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Korzkiew Castle:

Korzkiew Castle

"This fourteenth century, knightly fortress is located in the picturesque Korzkiew Park and in the neighborhood of The Ojcow National Park, one of Poland's most beautiful and idyllic nature reserve. The castle owner is a descendant of the former inhabitants of the Korzkiew stronghold."

Hotel:

B&B Pokoje Go?cinne

Hotel:

Hotel Astoria

Hotel:

Hotel Classic

Hotel:

Hotel Floryan

Hotel:

Hotel Grodek (lux hotel)

Hotel:

Hotel Jan

Hotel:

Hotel Malta?ski (lux hotel)

Hotel:

Hotel Puget

Hotel:

Hotel Radisson SAS

Hotel:

Sheraton Krakow Hotel

Hotel:

Wielopole Guest Rooms

Restaurant & Cafe:

Aqua e Vino

""Promising Italian just off the Main Square" Aqua e Wino could well steal the show amongst Cracow's Italian restaurants. New for the Summer of 2005, this stylish restaurant is in fact run by an Italian, a rare but crucial factor when it comes to delivering the goods. The owners Roberto and Francesco have created an elegant, contemporary vibe, at the same time taking care to bring out the charm of this classic medieval cellar. The menu is wide-ranging, and chef Francesco promises to take you on a memorable adventure through the delights of Italian cuisine. The wines have been carefully selected from the vineyards of the motherland, and Roberto has one more trick up his sleeve - the wine of eternal life - make sure you give it a try in their smooth lounge bar! tel: +48 12 421 25 67"

Restaurant & Cafe:

Ariel

""Popular Jewish restaurant in the heart of Kazimierz" Ariel is something of an old stalwart in the Kazimierz district, and it has served as a cradle for the Klezmer revival, one of the of the most inspiring artistic phenomenons in today's Poland. Some of the most distinguished groups still play here, including Ira and Klezmer and the Cracow Klezmer Band. Ariel is also a popular choice for an old-fashioned Jewish dinner, with intriguing dishes such as stuffed goose necks (very old skool), and favourites such as Jewish dumplings and Herring in sour cream. You'll find Ariel at the heart of the Jewish district on the evocative Szeroka street, where they have four rooms inside a historic old townhouse. In Summer its a fine place to sit outside."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Bar Caffe Antonio

"Plac Wolnica has long been something of an unpolished diamond. But all's set to change in 2007. And it's places like Antonio Caffe that are making the difference. This is one of the most picturesque squares in Cracow, so it's good to know that you can now finally get a proper cup of coffee here. But Antonio has much more besides frothy cappuccinos. Take your pick from an array of sumptuous cakes and sorbets, or if you feel like something more savoury, have a browse through their italian lunch menu. The Italian owners have tracked down the best ingredients from Italy, so prepare for some mozzarella and prosciutto di Parma adventures, as well many other delicious snacks from Naples. The garden is a bonus for when the weather's off. Look out for Happy Hours!"

Restaurant & Cafe:

Bar Vega (Vegetarian)

""Popular and fresh vegetarian food bar" The second, and equally popular vegetarian food bar from the Bar Vega Group, this one on Krupnicza Street is also within ten minutes walk of the Rynek (Main Market Square), the chef of which (who is naturally also a vegetarian) promises to make each day different. We certainly discovered a wide selection of delicious and varied food, a relaxed atmosphere, with fireplace in the winter, and tables outside in the summer. Friendly staff and fresh food looks a winning combination, and the vegetarian fare a welcome break from more substantial meals elsewhere. Open daily from 9am until 9pm."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Bohema Restaurant

"Fancy furniture and elegantly-attired waiters are the order of the day at Bohema, but this cellar restaurant retains an informal atmosphere. A good selection of local and international food is well-presented, fairly priced and tasty, and complimented in the summer season by daily folk music concerts. Ideal for large groups, the airy basement is a change from many murky cellar establishments, and a favourite with visitors from overseas."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Cafe Sukiennice

