Kraków has traditionally been one of the leading scientific, cultural and artistic centres of the country. It was once the national capital and is considered by many to still be the heart of Poland, due to its history of more than a thousand years. Kraków is also a major centre of local and international tourism, with more than two million visitors annually.

The old city of Kraków has a rich architecture, mostly Renaissance with some examples of Baroque and Gothic. Kraków's palaces, churches and mansions display a richness of color, architectural details, stained glass, paintings, sculptures, and furnishings.

St. Wenceslaus and St. Stanislaus's Cathedral on Wawel HillAmong the most notable of the city's hundreds of historic buildings are: the Royal Castle and Cathedral on Wawel Hill, where King John III Sobieski is buried; the medieval Old Town with its beautiful square; Market Square (200 meters on a side); dozens of old churches and museums; the 14th century buildings of the Jagiellonian University; as well as Kazimierz, the historical centre of Kraków's Jewish religious and social life.

The Gothic St Mary's Church stands by the market place. It was built in the 14th century, and its famous wooden altar was carbed by Veit Stoss. Every hour, a trumpet call called the hejnał is sounded from the church's main tower.

Kraków hosts many annual artistic events, including some of international significance, such as the festival of Short Feature Films, Biennial of Graphics, and the Jewish Culture Festival. There are several active theaters, including:

The Old Theatre (Kraków) (Stary Teatr)
the Slowacki Theatre
Kraków Opera
Kraków Operetta

Kraków is considered by many to be Poland's capital of culture. The city boasts one of the best museums in the country and some famous theaters. It counts two Nobel Prize winners in literature among its residents (Wisława Szymborska and Czesław Miłosz). It is also home to one of the world's oldest and most distinguished universities. Kraków was named a European City of Culture in 2000.

There is no shortage of places to drink, eat, and stay merry late into the night in Kraków. Notably, the huge central Grand Square in the heart of the historic Old Town district and its environs look like they never sleep. Recently trendy new hangouts are launched also in the nearby Kazimierz quarter almost by the month.

Kraków Night Clubs:

Kraków boasts a lively club scene. The party goes on week long, but–no doubts about it–the Friday and Saturday nights tend to be the hottest. As elsewhere, on weekends Kraków's young professionals, expats, and students mingle happily in crowds that pack bars, discotheques, and restaurants in vogue at the moment. Loyal patrons happen, but most club-goers wander from place to place. Local clubs are not large, few can seat more than 100.

Recorded music is the staple, with live performances two or three nights a week. Some Kraków DJs attained local fame, while club celebrities from other parts of Poland and from abroad spin occasionally in the city. Kraków's myriad live entertainment venues cater to all tastes and generations. Sure thing, those in their twenties to thirty-something are best served since most places offer contemporary club music. On the other hand, jazz seems surprisingly popular. There are also hangouts for the fans of rock, modern pop, ballads, etc. The roots music, inspired by varied traditions of this part of Europe, has a niche of its own. Seniors, too, have their places of choice to enjoy themselves with immortal evergreens.