Poland
Krakow
Kraków, Poland’s former royal capital, is a city where history and culture converge in breathtaking fashion. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, Kraków is a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, lively café culture, and deep-rooted artistic traditions. Situated on the banks of the Vistula River, it boasts one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval city centres, crowned by the Wawel Castle and the Main Market Square. Its medieval architecture, preserved Old Town, and layered history make it an ideal setting for an immersive travel experience for any tourist.
Old Town Square
Oskar Schindler's Factory
St Mary's Basilica
Jewish Quarter
Strolling around the old town
Katowice
Katowice is a city in southern Poland, known for its transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a modern hub of culture, innovation, and green living. Once a coal and steel stronghold, has reinvented itself as a vibrant cultural and architectural destination. My brief stay was based on the city’s proximity to Oświęcim and my visit Auschwitz (33 km), which makes it an alternative to Kraków. As a means by further opening up the Southern areas of Poland, Katowice is a relatively hidden gem.
Strolling around town
Auschwitz
While Auschwitz is treated in more detail in the Holocaust section of the Memorials & Museums category, it would be remiss of me not to include it here. Over 1.8 million people visited the site in 2024, and it was the major reason behind my travelling into Poland. While you are surrounded by the horrific nature of the events that took place here, you are also inspired by the stories of survival. The 6 hour study tour was perfect to view areas not available on the shorter tours. While you can partake in self-guided tours, I would strongly suggest taking a guided tour (available on the website) before considering this option.
Auschwitz I
Auschwitz II Birkenau
