Krakow Explorers - Free Walking Tours

500 Things to do in Krakow (108/500): Head down for a Drink in the Basement of Piwnica Pod Baranami. @piwnicapodbaranami Krakow is known for cellar bars, and this is one of the best! In 1956 in the basement of the “Pod Baranami” Palace this literary cabaret was founded. We hope to bring you back for a show another day, but tonight- we’re just focused on the bar. This bar is actually on the main square! You’ve just got to go into the courtyard of the palace, and down the steps. Originally this space was founded for students of the Academy of Fine Arts to hang out, but it grew into something so much more. You may have seen the founder of the cabaret, Piotr Skrzynecki, already- his monument sits in front of the Vis-a-Vis bar on the Main Square, one of his favorite places to hang out in the city– he was known by everyone in Krakow and said once, “The Only people who are really afraid of alcohol are the people who have something to hide”. So if you’ve got nothing to hide… grab a beer, take a shot, maybe split a bottle of wine… and if you do something to hide, don’t worry the bar is fully stocked with non-alcoholic beverages as well. #krakowexplorers #krakowexplorersfreewalkingtours #freewalkingtours #freewalkingtourskrakow #krakowfreewalkingtours #krakow #poland #krakowpoland #thingstodoinkrakow

500 Things to do in Krakow (107/500): Check out the New Park at Kościuszko Mound. Not only can you come out to Salwator to climb the historic Kościuszko Mound, and visit the small exhibit based on the freedom fighter (all covered in our previous video) but you can also take a moment to spend some time in the new park opened next door. The city spent over a decade fixing up the surrounding areas of the most famous mound in Krakow, and finally this month opened the area up to the public. Throughout the park you can see the photos of the original pieces of the fort that were built by the Austrian rulers in the 1850’s, but dismantled between 1945-56. The construction of a brick citadel surrounding the mound allowed it to be used as a strategic overlook and now the city has been able to rebuild them into all their glory. The bastions were reconstructed, while parts of the original were also preserved, and walking paths were added throughout the greenery with many new plants being installed as well. In the future, the city will use part of this park for outdoor events, so keep an eye out if you’re a local! There just may be some concerts, films, or activities held in this space in the coming seasons. Which will be especially beautiful at night, when the fort is illuminated. Work is still being done to parts of the park, so expect it to get bigger and better as that work is completed. And as the plants they just planted begin to grow, expect the park to get more lush in the coming seasons as well. There is also a planned sensory garden to be opened next year. So make sure if you’re coming all the way out to the mound, you leave some room in your schedule to also take a stroll through the former fort, now park. #krakowexplorers #krakowexplorersfreewalkingtours #freewalkingtours #freewalkingtourskrakow #krakowfreewalkingtours #krakow #poland #krakowpoland #thingstodoinkrakow

500 Things to do in Krakow (106/500): Climb to the top of the Kościuszko Mound. The mounds of Krakow are all worth visiting for various reasons, with Kościuszko being the most visited of them all, but you can check our earlier videos for the other mounds- Krakus and Piłsudski, today however, we’re focused on this one. The Kościuszko Mound was built by local Cracovians who volunteered to construct it in the 1820’s, commemorating the freedom fighter Tadeusz Kościuszko. Not only did volunteers build it, but it was completely funded by donations! The Poles even brought dirt from all the battlefields Kościuszko fought on around the world, including dirt from the United States. Because guess what- he fought in the Revolutionary War, before leading the Kościuszko Uprising in Poland. While the hero himself is buried in the Royal Crypts of Wawel Castle under the Cathedral, it’s this monument that was constructed by the people to make sure his legacy did not fade. In fact when it was first built, there were plans to actually move many of the peasants here that had fought heroically by Kościuszko’s side, but these plans fell through. The mound offers great views of the city- the Old Town is off in the distance so be sure to look out for St. Mary’s, Wawel Castle, and all the famous landmarks. You can see below you the huge open field known as the Błonia Meadows where Pope John Paul II famously gave mass. Not only can you climb to the top of this mound- by the way the boulder at the top was brought from the Tatra Mountains- but you can also spend some time learning about Tadeusz Kościuszko, because to enter the mound, you must first walk through a little museum about him. What did I learn? That when Kościuszko went to America he was an unemployed down-on-his-luck guy, but he came back to Poland a hero- and went on to bring the nation together as it fought to try to keep its independence. #krakowexplorers #krakowexplorersfreewalkingtours #freew

