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Cracow, Poland's ancient royal capital, is one of the great survivors of this part of Europe. And much like the embattled old countess, who managed to come through the war and the Soviet era, she is a proud city. Conservative in some ways, and with an eye towards tradition, Cracow also has an eccentric streak that can be enchanting.
Cracow has retained much of its splendour, yet there is a tranquillity here that can be disarming. And here lies one of the keys to the city's magic. It is the kind of place where every day you might stumble across something that you have not noticed before - a little baroque church, a hidden courtyard, or perhaps just one of the myriad gargoyles and sculptures that peer down from the city's houses. Cracow is a treasure trove, and a great advantage is that it can largely be explored by foot - there is no need to plunge yourself into a world of underground trains or buses.
In the guide you will find a range of the most intriguing landmarks, the lion's share of which can be found in three areas. First the Old Town, whose heart is the large Market Square or Rynek. Second, Kazimierz, which was once a cradle of Jewish culture and a separate town in its own right. Across the river from Kazimierz, the Podgorze district is just starting to get trendy and is well worth exploring. And finally Wawel, the seat of both the Royal Castle and the cathedral - the spiritual home of the nation. Whilst traffic is not a problem in these quarters, the rambunctious pigeons will certainly give anyone a run for their money - so get ready to duck.
Further afield, there are a number of places that are also well worth exploring, amongst which the salt-mines of Wieliczka and the lush valleys that surround Ojcow are both within easy striking distance.
Many visitors also come to Cracow to make their own private pilgrimage to Auschwitz and Birkenau.
Cracow has its faults, and it can be a melancholic, and at times stubborn city. There have certainly been dark chapters in its history. Yet all things considered, it makes for a deeply rewarding place to visit.
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 | | "Hello, i think there is no dire ct bus betweek Auschwitz and wieliczka salt mine/but you may take bus back to bus station from Auschwitz then get on in the next bus to salt mine." | lorek
Poland
Aug.29.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "hi, can anyone pls tell me it there is direct transport from auchwitz to the salt mines? thanks" | analise
Malta
Aug.25.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hi Ralph, that is a good choice to move around in Cracow.You can also contact me if you are looking for comfy accomodation in Cracow center.And if you have time, do take time to go and visit Zakopane, 1 h30 south of Cracow.I may advise you too on accomodation.Get in touch wit me for info.on that.Take Care.Ogrodygorskie-Zakopane " | Lorek
Poland
Jun.03.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "I was in Krakow in March 2010 and planned to go back in September 2010. After a lot of careful consideration my friends and I have decided we can't wait that long and are going back at the end of June. Which still seems a long time away. We stayed in Kazimierz last time and will just just west of the Rynek this time. CK Brew and Smocza Jama are both not to be missed." | Ralph Hardwick
United Kingdom
May.26.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "I was there September 09, What a wonderful place. The tourist information staff could not help me enough. To the girls at Kazimierz laundry you are fabulous. Food wise take your pick of style & cost. I will definitely return. " | Holme
Australia
May.05.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Thanks for this guide, can't wait to arrive in Cracow this May. I've heard its beautiful then!" | Mary
United Kingdom
Mar.31.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "I am afraid for you but I think that was a bad day for you like everyone has sometimes.Some people are rude but very little.About the taxi, i would have advised you to ask the driver(which has to understand you when you ask destination..., in english )how much would be the ride and even to write it down.Then to even call Police if the atmosphere was electric and agressive.May be it was a not legal one.Well, for me , ghe best is to use the tramway and to walk around Cracow to enjoy architecture...Hope you will come back and have a better experience in future." | lorek
Poland
Mar.08.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "it is awful...... avoid! u get stroked everywhere you go! I got taken in a taxi to outskirts and ordered to pay money! £50. people r rude rude rude!" | colin
Ireland
Mar.07.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Pls dont stay in *ANY TIME HOSTEL* IN KARAKAW , WORS ONE , EXPENSIVE BT DIRTY AND NO KITCHEN FACILITY ETC ETC" | ROSE
Ireland
Dec.04.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "There are tons of clubs here. Click on Drink to find them." | brien
United States
Jun.25.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "what is the party night life there?
