While you could easily spend a few months exploring the many corners of Krakow, should you be heading there just for a week, or even for a weekend, there are a number of key experiences that really should not be missed. I will now outline seven perfect ways to spend your time in this beautiful city.

1. People Watching at Rynek Glowny

Those that just want to sit and watch the world go by, would be hard pushed to find a better place in the whole of Europe. Krakow’s main square is not only the largest in Europe, it is also lined with over forty outdoor bars and restaurants. Regardless of whether you want to enjoy a light breakfast or an evening beer, you are sure to find the perfect place to sit and simply take in the scene. Day or night, the square is a hive of activity with an eclectic mix of both locals and tourists, bikes and horse drawn carriages.

Rynek Gowny, Krakow’s central Grand Square / Ana Paula Hirama

2. A Romantic Meal in Kasimeirz

The old Jewish district of Kasimeirz is one of Krakow’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan areas. At it’s center is, of course, a small square lined with bars and cafes but the real prize can be found in the many winding streets packed with quaint cafes and small art galleries. Incredibly popular with both students and tourists alike, no visit to Krakow would be complete without at least one night exploring this side of town. It is also the best place to go for romantic meal for two.

3. Explore the Hectic Nightlife

The two best places for a night out in Krakow are the Rynek Glowny area and Kasimeirz. The area around the main square is the part of Krakow that officially has more bars per square mile than anywhere else in Europe and there are countless clubs that don’t close until dawn. Kasimeirz on the other hand, while still offering it’s fair share of clubs, is known for it’s many chilled out student bars ideal for a few drinks in a significantly quieter environment.

4. Shopping at Galeria Krakowska

Located immediately next to the cities main train station, this shining example of just how fast Poland’s economy is growing immediately dispels any misconceptions that tourists may have about Eastern European cities. Encompassing three floors, countless fountains and an endless selection of designer clothing stores, those who love to shop will feel perfectly at home here. A wide range of dining options are available on the top floor, making the shopping center the perfect place for a relaxing day out.

Auschwitz-Birkenau, Oświęcim, near Krakow / Ian Rutherford

5. Explore Poland’s Tragic Past

Although Krakow offers visitors many illustrations of the atrocities of World War II, few are as harrowing as excursions to nearby Auschwitz. What remains of the largest German concentration camp has been open to tourists for many years and the wide range of tours available are both harrowing and highly educational. Although certainly not a pleasant day in the sun, a visit to this museum of one of humanities darkest times is not something that you are ever likely to forget.

6. A Romantic Walk Along the Vistula River

Culminating in the towering Wawel Castle, a stroll along the Vistula river is a wonderful way to spend a sunny day or a romantic evening. And thanks, to it’s convenient route, pointing the way from Rynek Glowny to Kasimeirz, the walk can easily be fit into even the shortest of visits to Krakow. Should you have the time however, why not hire a bike and really take advantage of the peaceful views on offer.

7. Visit the Tatra Mountains

The popular mountain town of Zakopane is just a two hour bus ride from Krakow and not only offers some fantastic hiking opportunities in Summer, it transforms into the most popular skiing resort in Poland each Winter. Many people are surprised to learn that Poland actually offers some tremendous skiing opportunities and unlike the Swiss Alps, a few days in the snow can be had on a backpackers budget. A word of warning however, don’t take the train which for some strange reason takes twice as long as the bus.

Zakopane in High Tatras / Ana Paula Hirama

This article was written by guest blogger and travel writer Nick. He writes for Cruise1st.co.uk.

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Basic information
Maribor is an important transport hub, especially for those travelling from Central Europe to Croatia or from Eastern Europe to Italy. But this city deserve more, not just passing through. There are galleries, museums and also the university, which was founded in 1961. But the main attraction is the four hundred years old, still nascent, grape-vine in Lent – the oldest part of the city. Through the city flows the river Drava, where you can try a traditional raft ride.

History of Maribor
Maribor originated from the village below the Markburg castle. It was first mentioned in 1208, the name Maribor is used only since the late 19th century. There is also a large railway junction (the oldest railway crossing Slovenia) and the highway to Zagreb, Ljubljana and Graz. Until the World War I, there was a large minority of Germans living in Maribor. But they had to leave after the first, and then also after the Second World War, so now the city is purely Slovenian.

