Kraków, in southern Poland within the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, is the country's former royal capital. It is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities, and many visitors know it also as Cracow, the English form of its name.
What the city offers
- The Main Market Square, the historic heart of the old town, where much of the city's life gathers around it.
- Wawel Castle, the former royal residence, which stands above the river and gives the city much of its character.
- A compact old centre that rewards slow walking, with streets and squares that show its long history at every turn.
Planning a visit
Kraków works well as a base for a city break, since its historic centre can be explored on foot. It is also a practical gateway to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp, which lies within reach of the city. Visitors who plan to go there should book ahead and allow a full day, as the visit is demanding and deserves time.
Whether you come for the medieval streets, the castle and square, or as a stop on a longer journey through the region, Kraków offers a clear and rewarding visit to one of Poland's most historic cities.
