The snow has finally melted on the Planty, revealing that wonder of nature that we'd all forgotten - grass. That wasn't the only thing that was revealed though. All the grotty stuff that was entombed in ice for the last few months was suddenly presented for a brief couple of days - not a pretty site!
Of course, it's not exceptional for Mr. Snow to make a sneaky comeback in mid April (as it goes, the only thing that's predictable about Polish weather is its unpredictability). That said, if you're plannning a trip to Cracow, the ultimate arrival of Spring is a first class event in itself.
Once the blossom is blooming, don't miss out on a full circle (or wonky oblong as the case may be) of the Planty Gardens, the belt of parkland that rings the Old Town.
You can stop off for a coffee or a cocktail at the Bunkier Sztuki (Bunker of Art) on the western leg of the walk, and you should find an intriguing exhibition inside the gallery (See below).
Don't be alarmed during your stroll if you bump into a crazed bunch of youths dressed as aliens, this means you're in the midst of Juvenalia, an ancient student rite that kicks off halfway through each May. For a brief but decidedly mad couple of days the students are handed the keys to the city - expect big queues at the liquor stores and an inventive array of fancy dress.
As evening gets underway, Cracow's bars and clubs beckon. If it's music you're after, you won't be short-changed in the city of Prince Krak. Where else could you drop into a salad bar and find a full blown string quartet strumming their stuff? But it's certainly not all classical culture. Cracow's club scene is going from strength to strength, with top-notch options for drum 'n' bassers, techno warriors and house stompers. Hip Hop fans have a treat in store late April when Brit legend Roots Manuva makes his Cracow debut. Don't miss it!
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