The center is a good starting point to visit the city of Krakow, the former capital of Poland and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Krakow is a city rich in history, culture and legends. Today the city is said to represent all that is Polish! City life is focused around the Main Market Square, the second largest in Europe after St. Mark’s Square in Venice. St Mary’s Basilica, the Cloth Hall, Wawel Castle and Barbican are among the top attractions in this medieval city. To get the full experience, we recommend you:
- Try an „obwarzanek” (bagel), which can be purchased from street vendors throughout the city. Krakow is the birthplace of the bagel!
- Float 200 meters above ground in a special observation balloon. It will give you a perspective you cannot get anywhere else in the city.
- Descend into the dragon’s lair under Wawel Hill. Here Poland’s most famous dragon awoke from a slumber and started devouring herds of livestock grazing nearby. Legend says the dragon met its demise by consuming a large amount of sulphur disguised as a sheep– or did it? Check for yourself!
- Climb one of the five mounds. Citizens have been creating these large artificial hills since pagan times. The Krak Mound supposedly contains the tomb of the city’s founder, Krak, and offers a lovely panoramic view of the city.
- Experience Communist-era Krakow in Nowa Huta. Visit an authentic „milk bar” while there!
Several leading IT companies have labs in Krakow, attracted by the city’s infrastructure and highly-talented workforce – Krakow’s universities are among the oldest in Europe and major research campuses, frequently involved in international projects. IBM collaborates with both Jagiellonian University and the University of Science and Technology, boasting many of their graduates among the lab population. The city’s 130,000 students add to the vibrancy of the nightlife, creating a wonderful, friendly atmosphere in its countless bars, clubs and cafes.
Krakow is also an excellent hub for visiting the Malopolska region. The Beskid Mountains, Wadowice (birthplace of Pope John Paul II), Zakopane (the Tatra mountains), and Wieliczka Salt Mine are all a short car, bus or train ride away.
Just ask Center staff for directions, they will gladly point you in the right direction!