Krakow Hotels

Krakow has seen a lot in its history – and not all of it has been good. Visit the Galicia Jewish Museum to see the incredibly moving Holocaust exhibits, then head to Podgorze to visit the infamous Krakow Ghetto depicted in Schindler’s List (and where much of the film was actually made).

Krakow also mixes relaxation with remembrance, thanks to stunning Planty Park or lush Las Wolski Forest– a hiker’s favourite. Then head to Szewska Street for great eats, a spot of shopping and a thriving nightlife.

Krakow's Top 10

Krakow History

• Wawel Castle - Explore this historic castle and its surrounds, located near the Vistula River.
• Synagogue of Remuh - Built in 1557, this synagogue is home to ancient vestments, and next to the synagogue is an age-old cemetery.
• Sukiennice - Built in the early 14th century, this trading hall boasts a fine example of Gothic style.
• Town Hall Tower - The tower is home to a fascinating museum.
• Barbakan - The largest European defence building to be found in Krakow.

Krakow Art & Culture

• National Museum - This museum has several branches throughout Krakow.
• The Sukiennice - Home to some of the best collections of 19th-century paintings Poland has to offer.
• International Cultural Centre - An extensive collection of temporary art exhibitions, with a rooftop terrace offering stunning views of the city centre.
• Centre of Japanese Art & Technology - Home to the National Museum’s Japanese artefacts.
• Galicia Jewish Museum - An exhibition of photographs of locations in Poland associated with the Holocaust.

Krakow Shopping

• Plac Nowy - An open-air flea market is the ideal place to go shopping for bargains.
• Hala Targowa - Another of Krakow’s open-air flea markets full of inexpensive goods.
• Galeria Krakowska - A 27-store shopping centre located next to the main train station in Krakow.
• Galeria Kazimierz - A large shopping centre offering numerous stores, boutiques and eating establishments, as well as a cinema.
• Krakow Plaza - Home to some of Krakow’s best clothing stores.

Gay & Lesbian Krakow

• Kitsh - One of Krakow’s most well-known gay clubs. The dance floor is always busy, so be sure to get here early.
• Club Coco - Open only on Fridays and Saturdays, this venue is the place to dance the night away. A popular venue to mix with the gay community and make new friends in the city.
• Blue Bar Club - A discreet yet quality gay bar located near to the Old Town.
• Ciemnia Club - A club strictly for men only and the ideal place to enjoy a drink in the evening.
• Pozytywka - A gay-friendly cafe featuring an underground dance floor.

Krakow Events

June’s Lajkonik Festival celebrates the Polish defeat of the Tarters back in the 13th century. Expect plenty of food, a colourful parade and music and dancing till nightfall.

The Crossroads Traditional Music Festival in late July features concerts and workshops. If you’re not a hard-core folk fan, look out for the genre-mix concerts featuring folk combined with a little jazz, pop and even rap.

The STREETART International Festival of Street Theatre fills Market Square with jugglers, magicians, contortionists and puppeteers. It’s fun, it’s colourful and free! July to September.

August’s Coke Live Music Festival features everything from R&B to rock and local acts to international megastars.

Locals compete to create the best szopkas (super-embellished, multistorey cots topped with city images) for December’s Nativity Cribs. Very cool.

When To Go

• Krakow’s summers are pretty mild at around 23°C (73ºF), but its winters can be brutal. Expect it to get as low as -5°C (23ºF) during the day and -15°C (5ºF) at night. Rug up, kids!

• If you want an event-filled trip, head over in summer for the festivals.

• Summer is also the wettest time of year, so be prepared!

Getting Around

• Public transport is pretty, with trams, trains and buses. Stick to the buses and trams in town, as the trains are best only if you’re city-hopping.

• If you’re up for some walking, Krakow is pretty easy to explore on foot.

• Don’t bother hiring yourself a car – the parking is horrendous/expensive and the locals’ driving skills are… interesting. Hire a bike, instead.

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