| One of the largest and oldest cities in Poland, Krakow sits on the Vistula River and dates back to the 7th Century. One of the country’s leading centers of scientific, cultural and artistic life, the city hosts seven million visitors each year and is filled with thousands of wonderful things to see and do. Often labeled “the new Prague,” the city has risen up and become a huge tourist destination, particularly during the favorable summer months. One reason so many visitors head to Krakow each year is that it has one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. Dozens of churches that span almost every architectural period are scattered throughout the city streets and surrounded by monasteries and abbeys. Most of these breathtaking structures can be seen in the Old Town, the central, historic district of the city. In the Old Town, visitors will find Main Square, the largest medieval town square in Europe as well as St. Mary’s Basilica, the Church of St. Wojciech, the Church of St. Barbara and Sukiennice, the Renaissance cloth hall that now holds restaurants, gift shops and merchant stalls. |
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| "... the new Prague" |
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Aside from the Old Town, visitors should check out one of the 28 museums or public art galleries that Krakow has to offer. The main branch of Poland’s National Museum can be founding the city, as can the Czartoryski Museum, which features works by Leonardo and Rembrandt. Those who enjoy dramatics can take in a show at one of the city’s many famous theaters, including National Stary Theater (The Old Theatre), Juliusz Slowacki Theater, Bagatela Theater, The Ludowy Theater and Groteska Theaer of Puppetry. Music is incredibly popular in Krakow and the city has many different musical events year-round. Planty, the most well-known park in the city, is located near the Old Town and contains several small gardens and beautiful monuments. A great place to visit in the summer, Planty is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. |
| "Old Town of Krakow" |
| The city is home of Jagiellonian University, the oldest university in Poland, so there’s a lively student population that makes for great nightlife. Most of the nightlife can be found on and around Rynek Glowny. The most popular nightlife destinations in the city tend to be cozy cellar bars, which turn in to nightclubs later in the night. There are also many rock and jazz clubs where live music can be heard almost every night. No matter what your budget is, you’re likely to find good food and great drinks. From a traditional, sidewalk café to a large, gourmet restaurant, there are a number of dining options. Local cuisine includes soups (particularly borsch and zuerk) and well as wild duck Krakow-style (stewed with wild mushrooms and served with pearl barley). Getting around the city is fairly easy with public transportation. Passes for buses and tram routes are available by days or month and apply to both means of transportation. And, because all the popular destinations tend to be close together, it’s easy to walk around and take in the sites. There are also taxis available that can be easily hailed in the streets and are convenient for tourists who don’t know their way around the city. |
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| "Main square by night." |