Krakow Travel Guide

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 230
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A European City of Culture, a United Nations World Heritage site, and a great place to go shopping and enjoy an evening out, Krakow is the perfect place for a city break. As an ancient royal capital, Poland''s second city offers visitors a rich heritage to discover, which you too could go and explore.

The city lies about equidistant from the capital Warsaw and the Czech city of Prague. It is situated towards the south of the country, located on the Vistula river. And though it is popular with European holidaymakers, it remains unique, quite unlike anywhere else you would visit across the continent.

Unlike other cities across the continent, it has its own idiosyncratic charm. The cobbled streets and quaint baroque churches, the gargoyles and sculptures staring down from the roofs of the city''s old houses: they all combine to create an impression not lost on visitors that the city is almost a treasure chest of sights and scenes.

Yet at the same time the city is vibrant and dynamic, its cultural horizons still expanding even after all these centuries. Some of today''s most exciting film and art is on show ...
... in Krakow, alongside Leonardo da Vinci''s ''Lady with an Ermine'' as the famous Cazartoryski Museum and the regal Wawel Castle.

At night the ancient streets come alive. Krakow''s nightlife has flourished over the years, thanks both to the thousands of students who live in the city and to the vast numbers of tourists who have been flocking there year on year. Rynek Glowny, the Main Market Square, is where things happen: locals and visitors alike enjoy drinks at the busy pavement cafes and then spend the night listening to the live music on offer.

If you want to find something to take home for your friends and family, or discover a souvenir for yourself, then the market is a perfect place. The Cloth Hall is definitely worth a visit to find some Polish handicrafts, as are the Cepelia stores on ulica Bracka. The city''s department stores are home to famous international brands too.

Beyond the city there is a great deal that draws visitors too. The Royal Salt Mine at Wieliczka is a famous attraction, a 13th century underground town lying about ten miles to the south-east of Krakow. Meanwhile, further afield, the Auschwitz concentration camp draws visitors too.

The third most popular tourist stop in central and eastern Europe, Krakow is ready to welcome you with open arms. As soon as you get your flight and your hotel, you too can experience a unique and very special place. Bonny Kominek is a travel writer with over 20 years experience who has travelled the world. He recommends Octopustravel.com for Krakow hotels.