OUR DESTINATIONS
Let us help you find your perfect holiday by phoning us on
We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
Alternatively, check out some of our holiday offers below.
- Destinations
- Europe
- Poland
- Krakow
Krakow
The only major city to escape the destruction of World War II,
Krakow has one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in all
of Europe. The Old Town is a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site
and retains a wealth of architectural gems from different periods,
with magnificent churches and aristocratic palaces lining the old
streets, reminiscent of its glorious days when it was the abode of
kings and royalty. At the heart of the city lies one of the
grandest squares in Europe, the Old Market Square.
The charming Old Town is a compact area encircled by leafy
parkland that forms a green belt around the historic centre. The
main entrance to the old city was through the Florian Gate, set
within the original city walls, now the haunt of artists and full
of galleries containing their work. With a thriving cultural life,
it has been home to many of the nation's greatest writers, artists
and intellectuals, and is one of the main cultural centres in the
country, a spirited city with personality and charisma.
Overlooking the city is Wawel Hill, topped by the striking Royal
Castle and Cathedral, the seat of Polish kings for seven centuries
and the symbols of Polish national history. Also important is the
city's Jewish roots, and the history of one of the great Jewish
centres in Europe can clearly be seen in the old ghetto area of
Kazimierz, and starkly remembered in the memorial death camps of
Auschwitz and Birkenau, west of Krakow.
Situated on the banks of the Vistula River, Krakow is also a
modern city, the third largest in Poland, and an important
university centre boasting the oldest university in Europe. The
large student population creates a lively atmosphere and a vibrant
nightlife. Countless cafes and outdoor restaurants surround the
cobbled main square. The unique atmosphere of this medieval city
has made it one of Poland's most popular tourist destinations.
Information & Facts
Climate
Krakow has a temperate climate, influenced by the weather
systems that build over the Atlantic. The weather in Krakow in
summer is comfortably warm with occasional heat waves when dry
continental air comes in from the east. An old Polish poem says
that in Krakow 'days are longest in June, hottest in July and most
beautiful in August'. Autumn in Krakow brings dry, warm days
starting with morning mist, and rich golden colouration of the
foliage. Winter is fairly severe when the city is blanketed in snow
and temperatures at or below freezing. Spring is the best season in
Krakow, when bright, mild days are accompanied by the fragrance of
flower blossoms.
Getting Around
Buses and trams are the easiest and cheapest way to get around
in Krakow, though they can be crowded during rush hour. Tickets can
be purchased at various kiosks, ticket machines and on the bus or
tram itself. Taxis are readily available, though prices increase
between 10pm and 8am. Radio taxis (identified by a taxi sign and
the phone number of the company) usually offer the best rates. The
Old Town is relatively compact and easy to negotiate, and is best
explored on foot as it is closed to traffic. Many of Krakow's
attractions are within easy walking distance, and car hire is only
really necessary if venturing outside the city into the outer
regions.
Language
The national language is Polish. English is widely
understood in tourist areas.
Money
The official currency is Zloty (PLN), divided into 100 groszy.
Poland is essentially a 'cash country', and it is difficult to
negotiate credit cards and travellers cheques in the cities, and
well nigh impossible in rural areas. American Express, Diners Club,
Visa and MasterCard are, however, accepted in places frequented by
tourists. ATMs are also beginning to proliferate in Polish cities,
where the sign 'Bankomat' indicates them. Money (preferably US$ or
Euros) can be exchanged in the cities and larger towns at banks,
hotels or bureaux called 'kantors', which offer the best rates.
Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and some are open
on Saturday till 1pm.