General Information
The capital of Poland until the end of the sixteenth century, Cracow has been superseded by Warsaw, and is now the fourth largest city in the country, but is often still referred to as the country's cultural capital. The world-renowned Jagellonian University, Wawel Castle and one of Europe's largest market squares are all contained in one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in Europe. The largely unspoilt Old Town has now been declared a World Heritage Site.
Laid out in 1257, the Rynek Glowny (Main Market Square) is one of the largest medieval market squares in Europe - the centrepiece of a town plan which was, and remains, a remarkable piece of town planning. The grid-like pattern of streets surrounded by a tree-lined pedestrian avenue (once the limit of the city walls) makes it easy even today to walk around the city. To the south, and connected to the Market Square by the long, straight Grodzka street, lies Wawel Castle, the seat of Polish kings from the eleventh to the early seventeenth century.
A few minutes walk south of the Old Town, and separated from it by Jozefa Dietla street, lies the old district of Kazimierz. Until 1880, Dietla was a tributary of the Vistula river, and Kazimierz an island. Best known as the old Jewish Quarter of Cracow, it is in fact divided into two distinct halves, with Jewish Kazimierz occupying the northeastern part and Christian Kazimierz the southwestern part. Jewish culture flourished here from the 15th century until World War II, when the Nazis forced most of the remaining Jews into a specially created ghetto across the Vistula river, where they were either killed or transported to nearby concentration camps, including Auschwitz. At the end of the war, only 6,000 returned, but few could settle. The vestiges of this once prosperous Jewish world cover Kazimierz, and numerous synagogues have been preserved and restored and now house exhibits depicting pre-war life.
Population: 39 million
Capital: Warsaw
Major language: Polish
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: 68 years (men), 77 years (women)
Monetary unit: 1 zloty = 100 groszy
Main exports: Machinery and transport equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals
Average annual income: US $11,300
Internet domain: .pl
International dialling code: +48
About Cracow
Positioned at the centre of Europe, Poland has known turbulent and violent as well as prosperous times. There have been periods of independence as well as periods of domination by other countries. Several million Polish people, half of them Jews, died in World War II.
In 1989 Poland became the first of the eastern European countries to overthrow Communist rule, following years of demonstrations, strikes and underground political movement led by the Trades Union movement Solidarity. Despite strong Russian objections, Poland joined Nato in 1999 and in 2004 became a member of the EU.
Poland has achieved some success in creating a market economy and attracting foreign investment. However, unemployment is high and incomes and growth low. The huge farming sector is unwieldy and very inefficient, many farms still retaining their medieval land divisions into inefficient, long strips. In spite of this, Poland's agricultural output is greater than that of Great Britain, France and Italy combined, which is why future EU subsidy levels have been a major area of controversy. Corruption has been singled out by the European Commission as a particularly major problem which must be urgently addressed, as well as the necessity to improve border controls.
The Roman Catholic church, a very strong force in Polish life, has expressed concern that modern lifestyles are corrupting moral values. The church has been involved in heated debates over issues such as worship in schools and abortion.
Comments
How much do you tip taxi drivers and restaurants
ReplyWondering if anyone knows anything about Izby Poland, a smalll village south of Krakow... looking for information relating to WWII. Email me. Thank you.
ReplyI need to know more information about the weather in kraków Poland during midieval times
ReplyI really like what you guys tend to be up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the awesome works guys I’ve included you guys to our blogroll.
Replyattention with the scamming at hard candy bar sep 2011 is still on aND i know over 30 people SCAMMED the last 2 years!the police they know about that and they have many reports!tey are a bit permissiv, i wonder why?to the pretty australian girl we where just going for a drink nothing else,why u defend the russian girls bribers are u maybe one of them?that would be good to carry something to defendourselves in that street because police is not goiing to do it for u!an abuse AN SCAMMING A ROBBERY AT 100 METERS FROM COMISARY APRT FROM TAT BAD EXPERIENCE GOOD CITY
Replyhey everone, im planning to go to krakow in march 2012 to see the sites and tours, could anybody suggest what kind of clothing i should think about packing thankyou for your help
ReplyHi...myself and my husband are heading over to Krakow on the 22nd March, how much should a taxi cost from the airport to the jewish quarter and is it possible to do the trips to the Saltmines and Auschwitz without going on the tours
ReplyWe are visiting krakow the first week in may and im just wondering what weather and temperatures we should expect?
