The only major city to escape the destruction of World War II, Krakow has one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in all of Europe. The Old Town is a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site and retains a wealth of architectural gems from different periods, with magnificent churches and aristocratic palaces lining the old streets, reminiscent of its glorious days when it was the abode of kings and royalty. At the heart of the city lies one of the grandest squares in Europe, the Old Market Square.

The charming Old Town is a compact area encircled by leafy parkland that forms a green belt around the historic centre. The main entrance to the old city was through the Florian Gate, set within the original city walls, now the haunt of artists and full of galleries containing their work. With a thriving cultural life, it has been home to many of the nation's greatest writers, artists and intellectuals, and is one of the main cultural centres in the country, a spirited city with personality and charisma.

Overlooking the city is Wawel Hill, topped by the striking Royal Castle and Cathedral, the seat of Polish kings for seven centuries and the symbols of Polish national history. Also important is the city's Jewish roots, and the history of one of the great Jewish centres in Europe can clearly be seen in the old ghetto area of Kazimierz, and starkly remembered in the memorial death camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau, west of Krakow.

Situated on the banks of the Vistula River, Krakow is also a modern city, the third largest in Poland, and an important university centre boasting the oldest university in Europe. The large student population creates a lively atmosphere and a vibrant nightlife. Countless cafes and outdoor restaurants surround the cobbled main square. The unique atmosphere of this medieval city has made it one of Poland's most popular tourist destinations.

Main Market Square (Rynek Glówny)

Address: Krakow

Wawel

Address: Krakow

Admission: Castle attractions range from 3 PLN to 24 PLN. Concessions are available Wawel Hill: Open daily from 6am until dusk. The various castle attractions are open on Mondays from 9.30am to 12pm; Tuesdays and Fridays from 9.30am to 4pm; Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9.30am to 3pm; and Sundays from 10am to 3pm. The Royal Private Apartments are closed on Mondays. The Cathedral is open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and on Sundays from 12.15pm

Telephone: (0)12 422 1697 or 422 5155 ext 291

Kazimierz District and the Old Synagogue

Address: Old Synagogue: Ulica Szeroka 24 Krakow

Admission: Old Synagogue: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 3.30pm; Friday from 11am to 6pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

Telephone: (0)12 422 0962

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Address: Ul. Danilowicza 10, Wieliczka Krakow

Admission: 48 PLN, with concessions available. Guided tours only. A 10 PLN fee is charged for taking photos and filming Open daily from 7.30am to 7.30pm (April to October), and 8am to 5pm (November to March). Closed on major holidays

Telephone: (12) 278 7302

Auschwitz Memorial Museum

Address: Ul. Wiezniow Oswiecimia 20 Krakow

Admission: Free. Documentary film is 2 zlotys Daily from 8am to 3pm (December to February); from 8am to 4pm (March and November); from 8am to 5pm (April and October); from 8am to 6pm (May and September); and from 8am to 7pm (June, July and August)

Telephone: +48 (0)33 843 2022/844 2077

Galicia Jewish Museum

Address: Ul. Dajwor 18 Krakow

Admission: 15 PLN (adults) and 8 PLN (concessions) Daily from 9am to 7pm in the summer, and from 9.30am to 5.30pm in the winter. Closed on Yom Kippur

Telephone: (12) 421 6842

Piwnica pod Baranami

Address: Main Market Square, Krakow Krakow

Bieszczady Mountains

Address: Krakow