Krakow Holiday

Situated on the Vistula river, Krakow is a visually beautiful city that dates back to the 7th century. It is the capital city of the Lesser Poland region, known as Malopolskie and covers both banks of the Vistula.

Traditionally, Krakow has been one of the leading centres of Polish scientific, cultural and artistic life. As the former national capital with a history encompassing more than a thousand years, the city steadfastly retains its coveted position as the spiritual heart of Poland.

The view from the Main Market Square alone demonstrates why this city is such a perfect candidate for an urban holiday getaway. So book that last minute holiday - Krakow is waiting.

Traditions and culture in Krakow

Krakow is considered by many to be the cultural capital of Poland, which is hardly surprising, seeing as the city was named the European Capital of Culture for 2000 by the European Union.

Its many museums and theatres - not to mention the world-class artists that have emanated from the city - all testify to the Krakow's thriving and prolific artistic cultural heritage.

The city became the residence of two Polish Nobel laureates in literature: Wislawa Szymborska and Czeslaw Milosz, while a third Nobel laureate, the Yugoslav writer Ivo Andric also lived and studied in Krakow. It is also a home to one of the world's oldest universities, the Jagiellonian University of Krakow.

Aside from its own indigenous culture, Krakow has also accommodated and embraced many forms of imported culture through films, concerts and restaurants.

In terms of traditional cuisine, the food that an be sampled in Krakow is often hearty and meaty and incorporates elements of different neighbouring culinary traditions including Jewish, Italian and French foods.

Recommended in Krakow

Tourists should definitely pencil in a walk along the Royal Route during their stay. The walk kicks off at Florianska Gate, proceeds past the Cloth Hall and St Mary's Cathedral and concludes at the Wawel Castle - one of the city's most well-known landmarks.

The flea market, on the corner of Al Daszynskiego and Siedleckiego in Kazimierz, the former Jewish quarter of the city, is a nice way to spend a slow-paced afternoon. Items on sale include swords, sewing machines, gramophones and communist hats and pins.

Weather in Krakow

There are four definite seasons in Krakow. Summer is hot and humid and temperatures hover between 30 and 35 degrees C, while winter is typically always snowy and very cold (-five to -20 degrees C). Autumn can be very wet, while spring is relatively temperate.

Destination checklist for Krakow

The official language spoken in Krakow is Polish, so a holiday guide that includes some stock phrases will come in handy.

Many decent cheap hotels and backpacker hostels are within a stone's throw of the old city. A dorm bed including breakfast, laundry, sheets, lockers and internet will set you back 40 to 60 Zloty, which is reasonable.

Krakow is just one hour ahead of GMT and uses the international diallin code +48.