ReplyTo everyone who was scammed at a place called "Hard Candy Music Bar"... If you had all spent more of your time focusing your attention on all the beautiful buildings Krakow has to offer then you would probably would've saved some money... I think the name coupled with a pretty girl standing outside luring men in should have been a strong indicator of the type of place you were walking into. My advice... next time stick to the churches rather than thinking with the lower parts of you anatomy.
ReplyHello Hannah, the weather in October in Cracow should be quite good , not to sunny and not very warm. Also, if you wish to come to Zakopane and spend few days, it is good to have some warm clothes and rain jacket.To know more about Zakopane, ckeck www.zakopane-life.com and contact me on email given on some of my posts.Cracow and Zakopane are Great Cities.
ReplyWARNING !!HARD CANDY MUSIC BAR located in Szewska Street is THE place to avoid as it is a place where tourists are scammed, invited by russian pretty girls and then they suggest youto order some drinks of their choice, the price list is not available and then you may pay 3 drinks for 1200PLN or 300 pounds.All that money is going to a russian mafioso who has similar place in RIGA and I guess elsewhere.Make anyone of your friends going to Cracow know about that FUC.ING PLACE.But however enjoy Beautiful Cracow , polish food and lovely polish girls!!
Replythankyou for warning about hard candy bar.goin to krakow on 2nd of oct.first vist.anything else to look out for?and whats weather usually like in oct
ReplyHi Jorg, about the HARD CANDY BAR CLUB cheating, almost racket and fraud, as it seems you did not get a receipt or bill, you were not able to contest the amount to be paid.Also, to complain if there was any sufficient proofs to police, you would have needed that bill.But like anywhere and in any situation or case, always ask the price list and then check the bill(if bill paid in other currency, also be careful to the exchange rate or the currency specified on the bill or card machine/terminal of payment).Then you may be in your right to complain and get to police.
ReplyHello Jorg, I have read and heard about that place HARD CANDY MUSIC BAR that is own by a man which has the same kind of places in Riga and others cities. I would have advise you to check and keep the price list before ordering anything and then if trouble it would have been, I would have have get out and then call police to report and make complaint.As it looks like they intimidate you to pay and not to complain and that of course the price is out of real sense, I would advise you to post reviews and report anywhere you can on internet:tripadvisor, cracow life, touristics websites known in Netherlands.Then, you may have demonstrate nearby the bar to notify customer that that place is a CHEAT, STEALING and ABUSING place where it is not good to get in.You may also report it to some newspapers in Holland , in Poland, in UK...
ReplyI just saw the weather forecast for Saturday/It would besun and shower rain and about 20celsius.But do not know if it is very accurate.beer is about 5 to 10 PLN if you drink on the main square and surroundings. Ogrodygorskie of Zakopane
ReplyHi im off to krakow on saturday just wondering what the weather will be like and how much for a beer
ReplyLorek, what do you think we can do to stop the robbery activities in Hard Candy Music Bar? We lost very much money in this crazy bar... around 1.200 lotty for the 4 longdrinks we ordered (:- It was not what we saw in their drinks price list... And they didn't gave us a specified bill... But for the rest Krakow is a fantastic city with cool people and nice dancings.
ReplyWARNING for all tourists: Never visit HARD CANDY MUSIC BAR Krakow. They have scamed much money from us!! Local autorities undertake action please and close this bar. Just a warning won't be enough... Terribly bar personel which scam people with on a threatening tone.
ReplyHello All. I wonder if any one can help me? I am looking for a Village, Town or area in / nearby to Krackow that was / is called (sounds like) 'OLLY'? I have family who where born there and need to find their Birth certification as a result of a medical survey that is being done here in Britain with our family because of repeated illness / health problems within our family. We need to trace back through the generations to collect any information on the cause of death of our Grandparents, (& their parents etc.) on their death records. Our parent's are all deceased and we do not know where to start to find out these details. Our family member from 'OLLY' was born between the wars in the mid to late 1920's. Could someone possibly point us in the right direction to find these Birth, Marriage & Death certifications. Also, none of us speak Polish so need someone to help us get around this problem?
