Krakow - visit and attractions. Krakow in a few words and monuments

A view from the window on a tenement house, a church and a market square in the background — The Main Square with the Sukiennice and St. Mary's Basilica in the background in Krakow. This view is from our room. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

I went to Krakow for the first time in 2018 with my students and students from partner cities from the Erasmus project. It was one October day when the beautiful, golden autumn came to Poland for good. The weather was amazing. It was warm and sunny. We spent there 2 days. From that days on, I fell in love with Krakow with a pure, complete love, forgiving it for small sins (e.g. parking problems :) I have been to many beautiful towns, cities and places in Poland, but it was Krakow that I gave my heart to.

a wide bank by the river where people sit and rest, you can see the river and the castle — This is so-called “Błonia Krakowskie” a place in Krakow where people can meet together and relax. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

For centuries, Krakow played a very important role in the history of Poland. It was here, in 1364, that the first university was founded (one of the oldest university in Europe). The university was first called the Krakow Academy and now it's the Jagiellonian University (for example, Nicolaus Copernicus was educated here). The Main Market Square with an area of 4 hectares is one of the largest markets in all of Europe and the largest medieval market in Europe. The Old Town complex in Krakow has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of 16 places in Poland. Krakow was mentioned there as one of the first places in the world already in 1978. Krakow was the seat of Polish rulers and has been the capital of Poland many times. Finally, one of only four female portraits by Leonardo da Vinci is in Krakow. The city has experienced a lot, especially during World War II. It was the capital of the General Government ruled by Hans Frank. It's hard to explain, but walking through the narrow streets I felt the atmosphere of past years. Currently, it is one of the most important cities in Poland. Visit Krakow with me.

More information about Krakow you can find on Wikipedia

How far is it from Warsaw to Krakow?

The distance from Warsaw to Krakow is 290 km.

What to see in Krakow?

I highly recommend visiting in Krakow the Main Square with the Sukiennice (the Cloth Hall) and St. Mary's Basilica. You should also visit the Wawel Hill where the Wawel Royal Castle and the Wawel Cathedral are located, the Jagiellonian University and the Czartoryski Museum, where my favourite painting "Lady with an Ermine" by Leonardo da Vinci is located but there is also another important painting “Landscape with the Good Samaritan” by Rembrandt van Rijn. In my opinion visiting Krakow would not be complete without the Kazimierz district.

Is there an airport in Krakow?

Yes, there is John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice.

How far is it from John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice to the center of Krakow?

It's about 15 km.

How to get to Krakow?

The best way to get to Krakow is to use the international airport in Balice near the city.

Can you fly directly to Krakow?

The nearest airport is about 15 km from the center of Krakow.

Does Krakow have an international airport?

Yes, there is John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice. Currently, it is the second Polish airport, after Warsaw Chopin Airport, both in terms of the number of passengers checked in and the number of air operations.

How to get from the Airport Krakow-Balice to the center of Krakow?

You have several ways to get to the center of Krakow. One option is the bus. Krakow Airport is served by 3 regular bus lines: 209, 300 and one night line 902. These are agglomeration bus lines. The bus stop is located near the passenger terminal. You can also take Uber, Bolt or private transport such as minibuses (you can find useful information on the official website of Krakow Airport). And the third option is to take the Koleje Małopolskie train. The route leads from Krakow Airport through Kraków Main Station to Wieliczka Marketplace Salt Mine. I think that the fastest option is the train - the scheduled travel time from the Main Station in Krakow to the airport takes about 20 minutes.

Is one day in Krakow enough?

If you want to see only the Main Square and the Wawel Hill (the Wawel Royal Castle and the Wawel Cathedral) one day should be enough but I recommend staying a few more days.

Is there a painting by Leonardo da Vinci in Krakow?

Yes, the painting "Lady with an Ermine" is in Krakow.

Where to see the painting "Lady with an Ermine"?

The painting "Lady with an Ermine" is in the Czartoryski Museum.

Finally, after some basic information, I can invite you to see my photos from Krakow. Enjoy! Ps. I have so many photos that I had to divide Krakow into 4 plots. So if you want to see only the Wawel Hill or Kazimierz or the Main Square you have to follow the link.

We are heading to the Czartoryski Museum. The entrance is on the right. Continuing along this street, we will reach Brama Floriańska.

a man and two boys are standing on the pavement, tenement houses on either side, behind them a gate made of red bricks — Behind us is the Picture Gallery at the Floriańska Gate. Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

two children and a woman are standing in front of a tower — The Florian Gate in Krakow behind us. Photo by A. Rybczyński

A part of Krakows city fortifications made of red brick — Barbakan the northernmost part of Krakow's city fortifications. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

We are in the Czartoryski Museum.

a man and two boys are standing in a bright hall, they have headphones, behind them there is an image of a Lady with an ermine made of cardboard — It is one of the oldest museums in Poland, a branch of the National Museum in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

The Czartoryski Museum was opened in 1878. Its beginnings date back to 1801 and the collections of Princess Izabela Czartoryska, presented in her museum in Puławy. At the end of the 19th century, the collection was moved to Krakow. The museum has works of European painting of the 13th-18th centuries, monuments of European and Islamic craftsmanship from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, graphics, ancient art and military items. The most valuable work in the museum is the “Lady with an Ermine” by Leonardo da Vinci.

a woman is standing next to an image of a Lady with an ermine made of cardboard — I came to this museum in one purpose…. to see my favourite painting :) The Czartoryski Museum in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

