Krakow - what to see by Maja Stanislawska

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:24:12 UTC

A good text with ideas on what to do when you have just three days in Krakow. Nine suggested walking routes are listed in the end and maps are included

Use google translate

https://www.krakow.pl/odwiedz_krakow/1177,artykul,trzy_dni_w_krakowie.html

Money

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:25:04 UTC

Currency exchange

If you need to exchange currency, avoid the airport and most of the places in the old town inside the Planty park.

One of the best places to hunt for good exchange rates is in Wielopole Street, e.g.

http://kantorwielopole.pl/pl/wielopole-10/ shows current rates online

ILOŚĆ = amount, normally per 100 EUR etc.

SKUP = PLN they pay when they buy other currency from you

SPRZEDAŻ = price of the currency in PLN, normally per 100 EUR etc.

A typical fx is around 4,6 PLN per EUR.

Public transport

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:27:01 UTC

It is best to buy a ticket before you go onto a bus or tram - this is a map of places that sell them:

http://www.kkm.krakow.pl/pl/punkty-sprzedazy-biletow

On most trams and buses there are also ticket machines but they only accept coins. Moreover, if you are slow and the ticket control starts before you buy and validate (stamp) a ticket, they may be unpleasant.

Stamp your ticket by inserting it into a small hole in this kind of device

http://www.kkm.krakow.pl/pl/urzadzenia/kasowniki/

Your best option might be

72 hour ticket costs 50 PLN. You need to stamp it the first time you get onto a bus or a tram. Then just keep it safe.

You may need to show it to a ticket controller if asked.

Stamp will show the date and time until your ticket is valid. Normally the time is the last four digits and the month and day come before.

http://www.mpk.krakow.pl/pl/bilety2/sprawdzanie-waznosci-biletow/

A single use ticket costs 6 PLN (1 ride on one bus/tram, no matter how long it takes OR 60 minutes in total on many buses/trams).

Other tickets:

20 min ticket 4,00 PLN

60 min ticket 6,00 PLN

90 min ticket 8,00 PLN

24 h ticket 17,00 PLN

48 h ticket 35,00 PLN

Ticket validation device in Krakow

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:29:13 UTC

Insert a paper ticket to the small hole. A series of numbers will be printed. The last four show the time when your ticket is no longer valid.

Pozegnanie z Afryka

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:32:12 UTC

A small cafe where you go for a cup of coffee, rather than food. The menu of coffee is very long - you select the origin of the coffee (e.g. Indonesia) and say in what style you want the coffee prepared. They also serve tea - I recommend fruit tea Bora Bora.

21 Tomasza Street

Here is a picture from the inside:

Cafe Camelot

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:32:58 UTC

17 Tomasza Street

A quirky rustic design. Good for a brunch, light lunch or coffee. We really enjoy their apple pie with ice-cream and chocolate cake. Good selection of coffee and tea.

Massolit

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:33:55 UTC

A cafe with books to read
4 Felicjanek Street

Menu here http://www.massolit.com/cafe

Pizzeria Cyklop

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:34:41 UTC

Really good pizza from the wood-fired oven. They have other yummy food as well.

16 Mikolajska Street
7 Bozego Ciala Street (Kazimierz)

http://www.pizzeriacyklop.pl/pages/en/menu.aspx

Chimera

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:35:53 UTC

A salad bar, vegetarian dishes and you eat in a hidden garden

http://chimera.com.pl/en/bar-salatkowy/

3 Anny Street

Staropolska

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:37:07 UTC

A traditional Polish inn restaurant with a nice wooden interior and music

http://www.rynek44.pl/staropolska_menu2.html

44 Market Square

Klezmer-Hois

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:38:07 UTC

A Jewish restaurant with klezmer music concerts every evening at 20:00.

http://www.klezmer.pl/our_menu

6 Szeroka Street

Samui

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:38:48 UTC

Traditional Thai cuisine restaurant

http://en.samui.com.pl/

10 Wislna Street

Pod Aniolami

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:40:37 UTC

An impressive fancy restaurant in a cellar

http://www.podaniolami.pl/en/5/Menu/

Krakow in 15 minutes

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:43:12 UTC

15 min. multimedia show to introduce you to the history of the city and tell some interesting facts and anecdotes. Best book in advance

5 Kanonicza Street

http://cracow-in-15-minutes.pl/historical-show/

https://pl.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g274772-d12588079-Reviews-Krakow_in_15_minutes-Krakow_Lesser_Poland_Province_Southern_Poland.html

Collegium Maius - Museum of the Jagiellonian University

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:44:37 UTC

visiting courtyard is free

https://maius.uj.edu.pl/en_GB/bilet-online

15 Jagiellonska Street

Exhibition includes for example Copernicus room.

https://pl.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g274772-d276732-Reviews-Jagiellonian_University_Collegium_Maius-Krakow_Lesser_Poland_Province_Southern_Pol.html

Amber Museum

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:46:17 UTC

free, open 9-20, every day

2 Jana Street - very close to the Market Square

https://ambermuseum.eu/en/

This is a new exhibition in the back of a shop. You can view online what to expect.

Undergrounds of the Main Market Square

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:48:35 UTC

A very interesting tour underground through the history of Krakow. It is best to book the ticket in advance because it is popular.

https://muzeumkrakowa.pl/en/branches/rynek-underground

Sukiennice in the Main Market Square

Oscar Schindler's Enamel Factory

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:49:28 UTC

For a feel of Nazis terror and the story of Holocaust, an emotional visit

It is best to book the ticket in advance because it is popular.

https://muzeumkrakowa.pl/en/branches/oskar-schindlers-enamel-factory

4 Lipowa Street

Wieliczka Salt Mine from 13th century

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:50:36 UTC

UNESCO site with a salt mining industry since Medieval times 1252. Beautiful sculptures in salt and a healthy microclimate.

This is a 1/2 day trip that is best to book in advance. Easiest to buy a tour as you go approx. 25 km from Krakow.

https://www.wieliczka-saltmine.com/visiting/tourist-route

Great architecture

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:52:26 UTC

You can freely enter almost any of the churches to see how they look like inside, best to visit outside service times. Two of them require tickets if you want to visit as a tourist: the Wawel castle cathedral and St. Mary's Basilica in the Main Market Square.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Churches_of_Krak%C3%B3w

St. Mary's Basilica

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:53:26 UTC

You need to buy a ticket if you want to visit as a tourist and see the pretty altar from a close distance.

Wawel Castle Royal Cathedral

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:53:51 UTC

Entrance fee

Church of St Peter and St Paul

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:54:49 UTC

St Andrew Church

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:55:29 UTC

St Adalbert Church

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:56:23 UTC

On the Rock Church

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:57:37 UTC

Galeria Krakowska

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 17:59:49 UTC

near the railway station, lots of good shopping and eating

Galeria Kazimierz

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:00:42 UTC

near the Jewish district, many good shops

Hints from tripadvisor

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:01:48 UTC

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Guide-g274772-k696-Krakow_Lesser_Poland_Province_Southern_Poland.html

Sukiennice

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:02:55 UTC

Cloth Hall, indoor market in the Main Market Square

Florianska Street

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:03:49 UTC

Kanonicza and Grodzka Street

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:04:11 UTC

Krakow Card

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:06:34 UTC

Krakow Card

If you like to visit some museums, it may be worth investing in the Krakow Card. Unfortunately, it does not grant entry to every exhibition, so check what you want to really see before you buy it.

https://www.getyourguide.com/s?partner_id=LAMDN2W&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-end&cmp=KrakowCard&deeplink_id=1b9d0750-d210-5350-84ef-90f859f93d31&q=Krakow&et=52451&lc=40

