population: 0.77 million

extension: 327.00 square kilometers

Museums

One museum you should definitely visit while in Kraków is the Wawel Royal Castle, which houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts from Poland's rich cultural history. Another museum worth visiting is the National Museum in Kraków, which has a vast collection of fine art, including works by Polish masters such as Jan Matejko.

If you're interested in similar museums, you might also want to check out the Rynek Underground Museum, which showcases the medieval history of Kraków, or the Schindler Factory Museum, which offers a glimpse into life in Nazi-occupied Kraków during World War II.

Food

Here are some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try in Kraków, according to locals:

1. Pierogi - These are dumplings filled with various ingredients such as meat, cheese, or potatoes.

2. Bigos - A hearty stew made with sauerkraut, meat, and spices.

3. Kielbasa - A traditional Polish sausage made with pork and flavored with garlic and other spices.

4. Schabowy - Breaded pork cutlets served with sides like mashed potatoes and sauerkraut.

5. Zurek - A sour rye soup typically served with sausage, egg, and potato.

6. Oscypek - A smoked sheep cheese that's a specialty of the Tatra Mountains region near Kraków.

7. Makowiec - A poppy seed cake that's a traditional dessert in Poland.

8. Paczki - These are sweet, fried doughnuts filled with jam, custard, or cream.

These dishes can be found in many restaurants and cafes in Kraków, and trying them is a great way to experience traditional Polish cuisine.

Activities

Kraków is a vibrant city with plenty of fun activities that locals enjoy. Here are some recommendations:

1. Take a stroll through the historic Old Town and explore the charming streets, cafes, and shops.

2. Visit the bustling Main Market Square, which is home to the iconic St. Mary's Basilica and is a hub for street performers, vendors, and festivals.

3. Walk or bike along the scenic Vistula River, which runs through Kraków and offers beautiful views of the city.

4. Head to Kazimierz, the Jewish Quarter, to discover its unique history and culture, and enjoy its trendy bars, restaurants, and cafes.

5. Take a day trip to Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site located just outside Kraków, to explore the underground chambers, chapels, and lakes carved out of salt rocks over 700 years ago.

6. Attend a concert or performance at the stunning Kraków Philharmonic Hall, which showcases world-class classical music and opera.

7. Try traditional Polish cuisine, such as pierogi (dumplings), kielbasa (sausage), and bigos (hunter's stew), at local eateries and markets like Hala Targowa.