Introducing Kraków
Kraków, which celebrated its 750th birthday in 2007, is by far Poland’s biggest drawcard, and it’s immediately apparent why. As the royal capital for 500 years, the city was able to absorb much history and talent over the centuries and is today a treasure trove of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Miraculously, this jewellery box emerged largely intact after WWII. As a result, no other city in Poland can boast so many historic buildings and monuments or such a vast collection of artworks, with some 2.3 million registered.
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Wawel Castle is Kraków’s centrepiece and a must-see, but most visitors will find themselves drawn to the Old Town, with its soaring Gothic churches and gargantuan Rynek Główny (Main Market Sq), the largest in the nation. Just outside the Old Town lies the former Jewish quarter Kazimierz, its silent synagogues reflecting the tragedy of the recent past.
Kraków is well endowed with attractions and diversions of a more modern variety, with hundreds of restaurants, bars and music clubs tucked away down its cellars and narrow alleyways. Though hotel prices are above the national average, and visitor numbers are very high in summer, this vibrant, cosmopolitan city is an essential part of any visit to Poland.
Give yourself at least several days or even a full week to do Kraków justice. This is not a place to rush through; the longer you stay, the more captivating you’ll find it. And without even trying, you’ll discover something pretty, old, curious or tasty around every corner.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Krakow - 2nd Visit, Next weekend
by james2020 14 September 2011
Alchemia is a nice bar in the Jewish quarter. Worth checking out one evening when it is all candle lit inside.
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RE: What countries/cities to visit next in Western Europe?
by sister_rose 14 September 2011
I loved Krakow, and Poland is an amazing country with lovely lovely people! Visit the Jewish quarter and old town if you love atmospheric…
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RE: Getting around in Krakow
by Saudade 14 September 2011
Thanks again! @ james2020: Okay, I'll get back to you if I need more specific advice!
Kraków
Things to do
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Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Kraków
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1 Wawel Castle
Enjoying an easy ride through Polish history at magnificent Wawel Castle
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2 Museum of Pharmacy
Eyeballing odd elixirs and remedies at the wonderful Museum of Pharmacy
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3 Horse-driven carriage
Relaxing to the clip-clop of hooves on a tour of the Old Town from the back of a horse-driven carriage
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4 Wieliczka Salt Mine
Getting down and, well, salty at the unique Wieliczka Salt Mine
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5 Collegium Maius
Meeting Copernicus face to face at the Collegium Maius
Our favourite Kraków Blogs (beta)
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The Saturday City: Overrated Krakow
Blog: Nomadic Matt's Travel Site - 7 January 2012
I’m just going to say it: Krakow, Poland is an overrated destination. Whenever I travel through Europe, people always ask me if I’m going to visit Krakow. “No,” I usually respond. “Ohh, you’re really missing out. It’s one of the best cities in the world,“ they reply. This year, as I finally made my way [...]
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Auschwitz & Birkenau Extermination Camps
Blog: London Cosmopolitan - 4 October 2011
Grey, un-textured patterns painted the flat skies above the longhorizon.
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Tour of Krakow and the High Tatras
Blog: London Cosmopolitan - 28 September 2011
Werecently had an opportunity to travel to Krakow, the former imperial capitaland Poland’s second city, for four days of exploring historic old towns,majestic mountains, and world-class museums.
