Several years ago I was for the first time in winter in Krakow. It was snowing and it was magical. The main square of Krakow was covered with a layer of snow. Several horse carriages were ready to ride enthusiasts through the old town. Slowly it was getting dark and in the evening thousands of lights were illuminating the city, changing the town in a fairy tale. Krakow is also called “the Florence of Poland” and is known as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. And that is absolutely true!
Today I fly back to this beautiful city, and it feels every time like coming home. Some of you may already know that I am half Polish and with my typical Polish name Kasia (pronounced Kasha) I am proud of what my both cultures give to me. I’m already looking forward to settling down in an authentic Polish restaurant and to ordering my favorite Barszcz (beetroot soup). The days just before Christmas are an ideal period to book a city break to Krakow as it is the perfect destination to get into the Christmas mood.
Main market square of Krakow (picture from Polen Travel)
Explore the historic center Stare Miasto (Old Town)
Krakow has always been the artistic and cultural center of Poland; you can still see that in the beautiful Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance buildings in the historic center, Stare Miasto.
The highlight of this cozy, romantic center is the huge square Rynek Glowny – one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. In the streets around the square, you will find the best shops and souvenir stalls.
At the edge of the square stands St. Mary’s Church with its two unequal towers. This Gothic basilica is home to many valuable cultural treasures. Since the 14th century sounds every hour of the day from the highest tower a short trumpet melody that you hear throughout the center. You can also climb the highest tower and get the best views of the old town.
Krakow in winter
Marvel at the splendor of the Wawel
From Stare Miasto, you can walk to the Wawel, a historic district located on a hill in Krakow. Although you can find several beautiful buildings here, the Castle and the Wawel Cathedral (where almost all Kings and Queens of Poland are buried) are the main attractions. In this area, time seems to have stood still. From the Wawel, you quickly reach the Vistula River, in Polish Wisła, where you can walk along the shore. Very romantic in the winter snow and with plenty of entertainment in the summer.
Romantic town Krakow
Looking back in history
Krakow has several museums, but the most famous is surely Schindler’s factory, known from the movie Schindler’s List. Near the museum is a memorial to the former ghetto of World War II. You also will find here the small museum Apteka Pod Orlem, where you can see how during World War II the pharmacy was functioning, that was located here.
The most common trip from Krakow is to the infamous Auschwitz camp, which is an hour drive from Krakow. This well-known concentration camp from World War II is a must-see for every citizen of the world and will certainly make a big impression.
Famous scene from the movie Schindler’s List
Krakow by night
Besides a lot of history, there is also a lot of night entertainment in Krakow. Krakow is a lively university city with 24 universities and 200,000 students. You’ll find plenty of cozy cafes, clubs in underground vaults and trendy hotspot addresses. Especially in the Stare Miasto and Kazimierz districts, there is every evening something fun to do. Also, tourists like to come here and to mix with the students in the various cozy pubs that Krakow houses.
Christmas atmosphere in Krakow
The Christmas market
Krakow is a great city to explore in winter. The Christmas market on the Rynek Glowny square makes the magical atmosphere complete. Many wooden booths, which are beautifully lit in the evening are selling traditional local products and handicrafts. In addition to the Christmas market, also the Christmas cribs belong to the Krakow tradition. These world-famous nativity scenes are made by hand and exhibited on the market square the first Thursday of December. The most beautiful one will get a prize.
Christmas market Krakow
How to get there?
Krakow airport, Balice, is located approximately 15 kilometers from the city. Several airlines are flying from Schiphol towards Krakow. Today, I travel with TUIFLY to this great city. If you are looking for more information about Krakow, take then a look at the TUI website and surprise yourself, just like me, with the beauty that this wonderful city of Poland has to offer.