Krakow is today a dynamic and lively city of culture and science. The turbulent history of the region and the interpenetration of different nationalities living here for centuries have resulted in an extraordinary cultural heritage. The history of the city, its museums, monuments, and a variety of cultural events make Krakow a perfect location for visitors. While no longer the capital of Poland, it still provides the best offer for food, entertainment, and nightlife. Nearby spots like Wieliczka Salt Mine or the Tatra Mountains will undeniably enrich the travel experience.

Wawel Castle and Main Square fot. by Karol Nienartowicz

The academic centre, with its 650-year-old University, is permanently connected with the city and builds an unrepeated resource of knowledge in a unique way. It is the key to competitiveness and innovation not only of Krakow, but also of the entire region.

Collegium Novum, a main university building fot. by Anna Wojnar
 

Places to visit in Krakow

Kraków Main Square
– a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Heart of the Krakow Old Town, that dates to the 13th century. Includes the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), rebuilt in 1555 in the Renaissance style, the Town Hall Tower (Wieża ratuszowa), the 11th century Church of St. Adalbert, and 1898 Adam Mickiewicz Monument. Rising above the square are the Gothic towers of St. Mary's Basilica (Kościół Mariacki). 900 m from the venue (10 min on foot)

Wawel Royal Castle
– a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the former residence of the kings of Poland, built in the 14th century, atop a limestone outcrop on the bank of the Vistula River. Part of larger architectural complex, including the Wawel Cathedral. Most visited art museum in Poland and the 20th most visited art museum in the world. ~1.5 km from the venue (6 min by trams: 8,13, 18, 72).

Krakow Barbican & Brama Floriańska
- a historic gateway leading into the Krakow Old Town, one of the few remaining relics of the complex network of fortifications and defensive barriers that once encircled the royal city of Krakow. ~1.5 km from the venue (20 min on foot)

Kazimierz
- Kraków’s historic Jewish district, a place where ethnic Polish and Jewish cultures coexisted and intermingled. Made its way to the big screen thanks to Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning Schindler’s List, which was shot here. Today, a charming mix of cafes, bars, and galleries, located amidst old sygagogues and churches. One of the key areas for Kraków’s nightlife. ~2 km the venue (10 min by tram 24).

Park Zakrzówek
- an artificial water reservoir. It was created in 1992 after flooding an old limestone quarry. It consists of two reservoirs, connected by an isthmus. The shores of the lagoon are one of the favorite recreation spots of Krakow residents. ~ 4 km from the venue (10 min by bus 194, 494).

Kościuszko’s Mound
– one of Kraków's four memorial mounds, erected in 1823, and located in Bielańsko-Tyniecki Park Krajobrazowy – a green recreational area in the centre of Krakow. Hosts an impressive citadel fort, offers a beautiful panorama of Kraków, its surrounding villages, and several Carpathian Mountain ranges. Easily reachable on foot by walking via Waszyngton Alley, among 19th century villas and old trees. ~ 3 km from the venue (20 min by bus)

Krakus Mound
– located on the limestone Lasota Hill. Legend has it that it is the tomb of the pagan Prince Krak—the founder of Kraków. Offers a marvelous panoramic view of the city as well as excellent walking areas. ~4 km from the venue (15 min by trams: 13, 24, 72)

Nowa Huta
one of the largest planned socialist realist settlements or districts ever built (another being Magnitogorsk in Russia) and "one of the most renowned examples of deliberate social engineering" in the world. Built as a utopian ideal city, its street hierarchy, layout and grandeur of the buildings resemble cities of Paris or London. The high abundance of parks and green spaces makes it a green corner of Kraków. ~8 km from the venue (20 min by tram 4)
 

Tatra National Park is around 1.5-2h away from Krakow. It offers great hiking experience, both easy and pretty demanding trails. To immerse more in the nature, stay overnight in one of the mountain huts.

fot. Eszter Miller / pixabay | fot. Dariusz Staniszewski / pixabay

Pieniny National Park

Beautiful landscapes of the Pieniny National Park with its rich regional culture and history of the region is just 1.5h away from Krakow.

fot. Michał Zimniak / pixabay | fot. Dariusz Staniszewski / pixabay

Wieliczka salt mine

A medieval gem. One of the oldest mines with underground caves and lakes is less than half an hour by train. Not to be missed.