Dangerous but best place to live – Krakow

The most polluted in the world

Unfortunately, Krakow is infamous for one particular thing, that can act as a deterrent for many. Although it has countless features and reason to visit, it has disastrous air conditions. Well, at least for some. Every year, air pollution indexes in the city exceed the limits of safe conditions to breath.. That’s why masks became very popular in recent years in the city. However, if we look at other Polish cities in terms of air quality the situation is quite similar, if not worse! That’s why naming Krakow as a symbol of polluted air is quite unfair and can be really harmful for city’s reputation.

Krakow - most polluted city in the world?
People are wearing masks on Krakow streets

Fortunately, air in the city has its better periods as well. The worst time is probably winter, as people start to heat their homes and get into their cars polluting the air all around.

Nevertheless, not many people seems to be discouraged from taking a chance and visit Krakow. All in all, one week or one weekend is not enough to feel long-term consequences of polluted air, right?

The best city in the world

Visit Krakow - main square
Krakow Main Square – Cloth Halls

Although the air conditions in the city are very poor, it is still regarded as the best city in the world. Why is it so? Well, there are plenty of reasons to visit Krakow and enjoy the best time of your life!

  • Incredible heritage

First of all, the city is bursting with incredible historical monuments! No wonder why many if them are listed on UNESCO list of world heritages – they are simply exquisite. That’s why many museum and history lovers often decide to visit Krakow. Even Krakow Main Square is an amazing monument in itself. St Mary’s Basilica, Cloth Halls, Barbican and many many more are located only in city’s old town. If you visit Krakow, you cannot forget about Wawel Castle. In fact, it’s the most remarkable and splendid building in the city. Located at Wawel Hill it constitutes Polish heritage as many Polish kings were residing in Wawel castle. Nevertheless, Krakow Old Town is not the only area worth visiting. Kazimierz, Podgorza and Nowa Huta are also full of interesting object and museums to see.

  • Perfect place to relax
Botanical Garden in Krakow
Botanical Garden in Krakow – perfect place to have a nice afternoon.

Another reason to visit Krakow is to simply have good time and relax. Beside numerous monuments and tourist attractions, Krakow is full of parks and picturesque green spaces. The most popular and attractive are Blonia, Planty, Zakrzowek, Nowa Huta Lagoon and Botanical Garden. Krakow is also known as a city that never hurries. Citizens seem not to care being on time too much which creates general atmosphere of relaxation!

  • Inimitable atmosphere

Krakow is a city that has many characteristic symbols and customs, that you won’t find anywhere in the world. One of it are Krakow pigeons! These birds seem to love the city of Krakow and occupy Main Square pecking at crumbs scattered by people all around. Another popular animal in Krakow is a horse and specifically, horse carriages. Having a ride in famous Krakow carriage is simply obligatory for each traveler. If you visit Krakow, you cannot miss a chance to try its delicacy – obwarzanek. It comes in different tastes (salty, with sesame or with poppy seeds) and can be found at each city’s corner. Being on Krakow Main Square, you’ll surely hear city’s famous buggle call. It is played from the tower of St Mary’s Basilica every hour. However, the melody is always stopped short at some point. Why? You’l find out if you visit Krakow!

Another thing that constitutes Krakow incredible atmosphere, it’s is abundance of climatic cafes and restaurants. One can sit in such cozy place for the whole day and never have enough.

  • City of Culture

Krakow is a city of culture – that’s for sure. Not only it attracts numerous art lovers but also countless artists coming and felling in love with this city instantly. Number of art galleries, museums, concerts and international cultural events makes Krakow a real city of art. One can find here amazing contemporary art with MOCAK museum at the helmet. On the other hand, it characterizes with Medieval heritages, for example Leonardo da Vinci’s paintings!

Visit Krakow – How to Get to Krakow?

Krakow has one international airport – Krakow Balice (KRK). It’s the second biggest airport in the country and is very busy for most of the year. No wonder why – millions visit Krakow every year.

One of its very important features is that it lays near the city centre – only 15 km. There are train and public buses shuttling between the airport and city centre during the day. Nevertheless, there is also a possibility to use private airport transfer which is much more convenient and reliable option to chose. The ride takes about 20 minutes and includes door-to-door pick up, drop off and English driver with comfortable car.


So, have you already decided if you you want to visit Krakow? Will you take a chance on spending some time in such polluted city? The answer is easy – of course! Don’t let others make you believe that the best city in the world is dangerous.