Krakow, Poland’s thriving royal city, has become a must-see destination on any Eastern European swing. With its combination of history, cultural diversity and unsurpassed nightlife, Krakow offers a relatively inexpensive, yet unforgettable experience.

Krakow is a beautiful and highly accessible city sitting upon the Vistula River in southern Poland. Whatever preconceptions one has about Eastern Europe – drab grey buildings, old ladies in babushkas complaining about Communists, potatoes by the truckload – throw them away. Krakow is vibrant and varied. It is several cities in one, and all of them are worth seeing.

It is a historical city. Krakow dates from at least the 7^th century, but rose to prominence in the 10^th century and was the capital of Poland from 1038 to 1596. The oldest buildings in the city are its churches and its defenses. The earliest settlements were on the Wawel Hill, where today one can find the Wawel Cathedral and the former Royal residences. The current Wawel Cathedral dates mostly from the 16^th century, but the impressive tombs are much older.

Passing into the old town, the Stare Miasto, through St. Florian’s Gate is like going back through time. You emerge onto Ulica Florianska and, in the distance, the 14^th century St. Mary’s Basilica rises above the main town square, or Rynek Glowny. It would be easy to imagine being 500 years in the past, if not for the eclectic clothing styles of the young and old. Take the time to explore the narrow streets of the old town, enjoying the ambiance with tourists and locals alike.

And therein lies one of the many charms of Krakow – no area has become overrun with tourists. Locals abound at every turn. Maybe they don’t get from point A to point B in the horse carriages, but even in the crowded Rynek Glowny street cafés, you are just as likely to see a group of local students or co-workers enjoying an afternoon latte as you are to encounter tourists. But you will hear languages from all over the world. Passing by tables, it is easy to go from hearing Polish to English to French to Spanish to Japanese. The world is coming to Krakow.

As long as the weather cooperates, Krakow is an easy city for taking a walk. The three main areas of the city, the old town, Wawel, and Kazimierz, are within two miles of each other. And walking between the sections can lead to hidden gems. Walk from Wawel castle to Rynek Glowny along Ulica Kanonicza, one of the most beautiful streets in Krakow. At the end is a small Franciscan monastery, and Krakow’s archaeological museum (ul. Senacka 3). Vehicle traffic is restricted in the old town, so walk around and enjoy the freedom, but keep your eyes open.

Kazimierz is the old Jewish neighborhood now revitalized with cafes, hotels and a few synagogues, once again active after years of dormancy. The center of this revival is Ulica Szeroka , a street adjacent to the old Jewish cemetery. The Old Synagogue (ul. Szeroka 24) is now a museum housing exhibits on Jewish traditions and the history of Krakow’s Jews.

Every night Krakow comes alive, and it caters to every taste. There are quiet wine bars and cafés where you could even get away with reading a book by candlelight. There are loud nightclubs that stay open well into the night. Whatever mood you are in, and however confident you are in your dance moves, Krakow has a spot where you can feel comfortable and relaxed.

This is also an intellectual city, and Krakovians are proud of that reputation. Jagiellonian University is the oldest university in Poland, founded in 1364, and one of the oldest in Europe. Among its famous and celebrated students have been Nicolaus Copernicus and Pope John Paul II. The university is located near the Old Town and worth a visit. Collegium Maius dates from the 15^th Century and has a beautiful courtyard that is open during the day, free of charge. The building hosts the Jagiellonian University Museum, open Monday – Saturday (hours vary).

There are dozens of museums in the city, housing everything from art to archeological finds. The two most important are the Polish National Museum’s main building, and the Czartoryski Museum. Krakow is also well known for its many theaters and even for its puppet shows. Regular shows are in Polish, but there are frequent special events for tourists.

Best of all, Krakow won’t break your budget. Things just tend to be less expensive, but that does not mean that quality suffers. Europe is an expensive place, so it is nice to find an area of relief from high prices. From food to nightlife to shopping, great deals can be found in this fun and vibrant city.