Stare Miasto
Stare Miasto
4.8
About
The 13th century merchants' town is home to Europe's largest market square and offers numerous historical houses, palaces and churches with magnificent interiors, 14th century fortifications, ancient synagogues, Jagiellonian University and the Gothic cathedral where the kings of Poland were buried.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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The area
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Neighborhood: Stare Miasto
Stare Miasto, the old town district of Krakow, is a destination rich in history and culture. The Main Market Square, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, serves as its centerpiece, hosting the iconic Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Basilica. The neighborhood also encompasses Wawel Castle, an architectural gem that offers breathtaking views of the Vistula River. Numerous cafes, restaurants, and boutiques line the charming cobblestone streets, offering a delightful mix of traditional Polish cuisine and international fare. With its convenient tram network and pedestrian-friendly layout, getting around Stare Miasto is a breeze, making it a perfect base for exploring the enchanting city of Krakow.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.8
9,066 reviews
Excellent
7,071
Very good
1,809
Average
150
Poor
15
Terrible
21
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Steve S
Eugene, OR1,849 contributions
Jan 2025 • Friends
I have been to Krakow before and apparently it is different now? It seemed extremely difficult to purchase tickets day of. Some locations only sold tickets day or and only of a limited number. Long story, short. I went to four museums and tried to book a trip to Auschwitz. But everything was generally 3-4 days out. So I saw a lot of churches and the square. I asked about New Years Eve celebrations. The hotel said they hadn’t had New Years celebrations on the square in 8-10 years when the Cloth Hall was damaged. But apparently the Polish say “Nie” to that. For me this kind of saved it for me. The Christmas market and decorations were nice. Everything was severely overpriced as compared to other Christmas Markets in Poland. But the ambiance is very nice. The New Years celebrations were definitely something to remember and was probably a bucket list item i didn’t know that I had. Everyone in my group was amazed and considering the square was as full as if a rock concert was going on there. I think a lot of people really liked it. The pigeons, probably not so much. The whole sky, even beyond the square was lite up for 10-15 minutes around midnight with people singing and dancing. Yelling, screaming and squealing.
Written January 1, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiberiu_Baranyi
Timisoara, Romania19,098 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Stare Miasto Krakow - the Old Town of Krakow - a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994... and honestly when it comes to a UNESCO list site, usually it is well worth visiting.
However , I will not stop this review with the 2 sentences from above, here are some more teasers.
So what you can find in the Old Town of Krakow - beside , hotels, restaurants and pubs, coffee shops etc. etc. - here are some highlights:
1. Rynek Glowny, or Main Square, the largest medieval town square in Europe!
2. Wawel Castle complex with the Wawel Cathedral
3. Churches - St. Andrew, St. Peter and St. Paul , and to this list you can add another 4-5 very interesting churches.
4. Museums, divers and interesting.
5. Statues and memorials on public display.
6. Fortifications from the past centuries.
/..... and for the rest I let you discover by yourself ... there is plenty more I can assure you.
Entering the Old Town is free of charge - however at some of the landmarks you will need to pay an entrance fee, and at the museums too.
Overall a great place in Krakow - you simply can't miss this place , and I also recommend when you are visiting do it with a guide if possible and to bs sure you can cover as much of is as you can allocate at least 2 days if you can for discovering the Old Town.
However , I will not stop this review with the 2 sentences from above, here are some more teasers.
So what you can find in the Old Town of Krakow - beside , hotels, restaurants and pubs, coffee shops etc. etc. - here are some highlights:
1. Rynek Glowny, or Main Square, the largest medieval town square in Europe!
2. Wawel Castle complex with the Wawel Cathedral
3. Churches - St. Andrew, St. Peter and St. Paul , and to this list you can add another 4-5 very interesting churches.
4. Museums, divers and interesting.
5. Statues and memorials on public display.
6. Fortifications from the past centuries.
/..... and for the rest I let you discover by yourself ... there is plenty more I can assure you.
Entering the Old Town is free of charge - however at some of the landmarks you will need to pay an entrance fee, and at the museums too.
Overall a great place in Krakow - you simply can't miss this place , and I also recommend when you are visiting do it with a guide if possible and to bs sure you can cover as much of is as you can allocate at least 2 days if you can for discovering the Old Town.
