Next Sukiennice – The Cloth Hall - presenting “Abecadło Sukiennic” – translating “ABC of Clath Hall”. Every letter of the alphabet will represent an artist or event from rich history of Cloth Hall.

Just for that one night Wawel opens up it’s royal chambers and Schindler’s Factory and Underground Krakow are open till 2 am. The latter shows an exhibition called “Śladem europejskiej tożsamości Krakowa” – which means “Traces of european identity of Krakow”. Schindler Factory opens an exhibition called “People from Schindler’s List”.

All of that just for this one night – so be there and if you are use your time well.

Have you ever wonder how Krakow would look like in Instagram filters? Here it’s – Krakow’s Main Market Square in Instagram.

Oceana – Endless Summer (Official Video UEFA EURO 2012)

Koko Koko Euro Spoko

Below the lyrics – we’re not going to translate it. To be honest – it’s nothing more than saying that everyone in Poland are having fun and cheering for our team. Also the chorus “Koko koko Euro Spoko” is gibberish, actually ‘koko koko’ is a a sound of a hen …. Anyway – beware the power of democracy in art!

And for the lyrics of Koko Koko Euro Spoko:

Cieszą się Polacy, cieszy Ukraina,
Że tu dla nas wszystkich Euro się zaczyna,
Że tu dla nas wszystkich Euro się zaczyna.
Hej!

Kokokoko Euro Spoko,
Piłka leci hen wysoko,
wszyscy razem zaśpiewajmy, naszym doping dajmy. /2x

Nasi dzielni chłopcy to biało-czerwoni,
Wygrać im się uda
Ucieszy się Smuda
Wygrać im się uda
Ucieszy się Smuda
Hej!

Kokokoko Euro Spoko,
Piłka leci hen wysoko,
wszyscy razem zaśpiewajmy, naszym doping dajmy. /2x

Orzełki biegajcie żwawo po murawie,
Zdobywajcie gole i będzie po sprawie
Zdobywajcie gole i będzie po sprawie

Kokokoko Euro Spoko,
Piłka leci hen wysoko,
wszyscy razem zaśpiewajmy, naszym doping dajmy. /2x
Nie myśl sobie bracie, że rady nie damy
Nie kłopocz się siostro
My Euro wygramy.

Do you think English and Italian football teams staying in Krakow for the time of Euro 2012 tournament will sing along?

Trip Advisor recommends to visit Main Market Square (Rynek Glowny), one of the largest town squares in Europe, as well as St Mary’s Cathedral and Jewish District. They also point out that as for a medieval city that also survived World War II, Krakow is remarkably well preserved. Hard to argue, enjoy!

Market Square in Krakow

Imagine a huge prison with lots of people crawling inside – here you have – a ghetto, a separate Jewish part of a city divided by a wall. It was also a staging point to begin dividing people considered “able workers” from those who would be exterminated in the first place. The Krakow Ghetto was liquidated between June 1942 and March 1943, with most of its inhabitants sent to Belzec and Płaszów concentration camps, or exterminated at Auschwitz concentration camp.

A piece of history – persecution of the Jewish population of Krakow began right after the German troops invaded Poland and entered Krakow on 1 September 1939. Jews were obliged to take part in forced labor from September on. In November 1939, all Jews 12 years or older were required to wear identifying armbands – the one with a visible David Star. Throughout Krakow, synagogues were closed and all their relics and valuables turned over to the Nazi authorities. For Germans being a Jew was an ultimate offence, killing one an honour.

Prewar Jewish Krakow

The Krakow Ghetto was formally established on 3 March 1941 in the Podgórze district, not in the Jewish district of Kazimierz. Over 15000 Jews were crammed into an area previously inhabited by 3000 people who used to live in a district consisting of 30 streets, 320 residential buildings, and 3167 rooms. As a result, one apartment was allocated to every four Jewish families, and many less fortunate lived on the street. Not many remaining photos show poverty and death.

The Ghetto was surrounded by walls that kept it separated from the rest of the city. All windows and doors that gave onto the Aryan side were ordered bricked up. Only four guarded entrances allowed traffic to pass through. In a grim foreshadowing of the near future, these walls contained panels in the shape of tombstones. Small sections of the wall still remain today.

From 30 May 1942 onward, the Nazis implemented systematic deportations from the Ghetto to surrounding concentration camps. Thousands of Jews were transported in the succeeding months as part of the Aktion Krakau.

Movie director Roman Polanski, was a survivor of the Ghetto. Polański recalls the early months resembled normalcy; although the peacefulness was sometimes punctuated by fear. Town residents dined out, listened to town bands, and children, such as Polański, socialized in the snow. Polański was offered to direct Shindler’s List based on a novel by Thomas Keneally. He couldn’t take up such a task. Fortunately he directed The Pianist – yet another trace of Jewish presence in Poland.

Oscar Schindler's Grave in Israel

It’s worth mentioning that Krakow Ghetto was self sufficient. The only working polish shop – a pharmacy enclosed within the Krakow Ghetto belonged to Tadeusz Pankiewicz, a Polish pharmacist permitted by the German authorities to operate his “Under the Eagle Pharmacy” there upon his request. In recognition of his heroic deeds in rescuing Jews from the Ghetto he was portrayed in the Thomas Keneally novel Schindler’s Ark (filmed by Steven Spielberg as Schindler’s List. In an especially dramatic event, 300 of Schindler’s workers were deported to the Auschwitz death camp despite his efforts, and he personally intervened to save them.

Krakow Ghetto Wall

Today Krakow Ghetto is a silent witness of what had happened during the war. Many initiatives to reintroduce Jewish culture are still going on. Being there don’t forget that those walls have seen something that should never be seen again.

Many places commemorate traces of Jewish culture and explains what a ghetto used to be. Let’s just name two – newly opened Schindler’s Factory and Galicia Jewish Museum. They have printed a map of Ghetto, with it’s history. Also a wonderful book by Chris Schwarz called Traces of Memory.

Let’s not forget that many tourists company do wonderfully informative tours of Jewish Krakow, bu foot bike or even segway. If your in Krakow – don’t hesitate – use your time well.

Yes, it’s true they make sushi. And no – because they make really good sushi, making Haiku one of the best place in Krakow. And another reason is that they have three restaurants and they – be prepared: they deliver. It’s still not usual that sushi place would prepare sets to go. So enjoy Haiku.

As for the menu – you’ll find all the usual sets. Maki, ura maki, nigiri. Beautifully done and absolutely tasty. Wide range of sets – from small ones with going rate about 25 PLN to huge party sets – even for 10 people. buckle up and have a little Japanese cuisine in Krakow.

Haiku - sushi to go, krakow

Exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances, lectures, film screenings, competitions and games – all of that during one night, Krakow Night of Museums. The idea is actually simple – museums open for one night adding extra activities, showing resources they never show or organizing events. It’s the third time in kakow this year but Night of the Museum spread over Europe and it’s been wildly popular amongst tourists as well as citizens.

Anyway – be there. Below list of institutions that take part in 2012 Night of Museums in Krakow

Cricoteka

Muzeum Akademii Sztuk Pięknych

Muzeum Archeologiczne

Muzeum Archidiecezjalne Kardynała Karola Wojtyły

Muzeum Etnograficzne im. Seweryna Udzieli

Muzeum Farmacji Collegium Medicum

Muzeum Geologiczne AGH

Muzeum Geologiczne PAN
Muzeum Historii Fotografii im. Walerego Rzewuskiego
Muzeum Historyczne Miasta Krakowa
Muzeum Inżynierii Miejskiej
Muzeum Lotnictwa Polskiego

Muzeum Narodowe w Krakowie

Muzeum Paleobotaniczne UJ
Muzeum PRL-u

Muzeum Starego Teatru
Muzeum Sztuki i Techniki Japońskiej “Manggha”

Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow
Museum of Jagiellonian University in Krakow Collegium Maius
Muzeum Zoologiczne UJ
Ogród Botaniczny UJ
Ogród Doświadczeń

Wawel Castle Museum

So called ‘long weekend’, called ‘the bridge’ in some countries is a period of time in the beginning of the month may. We celebrate a 3rd May Constitution Day and Labour Day on 1st of May. So to have 11 days off you only have to give up work for two days. Plenty of Poles take this opportunity to go away. So be aware of problems in transportation.

