Krakow

Learn more about Krakow

The capital of Poles' hearts, Krakow is one of the jewels of Central Europe. Book your hotel from our selection and let yourself be won over by the charms of this Polish beauty and its rich architectural heritage. Perfect for a cultural stay, Krakow's old town will take you through time across its 750 years of history. Between tradition and liveliness, culture and architecture, your stay promises to be unforgettable.

Churches, museums, palaces... Krakow is full of incredible monuments and rivals the most beautiful cities in Europe. During your visit to the city centre, stop at Rynek Główny, the largest market square in Europe, where musicians and horse-drawn carriages liven up the cobblestones. Once crossed by the kings of Poland, this square is home to the most spectacular church in Poland, St. Mary's Basilica, as well as the incredible Cloth Hall and the magnificent Wawel Castle. Wawel Castle is part of Poland's rich historical heritage and will give you a glimpse of the splendour of Italian Renaissance palaces.

Closely linked to John Paul II, Krakow is where the pope was born, and a sanctuary in his name preserves some of his relics, such as his mitre and papal cross.

Admire the streets of Krakow, built on a grid plan, and enjoy a festival of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural beauty. Stroll through the Planty, the gardens surrounding the old town, and discover Wawel Cathedral, today a national pantheon housing the mausoleum of the kings and great figures of Poland.

From your hotel, head to the Kazimierz district, where many upscale bars, trendy restaurants and lively nightclubs await you. Here, meet the locals gathered for a strong coffee or a beer around a table lit simply by candlelight. Share in the bohemian spirit of this chic district with its vintage feel.

For film lovers, Schindler's List was set in Kazimierz itself.

On the culinary side, go and taste pierogi, those famous sweet or savoury dumplings, in one of the city's milk bars. The last remnants of the communist era, milk bars served balanced and very cheap meals based on milk and cream in the 1960s. Today, they are still around and bring together elderly people, curious tourists and locals who come to enjoy an inexpensive meal.

How to get there

Krakow is served by direct flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle, Mulhouse-Basel and Lyon airports. Other airports also offer connecting flights to Krakow. Once at Krakow airport, take the train or the buses available to reach the city centre.