Kraków

Kraków, unlike Warsaw, largely escaped World War II destruction, preserving its magnificent medieval core as a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the vast Main Market Square has hosted traders for centuries.

It remains a city of artistic and intellectual gravitas, a living storybook of kings and alchemists, yet acts as a perfect gateway to astonishing underground wonders like the Wieliczka Salt Mine and the dramatic peaks of the Tatra Mountains.

Fly into:

• Kraków John Paul II International Airport KRK

Kraków's center is best explored on foot. Trams and buses cover longer distances efficiently. For Wieliczka, a local train or bus takes about 30 minutes. Zakopane is a 2-3 hour bus or train ride, best done as an organised day tour for ease.

Catch the hourly trumpet call from St. Mary's Basilica in the Main Market Square, a centuries-old tradition. Spend evenings in Kazimierz, where countless bars and cafes spill onto the streets, often with live jazz. Locals enjoy lingering over coffee and cake in the many historic cafes.

Best in Spring

Spring: mild days around 12-18C, cool evenings, with pleasant sunshine and occasional showers.

• comfortable walking shoes for city exploration
• layers, including a light jacket for evenings
• a small backpack for day trips
• reusable water bottle