Krakow Tram

Diamond Strip Club has six air-conditioned suites, two VIP rooms and one Personal Suite. Depending on your wallet’s condition choose best type of entertainment. What else – girls are beautiful and really bendy. Pole dancing (got the joke? Pole … ) is something to remember. Also they offer wide variety of soft and alcoholic drinks.

Just to make it clear – there are not so many clubs like that in Krakow, os if you’ve been looking for such type of a treat you are rather restricted. It’s right in the city centre. And it’s extremely popular amongst stag parties coming from UK but more and more poles go there as well.

Diamond Strip Club Krakow

The Rooster is a weird combination of polish and american cuisine mixed with sort of english-in-feel style of watching tv to dinner. It’s a kind of place where you’d be likely to watch a sports event rather than take a date there or just go for a meal.

The one in Krakow is located in the city centre – right next to Main Market Square, just metres from Stary Hotel. The restaurant can accommodate up to 100 people and there are rooms for smokers and non-smokers.

The food is actually rather good and not expensive. Pork chops, polish dumplings (pierogi) or pork knuckle are decent and filling. Big sandwiches, chicken shawarma, spaghetti Carbonara, burritos or grilled trout just ok.

The real treat is the service – very nice girls wearing sex appeal sportswear. Again – something I’d associate with a football game, not a restaurant.

What else is to say – we were not thrilled bu this place but apparently it’s becoming very popular amongst people from Krakow, and tourists – stag parties always stops there for couple of pints and ribs. So – choose wisely young one and enjoy.

What to expect – well … lots of people singing and marching on the streets, perhaps congestion in the pubs. As well as potential problems with communication – it’s always more crowdy when two such teams play. But – if you’re a foreigner don’t expect any street disturbance – polish football fans are sometime hooligans but Krakow is well protected against such possibilities.

Derby between Wisla Krakow and Cracovia

Would you have known that Krakow hosts the biggest school of Japanese language – or 日本語 – in Poland. It’s called ‘SUNSTAR Szkoła językòw obcych’ and they have the highest score in Poland if JLPT – a certification test of Japanese is concerned. Well done!

March of the Living is an extraordinary, unforgettable experience. On 19 April, 2012, thousands of Jewish people, from countries all around the world, will share in a once in a lifetime experience when they march three kilometers from Auschwitz to Birkenau, the largest concentration camp complex built by the Nazis during World War II.

The goal of the March of the Living is for these young people to learn the lessons of the Holocaust and to lead the Jewish people into the future vowing Never Again.

Jewish Community Centre in Krakow issued a new banner for that occasion. Be there, join and commemorate!

March of the Living, Krakow 2012

Let’s say you happen to be in Krakow on a business trip and a real 18-hole golf course is the thing you dream. Most people would say – Poland and a golf course – no way! They couldn’t be more wrong! Near Krakow there are two fully fledged golf courses – one in Paczółtowice – 30 km from Krakow, another just about Niepołomice – 35 km from Krakow. Below all the contact data. Enjoy!

KRAKÓW VALLEY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Paczółtowice 328, Krzeszowice
phone +48 12 258 60 00
+48 12 258 60 20
www.krakow-valley.com
turniej@golf.krakow.pl

ROYAL KRAKÓW GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Ochmanów 124, Podłęże (Niepołomice)
phone +48 12 281 91 70
mobile phone +48 602 318 838
www.krakowgolf.pl

Golf Krakow

“With joy and pride I accepted the information on your next victory on the world tennis courts” – says the President of Krakow Jacek Majchrowski in a letter to Agnieszka Radwanska after she won WTA tennis tournament in Miami. All that despite a rumor that Radwanska and her family are now welcome to Krakow due to some personal affairs from the past.

