The largest city in Poland after Warsaw, Kracow is the cultural and historic heart of the country.

The royal capital for over 500 years, Kracow had been an important centre for trade since around 1000AD and survived the Second World War almost completely intact. Today its incredible architecture, a heady mix of gothic and renaissance, draws in visitors from all over the world. The Historic Old town is home to impressive churches, synagogues, palaces and squares, all of its streets culminating in the magnificent main market square of Rynek Główny. Bordered with endless restaurants and bars housed in decadent historic building, the square comes alive at night with al fresco diners and drinkers all year round. In a historically and culturally rich city with a multitude of wonderful places to explore, a must see is the Jewish district of Kazimierz, the atmosphere around its 500-year old synagogue and cemetery, peaceful and somewhat melancholy.

Kracow has kept up the pace with history and has many modern diversions such as clubs, bars, restaurants and music venues. When walking the streets be sure to look down as well as up as many of the best places are tucked away in basements. Friendly on the pocket, Kracow is best enjoyed slowly and luxuriously.