ReplyHello Evelina from Poland, which kind of job you are looking for in Poland, in which area?? Hello Eva, i think that most university are EU recognised and you may get an ERASMUS visa from your university.For accomodation also, you may get some help from the university you will be in contact in Poland to help you to find out . Hello George, amber shops are a bit evrywhere in Cracow, mainly around the main square(rynek)
ReplyHi everybody. i would like any useful info about coming to Krakow for studies. Any good Univercities recognised by the EU? Any foundation programmes?(language) how about flats for rent? In general any info would be apreciated Thank you Eva
Replyill be in cracow 21, 22, 23 of june 2010, any good event, festival, bar, concert... place to go in a budget that you know?
ReplyThere's a place called CK Browar that has some good beers. They serve them in tall boots, 5 and 10 liters, I think. There are some larger breweries near Krakow if you want a brewery tour. CK is in the listings here and the tour is offered through the Krakow Tours. Cheers.
ReplyHey Paul, you are right , Cracow is a Great city to visit, explore by day and night.And also, to drink and eat nice food for realy good value for money.But that is not all.The beer is from 2 in supermarket to 10 in normal bars/pubs (not the dodgy bar for tourist where girls catch you in street with smile and invitation to enter then you may receice a bill with price for beer can be a excessively outrageous).Take Care Paul and Drink with responsibility vodka also .Cheers
ReplyWe are arriving in Krakow next week by car We will be oaded with luggage and baby equipment. Our apartment is in Slawkowska, within the pedestrian precict zone. Can we drive to the apartment, and park while we unload without getting a fine. Do we need a permit to do this?
Replywent to krakow 3yrs ago , brill place friendly folk and good beer, thinking of going back in sept, how much is the beer now?? is it still good value? roll on september!
ReplyHello, First, you will have to get to the train station by bus or taxi.Only 1 bus number 23 , running every hour:http://eng.airportkosice.sk/c/portal_public/layout?p_l_id=26.54 Then you maycheck train timetable and fares:on Railway slovakian : choose english version http://www.zsr.sk/slovensky.html?page_id=123 and also http://www.raileurope.com/index.html It should take around 9 hours by train from Kosice to Cracow if no connection trains.Hope it helps
Replyi would like to travel in june from kosice to cracow with train,please let me know if this is possible and some informations for the way
Replyi would like to travel in june from kosice to cracow with train,please let me know if this is possible and some informations for the way
ReplyAlready been in MARCH 2010 its quite a good place I am undergoing some dental treatment so I am going back in APRIL for a further 2 visits then that will be it.Polish people are OK but dont smile much the bars are good the prices of everything is the same as UK apart from public transport(this is always dirt cheap compared to miserable UK)the place is full of people from all over the world as are most tourist centres. Oh they dont have as much rain as we do which is a bonus!!!
ReplyKrakow is an excellant and beautiful city. I bookedv a taxi pickup from the airport at 30 percent cheaper than taxis at the rank. Train is very cheap however . My wife and I will definitely be coming back.
ReplyShops in shopping centers would be for sure opened on Easter weekend, until 7pm or 8 pm saturday, earlier on sunday.For other shops, it is really up to the owner of each place, but restaurants should be normally opened.I suggest you as well to go further than Cracow and visit Zakopane , if you do not already know.If you need advices on accomodation, please just ask by posting again a review.
ReplyThe best way to get from the airport to the center is by the outdoor tramway that can be taken in the tramway station located 500 m from the terminal.to get there, there is free shuttle bus.Cost is 8 PLN one way.Weather is getting warmer, about 10 celsius.
ReplyHi, I am planning to travel to Krakow this Easter. Is anything open (shopping) on Saturday (3 april)? And when will it close? Thanks :-)
ReplyHi, I am visiting Krakow in the next few days. What is the weather like at the minute? What is the best way to get from the airport to the centre? What are prices like? Thanks
ReplyHi, I would say that May and June are the best months to visit and experience all what Cracow has of so special.In July and August, it may be very hot but that is the charm of Cracow in summer.Do stay in Shadow, have a cold drink in a underground bar, visit the Salt mine.The city of zakopane, 1 h30 by private bus would have a more cooler climate and a lot to see as well.Check Zakopane-life.com. If you are fancy to visit Cracow and Zakopane, please do reply to this review to get advices on spring and summer activities there and on accomodation possibilities.take Care
Replyhey im looking to go to poland in krakow in august with my boyfriend, where r the best places to go out e.g clubs, and wheres the best places to stay??? is august a good month to go?
