A City That Exceeded All My Expectations - Kraków 🇵🇱

I initially thought Kraków was just "another tourist city" among the many Eastern European countries. That is, until I visited... My feelings about Kraków can be summed up in one sentence: "Didn’t I just arrive? How is it time to leave already?" There’s so much to see—if you’re planning a trip to Poland, you must not miss it! Here are my top 10 most highly recommended spots from all the places I visited 🤩 1⃣️ Wawel Castle 🏰 The crown jewel of Kraków, once the residence of Polish royalty. This castle blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles—Kraków truly is a treasure trove of architectural diversity! A paradise for architecture enthusiasts 🤩 2⃣️ Cloth Hall 🏠 One of Europe’s oldest commercial centers, once a medieval trading hub. When you step into the arcades, remember to look up—you’ll discover something wonderful 👀 3⃣️ Krakus Mound ⛰️ Kraków’s oldest artificial mound, with a unique character. It offers 360° panoramic views of the entire city—I can already imagine how beautiful it must be in summer. 4⃣️ Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter) Once the heart of Kraków’s Jewish culture, it now blends historical relics, street art, and independent cafés. I absolutely loved the vibrant, lively energy of the streets here. 5⃣️ St. Mary’s Basilica ⛪ The most striking Gothic church on the square, with a stunning blue dome and ornate altar. Every hour, the tower rings out with the Hejnał Mariacki (bugle call), a reminder of the city’s historic guardianship. 6⃣️ Town Hall Tower 🕰️ One of Kraków’s landmarks, a remnant of the former town hall. 7⃣️ Barbican 🛡️ Part of the medieval city walls and one of Kraków’s strongest fortifications. I adored its design—definitely not to be missed. 8⃣️ Florian’s Gate 🚪 A symbol of Kraków’s Old Town, once the entrance to the Royal Route. It still retains its medieval charm; wandering beneath the walls feels like stepping back into the old Polish kingdom. 9⃣️ Krakow Market Square 🍷 One of Europe’s largest and liveliest medieval squares. By day, it’s filled with street performers and outdoor cafés; by night, the lights add a romantic touch. Even in February, there was still a Christmas tree 🎄—haha, if you’re happy, every day can be Christmas 🤣 🔟 St. Joseph’s Church ⛪ A Gothic gem of Kraków—just look at the first photo. This was my favorite landmark from the entire trip 🎬 #Poland #Kraków #Europe #EasternEurope #UK #StudyAbroad #Travel #InternationalTravel #KrakówTravel