Old Vine (Stara trta)
The old grape-vine on the banks of Lent was discovered during the renovation of the port. It was found that this forgotten grape is perhaps the oldest in Europe (three hundred to four hundred years old). Ceremonial harvest of these precious berries of wine is at the end of October. However the wine of this origin can hardly be bought. You could get it only as a present and only if you are really very important visitor to the city of Maribor.

Maribor’s Squares
Core central area of ​​Maribor includes the Main Square (Glavni Trg) and Slomškov Square (Slomškov Trg). On the Main Square you can see the Plague Column made by the sculptor Joseph Straub, which commemorate the tragedy of 17th century, when a third of Maribor’s residents died of black death. On the same square you can admire the old Renaissance Town Hall (Rotovž), through you can walk to Town Hall Square (Rotovški Trg). On the Slomškov Square you can see the monumental church and great facade of the classicist theater.

Lent International Summer Festival
Bank of river Drava, formerly a major port or residence of rafters and small craftsmen, is now a promenade with many cafes and restaurants. It is suitable for pleasant walks. Lent is also a place of the annual international music, theater and entertainment festival. It is held for approximately two weeks at the end of June.

View Maribor – the second largest city in Slovenia in a larger map

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Mosta Dome, Malta by Väsk

Mosta is a peaceful city where you should spend at least few days of your holidays. Although it’s far away of the sea, this “lack” is replaced by the great number of monuments, the city look, nice atmosphere, many restaurants, shopping and entertainment centres. Mosta can be regarded as a quiet place, perfect for relaxing. On the streets you meet mainly Maltese, therefore the life here is not adapted to the hectic tourist style. Mosta is famous for a popular Beer Festival, which is regularly organized each summer. On the streets you can hear modern music and see the people dancing and the whole atmosphere is really unforgettable.

The symbol of Mosta is monumental parish Church of the Assumption of Our Lady known as Mosta Dome or simply Rotunda. It is the work of George Grognet de Vasse – the Maltese architect of French origin, who was inspired by the Roman Pantheon. The building is clearly visible from almost all parts of the island. It is the fourth largest dome in Europe and the third largest unsupported dome in the World.

Construction of Mosta Dome on main square began in 1833 and was completed about forty years later. The building was associated with many problems – perhaps the biggest problem and the most hated by the people was its circular ground plan, because the church looked like a pagan or a mosque. Mosta Dome began to be built as a shell over the older church, which was during the construction normally in operation until 1860. Another problem was lack of funding, therefore cupola was established without scaffolding.

At the entrance to the Mosta Dome you will be amazed of richly decorated interior. Ceiling is very similar, and similarly impressive as in the Roman Pantheon. Very beautiful is especially the main altar and paintings by renowned Maltese painter Giuseppe Cali.

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Archaeological Area and the Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia by Giovanni Dall’Orto

Soon after the completion of the main road, which connected the town to Altinum, Aquileia would grow to become a powerful and wealth commercial center. At the peak of its time, the town of Aquileia was home to more than 200,000 Romans. The city was known for its glassmakers.

In 452, the town was attacked by Attila the Hun and set ablaze. Many of the glassmakers who had helped make the town prosperous, relocated to the area surrounding the Venetian Lagoon. It is here at the lagoon that some of the most famous glass shops min the entire empire rose.

Archaeological Area, Aquileia, Italy by Zumzum

The town of Aquileia today is a park which is opened to the general public. Many of the ruins in Aquileia such as the forum, necropolis and harbor can be visited by year round by the general public. Many people also take the time to wander through the two neighborhoods in Aquileia that have been recently opened to the public as well. There are two different museums in Aquileia that house the many artifacts that have been uncovered over the years in the archeological dig sites located throughout Aquileia.

It is important to note that the original Roman basilica which had been built back in the 3rd century was destroyed during the attacks of Attila the Hun. The present day basilica was built on the ruins of the originally by order of the House of Savoy back in 1031.

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