Today was by far, the longest we have had and will probably have for the duration of this trip. With that being said, it was still amazing with two tours back-to-back, covering both the old town and the Jewish district. The tour gave us a good overview of the city’s history and layout, from medieval landmarks to sites tied to World War II. We ended the tour at the area that was once the Jewish Ghetto, which added a more somber and reflective tone to the day. It was a meaningful way to begin exploring the city and understanding its complex past.
Kraków’s historical architecture stands out for its remarkable preservation and continuity, especially when compared to Warsaw. While much of Warsaw was destroyed during World War II and later rebuilt, Kraków remained largely untouched, allowing its original structures to survive. Walking through the city, you see centuries of architecture layered together, from the medieval layout of the Old Town and the Gothic towers of St. Mary’s Basilica to Renaissance courtyards and Baroque churches. This intact historical landscape gives Kraków a very different feel, more cohesive, older, and more atmospheric. The contrast with Warsaw is clear; where Warsaw tells a story of rebuilding and resilience, Kraków feels like stepping directly into the past.
The tour took the entire day (~7 hours) so you could imagine the exhaustion I was feeling. I proceeded to take the 40 minute scenic river walk back to the hotel.
Not sure what tomorrow will bring…