Wawel Castle, Krakow © Judith Duk
Why? As the delights of Eastern Europe are discovered by
travellers, a holiday in Krakow, Poland's beautiful preserved
medieval city, is topping the list of desirable destinations. The
charming, atmospheric Old City is reason enough to travel to
Krakow, particularly the main market square, festooned with
churches, restaurants and bars, where the soul of the city is
bared.
When? Undoubtedly the best time to travel to Krakow is
during the summer, between April and October, when the weather is
sunny, warm and fairly humid. There can be some wet weather in
summer too. The most ideal month for a holiday in Krakow is
probably May, when temperatures are mild but rain is rare. Winter
in Krakow is bitterly cold.
Who for? As a 'living museum' a holiday in Krakow is ideal
for history buffs, but the city has a vibrant culture calendar too,
which will please the hearts of music, theatre and art-lovers.
Krakow's notorious holocaust history and historic Jewish quarter
make this a place of pilgrimage for Jews. Romantics also travel to
Krakow for an enjoyable city break.
More Info: Find out everything there is to do and see on a
holiday in Krakow from our Krakow holiday guide, which is updated
every day and contains a host of information for those planning to
travel to Krakow.
Overview
The only major city to escape the destruction of World War II,
Krakow has one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in
Europe. The Old Town is a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site
and retains a wealth of architectural gems from different periods,
with magnificent churches and aristocratic palaces lining the old
streets, reminiscent of its glorious days when it was the abode of
kings and royalty. At the heart of the city lies one of the
grandest squares in Europe, the Old Market Square.
The charming Old Town is a compact area encircled by leafy
parkland that forms a green belt around the historic centre. The
main entrance to the old city was through the Florian Gate, set
within the original city walls, now the haunt of artists and their
work. With a thriving cultural life, it has been home to many of
the nation's greatest writers, artists and intellectuals, and is
one of the main cultural centres in the country, a spirited city
with personality and charisma.
Overlooking the city is Wawel Hill, topped by the striking Royal
Castle and Cathedral, the seat of Polish kings for seven centuries
and the symbols of Polish national history. Also important is the
city's Jewish roots, and the history of one of the great Jewish
centres in Europe can clearly be seen in the old ghetto area of
Kazimierz, and starkly remembered in the memorial death camps of
Auschwitz and Birkenau, west of Krakow.
Situated on the banks of the Vistula River, Krakow is also a
modern city, the third largest in Poland, and an important
university centre boasting the oldest university in Europe. The
large student population creates a lively atmosphere and a vibrant
nightlife. Countless cafes and outdoor restaurants surround the
cobbled main square. The unique atmosphere of this medieval city
has made it one of Poland's most popular tourist destinations.
