Quick look
What To See
Eating Out
Sleepover
Getting There

Krakow, the former capital of Poland, owes a debt to British budget carriers. EasyJet and Ryan Air have opened up this little jewel, which is just over 2 hours from the UK as the budget airline flies. And it’s well worth a short break. Three days is ideal. We arrived in sub-zero temperatures in late March, with light snow falling and, two days later, as we prepared to jet home, it was plus eight and ideal weather for walking and sightseeing.

Everything in this compact city is within easy reach and, if your legs have had enough, then hop on a horse-driven carriage.

What To See : Back to top

If you fancy a small refreshment, then hundreds of inexpensive bars and cafes are at hand. Delicious, home-made apple pie, apple pancakes with cinnamon and two coffees: £6.

Shopping in the area around the pedestrianised Market Square and in The Cloth Hall allows the visitor ample scope. Karkow is quirky. For example, every hour, on the hour, a trumpeter plays a short tune, a tradition dating back to the time of the Tartars, from the imposing St Mary’s Church in the main square.

Outside the city, near the Zoo, is the man-made Mound of Krakow which provides an impressive overview of the city. There are impressive tourist attractions like the Wawel Royal Castle and cathedral where Pope John Paul II presided over for ten years as Bishop of Karkow.

Explore the Kazimierz, the historic Jewish district of Krakow, where Oskar Schindler employed Jews as slave labour in his factory, saving them from almost certain death. Schindler’s story was the basis for Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning film Schindler’s List.

Of course, Krakow lives in the shadow of the ghastly Auschwitz concentration camp where so many met their death. It’s one hour from Krakow by car and it’s a harrowing visit.

The salt mines, on the other side of the city, are impressive and a wonderful contrast to the horrors of Auschwitz.

Eating Out : Back to top

Eating out ranges from traditional to American. If you prefer kebabs then Krakow is for you and there are a host of pizza restaurants as well. We tried traditional. Polskie Jado, which claims to provide the best Polish cuisine, was a huge disappointment but Sioux, one of nine American-style outlets in Poland, was great. Two steaks, well served, for just over £20.

Sleepover : Back to top

We stayed at the five-star Grand Hotel. It was clean and comfortable and the 19th century property was seconds from the main square.

Getting There : Back to top

Both easyjet and ryanair fly daily to Krackow. For flight and airport availability visit www.easyjet.com or www.ryanair.com

So, if you have a gap to fill then hop on a plane. You’ll enjoy Krakow.

Nigel Duncan