Discover Krakow, Poland

A city break like no other

Old-world ambience, Central European charm, rich culture, colourful history, incredible food and so much to do… Krakow is buzzing! There’s so much to experience in the former Polish capital: with the family, friends or alone. The city and surrounding areas cater for all tastes (and budgets).

Discover Krakow Poland with Niche Destinations insiders tips

A rich history

Cobbled streets and historic architecture – from Romanesque and Gothic to Renaissance, baroque and art nouveau – collude to create an enchanting atmosphere. Particularly redolent of the past, the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and worth spending a few days exploring. Stroll across the vast, medieval Market Square and you might hear the sound of a bugle call from the tower of St Mary’s Church. Every hour, on the hour (day and night) the town remembers the 13^th century trumpeter who played the call to alert the town of invaders. The melody ends abruptly – just like it did on that day when the trumpeting hero was shot through the neck.

What to do

Explore Wawel Castle and don’t forget to discover the dragon’s cave… you might come across a fiery surprise at the end!
Take the family to HistoryLand and discover the country’s significant historical events recreated in LEGO form! Plus, a virtual reality experience!
Admire the beautiful horse-drawn carriages lined up through the Market Square but wait until late afternoon as that’s the perfect time to haggle on price! Snuggle up with a blanket, give your legs a break and relax.
Go on a free nighttime macabre walking tour of the city and learn about the dark side of the city. You’ll hear about Krakow’s Lady in Black, the secrets around the executioner’s profession, and historically factual tales about brutal 20th century serial killers terrorising Krakow.
Visit the Wieliczka salt mine for a fascinating experience… you can even lick the walls!
Walk to Kościuszko Mound on a clear day and climb to the top for picture-perfect views of the whole city.
A day trip to the southern Polish resort town of Zakopane is worth the journey. Hike or take the cable car up the Gubałówka mountain for amazing views. And don’t miss out on a ride on the summer toboggan!

Food, glorious food!

Street food

Pick up a ring-shaped obwarzanek bread from one of the many street vendors around the Old Town to fortify you before your morning’s sightseeing. Then stop for lunch at the market, try a pierogi – sweet or savoury Polish dumplings that are either fried or boiled. I opted for fried chicken and pesto with onions and it was mouth-wateringly good… so I went back for another five! This traditional Polish dish is available in most restaurants, but there’s nothing quite like stopping at the market for a bite – accompanied by a Polish beer, of course.

Bagels bagels bagels

While you’re out discovering the Old Town, make sure you stop for pizza bagels at Żarówka Café on Floriańska street.

Fine dining

A visit to Krakow offers an irresistible opportunity to dine at the renowned Renaissance-inspired Copernicus Restaurant at Hotel Copernicus on Kanonicza street. With three Gault&Millau toques and recommended by the Michelin Guide, this excellent establishment serves Chef Marcin Filipkiewicz’s fresh take on the cuisine of Polish royalty, and is not to be missed!

Where to stay

Located in Krakow’s picturesque Old Town, Relais & Châteaux Hotel Copernicus is a striking Renaissance palace on the city’s oldest and best-preserved street, Kanonicza. Krakow was once Poland’s capital, and this building was part of the cathedral chapel as well as being the meeting place of Krakow’s intellectual and economic elite for several centuries. Today, the 5-star Hotel Copernicus still hosts important guests including royalty, world leaders and Hollywood celebrities. The hotel’s historic character has been cleverly combined with luxurious décor and contemporary amenities. History is tangible here, from the Copernicus Spa with a pool and sauna area housed in the medieval vaulted cellars to the fireplace room and terrace with views over the Old Town’s roofs towards Wawel Royal Castle.