ReplyI am in the market square and desparate for a big smelly curry poo! Any decent toilets in my vicinity??
ReplyHi Monica, you've got to always expect the unexpected in Poland! But May is more often than not the most beautiful month of the year, what with all the flowers in full blossom. So fingers crossed.
Replywe love poland, my partner and i come to poland every year for a long weekend, been to wroclaw,proznan and krakow, but krakow is the nicest. love the city, love the food and drink and love the people. going again march 2nd can't wait.
ReplyHi, I am half Polish and come to Poland every year to see family but that is usually around August. I am dragging my boyfriend over for a long weekend to Krakow in May this year - what will the weather be like then? I hope to show him around a lot of the places and it would be nice to hear that the weather will be nice! :D
Replyhi i am going to krakow on march 22nd for 2 nights will it srill be extremely cold then and snowy just trying to work out what clothes to bring no hi heels me thinks haha
ReplyHi, Jan. It will likely be quite cold in February. Mostly below zero (celsius). If your daughter will be outside on tours, we recommend a warm jacket (ski-type or thick wool) with a hood, hat, scarf and warm gloves. Many people also wear leggings under their pants or long skirts. The key, as always in cold weather, is to dress in layers you can add or remove to stay comfortable. Have a great trip to Krakow!
Replymy daughter is going krakow with the school on the 16 th feb 2010. the school has said they need sky wear as its so cold has anyone been in feb and would they need sky wear.please can anyone give me some advice on this.
ReplyMy daughters traveling with the school on 16 Feb, what is the weather usually like to be around that time - is it still as cold / snowy as now.
Replyhi im michael i am also coming to see all you hot men out there , hope your reay for me !!!!!!!!!!
ReplyHello boys of Poland, I am visiting Krakow for this new year. I am eager to meet some young and hung males to show me a good time. I have given up on woman as I have been layed less than the Virgin mary.
ReplyWe are 4 lads going to Krakow for New year, can anyone tell us where the nice young ladies hang out? (not prostitutes or strippers)
ReplyBrilliant site. After visiting Cracow many years ago it's been a pleasure returning (in 2007, 2008 & 2009), am hoping to marry there April 2010.
ReplyHallo there friends in Polland. I was in the saltmines in august this year, and there was a art show wich I was very interested in. What I like to knowe is the name of the artist.Can you help me on that matter? Wirh thanks for a very good time. Karl
ReplyHello John, someone from www.kopalnia.pl (Wieliczka Salt mine website)told me that you can buy DVDs from the salt mine there in their shop.Hope ii helps.Cheers.Lorek from www.ogrodygorskie.pl at Zakopane.
Replywould like to purchase a dvd tape of the Wieliczka Salt Mine where in poland would i be able to buy one
ReplyVisited there some years ago. My grandparents immigrated from there in the early 1900's. Krakow is a wonderful places. Interesting people, preserving their culture and history.
ReplyGreat city, great history, wonderful food, just great! This page was a lot of help, keep it up. The town is worth coming back... Amazed by the quantity and quality of bars, pubs etc
ReplyLove Krakow! Can anyone tell me the easiest way to get to and from Debrecen, Hungary, from Krakow? Thank you :)
ReplyJust back from Poland and stayed in a beautiful hotel in the Jewish district. Food and drink very cheap and good. Shopping for clothes and shoes is expensive and not a great range of styles. Would love to visit in Summer when trees and flowers are in full bloom.
ReplyI am looking to continue my studies here next fall year. I will try to visit early Feb. I am already excited by what I am viewing on this website.
Replytry to write on: mmrugalska@powiat.krakow.pl This is "The Lost-and-Found Office" on the territory of Krakow I can't find this kind of office on a station
ReplyI was leaving the Krakow train station about two weeks ago, and left a bag there. I was a in hurry to catch my train, so didnt get to investigate to the train station security on its whereabouts. Is there someone I can contact? Anything else I can do?
ReplyThank you for the useful website. I'm coming to cracow from 2-6 of Sept.2008 to attend a conference. Are there Muslim people there to contact them? I need to know whether there are Mosque, Halal resturant?
