Listen to our Krakow podcast and follow in the footsteps of Andrew and Emily from Along Dusty Roads with our guide to Krakow in Poland...
Located in southern Poland, not only is Krakow the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland, it's also one of the country's most beautiful and creative cities.
Kazimierz: Historically Kazimierz was Krakow's Jewish quarter, but in recent years, the city's creatives have given the neighbourhood a new lease of life. Expect cool cafés, flea markets, music venues and street art - oh, and delicious street food in the form of Zapiekanki, toasted open-face baguette sandwiches served with mushrooms, cheese and a selection of toppings.
Forum: Set within an abandoned hotel, Forum Przestrzenie is a shared cultural and creative space which features a bar/restaurant and hosts regular movie screenings, foodie and fashion events as well as regular concerts. Pull up a deckchair at sunset for spectacular views of Wawel Castle across the river.
Forum Przestrzenie, UI Marii Konopnickiej 28
Mocak Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow: Located south of the river, Mocak Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow showcases an impressive permanent collection of modern art featuring both Polish and international artists, as well as the Mieczysław Porębski Library and its collection of works on the topics of art theory and history. Meanwhile, the permanent exhibition space dedicated to Krystian Lupa’s interactive installation Live Factory 2 was inspired by none other than Warhol's cult NYC studio. Check the museum's website for details of current/temporary exhibitions.
MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow, ul. Lipowa 4 30-702 Krakow
Bunkier Sztuki Gallery of Contemporary Art: Housed in one of the first brutalistic-style buildings in Krakow, the Bunkier Sztuki Gallery of Contemporary Art has focused on experimental and emerging art since the 1960s. Just a short stroll from the Old Town, it's the perfect rainy day refuge if you've got an hour or so to spare.
Bunkier Sztuki Gallery of Contemporary Art, Pl. Szczepański 3A, Kraków.
Climb aboard an authentic communist era Trabant car and travel back in time to Nowa Huta with Crazy Guides tour company. Located in easternmost Krakow, Nowa Huta is just one of two planned socialist districts in existence and is "one of the most renowned examples of deliberate social engineering" in the world.
As part of the tour you'll visit preserved steelworks and houses built in the Renaissance style of the Soviets. You'll also discover how the average local lived, worked and played during communist times, all told through entertaining anecdotes from the easy-going guides.
Tours cost around €40 per person, see crazyguides.com for further information
No trip to Krakow should be considered complete without sampling a hearty plate of traditional pierogi. These dough-based dumplings are typically filled with potato, sauerkraut, cheese or fruit. For a tasty vegan and vegetarian twist on the original, head to Pierogowy Raj, a great value (and all around great restaurant) where you can enjoy a feast of pierogi for the equivalent of three quid.
Pierogowy Raj, 33 332, Sławkowska 25, 33-332 Kraków
Located in the heart of Kazimierz, the 4-star Golden Tulip Kazimierz provides guests with a comfortable and affordable stay, close to Kazimierz's most popular cafés, bars and restaurants. For the best rates on hotels and places to stay in Krakow check out Rooms.
Golden Tulip Kazimierz, Krakowska 28, 31-062 Kraków
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