Krakow’s soft pastel buildings and cobblestone streets are quintessentially Eastern European.  You could spend hours exploring its many winding streets.

In the Rynek Glówny (market square) you’ll find many horse-drawn carriages lined up outside the cathedral, waiting to give tourists a ride around town.  While a romantic notion, these horses often times endure horrible working conditions.  For that reason, I try to avoid this and other forms of animal abuse when I travel.

Seeing the striking blue ceiling of St. Mary’s Basilica had been on my bucket list for some time.  So when I visit Krakow, I made a beeline for this immaculate Gothic church.  As you can see, the intricate beauty of its interior did not disappoint.

The outside of St. Mary’s Basilica is equally impressive.  Every hour, a trumpet plays from the top of the taller tower.  The song cuts off halfway through to commemorate when a trumpeter was shot in the throat and killed while sounding the alarm for a Mongol attack in the 13th century.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a fascinating excursion near Krakow.  The mine is Poland’s oldest business, operating continuously for over 700 years!

Probably the most jaw-dropping room in the salt mine is St. Kinga’s Cathedral.  The chapel has salt sculptures and salt chandeliers adorning its two-story cavern.  It’s a truly enchanting sight.

You’ll find intricate bronze and stone statues throughout the city, especially in the old town area.

A riot of color among the grey stones of St. Florian’s Gate, local artists display their masterpieces for passersby to purchase.

Aqua e Vino is a mouth-watering Italian restaurant on Wiślna.  Their pear and ricotta-filled pasta parcels with butter and sage are to die for!  I’m salivating just thinking about them!

Like any major city, Krakow has a number of street performers dazzling those walking by.  Everything from performance art to dance and music, there’s something for everyone!

Imad Fares is probably the most gifted street performer I’ve seen on my travels.  I sat here listening to him for over 45 minutes, until he finally broke for the St. Mary’s Basilica trumpeter.

Is there anything more charming than flower stands on cobblestone streets?

If you’re looking for a great place to stay, I’d highly recommend the Antique Apartments on Plac Szczepański.  Conveniently located just a block off the old town square, you can easily stroll to some of the best restaurants and sights in Krakow.  Bonus: Visit Charlotte next door.  It’s an amazing bakery with sweet pretzels that are pretty much the best thing on the planet.

Auschwitz is an emotionally taxing, extremely powerful day trip from Krakow.  While impossible not to shed some tears during the tour, I still highly recommend seeing the concentration camp for yourself.

Witnessing the horrible living conditions and hearing stories of the victims in Auschwitz was by far the most impactful thing I’ve encountered in my travels.  Despite being difficult to hear, it’s important to illuminate this dark part of history.

The Cloth Hall in the main market square (to the left) dates back to the Renaissance era, and acts as a trading post of little shop stands.  Here you can find trinkets and goodies to bring back after your stay in Poland.

Do yourself a favor and try the tiramisu at PastaBar Restauracja Pizza Kraków.  Amazing with a capital A!  (And I normally don’t even like tiramisu!)

The Główny Pałac Sztuki is a quaint little fine arts museum near the main market square.

Hang around the Główny Palac Sztuki at night for an impressive fountain light show.  The adjacent Plac Szczepanski even features evening movies in the park during warmer months!

Within Krakow’s well-preserved medieval core are some amazingly intricate sculptures!  It makes wandering the many side streets a fascinating artistic adventure.