Kraków Holidays

The UNESCO World Heritage Kraków is a city on two levels. Above ground, you’ve got the largest town square in Europe, a spectacular Renaissance architecture and trendy restaurants, while underneath the cobbled streets you’ll find jazz clubs, bars and even a 6,000-square-metre museum. These used to be at ground level, but they disappeared from view as the city grew and developed. As well as this hidden hive of activity, Kraków is also steeped in legend, which goes that a mighty dragon once lived in the cave beneath Wawel Castle.

Much of Kraków’s past lies within the Second World War, and is revealed through the exhibitions and monuments that dot the city. Despite making it through the war largely physically unharmed, Kraków’s status as an important political centre saw it witness its fair share of atrocity. Today, you can visit the Ghetto Heroes Square memorial and the Jewish ghetto in Podgorze – the former is made up of 70 bronze chairs that represent the absence of people and belongings sent to concentration camps. The haunting site of Auschwitz is also only an hour’s drive away.

Kraków was named the European Capital of Culture in 2000, and it’s gone from strength to strength ever since. From the Renaissance Royal Palace to the Gothic cathedral, the city showcases a charming melting pot of influences. Plus, there are a multitude of museums, and a lively theatre scene, too. Along the cobbled streets of Kazimierz, the Jewish District, a vibrant café culture has blossomed. Here, you’ll find tucked away coffee shops and bistros, decked out with vintage trimmings.

Here are some ideas of things to do when staying in Kraków:

• Boat trips
• Bike hire
• An array of museums
• Horse-drawn carriages
• Guided walking and Segway tours
• Tennis courts
• Castle
• Churches