Krakow is one of the most important centers of Polish art, academics, culture and economy and  boasts of an enviable heritage that dates back to the Stone Age. The Krakow Must Do's guide offers visitors comprehensive information on the attractions and activities in this richly historical town.

1 The historical center

The historical center of Krakow finds itself sitting illustriously on the list of United Nation’s World Heritage Sites. The one of its kind early settlement region dates back to the 7 th century and features the landmark Main Square--the largest ancient town square in Europe, St. Mary’s Basilca--A medieval church, Church of St. Wojciech and Church of St. Barbara. Sprinkled all around the square are neat row houses, noble quarters, quaint gift shops, a National Gallery of Art and an humongous Town Hall Tower.

2  Park time fun

The unimaginatively christened Planty Park is the largest and most popular park in Krakow that was established in the early 19 th century and is a sprawling land (spread across 21 hectares) of bountiful greenery complete with an ancient style fountain and flower beds that are demarcated into smaller landscapes. The miniature sub-parks housed within the main region also boast of some elegant and stylishly restored monuments and is great for an evening walk to chat up with the locals.  

3 Synagogues of Krakow

Krakow had an impressive line-up of synagogues before the Nazi invasion ruined them during World War II. A well-preserved Jewish religious and architectural structure, the Old Synagogue, situated near the old town region of the city along with a few other smaller ones remains. The monument is a fine example of pre-war Jewish heritage and culture and is worth seeing for its adroit structure and fine detailing. There are several other destroyed synagogues that have been restored with the help of local authorities and now double up as tourist apartments.

4 Take the royal route

The Royal Road was the ceremonious coronation route of the Polish kings and commences from the northern side of the old medieval town and goes down south to the heart of the town, winding at Walwel Castle, the historical residence of Polish royals. The route offers a view of some of the most eminent structures of the city and an impressive aura of royal parades, coronations and receptions.

5 Time for cinematic appreciation

Visit the Annual Krakow film festival--one of the continent’s biggest, oldest and most prestigious film festivals showcasing the ingenious craftsmanship of highly skilled filmmakers in the genre of animation, short feature films, documentaries and docudramas. The festival was launched in 1961 and sees a bevy of the most fertile minds in world cinema every year.

Krakow is dripping with a rich historical and cultural legacy that spiritedly retains its luminance and has been undeterred by war.