The city of Krakow was never on my bucket list. It wasn’t one of those destinations that frequently came up in my travel conversations. However, Dominik and I had an opportunity this summer that led us to this Polish gem, and we were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed our short trip there. With only a single afternoon to spare in the city, we decided to do a quick walkabout.
Here’s a rundown of my top picks for making the most of a day in Krakow!
Walk Along Wisła River
The Wisła River promenade offers an enchanting experience. While walking along Poland’s largest river, we encountered beautifully landscaped parks and historic landmarks! As we walked further, we saw Wawel Castle sprawling on one side and Bernatek Footbridge on the other. If you want to relax and unwind, take a walk along the Wisła River. You won’t regret it.
Watch a Dragon Spit Fire
One of the most popular attractions in Krakow is a sculpture of the Wawel Dragon. It dates back to medieval times and is a part of Krakow’s folklore. Because of that, it has become the city’s symbol, and many tourists gather around the sculpture and watch the dragon spit flames! I was lucky to capture this moment on camera while we passed by!
Hang Out at Rynek Glowny Square
Rynek Glowny, one of the largest squares in Europe, is situated at the very heart of Krakow. It has been a central focal point of the city’s history, culture and vibrant atmosphere. Cafes, restaurants and shops line the square’s perimeter while St. Mary’s Basilica towers over the busy city life. Take a walk, listen to the street performers showcasing their skills, relax and reflect! If you have spare time, consider taking a guided tour of the underground chambers beneath the square.
Visit Sukiennice Market
Situated at the heart of Rynek Glowny Square, Sukiennice Market stands as a captivating historical landmark of Krakow. It dates back to the Renaissance era and has witnessed centuries of trade and cultural exchange. Sukiennice Market is now a place to purchase souvenirs, such as traditional ceramics and artwork as well as Polish delicacies. Upon entering the market, we couldn’t help but admire the architecture of this place, a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles!
Walk the Streets
The best way how to immerse yourself in the true experience is to walk the streets of Krakow. There is no need to spend a lot of money to enjoy a country. Just wander around the town and let your feet do the exploring. We ended up seeing amazing street art, catching glimpses of horse-drawn carriages trotting along, and observing people enjoying delicious Polish pretzels!
Try Traditional Polish Food
There are many food options to go for, but I would definitely recommend trying pierogis, traditional Polish dumplings with a sweet or savoury filling. They are delicious and worth the try! We opted for soups with bread and beer. Dominik ordered chicken broth, and I got cabbage soup at Dobra Kasza Nasza restaurant, located on Rynek Glowny Square. If you plan to visit Poland, I would also recommend trying their local beer.