""Vibrant restaurant in the heart of Main Square" A candle-lit dinner here places you right at the heart of the Old Town Square. In summer months, you can sit outside amongst the Renaissance arcades of the Cloth Hall - certainly a recipe for a good evening in itself. If Mother Nature is in a bad mood, Cafe Sukiennice's vibrant interior should raise the spirits. And to spice things up a bit there are regular Karaoke and fashion show nights. Cafe Sukiennice always looks full of fun, and has a great selection of Polish and International dishes. If you're not feeling peckish you can always drop by for a coffee - they pride themselves on a huge range from around the world."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Camera Cafe

""Chocolate delight on Wislna" Not having a sweet tooth is considered a great oddity in this country, and Camera looks sure to win many allies for its exploration of the chocolate kingdom. This cafe cum bar proclaims itself as Cracow's first chocolate bar. The attentive staff dish up all kinds of chocolate surprises amidst a beige and cream contemporary setting. Film stars peer down from the walls at all the cocoa-fuelled goings on. Non chocolate fans needn't feel left out - Camera does a fine cappucino and there some tasty savoury snacks too, with fine breakfasts and lunches available. And this being Poland, you can kick back with a cocktail or a beer at any time of day."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Cherubino

""Atmospheric cherub bedecked restaurant" One of the most popular restaurants in central Cracow, Cherubino offers fresh, hearty, Polish food cooked on an open elm-fired oven, with a dash of Tuscan cuisine thrown in for good measure. Add in the welcoming open fire during winter, and you have a terrific combination that brings locals and visitors back time after time, helped in good measure by the nineteenth-century horse-drawn carriage eating-booths (no mean hit with the kids), and cellar bar where you can drink until the early hours, presided over by a statue of Saint Paul."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Chlopskie Jadlo (Peasant Kitchen)

""Polish country food with a touch of theatre" Chlopskie Jadlo (Peasant kitchen) is one of the most well-known destinations in Cracow, popular with visitors and locals alike. The food is well-cooked, simple and delicious, and the portions suitably hearty to match the authentic peasant decor. Favourites for us are the golabki and the fried potatoes with garlic sauce that are utterly delicious, but will have you gulping litres of water (or something stronger) for the rest of the night. A big hit for the children is the hunk of bread complete with intimidating knife that arrives unbidden on your table. A must visit, but you should reserve one of their long bench tables or cosy sleighs in advance if you plan to eat at the weekend."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Coffee Republic

""The finest republic in Krakow" Dodge down this intimate side-street leading from the Rynek and you'll find Cracow's own Coffee Republic. It opens its doors at 8.30, and serves up one of the widest arrays of coffees available in the city, along with a good choice of sandwiches and cakes. There's also a lunch menu and later on, alcoholic drinks as well. Smart surroundings make this a good choice for a relaxed business meeting, but it also seems popular with tourists and students - many of whom come to read the up-to-date selection of magazines and newspapers (many in English) provided on the house. Open daily until midnight."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Crepes Kiki Mimi

""Crepes galore just beyond the Planty" It all started when some bright spark realized that this historic but rather dilapidated street was a favourite artery for students walking into the Old Town. One bar sprung up, then another, and before you knew it the entire street had been given a new lease of life. This little creperie is a handy port of call for those in search of tasty tucker for reasonable prices. They'll rustle up every variety you can think of, and afterwards, arty adventurers might pop into the Mehoffer Museum."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Dekafencja

"Like many other cafes in Cracow, the Cafe Dekafencja serves up coffee and cakes primarily to students in the mornings, and more serious alternatives as the day wears on. Having said that, the cafe side of things (Dekafencja) only gets underway at the respectable time of 11 in the morning. It's a good double-act, with a friendly atmosphere and plenty of good student cheer and dancing until the early hours. In good Cracow form, it stays open until the last guest leaves. Splendid."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Demmers Teehaus

"A real heaven for tea-lovers, Demmers is a Viennese firm which has opened up its second location in Poland (the other is in Warsaw) specialising in the sale and tasting of fine teas. On the shelves of this intriguing shop you'll find over 100 varieties of teas from all over the world, amongst which a couple of specialities of the house, namely: Wawelska and Chopin. Located on arguably Cracow's most picturesque street, you are welcome to sample the teas in the 13th-century cellars of the Archdiocese Museum, and, during the summer months, in the stunning courtyard. Friendly, smart service compliments the elegant aroma of tea!"

