| Krakow is a beautiful city full of culture and loads of history packed into every corner. Give yourself at least 4 days to see the essential sites and then the rest of the week (or more) for a quick overview of the rest. WHAT TO SEE  Wawel Castle
Perched on the top of a 50 meter high hill, is a 10th Century royal castle done in Medieval, Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque styles. This grand castle was the seat of kings for over 500 years. Free-entry days are Wednesday(June to Sept.) and Sunday (remaining months). Visit the historical Dragon's Den, descending 135 spiraling steps down into the cave.
www.cracow-life.com/guide/Krakow_Wawel/tour.php
 Main Square
Krakow's main market square is the largest medieval square in all of Poland. Packed with restaurants, cafes, museums, galleries, shops and much more. The central building "Cloth Hall" (Sukiennice), was the first shopping center built in Poland (14th Century). The upper floor is a branch of Krakow's National Museum, housing 19th Century Polish paintings.
www.mbd.com.pl/sukiennice2.htm
www.cracow-life.com/guide/Krakow_Old_Town/tour.php
www.cracow-life.com/guide/Krakow_Old_Town/Sukiennice.php
 Church of St. Mary's
Building of this imposing church began in 1355 and was completed in the 16th century. The architecture is a mix from Gothic to Art Nouveau. The inside of the church is beautifully decorated with all styles of artwork.
www.cracow-life.com/guide/Krakow_Old_Town/St_Mary's_Church.php
 Florian Gate
The Florian Gate was completed in 1307 and is one of the few surviving parts of the ancient defences that once surrounded the old town. The gate marks the main entrance into the city, and was where all visiting nobility would enter on their way to Wawel Castle.
www.cracow-life.com/guide/Krakow_Old_Town/Florian's_Gate.php
www.cracow-life.com/guide/Krakow_Old_Town/Barbican.php
www.cracow-life.com/guide/Krakow_Old_Town/Royal_Way.php  | Auschwitz (Oswiecim) and Birkenau
It was here that the Nazis established their largest concentration and extermination camp. Auschwitz is a massive graveyard from where no visitor can leave unmoved. Auschwitz I opened in June 1940, and Auschwitz II (Birkenau) opened March 1941 3km away. Gas chambers worked ceaselessly, bodies incenerated in crematoriums, horrible medical experiments and prisoners dying of starvation and filth - that is the horrific image. | www.auschwitz.org.pl/html/eng/start/
www.auschwitz.org.pl
www.remember.org/jacobs/ Week-end Trips  Zakopane
Nestled in a valley below the majestic peaks of the Tatra mountains is Zakopane. The town has been deamed the country's winter capital. Both summer and winter are beautiful here. Options vary from hiking, biking, rafting, skiing, and just lounging in the tranquility.
www.zakopane-life.com  Warsaw
A two hour and fifty minute train ride takes you to Poland's capital. This huge city offers you absolutely everything, including a Nathan's Villa Hostel. Warsaw has a grand Palace of Culture, tons of museums, parks, and excellent restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs. A definite stop for anyone traveling through Poland.
www.warsaw-life.com | The Traditional "hejnal"  One of Krakow's traditions is the "hejnal", the bugle call played live every hour everyday from the four sides of St. Mary's highest tower. Legend has it that when one morning in 1241 the Tatars invaded Krakow, the man playing the warning song was shot in the neck, cutting off the song in mid-melody. You can visit the tower by climbing its 240+ steps, the view is magnificent!
Czartoryski Museum  This museum has one of the most interesting collections in Poland. It houses Leonardo da Vinci's "Lady with an Ermine" and Rembrant's "Landscape with Good Samaritan". It also includes remarkable examples of handcrafts and carvings. ul. Sw. Jana 19
www.muzeum-czartoryskich.krakow.pl
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