We quickly realized that this museum is extremely modern, very well organized, has fantastic collections and even the headphone guide is prepared in a children's version. My kids weren't bored :)

A man is standing next to the exhibit. This is a very decorative saddle maybe from the 16th or 17th century placed behind glass — A very decorative saddle. The Czartoryski Museum in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

A boy is standing by an old piece of armor. It is a hussar wing with feathers — A main symbol of Polish hussars - a wing with feathers. The Czartoryski Museum in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

A man is next to the old chess. There are also old coins — This is my husband's favourite game. The Czartoryski Museum in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

Behind woman, on a green wall, hangs two portraits — In the collection of the The Czartoryski Museum in Krakow, there are various paintings, for example Michele Tosini (Venus Victrix). Photo by A. Rybczyński

A boy is standing by the figure of a snake. Behind him there are some vases — Watch out! A snake is in the Czartoryski Museum in Krakow :) Photo by A. Rybczyńska

antique hand fan close up — This is truly a masterpiece. A hand fan from the collection of Stanisław August from the 18th century. The Czartoryski Museum in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

It was a feast for all my senses. You'll have to forgive me, but I posted 2 photos of this painting here!

The painting Lady with an Ermine by Leonardo da Vinci — There is NO other painting in this room, only this masterpiece. You sit in a darkness and enjoy. We have it here in Poland, in the Czartoryski Museum in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

The painting Lady with an Ermine close up by Leonardo da Vinci — I spent almost 30 minutes admiring the artistry of Leonardo da Vinci. The Czartoryski Museum in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

Rembrandt.

a painting with the brown tree in the middle, sky is dark, there arent any green trees, the dominant colour is brown and dark grey — In the Czartoryski Museum in Krakow you can admire also “Landscape with the Good Samaritan” by Rembrandt van Rijn. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

A standard according to a tradition of Shuysky Tsars seized by Polish hetman in the battle of Klushino in 1610 — It is a standard according to a tradition of Shuysky Tsars seized by Polish hetman in the battle of Klushino in 1610. The Czartoryski Museum in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

A painting by Jan Matejko. The artist placed an appropriate dedication on the sketch: "To the venerable expert and collector of native memorabilia, Władysław Prince Czartoryski, Witold's steed from Grunwald leads to the shield and gives - to the Polish land - the prodigal son, 1885". Jan Matejko often borrowed various objects from the Czartoryski Museum and used them in his paintings.

A painting of a horse in a golden frame by Jan Matejko — Study of Grand Duke Witold's horse for the painting “Battle of Grunwald" in the Czartoryski Museum in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

The Museum of the Old Theater named after Helena Modrzejewska.

a man is posing for a photo, behind him a decorative bright building of the Music Society — A nice building near the Main Market Square in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

a man is standing, next to him a boy is sitting on a ball made of stone, behind them a fountain and a decorative building with a bust of Jan Matejko — The Palace of Art is the building of the Society of Friends of Fine Arts. The building was erected in the years 1898–1901. Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

We are going to climb Kościuszko Mound :)

a man is standing, two boys next to him, behind them a high mound covered with grass, on top are two Polish flags — There is a wonderful view from the top. Kościuszko Mound in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

selfie of a woman, two boys and a man, behind them a high mound covered with grass — My great family. Behind us Kościuszko Mound in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyński

the boy is on a path of cobblestones, he is pointing with his hand to the skyline of the city — Piotrek is showing the skyline of the Krakow city. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

There is an exhibition of wax figures in the Kosciuszko Mound complex. These are figures of those who were important in the history of Poland. The title of the exhibition is “Poles' road to freedom”.

A woman is next to a wax figure of a painter with his paintings. This painter is Jan Matejko — I'm with Jan Matejko. The Kosciuszko Museum near the Kosciuszko Mound in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyński

A boy is standing in front of a wax figure of Chopin. The figure sits by the piano. — Piotrek is with Fryderyk Chopin. The Kosciuszko Museum near the Kosciuszko Mound in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

A man and two kids are standing in front of two wax figures of polish writers. — My boys are with Adam Mickiewicz and Henry Sienkiewicz. The Kosciuszko Museum near the Kosciuszko Mound in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

A man and two children stand in front of a battle scene. There is a man with a cannon on display. — Bartosz Głowacki Polish peasant, kosynier, in the scene of the Battle of Racławice. The Kosciuszko Museum near the Kosciuszko Mound in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

A large, grey cannon and two boys in front of it. — Quite a large cannon. The Kosciuszko Museum near the Kosciuszko Mound in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

a man with two children is standing at the foot of the mound, behind them is a car belonging to one of the leading radio stations in Poland — They are next to one of the most popular radio stations in Poland RMF FM. The Kościuszko Mound in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

a man with two children is standing by a stone fountain, they are standing in a square between tenement houses, in the background white chairs and tables belonging to a restaurant — Near the Main Square in Krakow, there are many charming places with hidden restaurants. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

It was my first time in Krakow. I was with my students in 2018. This place impresses with its charm, the Vistula river and the Royal Castle in the background.

A woman is standing on the river bank, behind her the castle emerges — I even had an Erasmus ID. The Royal Castle in Krakow in the background. Photo by my colleague :)

Within the walls of the oldest Polish University.

a group of young people in the courtyard of the Jagiellonian University — In the courtyard of the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

a view from a castle to a river — A view of the Vistula River from the Wawel Royal Castle. Photo by A. Rybczyńska

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