Let me say this right off the bat – it’s a hard to soak in all of Krakow’s enchantments in a single day. Still, I’ve got your back. If you’re in Kraków just for a day, and this is your first time, I’m here to guide you through the must-visit spots.
Krakow is a sprawling city, teeming with excitement at every corner. Ideally, it would take you several days to dive deep into its wonders, but that’s after you’ve filtered down to what captivates you the most. I think, if folks on online forums confess that years of visiting Kazimierz Dolny have still left them wanting, then how about Krakow?
The city is brimming with museums, monuments, picturesque alleyways and ancient buildings awaiting refurbishment. You’d probably need a week to admire all the galleries and historical churches. And even then, you’d still have so much more to explore.
My trips to Krakow mostly coincide with my travels to or from Zakopane. But let me tell you, if you ever ask me where to visit in Poland, I am convinced Krakow would be my automatic response. Seems like it’s not just me, because back in 2022, a staggering 14 million people toured this vibrant city!
↳ Make sure to read my guide to the most amazing places to stay in Kraków:
How to Find Best Place to Stay in Krakow Old Town – Your Guide
The downside for you, of course, is the massive crowds during peak tourist season. So, if your travel dates fall between April and October, it’s best to rise early and hit the major attractions first thing in the morning. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later as you wander through the city without the bustling crowds.
One Day in Kraków – Your Guide to a Memorable Trip
If you want to experience Krakow to the fullest in a day, the itinerary below will help. And the best part? You can cover it all on foot, no need for public transport or a car. However, if you’re driving in, be ready for a bit of a struggle finding parking close to the main attractions, and have some change handy for the parking meters.
You can also use mobile apps like SkyCash or Mobiparking for payment, but setting up an account might take some time, so better get it done in advance.
Number 1: The Wawel Cathedral, Zygmunt Bell, and the „Wawel Dragon” Bones
The Wawel Cathedral is undoubtedly among the most magnificent churches you’ll come across. Going inside is a must. It’s a feast for the eyes with its lavish altars, wooden statues, and intricate bas-reliefs. This is the historical place where Polish kings were crowned, tied the knot, and were laid to rest alongside other important figures such as Adam Mickiewicz, Tadeusz Kościuszko and Józef Piłsudski.
Entry to the cathedral is free. However, if you want to delve deeper and explore the crypts, some select chapels, and the famous Zygmunt Bell, you’ll need to spend a little bit. Interestingly, despite public misunderstanding that the late president Lech Kaczyński and his wife, who perished in a plane crash, were interred here, visitors continue to leave candles, even though it’s discouraged on the cathedral’s website.
When you approach the entrance to Wawel, you’ll notice bricks inscribed with various names on the wall. These are the generous souls who contributed to the castle’s reconstruction after it was damaged in the war by Austrians who turned it into a military barrack.
One of the fascinating features at the entrance to the Wawel Cathedral are the large animal bones, including those from whales, rhinoceroses, and mammoths, displayed on the walls. Popularly referred to as the remains of the Wawel Dragon, there’s a saying that if the chains holding these bones snap and they fall, it spells the end of the world.
Now, you should know that photography inside the Wawel Cathedral is not permitted. But don’t worry, there’s an exception – the Zygmunt Bell. This bell, weighing over 12 tons, is one of the heaviest in Poland and is rung on significant church holidays and events, like the Notre-Dame cathedral fire. And here’s an interesting fact – it takes at least eight people to get this massive bell swinging.
And before we wrap this up, let’s end with a bit of local lore. Legend has it that as long as the Zygmunt Bell remains on the tower, Krakow will be safe from harm. Moreover, if you touch it with your left hand, it is said to bring you good luck. So if you’re visiting, why not give it a try? Who knows, it might just be your lucky day.
Number 2: The Majestic Wawel Royal Castle and Its Intricate Chambers
Stepping into the Wawel Royal Castle, you’re stepping into a world where kings once reigned. It’s a site of great cultural significance, a place I believe every Pole should visit at least once. Entry into the castle courtyard is free, but if you wish to explore the chambers, some preparation is needed.
I’d recommend getting here right when the ticket office opens as lines can form quickly. While you can explore most of the exhibits on your own, guided tours are the only option for the Private Royal Apartments.
There are multiple routes available, each priced slightly differently. And the ticket? It doubles as a map! You’ll find specific times to visit each room on your ticket, and corresponding symbols are marked at the entrances.
I’ve visited the Royal Castle several times and each visit was a unique experience. Some rooms boast opulent decorations while others are pristine white. Regardles of your choice, each room promises intriguing finds. Private Royal Apartments or Representative Royal Apartments, paired with the Crown Treasury and the Armory, I think, make for an excellent choice.
But remember, not all exhibits are open every day, and ticket prices vary during and outside the tourist season. Note that photography isn’t allowed inside and your tour can last anywhere between one to three hours, depending on your chosen route. For an individual tour, consider renting an audio guide to enrich your experience.
Dragon’s Den and the Legend of the Wawel Dragon
Now, let’s journey from historical reality to local legend. The tale goes that a dragon, known as the Wawel Dragon, lived in a cave near the Wawel Castle. This dragon had an insatiable appetite, gorging not only on cattle but also humans. Consequently, King Krak offered a reward for the dragon’s head.
Despite many valiant attempts, no knight returned after entering the dragon’s lair. Then, a shoemaker named Skuba came forward. His arrival was met with skepticism, some even joked it was like auditioning for the dragon’s next meal. But King Krak allowed Skuba to try his luck.
