Poland : Kraków

Many Polish cities are centred on an attractive Old Town, but none compare to Kraków (pronounced krak-oof) for effortless beauty. As it was the royal capital of Poland until 1596 and miraculously escaped destruction in WWII, Kraków is packed with appealing historic buildings and streetscapes. One of the most important sights is Wawel Castle, from where the ancient Polish kingdom was once ruled.

South of the castle lies the former Jewish quarter of Kazimierz. Its silent synagogues are a reminder of the tragedy of WWII. These days, the quarter has been injected with new life and is home to some of the city's best bars and clubs.

South of Old Town, this prominent hilltop is crowned with the former Royal Castle and Cathedral – both enduring symbols of Poland.

Royal Wawel CastleCASTLE

As the political and cultural heart of Poland through the 16th century, Wawel Castle is a potent symbol of national identity. It's now a museum containing five separate sections: Crown Treasury & Armoury; State Rooms; Royal Private Apartments; Lost Wawel; and Exhibition of Oriental Art. Each requires a separate ticket. Of the five, the State Rooms and Royal Private Apartments are most impressive. There’s a limited quota of tickets, so arrive early or book in advance by phone.

Wawel CathedralCHURCH

The Royal Cathedral has witnessed many coronations, funerals and entombments of Poland’s monarchs and strongmen over the centuries. This is the third church on this site, consecrated in 1364. The original was founded in the 11th century by King Bolesław I Chrobry and replaced with a Romanesque construction around 1140. When that burned down in 1305, only the Crypt of St Leonard survived. Highlights include the Holy Cross Chapel, Sigismund Chapel, Sigismund Bell, the Crypt of St Leonard and Royal Crypts.

This vast Rynek Główny (main square) is the focus of the Old Town and Europe's largest medieval town square (200m by 200m).

Cloth HallHISTORIC BUILDING

Dominating the middle of the square, this building was once the centre of Kraków’s medieval clothing trade. It was created in the early 14th century when a roof was put over two rows of stalls, then extended into a 108m-long Gothic structure. The hall was rebuilt in Renaissance style after a fire in 1555; the arcades were added in the late 19th century.

Rynek UndergroundMUSEUM

From the northern end of the Cloth Hall, enter this fascinating attraction beneath the market square. It consists of an underground route through medieval market stalls and other long-forgotten chambers. The ‘Middle Ages meets 21st century’ experience is enhanced by a multitude of holograms and other audiovisual wizardry. There’s always a scrum at the door, so prebook an entry time at one of the tourist offices.

St Mary's BasilicaCHURCH

Overlooking the square, this striking brick church, best known simply as St Mary’s, is dominated by two towers of different heights. The first church here was built in the 1220s and following its destruction during a Tatar raid, construction of the basilica began. Tour the exquisite interior, with its remarkable Veit Stoss pentaptych, and in summer climb the towerfor excellent views. Don't miss the hourly hejnał (bugle call) from the taller tower.

Czartoryski MuseumMUSEUM

The Czartoryski Museum boasts the city's richest art collection, including Kraków's most valuable painting: Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine. Among other important works is Rembrandt’s Landscape with the Good Samaritan. Other exhibitions include Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Etruscan art as well as Turkish weaponry. At the time of research, the museum was closed for renovation but expected to reopen in 2015. During renovation, the Lady with an Ermine was being exhibited at Wawel Castle.

Jewish MuseumMUSEUM

At the southern end of ul Szeroka this museum is housed in the Old Synagogue, which dates to the 15th century. The prayer hall, complete with a reconstructed bimah (raised platform at the centre of the synagogue where the Torah is read) and the original aron kodesh (the niche in the eastern wall where Torah scrolls are kept), houses an exhibition of liturgical objects. Upstairs there’s a photographic exhibit focusing on Jewish Kraków and the Holocaust.

Galicia Jewish MuseumMUSEUM

This museum both commemorates Jewish victims of the Holocaust and celebrates the Jewish culture and history of the former Austro-Hungarian region of Galicia. It features an impressive photographic exhibition depicting modern-day remnants of southeastern Poland’s once-thriving Jewish community, called ‘Traces of Memory’, along with video testimony of survivors and regular temporary exhibits.