Let's start our journey from the very center of Wieliczka. The Upper Square is the historic heart of the city, which impresses with its intimate character and historic architecture. This small town square is surrounded by colorful townhouses that remember the glory days of Wieliczka's salt mining industry. In the central part of the square is a characteristic fountain, and around it are numerous cafes and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy local delicacies. The Upper Market is a place where you can feel the authentic atmosphere of the town, away from the crowds of tourists visiting the mine.

Near the market is an unusual attraction that will delight children and adults alike - the Salt World 3D painting. This unique piece of street art presents a three-dimensional vision of the underground world of the salt mine. The painting was made using the anamorphic technique, which means that the best 3D effect will be obtained by looking at it from a specific point. As a result, we can take extraordinary photos in which it seems as if we are actually standing over the precipice of the salt pit or touching the salt crystals. This interactive attraction is an excellent alternative for people who cannot go underground for various reasons, and a great addition to the experience after visiting the mine.

Wieliczka's most important historical site, apart from the mine itself, is undoubtedly the Saltworks Castle - the Wieliczka Cracow Saltworks Museum. This medieval building, rebuilt many times over the centuries, was once the administrative and technical center of the mine's management. Today it houses a rich museum collection that tells the fascinating history of salt mining in the region. Note the unique exhibits, such as mining tools from various eras, maps of underground passages and salt artifacts. The Zupny Castle, like the mine, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its unique historical and cultural value. A visit to the museum is an excellent opportunity to understand the importance of salt for the development of not only Wieliczka, but the entire Cracow region for more than 700 years of uninterrupted mining activity.

After an intensive tour of the historical sites, it's time to relax in the natural surroundings. Wieliczka boasts several beautiful parks that provide the perfect place for rest and recuperation. St. Kinga Park is one of the most beautiful green spaces in the city, named after the patron saint of salt miners. This vast park is located adjacent to the salt mines, making it a natural place for tourists to rest after exploring the underground routes. The park features picturesque alleys, well-kept lawns, colorful flower beds and playgrounds for children. The park is particularly charming in spring, when numerous species of trees and shrubs are in bloom, and in autumn, when the leaves shimmer in all shades of gold and red.

The undoubted gem of St. Kinga Park is the Brine Graduation Tower - a facility that combines health and recreational values. This wooden structure filled with blackthorn branches, along which the brine flows, creates a specific microclimate around it, rich in iodine, bromine, magnesium and other minerals valuable for health. Staying near the graduation tower acts as a natural inhalation, having a beneficial effect on the respiratory tract, skin and general immunity of the body. Comfortable benches are placed around the graduation tower, where you can sit and breathe in the healing spray in peace. This is an excellent place for people suffering from respiratory diseases, but also for anyone who simply wants to relax in a pleasant environment. The graduation tower is especially popular during the summer season, when the temperature is favorable for outdoor walks.

The other major green area in Wieliczka is the Adam Mickiewicz Park, located a bit further away from the main tourist routes. This less crowded park offers peace and quiet, ideal conditions for contemplating nature. Vast lawns, old trees providing pleasant shade on hot days and charming corners with benches create an atmosphere conducive to relaxation. Adam Mickiewicz Park is less formalized than St. Kinga Park, which gives it a more natural character. It is a favorite place for local residents, who come here for morning jogs, afternoon walks with their dogs or weekend family picnics.

Comparing the two parks, one can see that St. Kingi Park is more touristy, better landscaped and offers more attractions, such as a brine graduation tower and modern playgrounds. Adam Mickiewicz Park, on the other hand, has a more intimate character, is quieter and less crowded, making it ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. Both parks are well-maintained, free of charge and available year-round, though of course they are most popular during the spring and summer seasons. It's worth planning a visit to both to experience the different aspects of Wieliczka's urban nature and find your favorite corner to relax.

Wieliczka isn't just about history and relaxation - it's also a place where you can spend time actively. A real surprise for many tourists is the Stok pod Baranem - a small but well-prepared ski slope, which operates during the winter season. This intimate slope, located just a few kilometers from the city center, is an excellent alternative to crowded ski resorts in the mountains. The slope is ideal for beginner skiers and snowboarders, as well as for families with children who want to try their hand at winter sports. The slope's gentle slope, a drag lift and professional lighting for after-dark skiing are the main advantages of the place. What's more, there is an equipment rental shop and a small refreshment center, where you can warm up with hot tea after skiing. Stok pod Baranem is a local place, rarely visited by tourists from outside the region, which translates into a pleasant, uncrowded atmosphere and affordable prices.

Returning to the city center, it is worth noting details that often escape the attention of tourists rushing to the mines. The Upper Market, which we mentioned earlier, is not only a square with a fountain, but also a place where local cultural events and festivals are held. During the summer season, live music concerts, open-air movie screenings and handicraft fairs are held here. This is a great opportunity to get to know the local community and feel the authentic atmosphere of the town. Note the architectural details of the surrounding townhouses, which bear traces of different eras and styles, from Gothic to modernism.

Comparing all the described attractions of Wieliczka, you can see their diversity and complementarity. History buffs will find the Zupny Castle and the Upper Market most valuable, those who value contact with nature will appreciate the parks and the brine graduation tower, and fans of active recreation will find something for themselves on the Slope under the Aries. The 3D painting Salt World, on the other hand, is an option for those looking for unusual experiences and souvenir photos. In terms of accessibility, most of the attractions are located in the center of the city or within walking distance. The exception is the Slope under the Aries, which must be reached by car or public transportation.

In terms of cost, many of the places described, such as the parks and the Upper Market, are available free of charge. The brine graduation tower offers affordable tickets, as does the Stok pod Baran, where lift fees are among the cheapest in the region. The most expensive of the attractions described is the Zupny Castle, but even here ticket prices can be described as average, especially when compared to the cost of visiting the salt mine itself. It is also worth noting the seasonality of some of the attractions - the Slope under the Aries only operates in winter, the brine graduation tower and parks are most attractive from spring to autumn, while the Magnifying Castle, the Upper Market and the 3D Salt World painting can be visited all year round. This diversity makes Wieliczka an interesting destination regardless of the season and weather.