is there any clubs that are enjoyable?" | john
United States
Mar.26.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Elaine. It's not rudeness, per se. People actually are very nice. Of course, there's always a few who aren't. It's just that sometimes people from high-level service economies (USA/UK) aren't used to the type of service here. It's much slower and different. I do appreciate it most of the time, and when I don't, I just ask for what I need. Tipping practices are not regimented here, which means service isn't necessarily tied to whether you're going to leave a tip or not. Best is to just keep in mind that people aren't trying to be rude. The society just isn't the same as you might be accustomed. Give it time, and it may make more sense. If you're only here for a few days, then do what you came for and ask when you need something. Have a great time." | brien
United States
Mar.26.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hi, Im going to Krakow in 3 weeks and have been reading the reviews on restaurants etc. Are the people really so rude ? Im taking my 13yr old son, im just a bit concerned or is it like any other place ? good and bad ? thanks" | Elaine
United Kingdom
Feb.24.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "owena, just click on the "sleep" button, browse places, read the reviews, and find something! or ask on the forum." | Anka
Poland
Feb.24.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "this is not a review .. just a question i am travelling 2 krakow n a few weeks but i don't know where 2 stay.. i want 2 b n d heart oof everything... within walkin distance... any suggestions?" | owena
Ireland
Feb.22.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "visited krakow ,very nice city got back 7th nov after 8days there,lots 2 c and the people r very nice and polite ,would recomend 2 family and friends 2 visit,do go and find out ur self u will b pleased with the site's 2 visit and the city,it's very nice indeed" | stepen
United Kingdom
Nov.16.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "I participated in a two week seminar for educators in the Auschwitz Birkenau State Museum last July. After a very intense week of lectures and guides there ,( and many wonderful friendships made with the amazing staff of the museum), it was such a pleasure to have a weekend in Krakow to relax and enjoy life a bit and to see the real Poland ...
I was very taken by the sheer beauty of the city, it's vibrancy, the friendliness of the people , the wonderful architecture both ancient and new... I enjoyed observing Polish people just enjoying their city.. watching Polish newly- weds leaving the beautiful churches surrounded by family and freinds , families with children and dogs out for a weekend stroll along the river , students milling around in the university... Krakow is a great city for sitting down with a coffee and people watching . The former Jewish quarter, Kazimeriz, was especially touching for me, as both a Jew and a Holocaust educator...praying in the Rema synagogue is a very intense experience, one I recommend to all Jewish visitors.
I can't recommend Krakow enough... beautiful, special place, and very close to my heart.
" | Lizzy Elsby
Israel
Oct.20.2008
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Just returned from krakow and it certainly is a beautiful city with some fantastic people. Yet if you are planning a trip and are looking to book accomodation then please beware of the company 'old city apartments'. They take your passport as an insurance policy. Then when you come to check out hold you to ransom and demand extortionate amounts of money before returning your passports. " | Anthony
United Kingdom
Jul.02.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hi Gerry! For simplicity we have ommitted a number of the smaller islands (eg Sicily, Ireland), but following your comments we will do our best to include the Emerald Isle when we next do a major update of the site! Apologies, Mark, www.cracow-life.com" | Mark B
United Kingdom
Sep.27.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Your review appears fine but your graphics on top of page omits Ireland." | gerry fahy
Ireland
Jul.09.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Sorry this is not a review more a question. Does Krakow have Mass said in English on a Sunday morning and at what church. I will be staying at the Senaki 51 Grodzka Street. many thanks for your help
Eileen Steele" | Eileen Steele
United Kingdom
Jun.17.2007
rates this page 5/5 |
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