Restaurant & Cafe:

Dynia Cafe (Pumpkin Cafe)

""Small bites and interestingly named breakfast options" The 'Pumpkin' offers a breath of fresh air in Cracow's dining scene. One of the aces up its sleeve is the superb range of light bites, not least the breakfasts which come in all shapes and sizes. Besides your familiar cereals, scrambled eggs and so forth, you can also order up intriguing combinations such as a 'Starved Student', 'Mama's Boy' or 'Health Nut.' And despite the hip, contemporary decor the prices remain eminently reasonable, which means that starved students aren't left out in the cold. Drop by later in the day and you'll find daily soups, salads, pastas and decent chicken and pork dishes. When weather permits, the garden is an outright winner."

Restaurant & Cafe:

El Pueblo

""A traditional taste of Mexico" A highly popular and well-known traditional Mexican restaurant, Taco Mexicano has been on the Cracow restaurant scene for at least ten years. With many cosy rooms on the ground floor, and extra space in the cellar, a patio and the "Lopez" room, coupled with friendly service and the best burritos and enchilladas in town, it's not surprising that Taco Mexicano has become such a firm favourite in the city. The impressive array of tequilas to choose from also keeps the atmosphere suitably cheerful and fun."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Europejska Cafe

""Upmarket, elegant cafe on the Market Square" This cafe, with its long tradition, is located in the old rooms of a classic building on the Rynek (Market Square), with views towards the Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) and St Mary's Church. It has a stylish Secession interior, English bar and many other charming details, which create an elegant and intimate climate. In the summer, Europejska opens up its tables on the Rynek, in a splendid little garden, where they serve up breakfasts and lunches. Later on you can enjoy dinner as well as delicious coffee and cakes."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Koffeina - Internet Cafe

""Handy cafe with phones and internet" An indispensable port of call on the Market Square, not only because Koffeina serves great coffee, but also as travellers will find several private phone booths where you can make international calls. And given that a superb internet cafe in is joined on, you may find that this becomes your second home in the Dragon city. Like any self-respecting Cracovian cafe, Koffeina holds regular exhibitions and there are snacks for the peckish. During the Winter months you can take your pick from three different hot chocolates - it's safe to say that Poles like variety!"

Restaurant & Cafe:

Miod Malina (Honey Raspberry)

""Folky Polish restaurant on the Royal Way" Grodzka is one of the prettiest streets in the Old Town and spare lots here are like gold dust. Restaurateurs have been quick to spot the charms of this laid back corner and with the arrival of Miod Malina (Honey Raspberry) it looks like the last of the lots has been snapped up. Well, they've got the location, now it's time for the chef to see if he can work some magic. In the Polish sphere, house specialities include Duck in a plum and mushroom sauce, as well as the much-loved pierogi. It's a relaxed kind of place where you can also drop in for a coffee, glass of wine or beer. The decor has a rustic feel, with cosy yellows and reds setting the tone. Prices won't break the bank. All in all, plenty of potential."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Moment Cafe, Bar & Music

"This swanky new cafe on Jozefa is not only a great place to pop into for a drink or three, but also offers its guests a tempting food menu. Ciabattas, pastas and salads served in big portions and at reasonable prices make for an ideal lunch stop, whilst the breakfast options are a snip at 5-7 PLN. Of course no gourmand will want to pass up the opportunity to try the house soup - the winner of the Krakow Soup Festival no less! (Cracow Life's own concoction came in at a very respectable third place). We can reveal that olives and cheese feature amongst the ingredients but the rest are a closely-guarded secret..."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Nostalgia

