One of the largest and best restored historic city centers in Europe was designated World Heritage site already in 1978. Today, the old town district in the city of Krakow, Poland is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from across the world. Beautiful antique houses, castles and churches provide an endless stream of sights for a curious tourist.

Krakow is a big city (about 800 000 inhabitants), a renowned tourist destination, but even in the old town center you can move around without a feeling that half of Europe has decided to visit the city the same day as you. Streets are not narrow alleys like they tend to be in many other historic European towns, and the central market square, established in the 13th century, is one of the largest in Europe.

The market square Stare Miasto is the natural center of the city but the nearby Wawel Hill is regarded a center, too. The castle, churches and houses at the Wawel Hill are the original power center of Krakow. About a thousand years ago the kingdom of Poland was established with Krakow as its capital, and Wawel Hill as its center.

Continental cafe and restaurant culture is dynamic and definitely worth experiencing in Krakow. Tourism services are good – everything a traveler needs can be found in the city. English is widely spoken.

In Krakow’s historic center, every building has a story to tell. The tourist information web site has the details, as well as an overview on sights outside the historic city center.

Krakow is located in south Poland, not far from the country’s border with Czech Republic and Slovakia. Germany and Ukraine are Poland’s neighbors as well, although they are further away from Krakow.

Krakow is well connected to the highway and railway networks of the rest of Europe. An international airport is located 11 km from the city center. If you arrive by car like I did, the good news is that traffic was flowing well on the main roads that circle the city center. I found places to park (paid parking but payment cards were accepted) along the streets that branch away from the city center. Before driving across the border to Poland, you should view this article about road tolls.

Krakow was the capital of Poland until 1611 – excluding a few short periods – when Warsaw was made the new capital. As Krakow’s geographical location in Central Europe indicates, the city has been in the center of many important events during its existence, giving the city a remarkably rich culture.