Poland's historical capital, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for over 40 years and is overflowing with legends, priceless historical architecture, and art, as well as fantastic leisure and entertainment opportunities, captivates and enchants tourists at first sight. It's not difficult to see why...

The city created by the legendary Krak, situated on the famous River Vistula, is surprisingly easy to navigate, whether you use modern-day mobile phone apps or a more conventional system of maps and arrows pointing to the most important locations around the city center. If you arrive by train, it will take you just 15 minutes to walk from the main station (via the massive Galeria Krakowska shopping mall) to Old Town, which is the first stop on your itinerary.

You'll find yourself in a completely different world as soon as you pass through the Barbican and St. Florian's Gate: Kraków's oldest district, which has somehow survived the turmoil of war. Every opulent, stylish structure has a tale to tell. Stop to smell the floral aromas coming from Kraków's famous flower sellers as the familiar clip-clop sound of horse-drawn carriages passes you by in the Old Town's Main Market Square. Pigeons soar above St. Mary's Basilica and the Cloth Hall, where trade continues to thrive as it has for centuries: pick up some amber and silver, arts and crafts, or even miniatures of the distinctive Kraków-style nativity scenes. Conventional regional costumes or other more traditional souvenirs (perhaps easier to fit in your suitcase!) are also options. The Cloth Hall's art gallery, which is located on the first floor, features 19th-century Polish art, including Wadysaw Podkowiski's famous painting Frenzy, which depicts a naked woman on a black horse, as well as works by Jan Matejko, Józef Chemoski, and Henryk Siemiradzki, among others.

While you're there, go underground to the Following Traces of Kraków's European Identity interactive route, which runs beneath the main square. A multimedia exhibition transports you back in time to the city's origins over 1,000 years. St. Mary's Basilica is a must-see; there's even a rotating hologram urging you to go. Here's a fun fact about the Brick Gothic church: those unmistakable different-sized towers are said to be the result of a fatal feud between two competing builder brothers! We can't guarantee this, but we can guarantee that the breathtaking church interiors, especially the priceless altar carved by Veit Stoss, will leave an indelible impression on you.

The Wierzynek pub, which has a 650-year tradition, is not to be overlooked. These are just two of the many restaurants, cafés, and clubs with outdoor gardens open until late at night during the summer season, including the cult-status Piwnica pod Baranami.

The Royal Road and the Stanislaw Wyspiaski Route cut right through the square, leading to the magnificent castle on Wawel Hill, which was once the seat of Polish rulers, through the green Planty park that surrounds the Old Town. The path goes to the necropolis and the National Pantheon at the remarkable, cream-walled, green-roofed Church on the Rock, where several renowned Poles, including Jan Dulgosz, Stanislaw Wyspiaski, and Czesaw Milosz, are buried.

It's only a short walk from Wawel Hill to the Kazimierz district, which has been the Jewish epicentre of Krakow for over 500 years and still maintains its robust Jewish tradition. Some interesting trivia for you: it is said that you can hear the whispers of wedding guests cursed by a rabbi near one of the two synagogues on Szeroka Street at night. Is this correct? Check it out for yourself... On its cobblestone streets, Kazimierz has a myriad of wonderful spots where you can try traditional, kosher dishes. If you're looking for a history lesson, the Jewish Heritage Route runs through the district and is highly recommended. Bohaterów Getta (Ghetto Heroes) Square, the ghetto wall fragment still standing at 29 Lwowska St., and the exhibition at the Schindler Factory in the Zabocie neighbourhood are all linked to the tragic Holocaust that shaped this city so profoundly. That Schindler, yes.

The MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art, a minimalist concrete and glass structure located within the Schindler Factory compound, is regarded as a contemporary architectural jewel. It is Poland's first postwar contemporary art museum, and it, along with the Glass and Ceramics Centre in Zabocie, is part of the Kraków Technology Trail. If you have time, you should also pay a visit to the local wineries. Of course, there will be a tasting!

The historical power plant, with its massive steel and concrete frame towering over it, is another striking example of architecture. This is an architectural manifestation of Tadeusz Kantor's concept of wrapping objects to draw attention to their essence while also inciting the discovery of hidden secrets. It probably catches the eye! The Cricoteka Centre for the Documentation of Tadeusz Kantor's Art is housed in this building in the Podgórze district. While you're there, grab a bite to eat on Nadwilaska Street, where you'll find the best lunch and dinner options (especially the popular Drukarnia club).