500 Things to do in Krakow (105/500): Grab a Bite at Hummus Amamamusi @hummus_amamamusi Hummus Amamamusi has been the best place to go in Krakow for hummus for years, and now they’ve expanded into two locations! Both are in Kazimierz, with the original on Beera Meiselsa and the new one on Plac Wolnica. While they both specialize in hummus their menus differ a bit. At the original location I usually go for the tofu reuben; but they’ve got a breakfast menu available all day, as well as a huge selection of various hummus plates- including their vegan chorizo plate, caesar plate, sun-dried tomato or jalapeno plates . The newer location has a smaller menu- with it’s most popular item being the Tokyo Cloud Cakes- the fluffiest pancakes you’ll ever have! So add this to the long list of Vegan/Vegetarian restaurants we’ve already shared with you, and consider it’s cozy atmospheres one of our favorites. #krakowexplorers #krakowexplorersfreewalkingtours #freewalkingtours #freewalkingtourskrakow #krakowfreewalkingtours #krakow #poland #krakowpoland #thingstodoinkrakow

500 Things to do in Krakow (104/500): Unwind with a Movie at Kino Pod Baranami. @kinopodbaranami Did you know that on the Main Square of Krakow there is actually a movie theater! In Polish it’s called Kino Pod Baranami, which translates to Cinema Under the Rams, so just look for the building on the corner of the square with all the ram heads decorating it. Go inside and to the left- and you’ll find the theater! The cinema started operating in 1969, and is known for its more intimate art house setting. And while you won’t find popcorn, you will find everything from classic films to indie releases to current blockbusters. In the summer we love to come here for their Cheap Summer Movie Festival when they put on a whole array of films from years past at a huge discount, but there are other festivals throughout the year so check their website to see what is currently going on. The cinema’s unique events has earned it a spot on the list of the Best Cinemas in Europe, as well as the Polish Film Institute Award as one of the best cinemas in Poland. Many, if not most, of their films are offered in English, because if it came out of Hollywood they’ll keep the audio in English, and just add on Polish subtitles. Check their website for current showtimes and languages. #krakowexplorers #krakowexplorersfreewalkingtours #freewalkingtours #freewalkingtourskrakow #krakowfreewalkingtours #krakow #poland #krakowpoland #thingstodoinkrakow

500 Things to do in Krakow (103/500): Visit the Ghetto Heroes Square in Podgórze. Originally known as Plac Zgody, and laid out in 1836, this space is now known as Plac Bohaterów Getta, or Ghetto Heroes Square. Any time of day you can go to visit the infamous installation of empty chairs, honoring the people of the Krakow Ghetto, and the Jewish community at large- ninety percent of which perished in World War II from this city. This space isn’t just a memorial; it is a deeply reflective experience. As visitors walk among the chairs, they are urged to pause, to remember, and to honor the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust. It is especially poignant to go at night- when the chairs are illuminated from below. With all modern art, it is of course open to your interpretation. And there are many of those when it comes to why these artists chose to scatter chairs across the square. Some say the chairs represent absence, but also a waiting—waiting for those who would never return. During the war, this square was often used to herd the people and literally sort them into groups, being sent away from the city one last time. But for me, these chairs represent the actual chairs that were abandoned here on this square. Chairs that the Jewish people had passed down for generations- that families had sat upon for morning coffee, weekly Shabbat dinner, or to read a newspaper. Chairs that had been a part of these families for years, and suddenly their families were gone. Never to return to this city. Never to sit on them again. Currently the National Museum of Krakow has added photographs to the chairs- a temporary exhibit that they’ve done before, but gives a unique opportunity to remember who these pieces represent. This is just one of many sites in Krakow that remembers the Jewish past of the city; and we invite you to learn more about this history on our daily walking tours of these areas. #krakowexplorers #krakowexplorersfreewalkingtours #freewa

500 Things to do in Krakow (102/500): Attend the Annual Dachshund Parade “Marsz Jamników” by @radio_krakow Did you know the first dachshund to come to Krakow, was brought as a gift to King Sigismund the Old? That was over 500 years ago! And ever since the short and long breed of dog has become intertwined in Krakow’s history. This year marked the 26th Annual Marsz Jamników in Krakow. This is a long standing tradition despite many changes through the years. What used to be hosted on the Main Square, has now been moved to the boulevards of the Vistula River. Today’s parade began near the chess tables past Wawel Castle on the riverfront, and ended at the stage that was set up near the Dżok the dog monument. The parade has an interesting history. To celebrate the 28th anniversary of the Polish magazine, “Przekrój” the editor in chief decided to throw a sausage dog parade; inspired by a drawing competition the magazine had thrown. The event was a huge hit! People filled the streets to celebrate, dogs rode in carriages into the Main Square, foreign press came to cover the event, and even the waiters at the famous Wierzynek restaurant handed out actual sausages… But the year was 1973- so the communist authorities became weary of such a large gathering, and were convinced that it must be about something more than just the adorable dogs, declaring it a mockery of May Day activities, the organizer got in a bit of trouble- and so the event didn’t occur again until 1994, when Radio Krakow decided to take over. While this year’s march is complete, if you’re headed to Krakow next year, be sure to keep an eye out on RadioKrakow’s pages to see when they’ll be hosting the 27th annual march- and if you’ve got your own hot dog- don’t forget to bring him or her with you. Your dog might just get crowned the Queen or King of the march! #krakowexplorers #krakowexplorersfreewalkingtours #freewalkingtours #freewalkingtourskrakow #krakowfreewalkingto

Don’t have a dachshund to march in the parade? Here’s a great solution to your problem! 🐶26th March of the Dachshunds 🐶26. Marsz Jamników Radio Kraków #krakowexplorers #krakowexplorersfreewalkingtours #thingstodoinkrakow #marszjamników #marszjamnikow #marszjamników2024

500 Things to do in Krakow (101/500): Grab a bowl of Ramen and some Edible Snow at Kinki. @kinkiramen We’ve taken you to ramen places before, but this is one I keep coming back to over and over again. And not just for their rich broths and fresh ingredients, but because they also have edible snow and really awesome drinks! My go-to order to start with is essentially a coke float– they’ve got a few different soda flavors, but all of them come with a scoop of vanilla ice cream inside. Mix it all together and it’s incredible. In addition to these non-alcholic drinks they’ve got a full bar menu as well; I love trying the differnet sakes or grabbing a refreshing beer. The menu has appetizers from dumplings to edamame to bean sprout salad– and of course amazing ramen to choose from. They’ve got vegetarian and vegan options; in addition to their plethora of meat-based items. They even have some brothless ramens that I really enjoy. But once you’re done with your hot dishes- cool off with this specialty dessert called “Kakigori”. In the past you had to call ahead and make sure it was being prepared, but looks like they’ve finally decided to offer it every single day. This Japanese sweet treat is prepared using a special machine that shaves ice into this huge mound. Add some whipped cream or sweetened condensed milk, different fruits, and you have one of my favorite things to eat! Kinki Ramen has an modern interior with sidewalk tables they expand into over summer- and being just outside the Old Town borders, it’s an easy place to add to your itinerary. They’ve also got this wiggly matcha dessert! And if you head to the bathroom you’re in for a party as well! Here’s the full menu if you would like to take a look. And as we say in Polish- Smacznego! Or, enjoy your meal! #krakowexplorers #krakowexplorersfreewalkingtours #freewalkingtours #freewalkingtourskrakow #krakowfreewalkingtours #krakow #poland #krakowpoland #thingstodoinkrakow

500 Things to do in Krakow (100/500): Enjoy a drink and the view at Panorama Forum. @forumpanorama Krakow’s got a new rooftop bar in town- and it might just be the best one yet. Opened just this month, in the towering, but partially abandoned, Hotel Forum, its position across the river from the castle makes it a great spot to see the city from. Construction of the Forum Hotel began in 1978- but it wasn’t opened until ‘89; and by 2002 it had been shut down due to frequent flooding and the fact that the rooms’ ceilings were just a little too low for modern building codes. Fun fact though, this is the hotel that Spielberg stayed in while filming “Schindler’s List”. The brutalist style of the hotel, has had some people calling it an eye-sore all these years; and while life slowly crept back into the ground level and basement of the building, the hotel rooms never got a purpose, other than that their balconies became accidental gardens. But now, for the first time in decades, you can go to the top of Forum! Once you get on the elevator, just press 1; because like we said this place goes ground floor to roof with nothing in between. They’ve got a full menu of food and drinks, plus a variety of ways to sit and relax. From traditional dining tables to two huge bars- you can sit in roundabout booths, more intimate beds, or along the bar facing the view. There are a few seats outside on the balcony, but no tables, which is actually perfect, because it means that everyone can have access to the balcony area without interrupting anyone’s meal. This area has had a lot of attractions in recent years, from the huge balloon you can ride up for an ever higher view of the city; to the Krakow Eye ferris wheel, floating restaurants and hotels, and the entire riverfront area you can relax on in front of the hotel building. So come for the view, but maybe stay a little longer to explore this side of the river. #krakowexplorers #krakowexplorersfreewalking

500 Things to do in Krakow (99/500): Tap into your Competitive Side at Cybermachina Game Pub. @cybermachinakrakow Freshly renovated, Cybermachina in Krakow has everything you would need for a night out of fun. They’ve got a full menu of drinks- ranging from cocktails to beer to shots or just sodas; as well as a couple of snack options in case you get hungry. But the best part is that you don’t have to pay to play the games. Most people come to play the xBox consoles. And to do so, all you have to do is give the bartender something to hold on to, and they’ll lend you out as many controllers as you need. And help you get your system set up. Our group was really into FIFA but there are many more games to choose from of course. If you have any issues with the console or controllers, just head to the staff, they’re super helpful and will fix any issues. My favorite part, is of course, the separate room set up just for Guitar Hero. It’s so cool to be able to play this game in a setting like this. But obviously with only one room hosting this game, there can sometimes be a wait. Although we’ve never experienced one, in the few times we’ve gone, I can imagine on weekends it may be a bit tough to get a turn- so keep that in mind. Multiple other rooms allow for you to set up fpr board games. They’ve got several shelves dedicated to hundreds of different ones. So grab some friends and play the night away. You’ll also find a room with foosball. And, what’s really cool about this spot- is that it’s in the Old Town, just a few minutes from the Main Square, so it’s extremely easy to get to for tourists. Just head over to Stolarksa 13. Most days they open at 5pm, but on weekends you can head in as early as 3pm. Oh and they also host events like karaoke, quiz nights, and tournaments– so keep an eye on their schedule when you’re in town! #krakowexplorers #krakowexplorersfreewalkingtours #freewalkingtours #freewalkingtourskrakow #krakowfreewalkin

500 Things to do in Krakow (98/500): Visit the Piłsudski Mound in Las Wolski Did you know that Krakow has four “mounds” all around the city? Today, we’re taking you up to the top of the Piłsudski Mound or Kopiec Piłsudskiego in Polish. This is the youngest, and also largest, mound in Krakow, being built between 1934 and 1937. It was originally named the Independence or Freedom Mound, commemorating the re-establishment of Poland’s Independence. But after the death of Józef Piłsudski in 1935, it was decided that the mound would be named after him instead. The mound was opened officially on July 9th 1937- and included soil from every WWI battlefield that Poles fought on. During Nazi Occupation, there was a plan to destroy the mound, but it proved to complicated and expensive, so it never happened. During the Communist-Occupation, the Soviets tried to keep the mound out of public consciousness by removing any mention of it in history. And it suffered extreme damage in 1953. But by 1981 a reconstruction project was planned, where soil form all the battlefields Poles fought on during WWII were added. In modern times it was preserved once more, with renovations works being completed in 2002; and the Polish President even visiting the site to celebrate. To get to the Piłsudski Mound, you’ve first got to head to Las Wolski or Wolski Forest. Our previous video tells you more about this dense green space in Krakow, which has much more than just this mound to offer. And the easiest way to get here is to take a bus from the city center. (We usually do Bus 134 from Cracovia Stadion to ZOO. At Wolski, you can follow a number of trails to get up to the mound. There are many signs and maps along the way, so look for the arrows pointing you in the right direction. On our most recent trip we took the red route, but before that we took a different one. So there are multiple ways to get there with varying distances. The shortest way is only about a 20 minute wal