Why Go? If you believe the legends, Kraków was founded upon the defeat of a dragon, and it’s true a mythical atmosphere per-meates its attractive streets and squares.

Wawel Castle is a major drawcard, while the Old Town contains soaring churches, impressive museums and the vast Rynek Główny, Europe’s largest market square. In the former Jewish quarter, Kazimierz, remnant synagogues re-fl ect the tragedy of the 20th century, just as its lively west-ern quarter symbolises the renewal of the 21st. Here and throughout the Old Town are hundreds of restaurants, bars and clubs.

However, there’s more to the former royal capital than history and nightlife. As you walk through the Old Town, you’ll sometimes fi nd yourself overwhelmed by the har-mony of a quiet back street, the ‘just so’ nature of the archi-tecture and light. It’s at times like these that Kraków reveals its harmonious blend of past and present, an essential part of any visit to Poland.

Kraków POP 756,000

When to Go

May or Jun As spring ends, the Lajkonik Pageant features a parade.

Aug The Pierogi Fes-tival puts paid to summer hunger pangs.

Dec Christmas sees the szopki (Nativity scenes) competition.

F DNOSAJJMAMJ

Kraków°C/°F Temp Rainfall inches/mm

0/32

10/50

20/68

30/86

40/104

0

6/150

2/50

3/75

4/100

1/25

Wawel Hill ...................... 115Old Town ........................ 117Kazimierz.......................124Podgórze .......................127Outer Kraków ............... 128

Best Places to Eat » Glonojad (p137)

» Deli Bar (p139)

» Restauracja Pod Gruszką (p137)

» Il Calzone (p137)

» Nostalgia (p137)

Best Places to Stay

» Dom Polonii (p134)

» AAA Kraków Apartments (p134)

» Hotel Klezmer-Hois (p136)

» Greg & Tom Hostel (p134)

» Wielopole (p134)

©Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd

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