Living in Kraków...

...means living in the most beautiful city in the world. Here is the kingdom of cosy lovely cafes, secret places on the Main Square, mounds from which you can see the whole city and others. Kraków is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Situated on the Vistula River (Polish: Wisła) in the Lesser Poland region, the city dates back to the 7th century. Kraków obtained rights as a city in 1257 and since then has largely survived in its original form. The city has a population of approximately 760,000 whereas about 8 million people live within a 100 kilometers radius of its main square. Kraków has traditionally been one of the leading centers of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life and is one of Poland's most important economic hubs. The Old Town attracts visitors from all over the world.

The historic centre is one of 14 places in Poland that are included on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The architectural design of the Old Town has survived many cataclysms of the past and has retained the original form that was established in medieval times. Throughout the year the Old Town is lively and crowded.There are many tourists, indefatigable florists, and lined up horse-drawn carriages waiting to give a ride. The place is always vibrant with life especially in and around the Main Market Square, one of the biggest squares in Europe. Tourist attractions such as the Town Hall Tower, the Sukiennice (also known as the Cloth Hall), old tenements with fine shops, and Adam Mickiewicz Monument are all located there. While near the monument, one can listen to the heynal, which is played each hour from the highest tower of St. Mary's Church. The friendly and welcoming people await for tourist, especially students in Kraków!

What can you see in Kraków?

Kraków is the heart of Polish culture and is immersed in history. Whether you come here to relax, to party, or to soak up the history and the culture, you won't be disappointed. The city has numerous cafees, restaurants, museums, bars and clubs will keep you coming back for more.

Best free things you can do or see in Krakow:

1. Main Square - of course :)
Although this is probably one of the most touristy spots in Krakow, it's likely you'll end up here at some point. Instead of being put off by the tourist masses, why not take pleasure in observing the various artists and performers, many of whom are actually very talented!

2. Kopiec Kraka - offers splendid views of the city. It costs nothing to climb up this ancient mound and the views of Kazimierz and the Old Town are one of a kind.

3. The Wisla Boulevards along both sides of the legendary Wisla River are perfect for a stroll, a jog and even a picnic. Take a bike, a book or a loved one with you and enjoy the calm atmosphere and scenic views. It's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

4. Visit the oases of Skałki Twardowskiego & Zakrzówek - once closed and filled with water, the old limestone quarry Skałki Twardowskiego now offers a turquoise oasis just a short ride from the city centre. The biking and hiking paths in the surrounding forest make it a great place for a break and some fresh air. It's also in the vicinity of Zakrzowek Reservoir. Although unfortunately you're not allowed to swim here, you can take scuba diving lessons.

5. Plac Nowy - is the living, beating heart of Kazimierz brimming with flea markets and antique bazaars. Fresh produce, sweets and random rubbish are sold here constantly, but the real highlights are definitely the weekend markets.

6. Jewish District Kazimierz is a historical district of Kraków Old Town, Poland. For many centuries, Kazimierz was a place of coexistence and interpenetration of Christian and Jewish cultures, its north-eastern part of the district was historic Jewish, whose Jewish inhabitants were forcibly relocated in 1941 by the German occupying forces in the Kraków ghetto in Podgórze. Today Kazimierz is one of the major tourist attractions of Kraków and an important center of cultural life of the city.

7. Wawel is a fortified architectural complex erected over many centuries atop a limestone outcrop on the left bank of the Vistula river in Krakow, Poland, at an altitude of 228 meters above sea level. The complex consists of many buildings and fortifications; the largest and best known of these are the Royal Castle and the Wawel Cathedral which is the Basilica of St Stanisław and St Wacław). Some of Wawel's oldest stone buildings, such as the Rotunda of the Virgin Mary can be dated to 970. There are also wooden parts of the complex which date to about the 9th century. The castle itself has been described as "one of the most fascinating of all European castles."

Krakow is also a major centre of education. Twenty-four institutions of higher education offer courses in the city, with more than 200,000 students! This makes the city has its own unique, student atmosphere, teeming with life in the evenings in bars, cafes and discos. Another advantage is the excellent Polish cuisine for example: pierogi and bigos. If you are a connoisseur of good food, all of these scrumptious Polish dishes will rock your world :)