"Nostalgia was created out of nostalgia for good Polish food.The home cooking traditions dominate here, potato dumpling with wild mushrooms, duck in oranges, pierogi, all leave lasting memories on the tasting buds.The hosts are always in the restaurant, and can be easily recognised.Summer patio in the courtyard. Opening hours: 11 - 23"

Restaurant & Cafe:

Nowa Prowincja

""Stylish cafe on a charming street" Nowa Prowincja (New Province) is the sister outlet of one of Cracow's best-loved cafe's, Prowincja. The name and style may be unadventurous, but when you've got an atmosphere that's as beguiling as this, who's complaining? The new cafe has a cosy, barrel shaped room that's been painted a creamy shade of lilac. Marble-topped tables and plenty of candles keep the tone smooth and romantic. Worth bearing in mind is that Prowincja rustles up some of the most delectable cakes in town - those with a sweet tooth should not leave Cracow without trying their lemon meringue cake. Upstairs you'll find another unexpected treat - a little gem of a gallery that's hosts some eccentric shows."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Orient Ekspres

""A journey through European cuisine" Orient Ekspres pitches itself as a culinary journey from Paris to Istanbul without having to move yourself and, after a really good meal of hearty proportions here, you may not feel like too much walking yourself. Like many of the restaurants in Cracow, the proprietors have gone to great lengths with the decor - the booths come complete with luggage racks and old leather suitcases, and the service is welcoming and cheerful. Kids will adore it, so book your berth by telephone in advance. Shame some of the locals often mistake the name "Orient" as meaning Chinese. They're missing out on a real treat. Orient Ekspres also offer guest rooms with private baths and apartments. Rates are moderate and include breakfast. For reservations call Orient Ekspres."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Pizza & Pasta Mamma Mia

""Italian with a summer garden" Another welcome arrival in one of our favourite parts of town - the ever-evolving Karmelicka street. Drop in for some oven-baked pizza in a smooth and sultry setting. This is the kind of place that would be equally good for either a date or a casual evening with a bunch of friends. Besides the pizza and pasta, you can also take your pick from some meat and fishes dishes, as well as a range of salads. Pretty soon Karmelicka will be as ... as it was in the 1930's."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Pod Aniolami (Under the Angels)

"Without doubt one of the top restaurants in Cracow, and with a whole raft of awards to prove it, Pod Aniolami (Under the Angels) is famous for its marinated meats, cooked on an elm wood-fired grill, as well as other traditional specialities. The restaurant can be found along the "Royal Way" leading from Wawel Castle to the Rynek (Market Square), in a splendid 13th Century building. It's genuine Old Cracow, with its own medieval courtyard with a mosaic-encrusted fountain to prove it."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Prowincja Cafe

""Cosy and popular cafe on Bracka Street" ul. Bracka is one of the most charming streets in Cracow's Old Town, with a great collection of cafes and restaurants, amongst which Prowincja is one of the most popular, and famous for its split-level seating and cosy upstairs minstrel's gallery. It all kicks off with a choice of rather good breakfasts in the morning, delicious coffee, and healthy lunch food later on, with dishes such as broccoli quiche. Famous for its home-made cakes, Prowincja has a fiercely loyal clientele, and it's easy to understand why."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Restauracja Copernicus

""Gracious dining at the foot of Wawel" This is unquestionably one of the most elegant places to eat in Cracow, with charming frescoes on the walls and a lovely Renaissance ceiling. In different hands, some of the dishes on the menu might end up being rather heavy. But here they are delivered with a lightness of touch, offering pleasing reinterpretations of classic Polish dishes. There's a fine wine list too - the owners have something of a soft spot for Italy, and they've gone to great lengths to track down a good selection. In Summer you can kick things off with a drink on the rooftop terrace - the view overlooks Wawel Castle and is one of the best in the city. All in all, an absolute pleasure!"

