Krakow - Poland Travel Guide

A picturesque medieval city home to a vibrant and unique culture.

Experience Poland's cultural capital

• With its historical districts, castles, cathedral, and 700 year old city walls, it is no surprise that Krakow can be found on UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites. UNESCO recognized sites include: Krakow's Old Town, The Wieliczka Salt Mines, and the Wooden Churches of Malopolska.
• Weather: November-February in Krakow can be very cold especially between December and January when temperatures drop and snowfall is likely. Between May-September the weather is warm and pleasant with an average temperature around 21c.
• Getting around is easy. The majority of Krakow's monuments and attractions are within walking distance of each other and the city centre. Inexpensive trams make accessing the outskirts of the city quick and enjoyable.
• Built along the banks of the Vistula River, skirted in the east by the Niepolomice Forest, and with the Tatra Mountains to the south, Krakow is a city of stunning natural, as well as architectural, beauty.
• Be sure to visit the Planty, a ring of 30 varied gardens surrounding Krakow's old town. Strolling through these gardens is a brilliant way to see Krakow's historical district and enjoy a sunny day. Krakow's botanical garden, 10 minutes walk from the city centre, is also well worth a visit as it is the oldest botanical garden in Poland and home to over 5,000 plant species.
• Krakow has a long history of showcasing the finest instances of Poland's gastronomy. Today, Krakow's streets are home to a variety of high quality restaurants and eateries serving everything from traditional Polish fare to Mediterranean cuisine.
• Try Pierogi! These semicircular stuffed dumplings can be found stuffed with both sweet and savory ingredients and are a popular street food of Slavic origin.
• With hundreds of bars to choose from all serving a variety of polish vodkas and excellent beers, you will have no trouble accessing Krakow's lively nightlife.
• Home to 28 museums and art galleries as well as many theatres, Krakow was recognized by the European Union as the European Capital of Culture for the year 2000.
• The site of Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi Concentration Camp is one hour's drive from Krakow. Every year nearly half a million people visit the site in remembrance of the 1.6 million people who died in these camps.
• Visit The Salt Mine of Wieliczka. Visitors explore an underground network of chambers where everything from statues to chandeliers have been carved from salt rock! The mine is frequently referred to as 'The Underground Salt Cathedral of Poland'.
• Holidays in Krakow: We have an excellent choice of holidays in Krakow.
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• Car hire in Krakow: There's so much to explore! Travel Republic can offer great deals on car hire in Krakow so check us out when completing your holiday booking.
• Transfers to your hotel in Krakow: We can book your transfers from the airport to your hotel in Krakow. We can also book UK airport car parks online, plus travel insurance and currency exchange for your holiday.
• Krakow Reviews: Written exclusively by genuine customers who have booked and stayed in the hotel.

Did you know? Krakow's old town has more bars per square metre than anywhere else in the world!

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Top Tips you shouldn't miss

• Public transport is wonderful and so cheap there is a bus stop a few yards from the hotel and it cost just 40p to get into town they run every 5mins and are very clean. A visit to the salt mines are well worth it they are marvelous. We visited auschwitz and although very thought provoking i think its something everyone should see and experiencemore Beaches & Sights Top Tips
• Everything in Krakow is on your doorstep. Wierzynek is the most famous restaurant in town and perfect for a special occasion. Also on the Rynek Glowny is Wedel's for the ultimate feast for Chocahollics. more Food Top Tips
• Just wander in and around the main market square and you will find something to suit everyone. If you enjoy walking, spend a day following the "Planty" around the centre and make detours to explore the area further. more Entertainment Top Tips
• Found Polish people very friendly. Staff in the restuarants, including the hotel dining areas ,were very pleasant. Altogether, a wonderful break. Thank you! more Bars, Pubs & Clubs Top Tips