of envy, and the construction stopped. However, the murderer was wracked with remorse: on the day when the church was to be consecrated, he pierced his heart with the same knife he used to kill his brother, and dropped dead from the top of his tower to the ground below". Another monument you should pay attention is the Church of St. Wojciech and why you ask. Well this church was built in the 11th century and in a different level than the square. In fact that was before the actual level of the city and with time and many many debris, garbage and dirt, the city grew in height. Other landmark that is famous between tourists is of course the Wawel Royal Castle. Close to a fairytale, the castle stands on top of hilltop and has a huge complex of monuments inside that cannot be forgotten. I do advise 2-3 days to fully visit the city.
Tip: the Christmas season is magical there.
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