Interactive pinball exhibition

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:06:53 UTC

free to play after you paid an entrance fee

https://www.facebook.com/pg/krakowpinballmuseum/about/?ref=page_internal

https://pl.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g274772-d9769262-Reviews-Krakow_Pinball_Museum-Krakow_Lesser_Poland_Province_Southern_Poland.html

Polish Aviation Museum

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:08:25 UTC

For fans of aviation

http://www.muzeumlotnictwa.pl/indexen.php

39 Jana Pawla II Street, a little out there

Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:09:30 UTC

https://manggha.pl/en/plan-your-visit

26 Konopnickiej Street (opposite to Wawel castle, on the other side of the river)

Archeological Museum

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:10:24 UTC

Here you can see not only the old history of Poland but also lots of Egiptian artefacts, mummies of people and cats...

http://www.ma.krakow.pl/

3 Poselska Street

Free entrance on Sundays.

Thu 9-18

Fri 9-15

Sat closed

Sun 11-16

https://pl.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g274772-d7737513-Reviews-Archaeological_Museum-Krakow_Lesser_Poland_Province_Southern_Poland.html

Sukiennice Art Gallery 19th century

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:11:39 UTC

Some of the best and largest paintings from 19th century in Poland.

Walking by the river

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:12:49 UTC

A good walking path on both sides of the Wisla river

Planty park

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:22:22 UTC

Green spaces around the old town

Park Jordana

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:23:43 UTC

A little further from the centre, large park with interesting sculptures

Kopiec Krakusa

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:24:25 UTC

Krak Mound
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krakus_Mound

Kościuszko Mound

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:25:53 UTC

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ko%C5%9Bciuszko_Mound

Botanic Garden

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:27:23 UTC

27 Kopernika Street

Opens normally in mid April - check the exact date before you go - it depends on the temperatures

http://www.ogrod.uj.edu.pl/english

Professors' Garden

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:31:56 UTC

Free to visit, a hidden gem in the old town

https://pl.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g274772-d10206180-Reviews-Profesorski_Garden-Krakow_Lesser_Poland_Province_Southern_Poland.html

Wawel Castle

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:37:25 UTC

The Royal Castle of Poland
https://wawel.krakow.pl/en/explore

Several good exhibitions, may be busy

You can visit the Wawel hill for free - it is worth your time

Also, if you see strange people in the corner of the main courtyard, they are probably charging their cosmic energy - apparently some believe that a Chakra is located there
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wawel_Chakra

Cinema

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:44:18 UTC

http://www.kinopodbaranami.pl/english.php

Kino Pod Baranami offers good European and exotic movies. It is located in an old town house

27 Main Market Square

Pasaż 13

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 18:49:43 UTC

Small hidden shopping venue with designer shops

http://www.pasaz-13.pl/

Entrance from the Main Market Square

Da Vinci in Poland

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 19:20:48 UTC

Lady with an Ermine

One of the most valuable pieces of art in Poland

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_with_an_Ermine

https://mnk.pl/branch/mnk-czartoryski-museum

Krakow Technology Trail

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 19:27:19 UTC

http://www.mim.krakow.pl/krakow-technology-trail

Urban industrial heritage trail. See 17 buildings with unique historic and architectural value, related to industry, communication, energy production, gas supply, and fire and flood safety, built in the 19th and 20th centuries, designed by the best Polish architects, engineers and building inspectors.
Some of the objects along the trail still serve their original purpose, others were adapted for new functions, including public ones.

Karnet - find out what's on in the city

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 19:37:51 UTC

http://karnet.krakow.pl/en

Zakrzowek

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 19:40:26 UTC

A city park with an old limestone quarry that is flooded with water. Rocks, caves, nature.

