KRAKOW

Still today, some say that Krakow was the secret capital of Poland, although the city had to leave this function to Warsaw in 1596. But still Krakow is definitely one of the most beautiful Polish cities. The city has only 750.000 inhabitants, but those are particular. There is a long list of famous people from Krakow. Inhabitants are particularly proud of Pope John Paul II, who had left many marks in the city. Krakow may not be a metropolis but still a very lively city. This is due to the oldest university of Poland. The Jagiellonian University was opened in the 14th century and thereby Krakow became a cultural and scientific centre. Students characterize the city and its bars, pubs and cafés. The city on the Wilsa river is getting more and more attractive for visitors from all over the world. In Krakow you can follow historic traces as well as enjoy any convenience of a modern city.

Airport
John Paul II Airport is situated in Kraków-Balice, about 11km from the city. A taxi ride takes about 20 minutes to the centre and is about € 13,-. Public buses are only € 0,70, but take about 35 minutes. Bus line 192 and 208 also take you to the centre. There is also a train to the city, it departs every 30 minutes (from 4.24 a.m. to 11.24 p.m.) and costs about € 1,70. www.balice.hostingpro.pl

Public transport
Get bus and tram tickets at the tobacco´s or the MPK-counters. You get them also on the bus, but they are more expensive.

Krakow-Card
You get the "Krakow-Card" for two or three days. It includes free public transport and the airport bus, entrance to over 30 museums. Furthermore reductions on many tourist sights, restaurants, bars and shops.
2-day-card about € 13,-

Kazimierz
In 1335 King Kazimierz the Great built a city for Jews outside the city and in 1495 all Jews were forced to settle down there. Until 1939, the poorer, Orthodox Jews lived in that Ghetto, only few of them survived the Nazi-regime. Although today Kazimierz has become a popular centre, people are still confronted with the sad past there. Southwards the centre, you find the oldest Polish synagogue, which is home to the Jewish museum.
ul. Szeroka, We, Thu, Sa, Su 9–3.30 pm, Fr 11–6pm

Royal Way
As a former monarchic city Krakow evidentially has a "Royal Way", where long ago kings and their cortege passed to see the most beautiful buildings of the city. The way leads from the southern castle mountain Wawel to the north of the Old Town. You get to see the famous Saint Mary’s Church, cloth-halls, the ring shaped park "Planty" and parts of the old city wall. You also pass the medieval market place "Rynek Glowny", which is a popular meeting point during summer. Do not miss the beautiful Wawel Castle from inside.

Taxi
Some taxi drivers can not resist charging tourists higher amounts, prices can get up to 4times higher than normal. Make sure you arrange an amount beforehand and watch the taximeter.

Potholes
Be prudent when driving a car! Potholes accur even on busy streets. In general, the road system is still quite weak, there are lane grooves, missing duct covers or train tracks crossings. Also get used to the driving style as speed controls or traffic signs are likely to be ignored.

Ariel
Enjoy Jewish specialities in the restaurant’s garden. Inside it is very nice, too, even Stephen Spielberg liked coming here while filming "Schindler's List".
Ul. Szeroka 18, Tel. 421 79 20, 12-11pm

Camelot
This small, charming café offers more than cakes, salads and baguette. On first floor you find art exhibitions, in the cellar concerts.
ul. Św. Tomasza 17, Tel.: 421 01 23, 9-0

Poesia Smaku
Great location: from the inner court you get to a former salt store, which is now home to the restaurant. Enjoy traditional, tasty dishes.
Ul. Jagiellonska 5, Tel.: 292 80 20, 12-12

Pod Aniolami
The Gothic cellar arches from the 13th century are said to be home to angels. The traditional, Polish dishes are solid, anyway. Ul. Grodzka 35, Tel.: 421 39 99, 1-0

Hotel Amadeus
One of the most exclusive hotels of the city. The building dates back to the 16th century but was renovated and adapted to a hotel in 2000. Interior is in Baroque style, the epoch of Mozart. The hotel offers a great restaurant, central and quite location and a personal, cosy atmosphere.
Ul.Mikołajska 20, Tel.: 429 60 70, DR from € 170,–,
www.hotel-amadeus.pl

Hotel Royal
Located directly at Planty-Park, in front of the castle. The house was constructed in 1898, by now a mixture of Art Nouveau and Socialist charm. The hotel cafeteria is very cosy with its velvet- brown outfit, which has luckily enough has become modern again.
Św. Gertrudy 26-29, Tel.: 618 40 40, DR from € 87,-

Hotel U Pana Cogito
The hotel is located in a calmer district and only 10 walking minutes away from the Wawel Castle. The restaurant offers first-class, Polnish specialities.
Ul. Michała Bałuckiego, Tel.: 269 72 00, DZ ab € 59,– http://www.pcogito.pl/deu/index.htm

Jazz
In Krakow there are many jazz bars with good live-music. Great places are Piec'Art at Ul. Szewska 12, the Stalowe Magnolie in Ul. Sw. Jana 15 and U Muniaka in Ul. Florianska 3. A few steps further you can enjoy updated jazz beats and "nujazz" inFusion Club (Ul. Florianska 15).

Disco Fever
One of the hippest addresses in the city: Lubu-Dubu in Ul. Wielopole 15/2: Guaranteed party atmosphere in 70ies-ambiente and disco-music. One of the biggest clubs featuring famous DJs: Midgard in Ul. Szpitalna 38. Club Krzysztofory in Ul. Szczepańska 2 is known for its electronic and dance nights.

Beer
In Pod Jaszczurami (Rynek Główny 8) tourists mix with students and smoke. Either bands play on the stage or it turns into a dance floor. Boro in Rynek Główny 27 has been a popular place for over 50 years. Enjoy living-room, student atmosphere at Art Club Błędne Koło in Ul. Bracka 4.

F.H.U. Ka.Lu
A shop with a particular name and great perfumes. Get soaps in all colours of the rainbow and exotic tastes.
Al. Pokoju 44

Tatuum
"Tatuum" is a Polish level for young fashion. Great items for men and women alike.
Rynek Główny 37

Fama
Great Krakow fashion label for any taste from casual to hip.
ul. Grodzka 38

Galeria Kazimierz
This modern building is home to international and Polish shops. Enjoy great shopping hours.
Ul. Podgorska 34

Buffalo grass Vodka
Do not miss a bottle of buffalo grass vodka. Polish like to mix it with apple juice. But be aware of the liquor of this sweet mix.

Arts and crafts
Find very pretty souvenirs in the cloth-halls Sukiennice: leather items, jewellery of amber or gold, Krakow kites, dolls in traditional clothes or items of wood, glass or textile. DO NOT miss those nice things. But make sure that price and quality fit together.

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