Krakow at a glance
This is the beating heart of Poland. Located 300 kilometers south of Warsaw, the country's cultural and historical capital holds its own against its political and economic rival.
The city streets in constant motion
Founded in the 7th century, Krakow is one of Poland's oldest cities with a perfectly preserved architectural heritage. Wander the narrow streets of the historic center, which stretches out at the foot of Wawel Hill, home to Wawel Royal Castle. If you decide to tour it, you can see the Crown Jewels and the crypt where former Polish kings are laid to rest. The Main Square (Rynek Główny) is the largest medieval square in Europe. It borders St. Mary's Basilica, recognizable by its two Gothic towers, and serves as the perfect anchor point for navigating the city.
Next, head to the Kazimierz Jewish Quarter, where art galleries share space with the city's historic synagogues. Stop by Plac Nowy to grab a Zapiekanka (an open-faced toasted baguette sandwich) or some pierogis (dumplings filled with meat or cabbage). Krakow is a lively, student-heavy city with cultural events happening year-round. For night owls, head back to the heart of the walled city and join the crowd at one of the many clubs, where Polish and European youth mingle to the beat of music and bottles of wódka.
The weight of memory and history
While life in Krakow is joyful, it still carries a painful past. Travel just a few kilometers northeast to the Nowa Huta district, built by Stalin starting in 1949, which offers a striking example of Stalinist architecture. It has a heavy, planned feel somewhat reminiscent of the brutalist public housing projects seen in parts of the American Midwest.
Unlike Warsaw, where over 84% of buildings were destroyed, Krakow remained largely intact at first glance. However, a one-hour bus ride away is the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp. If you do not wish to visit the camp, you can still confront this harrowing part of the country's history by visiting the World War II Museum located in the former Schindler's Factory in the Podgórze district. It is worth remembering that the war claimed more than 5 million civilian victims, including 3 million Jews, which amounted to about 15% of the population.
Finally, to explore a less painful side of Krakow's history, do not miss the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which has been in operation since the Middle Ages. It is a journey deep into the earth that will leave a lasting impression.
When to go?
Krakow has a climate suitable for visiting year-round, so the right time depends on what you are looking for. While the summer season offers mild, sunny weather, visiting Krakow under the frost and snow during the year-end holidays is an experience in itself.
How to get there?
We suggest flying to reach Krakow. Numerous flights are available at competitive prices, often ranging from 150 PLN to 600 PLN (about $35-$150) depending on your departure point and how far in advance you book.
C'est effectivement ce que j'ai entendu sur cette ville. On m'a même recommandé de la visiter en priorité, à la place de la capitale Varsovie. Est-ce aussi ta recommandation ? Merci :)