Krakow
Poland
Backpacking Krakow
Information on Krakow, sights to see, nightlife, activities and more.
Krakow is a city in southern Poland with an illustrious history. Throughout the years Krakow has been through a lot and still emerged with its splendor and charm intact. Today it’s home to a mix of locals, students, and tourists, and has an energy to it that is always stimulating without becoming overwhelming. Due to its affordable prices and old-world charm, Krakow has become a top destination for backpackers looking to get a lot of value for their money in central Europe. In addition, Krakow also has some of the best and cheapest hostels targeted specifically for backpackers and are always full of people looking to have a good time. Krakow is a city rich in culture with recorded history dating back thousands of years. It also has excellent nightlife and offers many opportunities to party at a much cheaper price than comparable travel destinations in Western Europe. In the summer months, tables gather in the gorgeous central square and beer gardens fill with travelers and locals alike, enjoying the excellent and affordable beer. In the winter, people hang inside the warm, cozy pubs and share hearty Polish food with hot wine. If you’re looking for a really fun, unique place to explore the history, to hang out and party than we highly recommend checking out Krakow.
Must See
Walk The Royal Road from Old Town to Wawel Castle - The Royal Road was the route the king took as they made their way from the Old Town to Wawel Castle. Here you will see the most important historical landmarks in Krakow. Krakow's historic center is home to beautiful churches, museums, and halls. After exploring the buildings here head for one of the cellar pubs and dive bars scattered about Old Town, welcoming local and backpacker alike with a good Polish beer.
Wawel Castle - Built in the 13th century, Wawel castle is now home to the nation's premier art museum and considered by many to be the most culturally significant site in the country. When you find yourself atop Wawel hill, be sure to visit the private royal chambers, the armory exhibition, and the Rennaissance paintings and sculptures at the art museum.
Must Do
Auschwitz Concentration Camp - About an hour outside of Krakow is the Auschwitz concentration camp — the largest mass murder site in history and Nazi Germany's largest concentration and death camp. The camp is divided into two parts; Auschwitz I, which held most of the SS offices and warehouses where prisoners worked, and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the site of the gas chambers where nearly all Jewish prisoners were killed.
Chill On The Vistula River - One of the most popular things to do in Krakow is to go on a river cruise. There are sightseeing cruises as well as but larger and livelier party boats blasting beats and keeping the party going. Aside from cruises, you can rent kayaks, or you can can hop aboard a boat restaurant where you can have a drink or dinner.
Nightlife
If you are looking for some of the best nightlife in Central Europe, head to Kraków. Here you will find more bars and clubs per square metre than any other city in the world, being home to more than 200 bars. Most of the clubs in Krakow are located across two of the city’s oldest districts, the Old Town and the Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz. The Old Town dates back to medieval times, but is now home to the coolest bars. While Kazimierz’s cobbled streets house the most interesting places to drink. The drinking scene here is excellent and the prices are ridiculously cheap compared to lots of places in Europe. Most of the nightlife occurs underground below the architecture of the city which makes for a really unique and fun night out!
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