As for us we wish Agnieszka all the best!

There are 16 bike ranks in the city centre in the following locations:

• Rondo Grunwaldzkie (near the tramline)
• Salwator (corner of ul. Kościuszki and ul. Senatorska)
• Błonia (in front of the Cracovia Hotel, right next to National Museum)
• Inwalidów Square (at the entrance to Park Krakowski)
• Nowy Kleparz (in the green pedestrian area by the crossing through al. Słowackiego, between ul. Długa and ul. Prądnicka)
• crossing of Miodowa and Starowiślna streets – close to Kazimierz district
• Wolnica Square (in front of Muzeum Etnograficzne)
• Niepodległości Square (near KS Korona)
• pl. Wszystkich Świętych (near the tramline)
• by the crossroads at the Central Post Office (the crossing of ul. Starowiślna with ul. Wielopole, near the Dziennik Polski daily office
• by the crossroads at the Bagatela Theatre (the crossing of ul. Karmelicka and ul. Podwale)
• by the Wawel Castle (the crossing of ul. Bernardyńska and ul. św. Idziego)
• pl. Jana Nowaka-Jeziorańskiego (by Galeria Krakowska shopping centre and hotel Andel’s Cracow)
• by the Technical University (the crossing of ul. Warszawska and ul. Szlak)
• Rondo Grzegórzeckie (near ul. Grzegórzecka)
• Rondo Mogilskie (lower level, near the tramline)

All questions or comments are delt under +48 609 901 111 or contact Bike One by e-mail: bok@bikeone.pl

According to popular tabloid Hotel Stary – one of the best 5 stars hotels in Krakow does not guarantee quiet and relaxation to members of England’s football team playing Euro 2012 due to it’s location. Author, who most likely never been to Krakow himself, is trying to persuade that a bugler who plays Hejnał Mariacki makes so much ear-splitting noise that it would wake up Britons in a Hotel located about one kilometer away from the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica.

The article called “ENGLAND EURO HOTEL IS JUST YARDS FROM 24-HR CHURCH BUGLER” states clearly that even though tourists love to hear Hejnał, it would be best if another establishment was chosen for football team. Another disadvantages of picked location are allegedly – night clubs around and all popular stag parties.

To defend Krakow and excellent Hotel which has been chosen – anyone who’s even been to Krakow knows that it is impossible to be woken up by Hejnał. It is loud but nobody has ever complained, including sportsmen, politicians and people of culture staying in Krakow. It’s one of Krakow’s landmarks – as important as Wawel, Cloth Hall or Planty.

So – chill out Daily Star! We’re sure brave English team will have their good night sleep, unless they decide to enjoy Krakow’s night life an Britons usually do! Ending with a small reminder – not only Brits choose Krakow’s accommodation for Euro 2012. Krakow will also host Italian and Spanish teams.

Below the bugler playing Hejnał himself:

Daily Star on Krakow

First of all, as most hotels in Krakow’s city center Stary Hotel has been adapted from a ruined, XIV century tenement. It’s proximity to Main Market Square gives you perfect sense of real Krakow. Crowded atmosphere of city center which never sleeps but not noisy inside, historical but renewed and most of all – it’s truly luxurious and offers wide range of beautiful rooms as well as SPA facility, restaurants and conference rooms. Perfect for .. let’s say a foreign football team or a president of large country with lots of people travelling with.

As was said – the building is XIX century, but the Hotel itself opened in June 2006. Instantly becoming well known – and in 2007 already won the prestigious price in Paris Prix Villegiature contest, in the category of “ the best hotel interior architecture in Europe”. What is being stressed by it’s clientele is that Stary has this unique elegance and style of the building blend together with the modern surroundings. It offers 53 rooms which are located on six storeys in two parts of the building: historic and new. Each level is characterized by different colour scheme and decorations. Prices are .. well … high – from 900 PLN up to 1900 PLN per day – but that’s 5 stars we’re talking about. As for the standard – Stary is a part of Likus Hotels – a chain of luxurious hotels – including Krakow’s finest Copernicus and Pod Różą.

