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Destination:

Krakow

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Krakow

This medieval city looks like it was taken straight out of a fairy tale, with its bustling market square, spiralling Gothic towers, castles and legends of dragons. Explore the city's narrow backstreets, hidden courtyards and the network of underground cellars and tunnels. Krakow is known as the cultural capital of Poland through its love of music, poetry and theatre. After years of occupation and struggle, Krakow has emerged a proud city with a strong sense of identity, yet has still maintained its artistic and fun-loving soul.

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St. Mary's Basilica
St Mary's Basilica
Kościół Mariacki, Plac Mariacki 5, Krakow

The spiralling twin towers of this ancient church witnessed many of the tumultuous events that have shaken the city of Krakow over the centuries. The top of the church tower is a perfect spot to take some beautiful photos of the city.

Auschwitz-Birkenau
Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camps
Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, Oświęcim

This is a sobering sight for visiting tourists, but harrowing and essential for any visit to Krakow. You can catch a bus for a 90-minute journey to the former Nazi concentration camp, where millions of Jews were exterminated during the Second World War. Most travel agents organise day excursions to the camp. The Museum is about 2 km from the train station Oświęcim, and can be reached from there by local buses.

The Cloth Hall, Krakow
Cloth Hall
Sukiennice, Rynek Główny 1-3, Krakow

The Cloth Hall ("Sukiennice" in Polish ), built in the 14th century, was formerly Krakow's international trade centre. After a century, before being destroyed by a fire, the hall saw its glory days and sold a variety of exotic imports - such as leather, spices and silk - from the East. Located right in the middle of the Market Square, this icon of the city was remodelled in the Renaissance style and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978. Nowadays, the Cloth Hall hosts a number of souvenirs and handicraft shops, on the ground floor, and the 19 Century Polish Art Gallery, on the first floor.

Kazimierz
Kazimierz
Kazimierz, Krakow

The beautiful Jewish quarter of Kazimierz has begun to attract a lot of arty boutiques, galleries and unique jewellery stores, making it a necessary visit for any tourist, not just because of its significance and sights, but its unique shopping possibilities.

Passport/Visa

Poland can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of the Schengen countries, instead, can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK)
Kraków Airport im. Jana Pawła II

John Paul II International Airport, located about 15 kilometres from the city centre, is the main airport serving Krakow. A number of budget airlines run routes here. Winter travellers should be aware that frequent delays are common due to fog and ice. Once you arrive, you can catch a free shuttle bus from outside the terminal to the other terminals. Buses number 209 and 300, and the 902 night line regularly connect the airport to the city centre, and tickets can be purchased from the passenger terminal machine, at the bus stop, or directly on board. A new train station (operated by Koleje Małopolskie) is located near the passenger terminal. You can buy train tickets both at the airport terminal and on board.

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