Written November 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lilac G
Athens,Greece362 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
It is surrounded by a lovely park, where one can relax, read, go cycling. Well preserved buildings and some churches all around old town. There are souvenir shops, restaurants and horse carriages adding to the local folklore. There is also a big arcade with shops selling mostly amber. In the beginning of June, when I visited the city, there were many tourists in the area(but not so many as to become a nuissance) although the weather was not warm. So, I guess, this is when it is considered a good time to visit and enjoy. The place is easily accessible by tram connections and has a lively atmosphere. It was a positive experience and I would like to visit again sometimes in future, because it is not a small area and one can enjoy more visits.
Written May 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Massimiliano P
Novara, Italy48,329 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Krakow's Old Town is truly appreciable both from an architectural and artistic point of view but also for the order and cleanliness that reign there and for a tangible perception of safety and livability. Most of the attractions are concentrated around the Market Square and the road that roughly connects St. Florian’s Gate to the area at the foot of Wawel Hill, where the castle and cathedral stand. Wandering around this old town you will discover several monuments and historic buildings, as well as an impressive number of churches and some museums. A very nice and pleasantly livable old town.
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Written November 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fonk B
75 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
And with all the lights, the large Christmas tree, the market, and the outside spaces in front of different eateries covered in plastic with heaters burning, it looks especially lovely in December. Everything is very lovely. The rows of white carriages that resemble Cinderella are the icing on the cake. Even Starbucks has taken on new significance in a 400-year-old edifice with curving arch brickwork. This is all about winter to me. Now go!
Written November 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
63certo-me
Le Barcares, France896 contributions
Jan 2025 • Friends
The heart of Krakow proudly keeps its history and iconic buildings.
Starting at the Barbican and crossing the Florian gate we enter the Royal Mile of Krakow, the most historic in the city, composed of Florianska and Grodzka streets, full of shops, food places and history.
The Old Town of Krakow, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978
Starting at the Barbican and crossing the Florian gate we enter the Royal Mile of Krakow, the most historic in the city, composed of Florianska and Grodzka streets, full of shops, food places and history.
The Old Town of Krakow, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978
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Written January 1, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonhkny
Hong Kong, China23,904 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Krakow's UNESCO-accredited old town is a main tourist draw for the city or even Poland. The quaint medieval town remains relatively intact after the world wars and offers a real taste of history. Do devote enough time to get yourself immersed into the city.
Written August 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
星旅
Tokyo, Japan16 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Public toilets in the Old Town are as follows:
・Underground of Textile Hall
There were people at the entrance,
You can pay either cash or credit.
I think it was two zlotys per person.
Both men and women can use it cleanly and without problems.
・Market (starykleparz)
There were people at the entrance,
You can pay either cash or credit.
I think it was three zlotys per person.
Both men and women can use it cleanly and without problems.
・Underground of Textile Hall
There were people at the entrance,
You can pay either cash or credit.
I think it was two zlotys per person.
Both men and women can use it cleanly and without problems.
・Market (starykleparz)
There were people at the entrance,
You can pay either cash or credit.
I think it was three zlotys per person.
Both men and women can use it cleanly and without problems.
Automatically translated
Written July 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
newlifechapters
Nashville, TN219 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Loved this area- lovely buildings, quaint side roads, beautiful gardens to walk and wonderful history with the castle area. We loved the easy, laid back vibe of Krakow. This area was not expensive either. We'd love to come back. Please don't miss the Basilica of Mary for the noon opening of the altar, followed by the trumpeter! It was amazing.
Written April 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bito66
Isili, Italy709 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
Visit Krakow and enjoy its old town. the most beautiful, most experienced area, full of locals and many young people. It is surrounded by a beautiful botanical garden (Planty) full of greenery, benches and tranquility. Very beautiful also the typical carriages that cross the center well-kept and very elegant
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Written February 20, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Есть выезд с Варшавы на 1,3 мая 2023 в Краков с экскурсией по историческому центру или поездка в Освенцум за 1 день
Written April 10, 2023
mcdlfc123
Belfast, United Kingdom
Any good suggestions for cheap groceries/sweets shop?
