Sightseeing in Krakow and Exploring Poland

Top fun facts about Krakow

Krakow prides itself on having the largest city square in Europe and offers so much more, which is something our volunteer Nastja writes about in her travel article titled Where the Dragon Still Breathes Fire. The main square or Rynek Główny as it’s called in Polish is the old town’s centre and is surrounded by beautiful buildings, such as a 13th-century Gothic tower. This is where the Free Walking Tour starts, which is incredibly interesting and fun. It will take you to all the major sights of this big city, plus you’ll also learn some things about the city’s history and culture and you’ll also hear urban stories, which is something you otherwise would never experience.

If you feel lonely, you can try touching the Sigismund Bell in the Wavel Cathedral. The legend says it will bring love to lonely ones if they touch it while no one is watching. The bell weighs 13 tonnes and it takes 12 bell-ringers to make it toll. Nowadays, it only tolls on special occasions and on Polish national holidays.

A trip to Auschwitz

When in Poland, one shouldn’t miss a trip to Auschwitz. Unveil the horrendous history through the museum that depicts the horrors of the holocaust as well as the entire World War II. The place really reminds you of how lucky we are to live in the modern world and to be free. Around four million people died there. So, dedicate a day for your personal growth and delve into history. It won’t really be one of your happiest moments in life, but it will definitely be an enlightening and interesting experience.

Did you know?

• Feeding pigeons isn’t allowed in Krakow.
• Krakow has a population of about 700,000, of which 200,000 are students. The Jagiellonian University was founded in 1364 and now attracts thousands of tourists daily.
• You should try the famous Polish “kiełbasa” in Krakow.