Krakow

The historic city of Krakow, as the Polish people spell it, is the best place in Poland to base a holiday; it is equidistant from the mountains Warsaw and several other tourist areas. Many people visit the City as a base to tour Auschwitz. I would suggest visiting Auschwitz towards the end of the holiday; the site, the history and the atmosphere affect many people who are deeply affected, this is difficult to explain unless you have experience of it. Whatever the religion it is a harrowing experience. Auschwitz is about 180 Kilometers from the city, tour buses leave Krakow for day tours and English guides can be hired.

A much nicer place to spend time is the main city square, when I first came to Poland in 1992 the square was a dismal place there were no cafes or bars, no entertainment it was a very depressing gray center. Today it is arguably the most improved place in Poland. There are street musicians, mime artists, street sellers complimenting the many cafe's restaurants and quaint shops surrounding the square and streets leading from it. The building in the center houses a market selling mainly very touristy items although some of them are good quality although many are imported from Russia or China however bargains can still be had.

The city has several universities there are many young people in the square on a typical summers day, this turns sitting in one of the many cafes into an education, unlike Warsaw most of the people you will see will be Polish.

Wawel Hill, pronounced 'Vavel' is on Kanonica street is a very authentic area, which has not changed over many centuries. The Wawel caste houses many exhibitions of art and is a beautiful building with a nice courtyard and worth entering, the gates are open until late but I would suggest mid afternoon is the best time to visit.

One place I would recommend visiting whilst in the city is the restaurant Wierzynek, pronounced 'Virznick', this is purported to be the oldest continuous restaurant in Europe dating from 1364. Whilst the food is fine, although the menu is rather limited, the main reason for a visit is the history of the building. Authentic armour is everywhere with middle age articles and decoration throughout, particularly the upper level. It is a delightful ambiance in which to round of your holiday and I think you will get the idea that some of the waiters have been working there since the restaurants inception.

One of the joys of the city is just to walk the old streets, it is a much friendlier place than Warsaw and one can still see traditional Polish life in many areas. I would suggest allowing three or four days to look around the area.

One very famous sound of the city is the Bugle, which is played every hour from the top of St. Mary's Church Tower, it has been played for 700 years and can be heard throughout Krakow. The playing originated to inform Krakovians to return to the protection of the city walls after working in the fields. Its a very nice tradition.

I can recommend a walk around the city walls, only 300 Meters from the square, where that are many painters exhibiting their work. The standard is very high and the cost minimal. I love strolling and looking at all the art on display and usually pick something up I like for a minimal drain on the wallet.

The city is the best place to center a Polish Holiday, close by are all the main attractions of Poland Auschwitz, The salt mines and even Zakopane is doable within a long day. There are many coach trips starting from Krakow, although please be careful, there are many unscrupulous operators charging two or three times the normal rate to foreign visitors. I hope to make some recommendations on trips from Krakow shortly.