On the eastern side of Europe lies Krakow, one of the continent's forgotten cities. After undergoing Nazi occupation during World War II and then immediately Soviet occupation during the Cold War, the city still shows signs of its troubled roots. However, despite its past, the city still offers many activities for visitors.
Places to See
Wawel Castle and Cathedral — Two of the main attractions in Krakow are located within feet of one another. Wawel Castle previously acted as the residence for the royal family of Poland, back when Krakow was the capital of the country. The cathedral stands adjacent to the castle and provides a unique interior. Another benefit of visiting the area is the hill that it is located on and therefore has excellent views of the city and the river. The castle and cathedral offer a good history lesson as well as an experience of the city.
St. Mary’s Basilica — Right in the middle of the city square stands St. Mary’s Basilica, one of the most important churches in Krakow. The church has a rich history, including a legend that has led to someone playing the trumpet from the church every hour, but stopping in the middle of the song. Inside, the church offers a wide variety of colors and features a large wooden altar that has gained popularity around Europe. This church contains a unique interior that should not be missed.
Food to Eat
Milk Bar — For traditional (and cheap) Polish food, one must visit the Milk Bar. Despite offering an authentic experience, the restaurant also accommodates English speakers, featuring both an English menu as well as English speaking staff. The food tastes absolutely incredible, and while the main dish is pierogis, a wide variety of options is offered within even this meal. The restaurant also offers excellent desserts. The Milk Bar cannot be recommended enough if you ever spend time in Krakow.
Bobby Burger — In contrast to the Milk Bar, Bobby Burger offers more of an American taste. As the name implies, the menu consists mostly of burgers but also offers other American favorites, such as pulled pork and quesadillas. The restaurant provides just the right amount of hometown good combined with still obvious Polish influences like the choice of Polish drink brands and their different adaptations on the sides. Bobby Burger provides the perfect mixture that creates a great experience to share with good friends.
Things to Do
Polish Art Museum — Possibly one of the most overlooked museums in Krakow, this art museum focuses on Nationalistic Polish art. This sounds like quite a specific and boring museum, however once inside, one discovers an exquisite collection. The collection is not very big and consists of only about four rooms, but the art offers a wide range of styles and topics. In all honesty, some art museums will entertain everyone regardless of whether they appreciate art of not, but this is not one of those museums. For those who love art and enjoy tracking the transition of art throughout history, this is a perfect place to visit.
Schindler’s Factory — The movie Schindler’s List told the true story of one man in Krakow during World War II and the Holocaust. In place of the location of the actual factory now stands a museum dedicated to life in Poland during the 1930s and 1940s. The museum uses a unique theme of attempting to transport the visitor back in time to experience what daily life was like then. The exhibit goes all the way through the end of the war and briefly highlights the takeover of Krakow by the Soviet Union. Avoid going to the museum on the weekend because it can get very crowded and is not really built to handle crowds. Regardless, the museum provides a unique perspective on the history of the city.
Krakow has a unique history that creates an interesting atmosphere. The city balances old Polish history, its more recent German and Russian history, as well as its modern story. If you end up in Eastern Europe, Krakow is definitely a city to visit.