Restaurant & Cafe:

Restaurant Wentzl

""An elegant dining experience" Located in a fine fifteenth century building on Cracow's Rynek (Main Market Square), Wentzl Restaurant boasts one of the best views in the city, superb cuisine, and truly elegant dining. The splendid Renaissance interior is famous for its distinguished collection of paintings from Wojciech Fibak's "Ecole de Paris" cycle, and the regal atmosphere is heightened by the assortment of wines and Havana cigars to compliment the top quality cuisine. If you're after the best in Cracow dining, you may just have found it."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Szabla i Szklanka (Sword and Glass)

""New Polish restaurant with a delightful location" This is the Polish brother of the Hungarian option next door - both restaurants take their name from the old expression: "The Pole and the Magyar like brothers stand, Whether with sword or with tankard in hand.' You'll find the Polish part tucked away in the courtyard of ul. Poselska 24 (in Summer it's a perfect spot for some al fresco adventures). The decor mixes the classic with the contemporary, and there are some rather splendid portraits of bewhiskered noblemen on the walls. Kick off with their excellent Zurek soup, or why not try the Kulebiak, a special kind of dumpling with goose and mushrooms. For a main, try the Baked Duck coated in cinnamon with apples and the excellent rydze mushrooms. Wrap it up with old Polish favourites liqueur (Nalewka ) or a round of chilled vodka."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Vesuvio

""Wood fired pizzas on Florianska" Cracow has its fair share of pizza restaurants, and this is one of the best. The medieval cellar provides a suitably rustic setting for the open-fired oven, and the proprietors have gone to some trouble with the decor to make it welcoming. In addition to the huge choice of pizzas, there's a good selection of other Italian favourites, as well as grilled fish and meat dishes. Prices are fair, and all round a meal here won't burn too big a hole in the pocket. Vesuvio looks a good place to take large groups, and they welcome enquiries about providing outside catering."

Restaurant & Cafe:

Zapiecek Restaurant (Lotsa pierogi)

""A pierogi haven on Slawkowska" If you have yet to be introduced to the venerable world of pierogi (a special type of Polish dumpling) then you have a rite of passage in store. Pierogi to the Pole is what pasta is to the Italian - that homeliest of homely dishes, and Poles will wax lyrical about the merits and subtleties of the various fillings (both sweet and savoury), that contribute to the galaxy of pierogi. This little bar is certainly one of the best places in town to get acquainted with the dish. Here you'll find everything from the classic cabbage and mushroom dumpling to black pudding, cottage cheese or plum. A veritable paradise for pierogi lovers."

Wawel Castle:

Wawel Castle

"Conveniently situated in the city centre on the Wawel Hill, the royal home guarantees an invaluable lesson in Polish history. This was the seat of power from the 11th century until 1609 when the capital was transferred to Warsaw. Then occupied by Austrian troops, eventually, in 1930, the museum was opened in an attempt to recapture some of its former glory. Visitors admire a large collection of Renaissance furniture, paintings and jewellery. There is an armoury with treasury inside the castle as well as other exhibitions in the surrounding chapels. 9:30a-4p Tu, F, 9:30a-3p W, Th, Sa, 10a-3p Su"

Cloth Hall (The Sukiennice):

Cloth Hall (The Sukiennice)

"The Cloth Hall, as its name suggests, was once a main focus of Cracow's trade. Merchants would meet here and discuss the state of business, whilst inside a lively bartering went on. During its heyday, some five hundred years ago, a rich traffic came in from the East - spices, silk, leather, wax - and Cracow itself exported textiles, lead and of course salt from the mines at Wieliczka."

Wieliczka Salt mine:

Wieliczka Salt Mine

"Wieliczka Salt Mine - located some 30 km south from the center of Krakow - is the oldest of its kind in Poland. Salt has been excavated here from the beginning of the thirteenth century. The old part of the mine - which consists of 2040 vast salt caves and nearly 200km of corridors - is a museum now. The exibition contains not only the old machinery and mining tools but also salt sculptures. A guided tour through part of Wieliczka Mine takes nearly three hours and is an unforgettable experience. 8a-6p (16 Apr- 15 Oct), 8a-4p (16 Oct-15 Apr)"

Krakow Zoo:

