Castles and cathedrals, dungeons and dragons, an extraordinary Jewish heritage, papal history, art treasures galore, an enormous (and enormously beautiful) market square and much more – Krakow’s Old Town has the lot. Not for nothing did UNESCO designate it, along with the neighbouring Wieliczka salt mine, a World Heritage site in 1978. Classy and dignified as well as exciting and vibrant, the city is in better shape than ever, despite having to endure the attentions, over the years, of the likes of the Mongols, the Nazis and Communist overlords, none of whom exactly wiped their feet on the way into Poland. So what we have here is a double whammy; Krakow’s good fortune in retaining its beauty, dignity and charm is now also yours, as you prepare to visit one of the most uniquely atmospheric cities in Europe.
This is a city to dream in, and to roam in – as well as the big attractions, its nooks and crannies, cobbled alleyways, vaulted cellars and hidden courtyards are out there, waiting for you to discover them at your leisure. If inside knowledge and historical exposition are your thing, take a tour with one of the city’s legion of professional, English speaking guides. If you can’t or won’t get around under your own steam, worry not: the city’s extensive fleet of chauffer-driven buggies (which are more dignified than they sound) will do the necessary for a modest fee. And that’s without even mentioning important and easily accessible regional sites like Wadowice, Auschwitz and Zakopane...