If you want to learn more about the legend, read this article: Unraveling the Tale of The Wawel Dragon – Krakow’s Emblem
Delving into the Dragon’s Den and Meeting the Fire-breathing Statue
The legendary Dragon’s Den is tucked away in the slope of Wawel Hill, close to the Thieves’ Tower and the entrance to the castle courtyard. You can get a ticket for it near the entrance or when buying tickets for your Wawel Castle visit. It’s worth mentioning that the Dragon’s Den, or Smocza Jama, only opens during the summer season.
Now, the Dragon’s Den is not a sprawling cavern but a small cave. If you’re visiting with kids, it’s a fun adventure, provided they can manage the spiraling stairs leading down to the cave. The visit is quite short, just about 5 minutes, including the descent. At the exit, be prepared for a delightful surprise – a dragon statue that spews fire every so often.
Interestingly, the 'dragon’ depicted on the map is, in fact, a dinosaur believed to have inhabited this region. It even bears the name „Wawel Dragon„. Found in the Paleontological Museum in Lisowice, this dragon dinosaur had the unique ability to crush bones for nourishing marrow.
If you inspect the dragon statue closely, you’ll notice it has multiple heads – and no, those aren’t limbs. It’s an odd sight, but quite fascinating.
The Forgotten Dragon and a Tribute to a Storyteller
Let me share an intriguing fact. There’s another dragon in Kraków, quite neglected, near Kornel Makuszyńskiego Street. Although not as grand, this dragon likely stands in tribute to the author of the book „About the Wawel Dragon”. It’s quite small (don’t let the photos fool you), with a broken tail and paw, but it’s worth a look. Sadly, the area is often littered and not as interesting. But if you’re someone who loves quirky finds, it’s worth a quick visit.
- Here are more pictures of the second dragon and google maps location.
Number 3: Strolling Down the Picturesque Streets of Kraków
After a day chock-full of sightseeing, I know you’re going to need a breather. Let me suggest meandering towards the Main Market Square, flanked by Krakow’s beautifully preserved tenement houses. Grodzka and Kanoniczna Streets form the so-called Royal Road, but I encourage you to explore these areas on your own.
You might stumble upon lively music resonating from some corners, or the papal window, the Small Square, captivating monuments or mimes. Who knows, the churches, architecture, or just the hustle and bustle of the city could be what charms you the most?
Number 4: St. Mary’s Basilica – The Premier Viewpoint in the Market Square
Upon reaching St. Mary’s Basilica, you can either take a peek inside to admire the Veit Stoss Altar (though, be warned, it’s under renovation, so you might not see much) or secure tickets for the most spectacular viewpoint over the oldest part of the city. It’s worth mentioning that it’s perfectly okay to skip the other viewing points, as this one tops them all.
Now, it’s not uncommon to buy a ticket for the tower only to find out your entrance is set for 2-3 hours later. So, go ahead, get your ticket, and continue exploring in the meantime.
Number 5: The Cloth Hall and Krakow’s Underground Market Square
When it comes to shopping for souvenirs, the Cloth Hall is your ultimate destination. Back in the day, this was the bustling hub for trading cloth, surrounded by numerous stalls where you could find just about anything. Today, it primarily caters to tourists hunting for keepsakes.
As an added bonus, you might want to visit the local museum, Rynek Underground. This place offers a peek into the history of the Main Market Square and Krakow’s foundation. The exhibitions heavily rely on multimedia, and you’ll find yourself immersed in movies and sounds that recreate the historic fair atmosphere.
Though it’s a thoroughly modern setup, the overload of multimedia might make you feel like you’re glued to screens instead of actual exhibits. To truly appreciate the exhibition, allocate about 2 hours. It’s chock-full of interesting tidbits, but get ready to read, watch, and delve into the exhibitions or consider hiring a guide. Remember, you can book your tickets on the website a few days in advance.
Number 6: The Charm of Floriańska Street and the Pharmacy Museum
Floriańska Street is undoubtedly one of the most alluring streets, always brimming with eager tourists. By taking a straight path along it, you’ll end up at the intricately adorned St. Florian’s Gate, a haven for artists showcasing their masterpieces. Navigate through the gate, and the Krakow Barbican will unfold before your eyes.
While I personally do not find National Museums displaying paintings particularly engaging, preferring the comprehensive experience offered by palaces or manor houses where painting is part of the broader exhibition, art enthusiasts might find Krakow to be a never-ending treasure trove. The city is peppered with museums teeming with art galleries.
One standout attraction is the Pharmacy Museum, sprawled across a staggering five floors. There, you will step back in time and observe the activities that kept pharmacists busy. They produced not only medicines but also churned out marzipan, gingerbread, inks, and even sold exotic southern fruits, paints, perfumes, and soaps.
These establishments were pillars of strength during numerous epidemics, providing esential services without interruption. The beautifully arranged interiors offer a glimpse of dried herbs, preserved animals, distillation apparatus, scales, and pharmacy utensils. It’s as if you’re in a time warp, expecting the pharmacist to return any moment to concoct another potion.
Number 7: Meandering Around Kazimierz District
If you still have some energy to spare, I recommend heading over to the former Jewish district, Kazimierz. Here, you will encounter a different side of Krakow, which despite gaining popularity, hasn’t quite made it to the conventional postcard views. The area truly comes alive after dusk, pulsating with the vibrant energy of pubs and food trucks.
Krakow in a Day – A Quick but Intense Exploration
Our journey around Krakow is split into several sections. This intensive sightseeing tour is tailored to first-time visitors. It is the classic take on a city tour, just enough to give you a taste of Krakow’s unique charm and to leave you yearning for more. Explore, take in the history, architecture, and culture, and let Krakow’s allure entice you into returning for a deeper delve into its captivating narrative.
References:
- https://odkryjzekrakow.pl/co-zwiedzic-w-krakowie-kompletny-poradnik-2020/