Krakow Zoo

"The Zoo is located on Jurassic plateau at 345 metres above sea level, in the middle of the woodland park known as the Las Wolski or Park Miejski, which covers 500 hectares, 10 kilometres to the west of Central Cracow. A magnificent panorama view is to be had of the city and the picturesque surrounding Jurassic hills from the highest point in the Las Wolski, the Pi?sudski Independence Mound. Cracow has a really excellent zoo, located in the pretty Las Wolski (Wolski Forest) in the western suburbs of the city. It's of manageable size, with decent-sized open areas for the larger mammals, and aviaries that are not over-stocked with feathered friends. There's a small cafe just outside that sells grilled Polish sausages and chips, as well as drinks and other snacks. Round it all off with a stroll through the pretty forest surrounds. A good day out."

St. Mary's Basilica:

St. Mary's Basilica / Church

Czartoryski Museum:

Czartoryski Museum

"The building itself is pretty and famous in its own right, but the museum is acclaimed in Poland for one particular painting. The painting in question is none other than Leonardo da Vinci's Lady With An Ermine and naturally, it is the number one attraction. Raphael's Portrait of a Young Man was stolen during the war and has unfortunately never materialised since. There is also a Rembrandt, as well as ancient Greek, Etruscan and Egyptian paintings. 10a-3p Tu-Th, 10a-5p F, 10a-3p Sa & Su"

The Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz):

The Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)

"With its labyrinthine streets and low-standing houses, Kazimierz feels like a different world to the Old Town. The town was founded in 1335 by King Kazimierz the Great, and as its splendid churches and synagogues evoke, it was once a world of prosperity and tolerance. After many ups and downs, the death-knell for Jewish Cracow was sounded in September 1939 with the Nazi invasion. A whole world was swept away. Kazimierz is undergoing a major renaissance. Both its Jewish and Christian heritage is being restored, and colour has returned to its alleys and squares. Just wandering about is an experience in itself, but not to be missed are the Corpus Christi Church, the Tempel Synagogue and ulica Szeroka - the heart of the old Jewish district. Either of the two cemeteries, the Remuh or the New, are also well worth a look. And of the more recent arrivals the Galicia Museum deserves a special mention. All this is to say nothing of the many bars and cafes which are springing up by the dozen."

Bar:

After Work Piano Bar

"You'll find the sleek confines of the After Work Piano Bar in the Qubus Hotel, situated in the resurgent district of Podgorze. True to its name, After Work provides the perfect rest and recuperation place after a hard day of meetings, conferences and hob-nobbing. Here you'll find a place to relax with a glass of wine and talk about anything but shop, or catch a game of footie on their plazmas. Not that After Work is geared just towards business people. With its glass walls, attractive wood panelled floors and refined seating, and great selection of Oriental cuisine, the Piano Bar is a characteristic space worth crossing the river for. And every Tuesday, you can catch some live music."

Bar:

Albo Tak (cafe pub)

"Negotiate your way past the bookshelves on the ground floor, and make your way up the stairs to a quirky and fun cafe/pub on the first floor. In true Cracow style it poses as a cafe-and-cake corner during the day, with plenty of literary student types pretending to read between shots of espresso, whilst after dark tranforms itself into a full-on pub with rock and blues music thumping out the good times. Plenty of choice of drinks, including mulled wine (grzaniec) in addition to all the old favourites. Open from 10 in the morning until the last customer leaves, Albo Tak is closed on Sundays."

Bar:

Alchemia Bar & Club

"Alchemia has become something of a flagship in the gritty club world of Kazimierz. Packed to the rafters almost every evening, this place is more than just a pub/club - it has become a genuine place of meeting and partying for the Kazimierz crowd. Overflowing into several rooms, Alchemia is strikingly decorated with old paintings and furniture, but utterly without pretence. Popular with artists, most gallery openings throughout the district culminate in splendid bohemian madness at Alchemia - where dancing on the tables in the early hours in a fog of smoke, surrounded by countless burning candles seems simply the most natural thing in the world. Unmissable."

