Must-See Attractions in Kraków

If you are visiting Kraków for the first time, make sure to start your journey in the heart of the city. Begin with the Barbican and the Florian Gate. Then turn right to admire the works of Kraków's artists. Just a few steps away, you will find one of the most important museums – the Czartoryski Museum. This institution boasts an impressive collection of Greek and Roman art, but its greatest treasure is the famous painting Lady with an Ermine by Leonardo da Vinci, the only work by this artist in Poland.

Main Market Square

Continuing your walk, head down Floriańska Street to the Main Market Square – the largest medieval square in Europe, preserved in nearly unchanged form since 1257 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Here, history and modernity meet at every turn. In the center of the square stand the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), home to colorful souvenir stalls and a museum filled with paintings. Be sure to notice the jewelry made of genuine Polish amber – a perfect and beautiful souvenir crafted in Poland. Beneath the square lies the fascinating Rynek Underground Museum – an interactive space that delves into the history of medieval Kraków. See fragments of ancient roads and discover why today we walk several meters above them.

St. Mary's Basilica

On one corner of the square stands St. Mary's Basilica (the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary), famous for the magnificent altar by Veit Stoss. The altar of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, located within the basilica, is one of the finest examples of late Gothic sculpture in Europe. St. Mary's Basilica is easily recognized by its two towers – one 82 meters tall, the other 69 meters. For over 600 years, a bugle call (hejnał mariacki) has sounded from one of the towers every hour. The highlight is at noon when the melody is played to all four corners of the world. Plan your visit to Kraków's heart so that you can be near the basilica just before noon to watch for the bugler! Next, head towards the small Church of St. Adalbert (Kościół Św. Wojciecha). This bright, stone church with its green dome invites you to step closer and see the glass panels beneath your feet that reveal medieval history. Walk around it, and if it's open, take a peek inside.

Town Hall Tower and Jagiellonian University

You'll return here shortly, but first, head to the Town Hall Tower, which stands 70 meters tall and was built in the 15th century – perhaps you'd like a photo with the stone lion nearby? Continue your tour along St. Anne's Street and then Jagiellońska Street, where you'll find the Jagiellonian University (formerly known as the Kraków Academy), the second oldest university in Central Europe after Charles University in Prague. Famous alumni include Nicolaus Copernicus (the astronomer who developed the heliocentric model of the solar system), Karol Wojtyła (Pope John Paul II), Jan Długosz, Jan Kochanowski, Marcin Kromer, Mikołaj Rej, Jan III Sobieski (a distinguished king of Poland), Bronisław Malinowski, and Norman Davies. Visit Collegium Maius, whose courtyard takes visitors back to medieval times. See the clock, dated to the 16th century, which plays the melody of the academic hymn Gaudeamus Igitur at specific times (9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, and 16:00). Figures of historical figures connected to the university parade in its procession.

Lunch and Historic Churches

Next, return to the Main Market Square. You'll surely want to grab a delicious meal. Both in the square and nearby, there are numerous excellent restaurants to choose from. After your meal, head down Grodzka Street, passing the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, which houses Poland's longest Foucault pendulum (46.5 meters). Demonstrations of the Earth's rotation are held here every Thursday. Right next door is the Romanesque Church of St. Andrew, dating back to the 11th century, which once served both religious and defensive purposes. Pay attention to its narrow shooting windows and its baroque pulpit shaped like a boat.

Wawel Hill

Walking further, you will arrive at Wawel Hill. Plan to spend at least a few hours, or better yet, an entire day exploring this historical residence of Polish kings. Wawel Castle offers Renaissance courtyards, splendid interiors, and an impressive art collection. Be sure to visit Wawel Cathedral and climb the Sigismund Tower to see the famous Sigismund Bell.