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About Cracow
The capital of Poland until the end of the sixteenth century, Cracow has been superseded by Warsaw, and is now the fourth largest city in the country, but is often still referred to as the country's cultural capital.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.
About Poland 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. | |
| Facts & figures |
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
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 | | "Hello 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. " | Lorek
Poland
Sep.07.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "WARNING !!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!!" | John
United Kingdom
Sep.06.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "thankyou 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" | Hannah
United Kingdom
Sep.06.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hi 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. " | Adam
United Kingdom
Sep.05.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hello 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..." | Lorek
Poland
Aug.29.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I 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 " | Lorek
Poland
Aug.29.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi im off to krakow on saturday just wondering what the weather will be like and how much for a beer" | Deb
United Kingdom
Aug.29.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Lorek, 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." | Jorg Jenz
Austria
Aug.19.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "WARNING 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." | Maarten
Belgium
Aug.13.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hello 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?" | Sue
United Kingdom
Aug.06.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hello 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)
" | lorek
Poland
Aug.02.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "were i can found amber in krakow" | george
United States
Jul.27.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hi 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" | Eva
Cyprus
Jul.20.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Looking for a job opportunity in Poland?" | Ewelina
Poland
Jul.13.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "ill be in cracow 21, 22, 23 of june 2010, any good event, festival, bar, concert... place to go in a budget that you know?" | alex
United Kingdom
Jun.14.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "There'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." | brien
Poland
Jun.13.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Gday are there any brewerys in krakow area any advice thirsty aussie" | Rob Zukowski
Australia
Jun.07.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hey 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" | Lorek
Poland
May.16.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "We 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?" | Roger DANIELLS-SMITH
United Kingdom
May.05.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "went 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!" | paul
United Kingdom
Apr.26.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hello, 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" | Ogrodygorskie
Poland
Apr.09.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "i 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 " | olympia fortotira
Greece
Apr.07.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "i 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 " | olympia fortotira
Greece
Apr.07.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Already 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!!!" | del boy
United Kingdom
Mar.31.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Krakow 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." | Terry Taylor
United Kingdom
Mar.30.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Shops 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." | Lorek
Poland
Mar.18.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "The 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. " | Lorek
Poland
Mar.18.2010
rates this page 1/5 |
| | "Hi,
I am planning to travel to Krakow this Easter. Is anything open (shopping) on Saturday (3 april)? And when will it close? Thanks :-)" | Marit Orskaug
Norway
Mar.18.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi, 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" | Kelly
United Kingdom
Mar.18.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi, 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 " | lorek
Poland
Mar.08.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "hey 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?" | claire
United Kingdom
Mar.07.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I am in the market square and desparate for a big smelly curry poo! Any decent toilets in my vicinity?? " | Mark
United Kingdom
Mar.06.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi 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. " | CLife
United States
Feb.26.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "we 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." | michelle watton
United Kingdom
Feb.09.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hi,
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 " | Monica
United Kingdom
Feb.08.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "hi 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" | diane
United Kingdom
Feb.02.2010
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hi, 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!" | editor
Poland
Feb.02.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "my 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." | jan
United Kingdom
Feb.01.2010
rates this page 2/5 |
| | "My 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." | Karen
United Kingdom
Jan.29.2010
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "i am visiting cracow on a school trip in two weeks yay. " | Holly
United Kingdom
Jan.21.2010
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "hi im michael i am also coming to see all you hot men out there , hope your reay for me !!!!!!!!!!" | michael vincent
United Kingdom
Dec.24.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hello 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." | Victor Marsh
United Kingdom
Dec.24.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Has anyone got any taxi numbers for Deal?
Sammy the retard let us down!!" | david lloyd
United Kingdom
Dec.24.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "We are 4 lads going to Krakow for New year, can anyone tell us where the nice young ladies hang out? (not prostitutes or strippers) " | david lloyd
United Kingdom
Dec.23.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Brilliant site. After visiting Cracow many years ago it's been a pleasure returning (in 2007, 2008 & 2009), am hoping to marry there April 2010." | Jan
United Kingdom
Dec.10.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hallo 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" | Karl
Iceland
Nov.21.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hello 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. " | Lorek
Poland
Oct.18.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "would like to purchase a dvd tape of the Wieliczka Salt Mine where in poland would i be able to buy one" | John Romatowski
United Kingdom
Oct.03.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Visited 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." | Doris Vician
United States
Jul.14.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Great 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" | Natko
Croatia
Jul.13.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
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