Krakow Feature

Art

Artworks of all kinds in record-breaking numbers are found in Kraków—not only in museums, but also in their natural surroundings: in the royal castle, in churches, and even in restaurants, cafés, and on the street. Highlights include the Wit Stwosz altarpiece in Kosciól Mariacki, the arras tapestries in the Wawel castle, Leonardo's Lady with an Ermine. in the Czartoryski Museum, and Stanislaw Wyspianski's stained-glass windows and wall paintings in the Franciscan church. More than 100 years ago, Polish artists decorated Jama Michalika café, a gem of art nouveau style. Modern art can be found in numerous galleries, located mostly in and around the Rynek and in Kazimierz quarter.

Traveling Royal Style

It's certainly possible to live like a king or queen in the royal city of Kraków, where you'll find a number of luxury hotels with truly regal fixtures and fittings: the Gródek, Copernicus, Grand, and Amadeus hotels can all be recommended highly. Monarchs often choose the Sheraton Hotel, perhaps due to its location at the banks of the river, near the Wawel Royal Castle. To dine in style, head for Wierzynek, which was the site of a famous feast of European monarchs in 1364. Royal pleasures could include a concert in the castle (in the series called Wieczory wawelskie) or an opera in the historic Slowacki Theater—choose a box seat to feel like a VIP.

Jewish History

If you are interested in Jewish History, try to plan your journey around the Jewish Culture Festival, which usually takes place in the first week of July, when dozens of events are scheduled. The Kazimierz District was the traditional home of Kraków's Jewish community; check out its synagogues, particularly Remuh, Isaac's, and Tempel, and visit the cemeteries, especially the one next to the Remuh Synagogue. You can stop for some Jewish dishes and tunes in one of the restaurants on Szeroka Street.

Classical Music

Kraków's time is measured by the tune played from the tower of St. Mary's on the hour, and you will find music everywhere: in the streets, bars, churches, and concert halls. Check the schedule of musical events—regular concerts are held from September through June, while most (but not all) festivals are clustered in the summer months. You can listen to classical music at the philharmonics and catch a concert by Sinfonietta Cracovia; look for organ music and religious theme concerts in Kraków's historic churches.

Nightlife

If you ask Warsaw's elites to name their favorite places to go out in the weekend, they will tell you to visit some of Kraków's clubs and pubs—after all, they are just a 2½-hour train ride away from the capital. In the winter, social life descends underground—many bars are hidden in the vaulted cellars around the Old Town. In summer, the Market Square becomes the country's largest open-air café.