Kraków/West

• Błonia ParkBig meadow next to the centre of Kraków. It was used as a grazing field by villagers since the 12th century. In the 19th century swamps were drained and Błonia became suitable for large gatherings - Napoleon troops salute happened here, masses celebrated by popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI and concerts such as Selector Festival.

• Kościuszko MoundThe mound was built by Polish people in 1820s to commemorate a national hero - Tadeusz Kościuszko. In the 1850s Austrian authorities built a Neogothic chapel and a citadel around the mound, it was used as a strategic lookout. Today there is a museum dedicated to Kościuszko's life and the mound. Great views of the city from the top.

• Piłsudski MoundSimilar structure constructed in the 1930s.

• Las Wolski ForestBiggest green area in Kraków has several hiking and bike routes and interesting places to see.

• Kraków Zoological GardenMost interesting specimen include two Indian elephants, pygmy hippopotamuses and Przewalski horses.

• Villa Decius Palace and Park Complex

  address: ul. 28 Lipca 1943 17a
  Renaissance residence from the 16th century inspired by those around Rome and Florence.

• Bronisław Chromy Sculpture GalleryA gallery and a cafe located in Decius Park.

Churches

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• Camaldolese Priory of Bielany was built by Walenty von Säbisch and Andrea Spezza and was founded by Mikołaj Wolski and Sebastian Lubomirski in 1603 in early baroque style on the top of the Silver Mountain, called then St. Stanislaw Hills. It has one of the most beautiful baroque facades in Europe. The chapels are very rich in baroque art designed by Franciszek Placidi and Jan Falconi. There are also baroque paintings by Tomasz Dolabella and Piotr Brygierski. It is not easy to get into the church. Male tourist are allowed to visit it only on one day in the year. The church and monastery are still used by the Camaldolese monks, who are not allowed to get outside, talk or see women.
• The Church of St Augustine and St John the Baptist and the Norbertines monastery was founded in 1162 by Jaksa Gryfita. The original buildings were destroyed during the first Tatar invasion in 1241. Soon a new Gothic church was built, of which a section of the walls and the Romanesque portal survived. The complex was rebuilt in 1596 and the interior was renewed in 1777 by Sebastian Sierakowski, who created a classicist composition.
• The Church of St Salvator on Bronisława Hill was built in the 10th century in Pre-Romanesque style. In 1148 it got a new Romanesque shape. The church was partly rebuilt in early baroque style and the tower was added. The church is surrounded by the former parish cemetery of Zwierzyniec.
• Salvator Cemetery is next to Washington ave. on the way to Kościuszko Mound. Well-known science-fiction author Stanisław Lem is buried here among other prominent Polish people.
• Rakowicki Cemetery, north from the Main Train Station. One of the most important Polish cemeteries. Artists, writers and politicians such as Helena Modrzejewska, Jan Matejko and Wisława Szymborska are buried here.

Museums

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• National Museum in Krakow - Main Building

  phone: +48 12 29 55 500
  address: al. 3 Maja 1
  Three permanent exhibitions on three floors, from top: 20th-Century Polish Art, Gallery of Decorative Art, Arms and Uniforms in Poland, the first most worth seeing. On ground floor city's best temporary art exhibitions.

• Museum of History of Photography

  address: ul. Józefitów 16
  Permanent exhibition "From the history of photography" shows works of Polish photographers since 1850s till WW2. Several temporary exhibitions a year on both documentary and art photography. Unfortunately underfinanced.

• The Home Army Museum

  address: ul. Wita Stwosza 12
  Museum dedicated to Polish underground movement (during and after World War II) and its armed forces.

Theatres

• STU Scene

  address: al. Krasińskiego 16-18

• Krakow Opera

  phone: +48 12 296 61 00
  address: ul. Lubicz 48

Cinemas

• Kijów

  address: al. Krasińskiego 34
  For a long time (until multiplexes arrived) the biggest cinema in Krakow, interesting modernist building from 1960s. Hits, old Polish movies, concerts.

• Mikro

  address: ul. Lea 5
  European, art cinema, retrospectives.

• Multikino

  address: ul. Dobrego Pasterza 128
  Far from centre. Multiplex.

• Waterpark

  address: ul. Dobrego Pasterza 126

• China Palace

  address: ul. Mackiewicza 14B
  Chinese cuisine. Beware - large portions.

• 27 Porcji

  phone: +48 502 439 997
  address: Aleja Kasztanowa 1
  Seasonal and fresh polish cuisine located in the green scenery of Park Decjusza.

Budget

• Smok Campsite

  phone: +48 12 429 83 00
  address: ul. Kamedulska 18
  Open whole year. Around 4 km from the centre. Rooms are also available.

• Elephant on the Moon

  phone: +48 695 949 604
  address: ul. Biale Wzgorze 8
  Quite different than usual Krakow hostel, located outside centre, in a peaceful neighborhood, has a flower garden and eco-friendly ideas. It has won prizes for good atmosphere.

• Clepardia campsite

  phone: +48 12 415 96 72
  address: ul. Pachońskiego 28 A
  Open 15 April - 15 October. Bungalow rental, free WiFi, swimming pool maybe. Good public transport connection to the centre, shops, restaurants and a park in the vicinity.

• Oleandry Youth Hostel

  address: ul. Oleandry 4
  Discounts for IYHF card holders.

• Hostel Premium

  phone: +48 12 292 22 11
  address: ul. Pomorska 2
  Rooms for 1-4 and dorms for up to 8 people. All with ensuite facilities, all with TV, SAT, and internet connection (cable or wi-fi).

• Student HoteleChain of college dormitories that open up available rooms both during the school year and in the summer (in summer it's cheaper!) Prices vary and so does quality. Try Hotel Żaczek first for it's the closest one to the Old Town, Żaczek has singles, doubles, triples, and quads available with and without baths.

Mid-range

• Hotel Florian

  phone: +48 12 413 62 62, +48 12 413 37 37
  address: Ul.Czerwonego Prądnika 19
  Three star hotel.

• Hotel Twierdza

  address: ul. Do Fortu 8, Zielonki
  Three star hotel in the former 19th century Austrian fort (part of Festung Krakau). Additional attractions: paintball, quads, etc.

• Witek Hotel & Conference Centre

  phone: +48 66 23 500
  You can find this hotel on the outskirts of the city, in the picturesque surroundings of the Krakow-Czestochowa Jurassic Upland. Hotel is 6 km away from airport and 8 km from the Old Town.

Splurge

• Novotel Krakow Centrum

  phone: +48 12 2992900
  address: ul. Tadeusza Kościuszki 5
  Four stars, leisure centre with swimming pool, sauna, etc. 198 rooms.