Cracow or Kraków spelt the Polish way

Almost every tourist to Cracow visits the old main square in the old town, the largest town square in Europe apart from St. Mark's. It is welcoming and lined with restaurants and coffee shops; a place where tourists gather to enjoy the street entertainers, feed the pigeons and eat and drink at pavement cafés.

The old town is still partly enclosed by medieval walls and encompassed by a green circle of park where benches provide welcome places to rest at regular intervals. You will see both tourists and Poles making good use of the benches as they chat or rest.

One way to gain an idea of where the main tourist attractions are within the old town is take a very elegant horse and carriage ride, although everywhere in the old town is within walking distance. There are also small electric car rides.

Ask and these should take you past the Wawel Castle and cathedral, the river Wisla, and other notable places of interest.

Churches and architecture in Cracow

Even if you're not an architecture enthusiast, you're bound to be impressed by the many beautiful buildings and churches. Most churches are open to visitors, go inside to view the magnificent carving and painted murals.

Onion domes on churches are fairly common throughout Poland, especially on medieval wooden ones.

The Poles' artistic and design flair is evident in Cracow. You will find that they create things their way rather than imitate the west, which is refreshing and much more interesting for tourists.

The kiosks in Cracow and Poland

Kiosks can be found at the side of most main roads in Cracow.

They sell everyday essential items like tram tickets, telephone cards, newspapers, snacks and drinks.

Cracow Christmas Market

A Christmas market takes the place of the usual flower market in the old square (Stary Rynek) in Cracow from the end of November until early January.

Buy all sorts of festive indulgencies such as gingerbread hearts, Christmas decorations, and take time to enjoy hot mulled wine and sizzling sausages from various stalls.

Eating out in Cracow

One of the great pleasures of holidaying in Cracow is eating out - there's excellent choice, good quality and low prices.

You will find a wide range of restaurants serving anything from traditional Polish food to Greek, Italian and that of other countries.

Good restaurants in our opinion in Cracow