Krakow

Krakow is a city in southern Poland and the capital of the Lesser Poland region. An ancient city with an illustrious history, Krakow has been through a lot and somehow emerged with its splendor and charm intact. Today it’s home to a mix of locals, students, and tourists, and has an energy to it that is always stimulating without becoming overwhelming.

At the center of Krakow is the gorgeous central square, dominated by the Church of St Mary, a Gothic basilica standing more than 250 feet tall. Nearby is Wawel Hill, home to Krakow’s Royal Castle, which along with the church, has been a UNESCO Heritage Site since 1978. The beauty and peace of Krakow is so complete that it can be easy to forget, for a second, the darkness of its recent history. A short drive away is the former concentration and extermination camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau, where the Nazis committed their atrocities during the Second World War. Today the camp is open to visitors and offers sobering and eye-opening tours.

The Wieliczka salt mines are also within easy reach of Krakow and were one of the original 12 UNESCO sites. They are now a museum and can be explored as part of a tour, a fascinating subterranean kingdom. Krakow also boasts an abundance of great bars, pubs, and restaurants. In the hot summer months, tables gather in the square and beer gardens fill with tourists and locals alike, the tables heaving under the weight of the excellent and affordable beer. In the cold winter, people huddle inside the warm, cozy pubs and share hearty Polish food with hot wine.

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