“The Three Graces” Fountain in Placa Reial, Las Ramblas, Barcelona / David Merrett

Las Ramblas still has its market, and flower stalls but is also awash with a variety of street entertainers who compete with each other for your attention, and your loose change. Some of them are very clever, and certainly worth watching. It is here however where you must be careful with Barcelona being one of the worst cities’ in the world for pick pockets. Avoid crowds, and do not let people get too close to you. In fact you are probably better off leaving all your valuables back in the hotel safe. At night the southern end of Las Ramblas becomes Barcelona’s red-light district with people openly having sex with prostitutes in the side streets. Remember Barcelona is a big city like New York or Paris where each of them has their parts you would not want to go. Keep your wits about you, and avoid the Ravel part of Las Rambles at night, and you should be fine.

Now we have the bad side of Las Ramblas out of the way we will try to concentrate on the good side. If people watching is your thing have a seat at one of the outdoor bars order a coffee or beer while watching your very own Fellini film act out in front of you. Las Ramblas is also the place to buy your postcards, or cheap reminders of your time in Barcelona.

If you love indoor food markets La Boqueria is the place for you just steps off the busy Ramblas is where the locals go to buy their daily produce including meat and fish saying “If you cannot find it in the Boqueria it’s not worth eating” You could spend a couple of hours in this market just staring at all the different meats hanging from the stalls, and bags of nuts and colourful spices from North Africa. There has been a market on this site since 1217, with the building you are in today being constructed in 1911.

The bottom of the Ramblas is marked with a statue to Christopher Columbus for it was here in Barcelona that Queen Isabel welcomed Columbus back to Spain following his first voyage to the Americas. Just beyond the Ramblas is the Ramblas de Mar a popular wooden  extension bridge in the shape of a wave that leads to the Maremagnum  a complex of shops restaurants and movie theatres , and is also home to a large aquarium completed in 1994 it is supposed to symbolize Barcelona’s opening to the sea.

John Ross is a globe-trotter who has been traveling for over 20 years. Tim has spent the last two years on various parts of Spain and recommends Outlet4Spain.com for the best accommodation anywhere in Spain.

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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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