Kraków is a treasure chest of culture and architecture, with exuberant nightlife pulsing in the alleys and basement venues of the old town. The Cloth Hall of the Rynek Główny central square was a trading place as early as the 13th century, and the royalty of Poland held their court in the Renaissance Castle of Wawel for five hundred years. It is no wonder then that Kraków has more historic buildings, monuments and art treasures than any other place in Poland.

The bohemian Kazimierz, an old Jewish section of the city, and the old town are the two most charming areas in Kraków. Run-down synagogues and low-profile residential quarters have been restored, and alternative cultures now flourish. New restaurants and bars open constantly. The history of Kazimiertz is brought to life in photographs at the Galicja Museum: 40,000 Kraków Jews were persecuted and killed during World War II. The museum also organises trips to the old concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau.