As well as being a poet, Mickiewicz was a political activist, and political demonstrations sometimes gather around the monument. Most visitors to Krakow spend some time in the Old Town area, so you’re likely to come across the statue during the course of your city sightseeing. Visit the monument independently, or consider joining a walking tour of the area to get a close-up look at many of the buildings and monuments in Krakow while learning about their history from a local guide.
Mickiewicz’s remains are housed in the nearby Wawel Cathedral, which is worth visiting.
The Old Town area of Krakow is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so allow plenty of time to explore its streets and squares.
The monument stands in the center of the market-stall-filled Main Square (Rynek Główny), just outside the attractive Cloth Hall, which houses the Sukiennice Museum.
The Adam Mickiewicz Monument is in the heart of Krakow’s Old Town, so it’s very easy to find. Many visitors stay in hotels and pensions in this neighborhood, within walking distance of the monument. Driving in the Old Town can be confusing, and parking is strictly limited. For visitors staying outside the center, the easiest way to get there is by bus or tram, many of which service the area.
Several of the buildings on the Main Square are beautifully illuminated at night, so don’t miss walking through after dark. The monument itself can be visited at any time, but it’s a particularly good place to people watch during the day.
Culture enthusiasts will appreciate the Adam Mickiewicz Monument’s connections to Polish literature, and art lovers should also check out the nearby Czartoryski Museum. Its most famous artwork is Leonardo da Vinci’sLady with an Ermine, offering visitors the rare opportunity to see a painting by the Renaissance master outside the major galleries in Italy or France.
