Krakow The Region Poland National Tourist Office enewsletter

Transcription

1 Krakow The Region Poland National Tourist Office enewsletter

2 Krakow, a truly diverse European city, offers visitors many cultural attractions as well as natural beauty. The city and surroundings can take many days to thoroughly explore because Poland has a long and rich history, its own savory cuisine, unique architecture and a wide variety of entertainment. The capital city and nearby regions provide some of Europe s most beautiful and distinctive scenery. Although steeped in tradition and history, Krakow is also a modern city where you can always find new and exciting restaurants, hotels and entertainment. There is a great deal to do in Krakow in any season, but there are some special events worth noting in One of the most anticipated events of the year is World Youth Day, which will take place in Krakow from July 25 to 31, 2016.World Youth Day occurs every three years in different countries and gives people a chance to meet the Pope as well as engage in a variety of faith-based activities and ceremonies. This event will feature Holy Mass and other prayers, music and performances.

3 Eating in Krakow Poland has delicious cuisine that can be fully experienced in Krakow whether you dine in gourmet restaurants or order something from a street vendor.

4 The food of Poland, though unique, has been influenced over the centuries by other Eastern and Central European countries. Poles love rich and hearty foods. Some of the favorite national dishes include kielbasa, bigos and kotlet schabowy, a popular type of breaded pork cutlet. While travelers can eat on any schedule that suits them, the main meal in Poland, called obiad, is usually served in the late afternoon. This substantial meal usually consists of soup, meat, vegetables, potatoes and dessert. Restaurants in Krakow offer both traditional Polish dishes and food from surrounding nations, especially Italy and Hungary. It s easy to find restaurants in all price ranges throughout Krakow. The Old Town has an especially diverse selection of eateries of every kind, including diners, pizzerias, cafes and traditional Polish restaurants. The Podgorze neighborhood, where many scenes in Steven Spielberg s Schindler s List were filmed, has many new and trendy bars and restaurants. Where to Stay in Krakow Visitors seeking to stay in or near Krakow can choose between older, traditional inns and more modern hotels. The Old Town area is full of hotels of every description. Bonerowski Palace is an elegant hotel located right in the middle of the Old Town. One of the city s newer hotels is The Metropolitan Boutique Hotel, which is located in a renovated 19th-century building near the Jewish Quarter. The

5 Wawel Hotel appeals to visitors who prefer a smaller hotel on a quiet street that s still in the middle of the city. Exploring the Old Town of Krakow Most visitors to Krakow enjoy walking around the Old Town. Even people who have been to Poland many times always find something new in this charming traditional area, which has many buildings that were constructed in medieval times. There are a variety of historic treasures in the Old Town, including old churches and synagogues, palaces and well-preserved fortifications.

6 The highlight of the Old Town is the Main Market Square, called Rynek Glowny. This is the largest market square in Europe, one that dates back to the 13th century. Visitors can appreciate the grandeur of the old buildings and stop in many shops and restaurants along the way. Among the most popular attractions are the Gothic Basilica of the Virgin Mary and the Renaissance Cloth Hall. Food and various items can be purchased right on the street from vendors and stalls. Another favorite attraction in the Old Town is Wawel Royal Castle, which served as the residence for the nation s rulers for many centuries. People who want to explore this castle in detail can take organized tours. Museums Krakow has several outstanding museums that allow travelers to learn about the country s history. One of the best museums to get an overview of Polish culture and history is the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow at Main Market Square. This is well-organized museum, has a variety of exhibits and artifacts that shed light on the history of Krakow.

7 There are interactive features available in multiple languages. Visitors must book tickets to this museum in advance. To cool down and escape the sun on a summer afternoon, there is nothing better than exploring Krakow s Underground Tourist Trails. The city boasts a system of underground trails, many of which connect bars, restaurants, shops and even private homes to one another. Travelers who aren t quite sure where to start can get to know Krakow s Underground Tourist Trails by starting their adventure at the Rynek Underground Museum. It s one of the city s newest museums and is located right below Main Market Square. This high-tech museum has films and interactive exhibits that portray many events and periods of Poland s history.

8 Even on a warm day, it s best to bring a sweater because these underground tunnels can be chilly! Lost Souls Alley, another of Krakow s newest attractions, is an eerie and unique museum that is not for the faint of heart. Inspired by horror novels and films, this interactive museum is dedicated to scaring patrons as much as possible. There are live ghouls and chainsaw-wielding killers who chase visitors around. There are also more cerebral activities, such as puzzles to solve. Anyone who plans to visit some of Poland s historic churches will want to explore the Stained Glass Museum. In addition to seeing a variety of beautifully crafted stained glass, visitors can attend a workshop that shows how these works of art are made.

9 Outdoor Activities In addition to exploring the culture of Krakow, travelers can enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Panienskie Skaly, or Maidens Rocks, is a nature reserve located in the Las Wolski part of western Krakow. A path through a forest leads to a fascinating formation of rocks. This is an excellent place to experience nature while still being within the city limits. Another wondrous natural attraction near the city is the Meadows of Krakow. Both locals and travelers enjoy walking, jogging and cycling on the paths of these meadows, which are close to two of Poland s most popular football stadiums. Many events, such as music festivals, take place here in the summer. There s also a public park nearby, which has a swimming pool, basketball courts and other recreational facilities. There is so much to do in Krakow, as well as surrounding areas, that it s easy to spend an entire vacation there. The Polish are a proud and friendly people who are glad to share their culture with visitors.

10 Come Find Your Story Polish National Tourist Office North America For more information about Poland 5 Marine View Plaza Suite 303 b Hoboken, NJ Phone: mailto:info.na@poland.travel Copyright 2015 Polish National Tourist Office North America, All rights reserved. unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences