




Legend has it that when a formidable dragon was defeated, the city of Krakow was born. It witnessed wars and religious conflicts, plagues and incursions and was even demolished by intruders. Yet it rose. It rose like a giant only to crawl back to decline. Its resilience, however, was exemplary because it revived itself all over again only to transform into the multidimensional charming city that it is today.
Krakow is magical and is thoroughly an artistic, academic and cultural centre. It has therefore rightly served as the European Capital of Culture and will deservedly also play host to the next World Youth Day. Every minute here is precious considering the impressive churches, remarkable museums and the largest and the most prosperous market square in Europe with lovely cafes, bars and restaurants. It comes as no surprise that the city’s Old Town is one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Yet another intriguing aspect of Krakow is its former Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz which is a lot like a beautiful yet heart-wrenching piece of poetry. The remnants of the synagogue bring to mind some of the most soul-stirring images of the Second World War and how it was particularly brutal to the Jewish community. Krakow also happens to be an extremely popular gateway for day trips to the Wawel Hill, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. God really has been exceptionally kind towards this place.
Getting around Krakow is fairly easy if in case you love walking. For those who don’t, the city has an efficient network of trams and buses and tickets for the same can be bought at street kiosks. A single journey should cost you 2.50PLN. Buying a Krakow Card from your hotel for 50PLN is a wiser idea if in case you are staying for a week or more because it offers free entry into several museums and unlimited public transport. Krakow Glowny train station should be your go-to for international and domestic travel. Munch on as many pretzels as you can and make sure you carry a box of antiques and along with a dozen memories back home. This city will be etched in your heart. Forever and ever.
Picture credits:
Kazimierz by Paulina Orzechowska
You can follow her on Instagram: migawkowo
Schindler’s Factory by Rudy Mareel
You can follow him on Instagram: rudymareelphotography
Wieliczka Salt Mine by Ivan Pozdnyakov
You can follow him on Instagram: ipozdnyakov
Wieliczka Salt Mine by Pam
You can follow Pam on Instagram: pamlife
For more information, read Part 1 of this series here.