Bar:

Amphorum Wine Bar

"'The Pole and the Magyar like brothers stand, Whether with sword or with goblet in hand.' Thus goes the old saying, and Poles continue to be fans of Hungarians - and their wines - until this very day. Why not drop into Amphorum then and raise a goblet or two? There are dozens of delicious bottles to choose from. What's more, hungry admirers of Hungary can enjoy a snack, as there are cheese and olive dishes to accompany the vino."

Bar:

Baraka

"A new addition to the evergrowing assembly of bars on Plac Nowy, Baraka has nevertheless taken a different tack in its choice of decor. A swirling pattern of blue and white rings covers the interior from top to toe, making this a decidedly trippy option for an evening drink. You could well imagine Hunter S.Thompson propping up the bar, regaling customers with tales of his psychadelic adventures. Djs spin reggae, dub and drum 'n' bass every Thursday. Upstairs the vibe changes, and you'll find a laidback suite of rooms hosting regular exhibitions and plenty of comfy sofas to settle down into. Baraka certainly contributes another lively facet to the weird and wonderful world of Kazimierz."

Bar:

Bodega Marques Wine Bar

"Cracow is pretty short on wine bars, so Bodega Marques Vinoteca comes as a welcome addition to the whole scene. The owner certainly knows his subject, offering over three hundred varieties from distinguished wine-houses across the globe. A range of delicious Spanish tapas provides the perfect compliment. For those looking to delve further into wine-tasting heaven, Bodega Marques organises regular evenings with wine experts where you can explore various regions from the comfort of their lounge. Amongst their enticing numbers are Bordeauxs from Robert Giraud, Riojas from Bodegas Muga and some excellent Chilean Vina Santa Rita. Open from 11.00 until the last guest decides to call it a day. Rather classy."

Bar:

Boogie Cafe Bar

"A perfect antidote to the grizzled world of Cracow's gothic cellars, Boogie Cafe - formerly known as Boogie Woogie - is a smooth, modern bar that brings a dash of metropolitan style to Cracow's nightlife scene. The cafe cum bar has jettisoned the heavy black paint on the walls and replaced it with a fuzzy, white material that's vaguely reminiscent of a gigantic polar bear skin rug. The barmen mix up a royal roster of cocktails, and there are regular jazz concerts to tap your toes to. Find the entrance on ul. Tomasza."

Bar:

Boom Bar Rush

"A new cellar bar seems to open up every week here in Kraks. But this one is certainly slicker than your average subterranean haunt. Boom Bar Rush has a smooth style that somewhere between Krakow and Miami. DJs Ramone, Hddcut and Cel spin R 'n' B and other spicy grooves. Look out for one-off themed parties, last Autumn's Halloween blast saw all kinds of ghoulish fellows show up for some pumpkin antics. Find the club on the one of Cracow's most beguiling little nooks, Golebia Street."

Bar:

Boro Club

"Open from 3 pm until 3 in the morning, entrance is restricted to those over 21, and it is a popular hangout for older students, and the thirtysomethings. Three rooms - one with cosy drinking booths, the second with the usual tables, and the third is for dancing and partying! There's a good range of dance club music, including Hip Hop, R'n'B, Chillout and House sounds to get you going on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, whilst Wednesdays you can upset all of your friends by attempting the Karaoke. There are also exhibitions of photography on rotation."

Bar:

Cafe & Bar Kratka

""Sleek cafe with a cosy courtyard" You'll find Cafe Kratka squirreled away in a little courtyard on Bracka street - Cracow's coffee paradise (there is a higher concentration of fine cafes on this small street than anywhere else in town). Kratka is a smooth little hangout, with sleek furnishings and an exotic array of drinks to enjoy. The room is divided by a big arch, which is pleasingly echoed by the sweeping curve of the bar. The futuristic chairs look like they might come to life and walk off like robotic insects (even before you have consumed any potions). In spring and summer the courtyard comes into its own, and it's a great place to round off the day with a cocktail or a glass of beer."

