Krakow: Poland's 'Cultural Capital'

The city that gave the world both Copernicus and Pope John Paul II is home to outstanding examples of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture and one of the world's oldest universities

We got off our PKP Intercity Express train from Berlin just after 6 p.m. Even though it was February and well past sundown, the weather was clear and mild, so we decided to walk from the main train station, Krakow Główny, to our guest house in the Old Town.

Krakow is very pedestrian- and bike-friendly. The Planty is a city park and greenspace that traces the route of the old medieval city wall. It has a lot of walking and biking paths that are useful for both getting around and - in warmer weather - recreation.

There is also a good network of separated, paved bike paths running through the city. If you’re not up for that, the city also has an extensive tram and bus network that is affordable and easy to use. We bought a 72-hour transit ticket covering all local trams and buses for 50 zloty (about 12.30 US or 11.52 euros).

Know Before You Go

If you are worried about not speaking Polish, don’t be. We have had no problem navigating almost everywhere here in English, with some few basic Polis…