Holiday rentals in Kraków

Poland’s glorious second city is crammed full of history, including medieval curiosities, imposing gothic cathedrals, 16th-century synagogues, 19th-century palaces, and just about everything else in between. Hidden courtyards, winding alleys, underground caverns, and tranquil green spaces add to the fairytale allure.

All of this architectural wonder is mixed with a dash of modern exuberance, as this is also a university town with all the youthful energy this implies.

Kraków is also considered Poland’s cultural heartland, featuring numerous arts festivals, museums, galleries, and theatres, plus literary events and a whole host of cosy book shops and cinemas. And then there are the pierogis. Not just pierogis, of course, but a wonderful food scene featuring the obwarzanek (the Kraków version of the bagel), oscypek (smoked sheep’s-milk cheese), and racuchy (fried apple pancake), plus so much more. Kraków is the ideal city for simply strolling and staring, absorbing all of those astonishing structures, and pausing to enjoy a beer with a kiełbasa before heading out to enjoy a night of live music on the town.

While it never gets too overwhelmingly hot in this part of Poland, the summer months see the most visitors and can make the ancient streets feel particularly busy. And while Kraków certainly has a magical quality when blanketed in snow during wintertime, it can be bitterly cold. Spring and autumn are just about perfect, with mild temperatures and less chance of rain (though there’s always potential for a shower), and the crowds are less dense. But you’ll discover impressive cultural enterprise all year round. There’s Art Week in June, International Street Theatre Festival in July, Europe’s largest festival of Jewish culture in June and July, and even a festival dedicated to the humble pierogi in August.

Explore the majesty of Wawel Castle

A thorough meander around the city’s Old Town is a must for any visitor. It’s crammed full of historical delights and architectural wonders. Situated on Wawel Hill, this fleet of royal buildings dates from the 16th century. It’s been a residence for Polish royalty for hundreds of years and contains galleries, state grounds, and gorgeous gardens, perfect for an evening stroll. Keep your eyes open for Krakow’s legendary Wawel dragon.

Hunker Down at Bunkier Sztuki

Translating literally as the “Art Bunker,” this gallery is a treasure trove of contemporary works, video installations, author events, and film screenings. Temporary exhibitions showcase the best in current art movements and work from Poland’s recent past. There’s also a unique, atmospheric cafe and celebrated bookshop in the complex.

Delve into Rynek Underground

Krakow’s vast Market Square is the perfect place to perch and people watch. But it hides a secret. Close to the magnificent Cloth Hall (also well worth a visit) is this underground museum, displaying the medieval chambers beneath the city, with market stalls and, yes, the occasional vampire burial. There’s also the odd hologram lurking in the shadows.