Straddling the Wisla (Vistula) River in the southern half of Poland, Krakow is the former capital of the nation and a treasure trove of handsome buildings, age-old monuments and magnificent Gothic churches. It is a fine-looking gentleman of a city and a sure-fire hit for a wonderful few days.

The main hub for tourists in Krakow is the central and historic core of the city: the district of Stare Miasto. It's here that you'll find the medieval old town, where pastel-coloured buildings rise towards the sky and where the huge market square calls to visitors with promises of lazy afternoons in terrace cafés and sightseeing opportunities galore. The central district is also home to Wawel Castle, one of the most visited attractions in Krakow. Perched atop a gentle hill and casting shadows on the river, the charms of this castle are immediately obvious, while inside is a stunning collection of art, armoury, state rooms and curiosities, such as the 'Dragon's Den' cave.

While the main attractions are well worth seeing, it's the smaller things that make Krakow so utterly mesmerising: finding a cosy bar and enjoying an afternoon snifter; watching dusk settle as you tour the streets via horse-drawn carriage; stumbling along a cobbled alleyway and choosing souvenirs at a quaint store; and tucking in to a hearty dish of Polish cuisine at a backstreet restaurant that swarms with friendly locals.

Krakow is a popular place to visit, especially during the balmy summers, so it's wise to book your package holidays to Krakow as early as possible to take advantage of low prices. Use the search tool on TravelSupermarket to compare prices and to book your break.

When to go?

Chilly but festive in winter and warm and welcoming in summer, there's never a bad time to take holidays in Krakow...

Springtime in Krakow sees average daytime temperatures of around 10C in March, rising to around 18C in May, with plenty of cool evenings. It's a nice time to visit as the crowds associated with summer are much thinner. July and August are the hottest months and temperatures can reach above 25C on sunny, cloudless days, though there's always a risk of rain in Krakow. Autumn is much like spring and is another great time to see the sights minus the masses, while winter is very cold. Daytime temperatures are in the lower single figures, with a night-time chill that plunges below freezing. Crisp winter evenings and glowing red noses are the norm during Christmas market time in Krakow.

What's on?

This cultured city dishes up a tempting menu of both traditional and modern festivals and events...

Jewish Culture Festival; June-July: Held in Kazimierz, the district known for its large and historic Jewish population, this event showcases Jewish culture during nine days of entertainment as well as workshops and tours.

Pierogi Festival; August: Pierogi are Polish dumplings that are both delicious and adored. At this summer event you can sample some of the very best pierogi while resisting the urge to devour as many as humanly possible - they are delightful!

Christmas market; November-December: The central market square - with its eye-catching buildings and brisk pace - is the perfect setting for this Yuletide treat. Wrap up warm and select handfuls of lovely gifts with which to surprise your loved ones.

What to do?

There is an endless array of cracking experiences to be had in Krakow...

Kids and teens: Nestled in historic woodland a little way west of the city centre, Krakow Zoo is home to animals large and small from around the globe.

Romance: Krakow simply feels romantic thanks to an abundance of cosy spots in which to snuggle up and enjoy a drink or two among the dreamy architecture and time-worn streets. A horse-drawn carriage for two might just notch up the romance points however.

Free and cheap: The museums of Krakow offer free entry on certain days. Check in advance and plan your break to keep a tight hold on the budget.

Shopping: Krakow offers some interesting shopping prospects. You can find plenty of antiques and pieces of art, some more valuable than others, while the main square's Cloth Hall houses stalls manned by traditional artisans who will sell you lace, carvings and glasswork, as well as the usual holiday trinkets.

Nightlife: Stag and hen parties do visit Krakow and help to keep the huge number of city bars in business. If you aren't after a wild party night, there are plenty of wine bars and candle-lit cafés offering a more serene scene in which to spend many pleasant evenings.

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