Bar:

CK Browar (brewery bar)

"This lively pub and nightclub is something of a landmark in its own right in this part of town. Proudly bearing the Habsburg seal, CK Browar (The Royal Emperor's Brewery) doffs its hat to the grand days of the moustachioed Franz Josef. Besides the smart and cheerful decor, CK does indeed have its own brewery, and here you can put the world to rights over a flagon or five of cool Polish ales. A suitably Austrian restaurant is on hand should you be feeling peckish, whilst the bar's T.V may save the day if there's a key match on the box."

Bar:

Czasem Trzeba Pub

"In Cracow there's always a cavernous cellar where you can explore the galaxy of Polish vodkas and beers. This pub, which is located just off the market square, is as good a place as any to chat up the locals. Students from the Jagiellonian university will be raising their glasses in celebration of a hard weeks work, (or not so hard as the case may be) before partying away until the early hours. Na zdrowie. (Free internet access too!)"

Bar:

Filmowa Cafe

""Drinks by the Silver Screen" The Film Cafe has more rights than most to call itself that, as this new hangout has been created in Cracow's most happening cinema - Kijow - the home of the Cracow Film Festival. The bar could well become something of an in the know favourite as it's located a little beyond the normal reveling stamping ground. Drop in for a beer or a coffee as you''re sure to be pleasantly surprised."

Bar:

Pre-Wedding at Propoganda Bar

"We are kicking off the pre-wedding festivities at Propoganda bar on Friday August 1st at 7 PM. We may go elsewhere around 9, so please try to come early-ish (if we do leave, we'll try to post a note). Propoganda Bar is a lot of fun, or at least it used to be 10 years ago. It is full of old-style communist paraphernalia, posters of Lenin, and cheap beer. Please remember to bring your sickle."

Night Club:

Afera Pub

"Pounding beats, a party crowd and plenty of potent cocktails. Djs will be spinning a mix of Hip Hop, R' n' B, House and Soul."

Night Club:

Art Club Bledne Kolo

"Bledne Kolo means 'vicious circle', but besides developing an attachment to fine cocktails, you shouldn't feel too guilty about returning to this club. With their top selection of local DJs, regular guests from abroad, and a sequence of groovily decorated rooms in the heart of an old Cracovian townhouse, Bledne Kolo is one of the brightest stars in Cracow's clubbing galaxy. From Thursday to Sunday you can party to the break of dawn, with specially themed events, and a musical programme that takes in house, reggae, jungle, jazz, ragga, dancehall and r 'n' b. So have a glance at their calendar as you're sure to find something thats up your street! During the daytime you can drop by for coffee and recline on their comfy sofas with the mornings papers, and you might just catch a photography exhibition too."

Night Club:

Art Club Cieplarnia

"Tame performance bar. Once again Bracka street has come up trumps with this swish little den. A narrow corridor leads through to a charming courtyard - so small that the lucky few who can snatch a table will feel like kings when Summer arrives. Inside you'll find an elegant atmosphere that would make a cosy place for romantic adventures. Cieplarnia has live jazz evenings planned for the weekends as well as poetry readings and sketches by seasoned Cracovian actors. The atmosphere is likely to be homely and amusing as many performers are old friends of the owner, Grzegorz Cieplinski. All this is to say nothing of the rather excellent array of snacks and drinks on offer - a Swiss accent making this a refreshing change from the norm, with fondu, rosti and plenty of Polish vodka to warm the cockles."

Night Club:

Faust Club

"A terrific, huge collection of fifteenth century cellars houses Faust, an Artistic-cum-Musical extravaganza right on the Market Square (entrance though is from ul. Sienna) There's a real energy here - the biggest club on the Rynek - and a motivated management to keep things humming and varied. Each room has its own character and distinct atmosphere - from a traditional cafe to a trendy dancefloor. Once a month there's even a new exhibition opening, whilst the peckish will be pleased to discover some rather tasty pizzas. Local DJ Klute, under the umbrella of MTV and Viva, keeps things loud and cheerful, and there's plenty of other things to do when he's not at the decks. Fine."