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What to do in Krakow

With host of historical sights, pretty cobblestone streets and a cracker cuisine to dig in to, Krakow’s offerings belie its tiny size. Be sure to include time exploring the castle, winding your way up the Kościuszko Mound, and, of course, getting to grips with its historical horrors.

Wawel Castle

Perched atop a gentle hill and casting shadows on the river, the charms of this castle are immediately obvious. It’s a harmonious hodgepodge of architectural styles from Romanesque to Renaissance, and inside is a stunning collection of art, armoury, staterooms and curiosities, such as the 'Dragon's Den' cave.

The complex is complete with the eye-catching Wawel Cathedral. Tucked among the chapels is the gold-domed Sigismund's Chapel – a standout of the bunch. If you decide to visit, keep in mind that each exhibition is ticketed separately.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Just a half-hour journey from Krakow, this quirky subterranean attraction – filled with salt sculptures, glowing lakes and eerie corridors – is unlike any other. The highlight is an ornate salt-carved chapel complete with chandelier, however its 12-metre-high (40ft) ceiling pales in comparison to the soaring 36m (118ft) Stanisław Staszic Chamber.

Choose the “Tourist Route” for the highlights reel of the mine, or get to work on the “Miners’ Route”, where you’ll don overalls and experience first-hand life underground.

Auschwitz concentration camp

Perhaps the most well-known and well-preserved extermination camp, Auschwitz remains a devastating reminder of the terrors of World War II. Over 40 sub-camps make up the complex; for the full history, it’s recommended to take a tour of the Auschwitz I-Main Camp as well as the more recognisable Auschwitz II-Birkenau.

Buses depart frequently from Krakow and take around an hour and a half to arrive in Oświęcim.

Kościuszko Mound

A symbol of Polish independence, this artificial hill was built in tribute to Polish military hero Tadeusz Kościuszko. Inside, two exhibitions relay the history of the mound and introduce visitors to key figures in the fight for Polish freedom.

Head over on a sunny day to enjoy sweeping city views, winding up the gently sloping path to spot other big attractions, such as Wawel Castle, St. Mary’s Basilica and the Main Square.

The Jewish Quarter

Following its starring role in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List, Krakow’s Kazimierz district has gone from gritty ghetto to bohemian wonder.

Between the centuries-old synagogues and important museums, you’ll find a thriving café culture and edgy nightlife. If you’re heading here, the Galicia Jewish Museum, with its acclaimed permanent photography exhibition ‘Traces of Memory’, and Szeroka street are worth stopping by.