Thanks in advance
Written January 21, 2019
Hi there, you can find a lot of small groceries and Sweets Shops around the Main Market Square. There is even one Discounter on the Main Square, so no worries. Regarding the sweets shops - the most famous, like Wedel, is on the Main Market Square, not the cheapest but definitely worth trying. Hope it helps.
Written January 22, 2019
Hi I’m going to krakow next week and just wondered where is the place to change your money?
Written November 16, 2018
Kantor Grosz which is located at Sławkowska 4
31-014 Kraków
Poland
They had the best honest rate I could find. Everywhere else it appeared that they were charging hidden fees or not posting honest exchange rates. Ask to see the actual amount you are to receive for your money first before you take it. Once it’s in your hands your transaction is done.
Written November 16, 2018
Hello everyone,
I am planning to visit Krakow this July with my family and I was wondering what could you recommend me to visit, apart from the Old Town. Are there any hidden gems, or some attractions off the beaten track. I would be more than grateful for the information.
Thank you in advance!
Written June 10, 2018
Hi Anaskoi, there is really so much to do in the old town, but the Jewish Quater is a must (especially the New Square at night !) you’d need 1 1/2 days here alone. We spent a few days in Zakobane hillwalking & hiking, stunning place. You can take a raft down river there also. If your driving yourself great if not they run trips & tours from Kraków itself, absolutely fabulous holiday ❤️😎 Also Auschwitz-Birkenau is a must,not a great day, but very important. You can do this in day with the Saltmines also. Loved it, great city 👍
Written June 10, 2018
Hi. The reviews are under a city tour which is £17 but some reviews refer to a free tour. What is the difference and how do you book the free tour, please?
Written April 18, 2018
Free tours are cool too - at the end of the tour you just tip your guide what ever you feel is the deserving amount. You can look them up and just show up at the time and spot suggested.
Written April 27, 2018
Hey Krakow only survived WW2, in tact because the Germans were largely based there!! They were setting up the extermination camps for, firstly the high, and prolific Polish people ie government and military persons! These were captured and shot first in Austchwicht! Then any Romanies etc and then the Jews! Warsaw was 90% destroyed but somehow the Poles rebuilt it again. And don't forget that the Russians, at the end of WW2 were given the right to rule Poland, after such devastation! Thanks to the Uk, France and the USA!! Disgraseful!! I love the fact these countries, 'The countries from behind the Iron Curtain' are now flourishing despite no help from the Western European Countries!! They are all such beautiful countries in their own right!! I know, I have visited most of them recently!! :)
Written January 25, 2018
Hi We hope to Travel to Krakow in june, Is there somewhere we can hire a mobility scooter? My husband has limited mobility and walks with two sticks, but going by reading other reviews a lot recommend walking,The rest of us Will enjoy that But he wouldn't be able Also is there places anyone would recommend to buy tobacco,(Drum or Amber leaf).
Written January 21, 2018
Hi, I don't know the addresses but try to contact information centre: it@infokrakow.pl
simjan@infokrakow.pl
simszpitalna@infokrakow.pl
I hope somebody there will answer your questions.
Eva
Written January 22, 2018
Queremos hacer un free tour y una excursión a las minas de sal. Vamos solo de viernes a lunes. Había pensado en hacer el free tour el sábado por la mañana y el domingo las minas de sal. Que os parece la idea? Mejor el del centro histórico o del barrio judío? Gracias. Iremos a principios de febrero
Written January 19, 2018
Las minas de sal te las aconsejo vivamente. En mi opinion una maravilla, y los guias super agradables (En mi caso fue una guia de habla hispana). El casco antiguo puedes hacerlo por tu cuenta, aunque te perderas un poco la historia del lugar. Yo haria las dos visitas, una por la mañana y otra por la tarde (centro historico y barrio judio), las minas de sal las dejaria para el siguiente dia por la mañana y la tarde del segundo dia para disfrutar de la tranquilidad y belleza de esta linda ciudad polaca.
Written January 20, 2018
Hi, Stephen. What would you like to know about this attraction? Hi, my wife and I have booked for 4 days next year, we are looking to stay somewhere central, can you recommend anywhere?
Written December 27, 2017
Try Pergamin Apartments
Ul Bracka 3-5,Krakow
2 min walk from the old town square
Written December 27, 2017
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