Krakow
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Hotels | September 2010
Krakow
GREG & TOM
You'd be hard pushed to find a more homely experience than Greg & Tom's hostels. Boasting two award-winning sites, they cater for calmer crowds who are as interested in resting their feet as they are in exploring Krakow. And with extras like free wi-fi and a mass of DVDs, all that's missing is your mum to tuck you in!
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See | December 2009
Krakow
SZOPKI
Amid the bustle of the Christmas markets on the Main Square keep an eye out for the Szopki, at the bottom of the Town Hall Tower. These intricate, colourful models may resemble cathedrals and castles but are in fact humble nativity cribs.
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Visit | December 2009
Krakow
CZARTORYSKI MUSEUM
Egyptian sarcophagi, medieval weaponry and Leonardo da Vinci's only painting to make it to Poland (The Lady with an Ermine) are all to be found here. Smartasses can point out that the original background of the painting was blue, until Princess Izabel ordered it painted black.
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Bars | December 2009
Krakow
ART CLUB BLEDNE KOLO
Club “BK” (pictured) is the city's joker in the pack. Parties range from complete rubbish to 18-hour hands-in-the-air raveups. The house DJs attract the clubbing cognoscenti on Saturday, while on Fridays reggae-muffi ns mash up the stereo.
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Restaurants | December 2009
Krakow
KAWALERIA SZARZA SMAKU
At this upmarket restaurant you'll find a nod to Poland's proud cavalry days, when winged horsemen used to rout Russians for breakfast and still be home in time for pierogi (pie). “The Cavalier” dishes up soldier-sized cutlets, ribs and steaks.
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See | November 2009
Krakow
OJCOW NATIONAL PARK
Hire a bike and pedal to the national park of Ojcow. You'll need a map, directions and legs of steel (the park is 17km away over country paths) but Ojcow's limestone rock formations, trickling brooks, and tapestry of autumn leaves are worth the effort.
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Visit | November 2009
Krakow
AQUARIUM
Tropical fish, turtles and eels aren't the only pull at Krakow's recently opened Aquarium. The sanctuary has the largest collection of reptiles in the country and more venomous snakes that your average Indiana Jones movie.
Address: 9 ULICA SWIETA SEBASTIANA. | Tel: +48 (12) 429 1049
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Bars | November 2009
Krakow
PTASIEK CAFES
A trendy spot where upmarket bohemians keep a refined lid on their drinking (bizarre behaviour indeed in Poland!) while enjoying live music and flamenco and tango shows. The name means “Little Birdie” and, thanks to free Wi-Fi, you can drop by during the day for a Twitter.