ReplyReally love your sight - now then please help me find some good quality photographs of Krakow carnival either recent or old - I am making a project here in Oxford UK and desperately need images to show of your wonderful city having fun !
ReplyPaid my first visit to Krakow last October.Loved the city so much im heading back again this week.
ReplyChcia³bym ustawiæ siê z powodu mi³oci do krakowianki w Krakowie egzystencjê.Mienie przy moich odwiedzinach zdziwi siê jakie ¿ycie i odjazd nastrój w miecie panuje.Jestem majstrami piekarskimi i mam trochê kapita³. Pi³ka no¿na EM chcia³by tak¿e w wzglêdzie otworzyæ 2012 ma³ych sklepów z pieczywem. Kilka sklepów sta³o w centrum pusto. Tak¿e poza tym centrum na du¿ej ulicy kiosk by³by tak¿e interresant.Czy pañstwo mog¹ pomóc mi znaleæ sklep? Oni mog¹ tak¿e z Agata kontakt podnieæ Ruchomo. 696977514 Ulryk pozdrawia wiele Mundt Weißenfels 06667 Weißenfels / Niemcy Jüdenstraße 43
ReplyVery helpful and useful site. Pls advise me on what to do during my visit from 12 to 15 March 2008 when heavy rains are expected in Krakow!
Replyim a portuguese student living in jersey, and im searching for a school that i can go to in Cracow in order to learn Polish. please contact me if you have any information....
Replyim a portuguese student living in jersey, and im searching for a school that i can go to in Cracow in order to learn Polish. please contact me if you have any information....
Replyhello and czesc to every one am dipesh from india and i love krakow to much bcoz my fiance is living there my fiance is the most gorgious beauty on this world i love u jaaann am coming soon ok i love u soo much Krakow is best
ReplyKrakow and the surrounding regions are amazing. I love the city and I can't wait to go back. I've been to Krakow twice for study abroad with the University of Northern Iowa. Friendly people, great food and entertainment. I particularly enjoy Kazimerez. I am looking for a permanent place to settle there so if anyone has any information on how to find a permanent apartment..that would be great!
Replykrakow is the most beautiful city in the world because "jaan"(darling) live there i love krakow and i love you jaan
ReplyReturned from Krakow today, first visit cannot wait to go again, superb. Everyone should visit.
ReplyPara gente interesada en conocer Cracovia y Polonia les ofrezco los mejores precios en tour guiados en espanol, tambien puedo ayudar a conseguir hotel o cualquier extra byronrivera2001@yahoo.com
ReplyKrakow is awesome, we were there last weekend and i was impressed. Looking forward to studying there!!! So see ya Krakow in February!!!
ReplyHello I would like to visit Krakow with my family (my wife and our child) for six months from September 2008 until February 2009. I would like to rent an appartment with 2 bedrooms in a good neighbourhood. Please if someone can give me infos I would appreciate very much it.
ReplyKrakow is simply the best! every year I visit Krakow and the city just keeps getting better! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR..Przekochane ludzie oraz przekochany kraj! :-)
ReplyHello,is there no one out there that wants to talk to me,Iam so looking forward to visiting Cracow,will someone tell me what to expect?
ReplyMy husband and I are visiting Krakow in December can anyone tell us what kind of weather to expect and what are the best bargain buys?
ReplyI am Going to Krakow for 3days b&b how many cigarettes am I allowed to take back to uk also alchohol for my own use only
ReplyRegarding changing money - I STRONGLY recommend to not change money at the Kantor shops on the street. The average quoted rate for changing Czech Crowns in the shops was approximately 12/13 CZK to 1 PZL. The actual going rate is around 7.6 CZK to 1 PZL. You will do much better if you simply use an ATM card to withdraw local currency!
ReplyHi Brian - in Polish shops you'll find that only Polish Zloty (PLN) are accepted, and generally cash only, especially for smaller purchases. Some hotels might accept Euro, but in general the official currency is the Zloty, and 99% of the time it's the only currency accepted.
ReplyLots of info on your site. Fantastic help. However could you advise about general payments in shops and restaurants. Do they accept Euro as payment or is it only Polish currency. Kind regards Brian.
ReplyPlease see our page on Bulgarian visas: http://www.sofia-life.com/sofia/visa And contact your embassy directly for the most current information.
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Kawaleria Szarza Smaku
Europejska
Krakow Pinball Museum