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Discover Historic Krakow

For many travellers, the city of Krakow remains an exotic and mysterious destination despite its increasing popularity with holidaymakers. The historic Polish hub is oozing culture from every corner with fairytale architecture running alongside modern cafes, bars and galleries. For some, it is the ideal place for a city break although a short weekend will allow for just a minute exploration of this bustling centre. Once the capital of Poland, it is still viewed by many as the cultural capital of the country and is hugely welcoming of visitors who want to learn more about its past and present. For those opting for a whirlwind tour of this exciting city there are a number of must-see attractions.

Like many European centres it is divided into a number of districts, with most tourists heading straight to Stare Miasto or Old town. Here, travellers can get a true feel of historic Krakow, with its gothic architecture and ancient walls. Some of the most beautiful features of this part of the city are its medieval squares, with Rynek Glowny being one of the best examples. As well as the architecture, the old marketplace is also ideal for those looking for a bite to eat with plenty of restaurants and bars. The square is huge – around four acres in size – but it is certainly worth taking the time out to explore it. Here too, visitors can witness the spectacular Town Hall Tower, once part of the gothic-Renaissance Town Hall. The rest of the building was destroyed in the 19th century when Austrians took over the city but the tower is still standing strong. It is now a museum and holidaymakers are urged to head to the top for a spectacular view of the city.

History enthusiasts should make their way to the Florian Gate where they can observe the once imposing ancient walls of the city. Most of them now lie in ruins but here, visitors can get a feel of what it might have been like during the Middle Ages when the walls expanded five kilometres around the Old Town.

After a spot of sightseeing most travellers will be hoping for some refreshments and there are certainly plenty of places to choose - whether it's fine dining or a cheap and cheerful cafe you are after. Although Poland is not particularly renowned for its cuisine, Krakow offers a huge variety of eateries to suit every taste. Again, the Old Town is packed with places to enjoy, some serving traditional Polish menus and others international dishes. There are also plenty of bars and clubs to relax in after hours which are open all week but are positively buzzing on Friday and Saturday nights. The local nightspots are rarely huge but generally more intimate locations where live music is often the order of the day. Along with the restaurants, most of these venues are located in the central Old Town historic district and cater for all tastes and ages. As well as jazz bars there are traditional pop nights as well as places for fans of rock, hip hop and 80s hits to hang out.

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Updated: Wed, 28 May 2008 17:10:30

Related Links:
Krakow Tourist Board
Krakow Airport