Meanwhile, the lovely red-brick Home Army Museum (Muzeum Armii Krajowej) has been established within the renovated 19th-century walls of a former Kraków Fortress auxiliary building, which is now topped with armored glass. The one-of-a-kind collection of mementos and personal belongings donated directly by veterans is truly incredible.

Without mentioning Nowa Huta, the socialist town featured in Andrzej Wajda's film Man of Marble, no discussion of Krakow's architecture would be complete. The rare Church of Our Lady Queen of Poland – Ark of Our Lord stands among the box-like blocks of flats. It's unusual because it's likely the first boat-shaped church you've seen. A boat, to be precise. Prof. Bronislaw Chromy, an exceptional contemporary artist, sculpted the evocative figure of the Rising Christ, who appears to be almost taking flight towards heaven from the cross hanging above the altar.

The Nowa Huta Culture Centre, the Ludowy Theatre, the Cistercian Monastery in Mogila, and the Nowa Huta Meadows are all worth visiting before leaving the communist town. The latter is a particularly appealing protected area with educational trails. Jan Matejko's manor house, with an original porch created by the artist himself, as well as several mementos of him and constitutional reformer and educationalist Hugo Kołłątaj, can be found there.

The Princes Czartoryski Collection, which includes works by Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt, is Kraków's greatest artistic treasure. The city is also known for its unique Nativity scenes, with the largest collection housed at the Kraków Museum (this local craft is listed on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity).

The Polish Aviation Museum, which is housed in the former Rakowice-Czyyny Airport buildings, is a must-see for aviation enthusiasts. At the Stanislaw Lem Science Garden, budding scientists can discover spectacular experiments. Meanwhile, clubbers will be welcomed with open arms at the Dolne Mlyny former factory complex.

Do you consider yourself to be a foodie? You'll be involved in the many culinary events held in Krakow, such as Kraków Shrovetide (Zapusty) and Obwarzanek (Kraków Bagel) Day, which honors the city's signature snack. Following the European Academy of Gastronomy's awarding of Kraków the title of European Capital of Gastronomic Culture for the first time in history in 2019, many of the city's restaurants are now serving dishes from the Kraków Capital Menu, made with local ingredients, so you can get a true taste of the city.

When it comes to choosing which routes to take, visitors are spoiled for choice; Kraków offers a variety of options, including bicycle trails – the University Route connects 17 universities, including the 650-year-old Jagiellonian University. The prominent window in the Archbishops' Palace at 3 Franciszkaska St., from which the pope addressed the faithful during his pilgrimages to Poland, is included in John Paul II's Paths. As you can see, Krakow has something to give everyone!

Warszawa (Warsaw):

It is the capital of Poland with an estimated population of 1.7 million people. The majority of Polish people migrate to the city for business and education. This is due to the higher education institutions with a vibrant spirit, and it is an important center for culture and sciences. 

After the city was destroyed entirely by World War II, it gained steady progress with years of communism. This helped the city recover in terms of its architecture and commercial structure, both of which are signified by the Palace of Science and Culture and the skyscrapers. 

Kraków (Cracow):

The city has stunning architecture and fine works of art which is a major tourist attraction. It was the ruling place of the royal family and the capital of Poland until 1596. 

As the first university of Poland, the Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364, is located in Kraków and is regarded as the cradle of Polish science. Kraków has more than 730,000 residents, and it is an important cultural and academic center. 

Wrocław:

It is the fourth largest city in Poland and the capital of Lower Silesia (Dolny Śląsk). There is a beautiful Old Town with a unique atmosphere that describes its history and location. It spreads across several islands and is surrounded by the Oder River and its tributaries on all sides. 

Gdańsk:

It is a major seaport in Poland and forms the Tricity Metropolis with Sopot and Gdynia along with a population of 750,000 people. Gdansk was an important Hanseatic city, owned by Poland and Germany alternately. This where World War II and the Polish Solidarity Movement began. 

Poznań:

It is among the oldest and largest Polish cities, and due to its Paris-Moscow route, Poznań is an important transport and trade center. Poznań has been the venue for the International Trade Fair since 1925. It also has a good number of universities and research institutes that contribute to its development. 

Łódź:

Łódź is an important city in Poland, and it was the textile-manufacturing hub. It has a Central Museum of Textiles with 19th-century machinery, fabrics, and handicrafts that were once a prominent part of the city’s trade and commerce. The Manufaktura complex, which was once a factory, was restored into a lively arts and culture center. 

Poland has numerous cities and universities that can make your time there worthwhile. Moreover, the value of a degree acquired from any university in this country is far greater than in other European regions.