Stare Miasto
Stare Miasto
5
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.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Stare Miasto
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,962 within 3 miles
Attractions
483 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- Karen WWrexham, United Kingdom11 contributionsFab hotel, would love to visit again in the future. 5 out of 5 from us!My husband booked 4 nights, 2 double rooms at Mecure Stare Miasto for 4 of us (2 couples) to visit Krakow to celebrate my 40th birthday. We stayed at the hotel between 14th & 18th Feb 2020. The hotel staff left a card, sweet treats & a personalised message on the full length mirror to wish me a happy 40th birthday....which was a lovely touch, and was much appreciated. We stayed in rooms 309 & 311, which were near to the lobby & lift on floor 3 overlooking the front of the hotel & the Galaria Krakowska (large shopping mall). We'd requested the 2 rooms were close to each other in advance of our stay, and were given rooms next door to each other. The rooms were very well decorated, equipped well & were very peaceful. The beds were really comfortable. The hotel facilities, food, drink & its location were all excellent. The staff were really friendly and helpful....they booked the Salt Mine tour for us (139 zloty per person with door to door pick up & drop off) and also arranged our airport taxi, brought fresh omelettes to our table that we ordered as part of breakfast each day & served us local drinks from the bar. 2 of us enjoyed the recommendation from the bar man - a locally produced vodka with apple juice. We enjoyed the short walk (10 mins leisurely pace) to & from the main square each day, taking a few different routes between the hotel and main square, each time finding new places to look at, shop in or simply look at. We chose to eat our evening meals and have drinks on or around (down side streets) off the main square before returning for a drink from the hotel bar & relax in the lounge areas before going to bed. The hotel lounge areas are comfortable and the bar was open until 1am. During our stay in Krakow we did an electric buggy around the city, visited the Salt Mines and also Auschwitz and Birkenau. Krakow is a beautiful city & we hope to return here again soon! We'd definitely book to stay at Mecure Stare Miasto in Krakow again! Thanks to all who made our stay so enjoyable.Visited February 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten February 19, 2020
- Renb0Manchester, United Kingdom320 contributionsWorth a visit - very pleasantNice grounds and wall walk here. Great views and architecture too... Lovely quadrangle with interesting drain spouts about 3ft long and dragon shaped. Nice shop selling tasteful souvenirs. We bought a music boxes that you turned with a handle that played well known tunes. Lovely! Great wider area around the city too...Visited January 2020Written January 27, 2020
- Joanna MKedzierzyn Kozle, Poland23 contributionsMy favourite city break activityI love walking along the street of the Old Town of Kraków, both during the day and at night. For me it is one of the most beautiful old towns in the world visited by thousands of tourist from all over the world. They can admire magnificient buildings, dine and wine in one of numerous restaurants and cafes, go to the teatre or a club to enjoy live music. You can never get bored in Kraków.Visited July 2019Traveled as a coupleWritten March 14, 2020
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.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
9,032 reviews
Excellent
7,042
Very good
1,804
Average
150
Poor
15
Terrible
21
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands3,727 contributions
Oct 2020
Whenever there is a concentration of old buildings in Europe or even the world with a UNESCO recognition as historic, the place is almost inundated with tourists. The dynamics of the place change dramatically with local residents moving out unless they gear their activities towards tourists. Many tourists are not really interested in history, but rather in the historic ambiance serving as a background for selfies. In this respect the old town of Krakow is similar to Prague, Venice or Amsterdam.
Most of what is left of the historic medieval old town is underground and many of the buildings have been restructured (especially after a devastating fire in 1850). The predominant architectural style is neoclassicism (late 19th century), though especially some of the churches have maintained a Baroque appearance (17th century). Stare Miasto district is larger in size than the area surrounded by Planty park where the old city fortifications and moat used to be. The district includes Kazimierz and Rakowicki cemetery just north of the railway station. Price levels are significantly lower in this wider belt area and the ambiance is still predominantly Polish. Quite a relief after confrontations with touts and souvenir vendors.
Most of what is left of the historic medieval old town is underground and many of the buildings have been restructured (especially after a devastating fire in 1850). The predominant architectural style is neoclassicism (late 19th century), though especially some of the churches have maintained a Baroque appearance (17th century). Stare Miasto district is larger in size than the area surrounded by Planty park where the old city fortifications and moat used to be. The district includes Kazimierz and Rakowicki cemetery just north of the railway station. Price levels are significantly lower in this wider belt area and the ambiance is still predominantly Polish. Quite a relief after confrontations with touts and souvenir vendors.
Written February 8, 2021
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.
Chris L
Sumter, SC153 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Walking around the area gives you a feeling of what could be nostalgia. The green space was created from the old moat, and several areas are preserved as museums, like part of the old wall. No trip to Kraków would be complete without wandering around here.
Written February 15, 2020
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.
Denisa Moricová
Frydek-Mistek, Czech Republic26 contributions
Aug 2021
Gorgeous architecture everywhere you look. However the number of tourists there even on workdays is astounding. It's even worse than Prague. The moment you turn a few streets - it's empty. Everyone is cramped on Florianska Street and on the square (which is enormous so luckily even with a lot of people there's still plenty of space). I still recommend this place though because it's just beautiful, There are also horse carriages everywhere and I personally really love the look of that :) and the sound.
Written August 13, 2021
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.
Mark H
Paphos, Cyprus569 contributions
Dec 2019
Visited Krakow for a 4 Night Christmas break and what an amazing time of the year to visit Krakow visit its Christmas market and walk the streets of the old town stopping for the odd drink and snack whilst people watching. Krakow offers so much to see and do and all within walking distance of the old town from a walk along the Vistiula River and Wawel Castle to St Marys Basilica and the amazing Galeria Krakowsa Shopping Mall.
....A wonderful City!
....A wonderful City!
