An immensely popular Polish city brimming with culture, history and monumental sights Krakow is a magical, alluring destination attracting over 7 million people each year. 

History

According to legend Krakow was founded by the mythical Polish prince Krakus who built the city over a cave on Wawel Hill that housed the ferocious dragon Smok Wawelski. 966 is the first written record of Krakow where it was described as a commercial centre. By the end of the 10th century the city was a leading trade centre but Mongol invasions in 1241, 1259 and 1287 saw the city almost completely destroyed. The foundation of the University of Krakow in 1364 by Casimir III of Poland raised the city’s prominence once again. The 15th and 16th centuries are known as a Golden Age for Poland, led by Krakow’s cultural and economic boom. In 1572, after the death of King Sigismund II, the Polish throne was passed to King Henry III of France then a long succession of foreign rulers. In 1596 the capital was moved from Krakow to Warsaw by Sigismund III and in 1795 Krakow was made part of the Austrian province of Galicia during the Third Partition of Poland. By the end of the 19th century Krakow was once again a major centre for Polish culture and in 1901 the city’s evolution into a modern metropolis was near complete with the introduction of running water and electric trams. With the construction of large steel mills under the Communist government, Krakow transformed from a university city to an industrial centre. The historic centre was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1978. The historical core of the city remains today to be the political, administrative and cultural heart of Krakow and Krakow itself is the third largest city in Poland and a major tourist destination. 

Getting In & Getting Around

Balice Airport is the second biggest in Poland and is situated 12km west of the city centre.  Several direct connections operate between Krakow and a number of worldwide destinations including London, Paris, Brussels, Rome and Frankfurt. Train services link the airport with the city centre. Dworzec Glowny (Central Station) is the main train station in the city, located just outside the Old Town. A wide range of services connect Krakow with other Polish and European cities including Warsaw, Hamburg, Berlin, Budapest, Bratislava and Kiev. The city centre is relatively compact and is easily navigated on foot. There are a number of transport services that operate in and around the city centre including trams, buses and local trains.

Culture, Sights & Attractions

As the unofficial culture capital of Poland, Krakow boasts a wide range of sights and attractions for you to explore. The Old Town is the historic heart of the city and is the best place to start with its many famous sights such as Wawel Castle, the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) and the Rynek Glowny (Main Marketplace). In the Old Town you will find countless churches, palaces, squares, museums and monuments as well as the beautiful Planty Park which offers a welcome rest-spot after a long day touring the Old Town. The Vitsula River is an attraction in itself, stroll along its banks or take a scenic boat cruise and see the city from a different angle. Kazimierz, the former Jewish district and setting for Schindler’s List, is located towards the south-east of the Old Town.

Eating Out

Krakow has a wide selection of places to eat on offer. From small traditional cafés to lavish, fine-ding eateries, from authentic Polish cuisine to exotic Japanese, Indian and Caribbean fare there is something to suit every taste. Local specialties such as wild duck Krakow style and hearty soups are available all over the city.

Outside The City

Krakow is within easy reach of a number of popular areas within the region. Wieliczka an old town known for its ancient salt mine is just 10km away from Krakow. The salt mine, a World Heritage Site, is now closed but operates as an immensely popular museum. Tarnow, the second largest city in the region, is easily reached from Krakow and odder some beautiful scenery, sights and attractions. For a change of pace Zakopane, the winter sport capital of Poland, is located just 100km south of Krakow in the Tatra mountains, and offers visitors striking alpine scenery, beautiful hiking trails and popular ski slopes.

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