Poland is not the most glamorous place that leaps to mind when thinking of a holiday destination, but I really fancied it. And I found my favourite place on earth - the city of Krakow, Lesser Poland - the south of the country. It is at its most beautiful in Autumn or Winter, but maybe I'm biased - these are my favourite seasons and many Polish friends are bewildered at why I don't go in Summer. Autumn brings the eerie Krakow mist and Winter, the snow.
Things You Must Do
1 Zakopane
Situated in the Tatra Mountains, not far from the Slovakian border, this picturesque town is well-known in Poland for skiing and Winter sports. Two hours from Krakow by bus, you must not miss this experience. Take the funicular railway to the top of Mt Gubałówka - a fast ride up 1235 feet in 3 minutes. Don't miss out on the winter wonderland of Ulica Krupowki - probably the most famous street in Poland.
2 Wieliczka Salt Mines
1000 years old, this mine only stopped production about 20 years ago. Take the air train from Krakow, it is about 15 minutes ride.The tourist route will take you past the most amazing carved statues, the underground salt lake and finally into what can only be described as an underground cathedral carved entirely from salt - St Kinga's Chapel.
3 Rykek Glowny
The main square survived the Nazi and Soviet invasions in tact - rumour has it the Hitler himself ordered it not to be bombed - maybe he liked the thought of his stormtroopers parading in this magnificent medieval square. Here you can browse the markets of the Sukiennice (cloth hall) that has stood unchanged for centuries; grab some pierogi (Polish dumplings at one of the many restaurants; eat outside with a blanket and fire to stave off the Polish winter; enjoy the multitude of churches and other architecture; and don't miss the underground museum where you can look into Krakow's millennium long history.
4 Wawel Castle
Seat of Polish royalty for centuries, Wawel Castle dominates the River Wisla. Don't forget to get a selfie with the famous fire-breathing dragon statue standing guard outside.
5 Krakow Cathedral
The old stomping ground of Karol Wojtyla - Arch Bishop of Krakow, now revered in Poland as St Jan Pawla II (St Pope John Paul II).
6 Auschwitz
About 60 minutes from the city by bus is the town of Oswiecim more imfamously recognised by its German name, Auschwitz. The camp was home to a million prisoners during the occupation - most of them didn't get out alive. Either get a free ticket, or if you prefer, pay and get a guided tour.
7 Oscar Schindler's Factory
Made famous by Spielberg's movie, Schindler's List - Oscar Schindler was a German businessman drawn to Krakow by the lure of slave labour. But he ended up being named "Most Righteous Amongst Gentiles" by the Jewish state for helping thousands of his workers escape the terrible fate awaiting them.
8 Kazimierz
The Jewish quarter of Krakow, Kaziemierz, once home to one of the biggest Jewish communities in the world, at first glance feels eerily quiet and empty. But a stroll around reveals indie galleries, quirky shops, vintage clothing stores and bars. Szeroka Street has many synagogues including the 16th-century Old Synagogue, while the nearby Remuh Cemetery has a wall built of broken tombstones. Visit the Galicia Jewish Museum which celebrates local Jewish culture and history.
Krakow is a fun town. people are always smiling.
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