Written January 19, 2020
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.
Duquesadiner
Glasgow, UK1,406 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We arrived in Kraków early in the afternoon and had a good walk around the main square. As dusk arrived we headed into the small streets of the Stare Miasto along with hundreds of others. The whole place is packed with wonderful architecture and there is a real magical feel. Would most certainly return and spend more time in this lovely city centre.
Written January 3, 2020
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.
Stefanie H
Lincoln, NE1,578 contributions
Jun 2022
The old town of Krakow is so beautiful! The tourists are congregated on Florianska Street, but once you walk across the park into the market square, it gets much better, mostly because the square is so large. The architecture is wonderful, and there are so many restaurants and cafes. You shouldn't miss this area of Krakow.
Written July 3, 2022
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.
Gail b
Lincoln, UK4 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Excellent location and helpful staff.
We stayed in the studio apartments really quirky, clean and spacious.
Be aware very low ceilings so if really tall may struggle however two tall guys in our group and they managed.
Hotel organised taxis and trips out all great and reasonably priced.
We stayed in the studio apartments really quirky, clean and spacious.
Be aware very low ceilings so if really tall may struggle however two tall guys in our group and they managed.
Hotel organised taxis and trips out all great and reasonably priced.
Written January 8, 2020
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.
Mikael F
Helsinki, Finland30,625 contributions
Nov 2022
Krakow Old Town was put on the UNESCO World Heritage List already in 1978. It is the must place to visit if you are in Krakow. The Old Town is surrounded by a green belt called Planty, which was created in the place of the former moat.
The main sights of Krakow's Old Town are located on the Main Market Square: St. Mary's Church, the Cloth Hall, and the town hall tower. The Royal Route ends at the imposing Wawel Royal Castle. The remains of the defensive walls - St. Florian's Gate and the Barbican - are also worth seeing.
During sightseeing, it is very easy to find places for eating and drinking. The prices are a little bit higher here but not expensive.
The main sights of Krakow's Old Town are located on the Main Market Square: St. Mary's Church, the Cloth Hall, and the town hall tower. The Royal Route ends at the imposing Wawel Royal Castle. The remains of the defensive walls - St. Florian's Gate and the Barbican - are also worth seeing.
During sightseeing, it is very easy to find places for eating and drinking. The prices are a little bit higher here but not expensive.
Written November 24, 2022
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.
Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand3,512 contributions
Oct 2022
One of the largest medieval square in Europe dating back to 13th century; largely authentic original buildings, unscathed from damage in WWII. Lots of cool shops, restaurants and great views of St. Mary's Basilica. The fabulous old Cloth Market building is prominent in the center of the square.
Written January 5, 2023
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.
Jane2806
Livingston, UK226 contributions
Jul 2022
The most beautiful old town I have visited. Everywhere you looked there was wonderful architecture. Right from the Barbican, down to the castle, strolling through the streets was such a joy. Lots of lovely restaurants (especially on the main square) to sit and people watch.
Written July 25, 2022
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
mcdlfc123
Belfast, UK
Any good suggestions for cheap groceries/sweets shop?
Thanks in advance
Mali50
Vienna252 contributions
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.
wicklowlady
Wicklow, Ireland29 contributions
Hi I’m going to krakow next week and just wondered where is the place to change your money?
Bob T
LaSalle, IL412 contributions
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.
Anaskoi
Sofia, Bulgaria54 contributions
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!
The Glen Tavern
Limerick, Ireland60 contributions
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 👍
Tom C
London4 contributions
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?
NMTRIP2018
New York City, NY74 contributions
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.
Deborah R
Slough, UK16 contributions
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!! :)
Caroline o
Ennis, Ireland96 contributions
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).
Eva T
United Kingdom1,331 contributions
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
Cristina Victor... L
Tangier, Morocco752 contributions
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
Murriarte1975
Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg141 contributions
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.
comeonteam
Liverpool17 contributions
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?
853barry
Abbotsford, Canada203 contributions
Try Pergamin Apartments
Ul Bracka 3-5,Krakow
2 min walk from the old town square
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Claim your listingStare Miasto (Krakow) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Stare Miasto
- We recommend booking Stare Miasto tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 33 Stare Miasto tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Stare Miasto:
- Krakow In a Nutshell Walking Tour (From $23.96)
- 7 Day Rail Tour - Prague, Krakow & Budapest (From $641.03)
- Full Bike Tour - the Old Town, Jewish Qtr & the Ghetto NEW BIKES (From $17.34)
- Krakow: Private Guided City Tour by Electric Car (From $55.90)
- Krakow Sightseeing (From $150.00)
- Hotels near Stare Miasto:
- (0.03 mi) Flamingo Premium Hostel
- (0.03 mi) Main Square City Studio
- (0.04 mi) Old Town Apartments
- (0.04 mi) Szewska 7 Apartments
- (0.06 mi) Meyo Apartments
- Restaurants near Stare Miasto:
- (0.01 mi) Metropolitan Restauracja
- (0.02 mi) Monika Snack Bar
- (0.02 mi) Viv-A-Vis
- (0.02 mi) McDonald’s
- (0.03 mi) Dobra Kasza Nasza
- Attractions near Stare Miasto:
- (0.01 mi) Kakao Events
- (0.01 mi) Cracow Local Tours
- (0.01 mi) AuschwitzTour - Mariusz Taxi Cracow
- (0.02 mi) Monument to Piotr Skrzynecki
- (0.02 mi) Krawat Klub
Stare Miasto Information
| Excellent Reviews | 7,042 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 1,804 |
| Stare Miasto Photos | 13,572 |






























































































