Things to do around Krakow

Krakow may be well known for its turbulent history, but while this led to suffering for many generations of people it has left behind a remarkable legacy that's drawing ever more visitors to the Polish city today. From significant historical sites and magnificent architecture to some of the liveliest night spots in Eastern Europe, Krakow can be a great destination for breaks - whatever you're hoping to get from the city.



If you're interested in seeing Krakow's famous sights, your first stop should be the Barbican, which still commands an imposing presence over the city 500 years after its construction. This heavily fortified castle stages a number of events for visitors, including re-enactments of famous battles and jousting tournaments, making it an essential stop on many peoples' treks through Europe. Krakow is home to other famous castles too, including Wawel Castle which trades menace for architectural beauty. This extraordinary location is dazzling both inside and out, and there are guided tours available daily.

Your time in Krakow doesn't all have to be spent walking around castles and other ancient buildings though, especially when there's so much happening in the Old Town every night. Restaurants around Main Square are renowned as some of the finest in the city, beloved by locals and visitors alike, and it's only a short walk from here to the city's premier nightlife venues, many of which remain open until the early hours.



Some of Krakow's most exciting destinations aren't even located in plain sight, but can be accessed underground - namely the city's salt mines, located 64 and 135 metres beneath its streets and easily accessible by walking routes. If you're staying at least a few days at your hotel Krakow, it's also well worth making the time to visit nearby places of interest, including the larger Wieliczka Salt Mine - some tunnels of which date back to the 13th century - and the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum.



Whether you have a personal connection to this notorious death camp or you're just interested in seeing the place where 1.6 million people faced their deaths, visiting this well-preserved museum can be an extremely powerful experience - however, tickets should be bought in advance. With many of the original barracks and German signs still in place, visiting Auschwitz is not for the faint hearted, but acts as a harrowing reminder of Europe's dark history. The museum is located 40 kilometres from the city, and regular train, bus and minibus services are available.



Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.