Strefa Piwa - best beer pub

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 19:47:12 UTC

http://www.strefa-piwa.pl/

6 Jozefa Street

18 beers from a tap and even more in bottles

Lem's Garden of Experiences

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 19:51:09 UTC

https://www.mit.krakow.pl/en/experimental-garden/

No shopping on Sundays

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 19:55:09 UTC

Due to the new law, in 2018 most shops are supposed to be closed on Sundays, unless they qualify for some special treatment. Sundays may be good for visiting museums and trips.

Sending postcards

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 19:57:09 UTC

To send a postcard or a letter up to 50 g in weight, buy a stamp from a post office agent or a shop that sells postcards. Prefer the priority stamp - you can write PRIORYTET on the card or ask for a priority sticker.

Priority class 8.00 PLN to Europe

Drop the card/letter with a stamp to a red post box.

Paying by card may cost extra

xenotimefun — 2018-02-25 20:04:40 UTC

You can pay by card almost in any bigger shop now, however, some of them will add a small surcharge if your purchase is below some limit. They must show the conditions by the cashier and explain clearly.

Having a credit/debit card in one is not popular. Many shop assistants will not know about it. When the terminal asks to select debit or credit, just tell them how you want to pay.

In many places you can select if you want to pay in EUR or PLN when using your card. Calculate what is a better exchange rate for you.

Cinema Under the Rams * Pod Baranami

xenotimefun — 2019-03-04 15:47:34 UTC

At the Main Market Square - good movies

https://www.kinopodbaranami.pl/english.php

Free live candy factory shows

xenotimefun — 2019-03-04 15:52:29 UTC

Grodzka Street 38

GTA - sophisticated cakes

xenotimefun — 2019-03-04 16:49:53 UTC

22 Bozego Ciala Street

haute patisserie - awesome cakes to admire and taste

Cukiernia Cichowscy

xenotimefun — 2019-03-04 16:52:42 UTC

21 Starowislna Street

old style patisserie with a long tradition

Energylandia

xenotimefun — 2019-03-04 16:59:59 UTC

The best amusement park and water park in Poland. They have the highest number of roller coasters in a park in Europe. Some of the highest roller coasters in Europe and even in the world. Nice family attractions and great theming.
You can get there by bus from Krakow and from Katowice - schedules are given around the opening time in the beginning of April and ends in October and they also open for December season.
You would need a full day for this one.

Good quality elegant hand bags made in PL

xenotimefun — 2023-06-30 17:33:08 UTC

Galanteria Skorzana
Wislna 9

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Wi%C5%9Blna+9,+31-007+Krak%C3%B3w,+Poland/@50.060485,19.9346857,3a,75y,295.18h,79.96t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s5NYcT6KqVqyMt4purAr2-w!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m7!3m6!1s0x47165b0db964b259:0xed13ddd7b9baf29a!8m2!3d50.0604883!4d19.934493!10e5!16s%2Fg%2F11cscg5k20?entry=ttu

INFO Krakow

xenotimefun — 2023-06-30 17:49:34 UTC

A nice place at Jana street
They will help with all practical questions, and can help select cultural events and book tickets or trips.
You may ask for free brochures and maps

https://www.google.com/maps/place/InfoKrak%C3%B3w/@50.0626484,19.9381281,21z/data=!4m16!1m9!3m8!1s0x47165b0db964b259:0xed13ddd7b9baf29a!2zV2nFm2xuYSA5LCAzMS0wMDcgS3Jha8OzdywgUG9sYW5k!3b1!8m2!3d50.0604883!4d19.934493!10e5!16s%2Fg%2F11cscg5k20!3m5!1s0x47165b0e19dcc7f7:0x7f9b7293c1fefd62!8m2!3d50.062618!4d19.9380917!16s%2Fg%2F11g_kt203?entry=ttu

Craft Icecream - Hodurek

xenotimefun — 2026-04-26 11:18:10 UTC

Smolki 6, 30-513 Kraków, Poland

https://maps.app.goo.gl/2TQhWhCDpwUgj2cBA