How to Take a Walking Tour of Krakow

Krakow, once the capital of Poland, is filled with beautiful architecture, historical sites and opportunities to shop. Home to Europe's oldest town square, Krakow, located in southern Poland, is the perfect city for a walking tour. Visitors to Krakow can immerse themselves in the rich medieval feel of the city.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Begin your walking tour at Old Town Square (Rynek Glowny). Filled with both residents and tourists, the Old Town Square is home to many several historical buildings, vendor stalls and restaurants.

2. Visit Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). Originally built by the merchant cloth guild, the hall is home to the National Portrait Gallery. Visitors can pick up a souvenir at one of the nearby vendor stalls, also inside the hall.

3. Move on to St. Mary's church. Inside the church is a mix match of artwork, including gothic and baroque pieces. Also inside the church is the ornately carved altar, dating from the 15th century.

4. Climb the Town Hall Tower, and enjoy the view of the surrounding city.

5. Take a tour of Jagellonian University, located just behind Town Hall Tower. Visitors can walk through its beautiful courtyard or tour the library and college museum.

6. Go to the Czartoryski Museum, just past the Florian Gate. The museum is home to an extensive collection of historical paintings and traditional Polish costumes. It also houses Leonardo Da Vinci's "Lady With an Ermine" painting.

7. Return to the Old Town Square, and grab a bite to eat at any one of the many cafés that fill the edge of the square.

Tips & Warnings

• The altar at St. Mary's church is only open for viewing each day at noon and during high mass. The rest of the time it is closed to help preserve it.

Resources

• Visit Poland is a good place to start planning your visit to Krakow.