Kraków

For an Old World City, Kraków is Pretty Cool.

Kraków is firmly on the tourist trail – and for good reason. It’s Poland’s second largest city and while it is compact, it packs a big punch for things to see and do – and to eat. In fact, it’s a foodie favourite. The best thing about Kraków’s popularity? It’s now well served by fabulous hotels, restaurants, and attractions. So you can relax, explore, and enjoy everything this fine old city has to offer.

Poland’s most popular tourist destination, Kraków is also the country’s most authentic city, having escaped the worst impacts of WWII. A gem nestled in central Europe, its history stretches right back to the 10th century – and you can see it all around.

Kraków’s medieval Market Square, Europe’s biggest, sits at the heart of the Old Town. It’s brimming with baroque character and buzzing with people enjoying the museums, architecture, cafés and pubs. In the summer, you can sit in the shade of the spires of St. Mary’s Basilica and enjoy coffee and a cake – the visitor’s favourite fuel - while in winter the Christmas Market creates a whole different atmosphere. The Market Square is still a hub of trade, with craftspeople selling cloth and artisan products. Climb the Town Hall Tower – Poland’s equivalent of Pisa’s leaning tower, to get a panoramic view of the city at a slightly quirky angle! Or visit the Krzysztofory Palace, which now houses part of the Historical Museum of Kraków.

Floriańska Street is a main artery from the Square and its cobbles are lined with prestigious medieval façades that are home to some of Kraków’s oldest cafés. These sit alongside coffee chains and fast-food names you’ll know, so you can try traditional Polish cuisine or pick up something familiar on the go. The highly decorated buildings are also home to everything from nightclubs to sushi bars so there really is something for everyone.

Once a royal city, Kraków has been described as Disneyesque. And nowhere more so than on Kraków’s Royal Route. Here you can trace the royal connections, from Floriańska Gate to Wawell Hill, where you can tour the royal apartments and crypts. The Old Town is also encircled by Planty Park, which in summer provides a green and pleasant backdrop that’s perfect for picnics or a bicycle ride.

Oskar Schindler’s Factory is now one of the best - and most popular - museums in Kraków. It tells the history of Kraków during WWII in the most incredible and compelling way. Many people also use Kraków as a base when visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau to pay their respects to and learn about this terrible period in history.

Another popular day trip from Kraków is to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, while others use Kraków as a stopping off point on the way to Zakopane, where the high Tatras mountains offer lots of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, walking, and hiking.