Krakow holidays

The first stop on your foodie tour of the city should be pierogi. These famous Polish dumplings come with a variety of fillings including cream cheese and herbs (pierogi ruskie) and meat (pierogi z mięsem). They’re cheap, delicious, and the perfect way to fill up before an afternoon of sightseeing. You’ll also want to sample bigos on your Krakow city break. Translated as ‘hunters stew,’ this hearty broth can include anything from cabbage and venison to kielbasa and bacon. You’ll find it in most traditional restaurants in the city – try it with a shot of Polish vodka for an authentic dining experience. If you find yourself in a post-pub snack mood, make a beeline for the nearest zapiekanka stall. Long baguettes are cut in half and sprinkled with generous helpings of cheese and mushrooms before being heated under the grill. It’s a street food that’s been popular for the past 70 years – try one and you’ll see why!

Perched high above the city, Wawal Castle is a must-see on any city break to Krakow. Home to Poland’s monarchs from the 11th to 17th centuries, you can still see remnants of the Royal apartments to this day, along with artifacts from the Ottoman Empire. Kids will love visiting Dragon’s Den, a 2 million year-old cave under the castle, once home to the fire-breathing beasts of folklore! A grand gothic tower built in 1307, Florian’s Gate was constructed to repel invading Tartar forces. It’s an impressive sight, marking the entrance to Krakow’s Old Town. There were once 8 of these medieval gates surrounding the city – today, this is the only one remaining. Krakow Town Hall Tower stands proudly in the centre of Old Market Square. It’s got an embarrassing problem though – it leans to one side. Just like the Tower of Pisa in Italy, this bendy building is a popular tourist attraction – you can even climb to the viewing platform at the top of the tower.

Don’t miss a visit to St Kinga’s Chapel, a giant underground church – made entirely from salt. At 300 metres below the ground, this cavernous religious chamber features dozens of intricate carvings made from rock salt. It’s one of the world’s largest subterranean churches, and arguably Krakow’s most amazing attraction. If you’re a family with kids to keep entertained, a ghost tour is a fun way to get to know the city. On your scary (but not too scary) guided tour, medieval Krakow comes to life, as you hear all about the city’s hidden history, and listen to tales of ghosts, vampires and dragons. For a genuinely terrifying experience, spend a couple of hours at Lost Souls Alley. This interactive haunted house is all about jump scares and spooky sightings – gather your friends and brace yourselves for a ghoulishly good time! A great place for hen/stag parties in the heart of Krakow.

When it comes to a night on the tiles, Krakow delivers the goods. With more pubs and bars per square mile that anywhere in the world, Old Town is the perfect place to kick things off. Here, you can hop from pub to pub to discover the area’s fantastic basement venues and shot bars – ideal for groups of friends. If you fancy sampling a few bars away from the pub crawlers, make a night of it in Kazimierz. You’ll find vintage-styled cocktail lounges, retro jazz clubs, and even Communist-era themed bars in this trendy district. It’s a fun place to enjoy Krakow’s nightlife in laid back surroundings. For an up-and-coming area slightly off the tourist trail, head to Podorze. This neighbourhood on the other side of the river comes with a scattering of wine bars, indie pubs and fusion restaurants. If you’re visiting Krakow as a couple or family, Podorze is a good option for a night out away from the crowds.