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Krakow, with its spectacular old town, castle, and history, is Poland's most popular tourist attraction. Every year, around three million foreign visitors visit the city. While a rental car would be more of a nuisance than an advantage when staying in the city center, the various attractions in Krakow's surrounds, most notably Auschwitz, are unquestionably best explored with a vehicle.

City facts that are useful

Krakow, Poland's former capital, is rich in history. Its name was first mentioned in writing in the late 900s, and it became the seat of the Polish government in 1038. Wavel Castle was erected subsequently in the 11th century, and Krakow University followed two centuries later. Before King Sigismund III Vasa relocated the capital to Warsaw, the city had a golden era in the 15th and 16th centuries. During the Nazi occupation, the city would face perilous times. It is now a cultural, industrial, and educational center of Poland.

Many allusions to Pope John Paul II may be seen around Krakow. Karol Józef Wojtya, as he was called before becoming Pope, was born in Wadowice, near Krakow. He then relocated to Krakow, where he ultimately attended seminary and became ordained. Wojtyla went on to become the Archbishop of Krakow before being elected Pope. Given that he was the first Polish Pope and that Poland is a predominantly Catholic country, it is not surprising that his hometown of Krakow would commemorate and celebrate him.

Krakow experiences four different seasons. Summers are typically moderate to hot, with occasional wet days and average daily highs in the mid-70s Fahrenheit. Winters are often chilly, with highs hovering just around freezing. During the winter, the city receives snow, which might last for a week or two.

Krakow has the most polluted air in Europe. The situation is most severe in the winter, with strong pollution caused by the use of coal as a heating source, but coal furnaces are being phased out. If you or a member of your family or traveling companions suffers from respiratory problems, it is recommended to avoid Krakow in the winter.

Travelers should use caution while exchanging money in Krakow. If at all possible, avoid exchanging money at the airport. If you must, simply exchange the amount required before arriving in the city center. The same may be said about the train station. Wait till you get to the city before exchanging money. The rates offered in the city center are generally significantly lower than those offered at the airport and train terminals.

Currency trades in the city center should also be avoided. Before you arrive, research the estimated exchange rate and look for an exchange that provides a BUY rate that is as near to it as feasible. This is significant because some businesses would deceive potential consumers by displaying the sale rate first. Some will also play a trick with zeros, for example quoting 3.080 instead of 3.80. If not careful, you could fall for this and lose a significant portion of your money.

Another common ripoff is the exchange rate conversion when paying with a credit card or using certain ATMs. When paying in a store or restaurant you will be asked whether to pay in polish zloty or have them covert the purchase amount to your home currency for you. You will invariably receive a better rate from your home bank than what they offer, and sometimes their offer will be far away from the actual exchange rate. You should, therefore, insist on declining any offers of conversion and pay in polish zloty (i.e., use the red button on the card reader).

Best vacation spots and activities

Old Town - The primary draw for visitors, and also something almost no one misses on their visit, the Stare Miasto is the centerpiece of Krakow. It is centered upon the Rynek Glowny, or Market Square, where travelers will find the Cloth Hall that sadly used to sell local goods but now only sells useless tourist trinkets likely made in China. Though food and Christmas markets in the square are certainly worth perusing. Travelers will also find the Church of St. Adalbert and Town Hall Tower here. The atmosphere in the square and old town itself will leave visitors wanting to stroll around more and more. The Old Town is surrounded on all sides by a park that makes for the perfect romantic walk.

Kazimierz - A 15-minute walk south of the Old Town, Kazimierz is the former Jewish section of the city. While there were many more before 1939, there are now a handful of synagogues left. Additionally, there is the Galacia Jewish Museum and a couple of Jewish cultural centers. Kazimierz is a hotspot for nightlife for the younger crowd. It also has a plethora of dining options. A unique place to grab a drink is Tea Time, a bar serving hand-pump cask ales that are brewed in the basement.

Wavel Castle - Located at the southern end of the Old Town and along the Vistula River, the Wavel Castle sits upon a hill. It was occupied for hundreds of years and was once the seat of the Polish crown. The castle has several exhibitions that all require separate tickets. This includes the State Rooms, the Royal Apartment, and the Armoury. In addition, visitors can also enter the Royal Tombs and climb up Sigismund's Tower and see the bell.

Nowa Huta - About 10km east of the Old Town, Nowa Huta is a neighborhood built in communist times for the workers of the newly built steel mills. It is centered around Ronald Reagan Square and is one of the best examples of socialist realist architecture.

Schindler’s Factory - Made famous by Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List, Schindler’s Factory is now a museum open for visitation. Oskar Schindler saved more than a thousand Jews from the Holocaust during World War II. He did this by employing them in his factory south of the Vistula River in Krakow. The museum, however, doesn’t just cover Schindler and his actions but the entire history of the Nazi occupation of Krakow. Also near the museum is the last remaining piece of the wall of the Krakow Ghetto. It can be found on Lwowska Street.