Another treat is restaurants and bars. Trzy Rybki Restaurant offers wide range of traditional polish cuisine. Successor of Feilguta – well known pre-war establishment, after World War I and later after 1945 to restaurant Pod Trzema Rybami. Spring menu is composed of fresh vegetables, summer means asparagus, artichokes and refreshing desserts. It changes with time so autumn menu is dominated by dishes with heavier ingredients like venison, mushrooms and forest fruit. Specialité de la maison, recommended by the chef is fois gras with candied pear as well as splendid linguine pasta with lobster. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the building and can sit 50 people.

restauracja Trzy Rybki Krakow

Conference centre is able to arrange space for over 200 people. Offering all the equipment necessary.

Wellness & Spa centre of Stary Hotel is located in the medieval cellars! Offer includes a gym, two swimming pools, a sauna and a salt-iodine chamber. All of them, excluding massages, are complimentary to the guests of Hotel Stary.

Hotel Stary Krakow

What else can be said – well … just enjoy! If high European standard is what you’re after and you have substantial amount of money to back it up Hotel Stary offers the best possible of standard both in accommodation and additional services.

Below Hotel’s Stary short promo film:

One of the biggest and oldest companies specializing in bike tour’s is Cooltourcompany. A website dedicated to bike tours is just here: http://www.krakowbiketour.com – also their blog – http://blog.cooltourcompany.com/ gives a strong impression that Krakow and bikes is a good combination.

To convince you that Krakow can be fun even if it rains, here is a video of Krakow Bike Tour from last year:

Enjoy!

http://www.n7w.com/cities/en

First of all – the easiest and least confusing way to get from one city to another would be by train. Polish Rail has gone through some changes over past years but it still gives the impression of being obsolete both in the standard of transportation and service. It changes often but for now – beginning of 2012 – you can choose between several standards of train. There are trains marked EX and EIC – those are the fastest and most expensive connections. It cost 160 PLN to travel 1st class from Warsaw to Krakow and you need a ticket and compulsory reservation. All to be arranged in Krakow’s main train stating. Cheaper options are marked IR and TLK. The price goes down to about 46 PLN, and let’s be honest – except for holidays you get similar standard of travelling.

krakow train station

Online train schedule can be found under http://rozklad-pkp.pl/?q=en/node/143. It’s in English, but all the cities names are in Polish. The site also gives connected routes, so you can plan you travel between couple of trains. Remember to always have your train ticket travelling in Poland. Every train route is being checked more than once and fines are high.

Another possibility to travel around Poland is by bus. It is slightly more confusing because each city has it’s own bus company and the only online schedule is entirely in Polish. The one from Krakow which happens to be also in English can be found here – http://www.rda.krakow.pl/en/ . Travelling by bus gives you the option to get to smaller cities, but it’s not as comfortable as by train. It’s also rather cheap. The cheapest one which reaches most biggest cities is Polski Bus – http://www.polskibus.com/en

Polski Bus

With the developement of budget airlines several years ago we had couple of companies offering cheap air travel. In time, most of them went off business and the only airline which flies between polish cities was LOT. English version of their website is under http://www.lot.com/pl/en/web/newlot/home – planning 2-3 weeks ahead gives you cheap options of getting around between cities. Another option – more suitable for budget travel – is the newest polish airlines OTL – their prices are competitive and pricing model is to sell the cheapest places first and the gradually more expensive ones closer to departure date. Details can be found here – http://www.oltexpress.com/en More information concerning flights within and outside Poland at Krakow’s Airport or in our Flight Planner.

Krakow Airport

I hope that short introduction to travel around Poland would be useful to you. Just remember to not assume that people selling tickets or even working in information centres of train stations would speak English. It’s not always a rule. That’s why the Internet seems to be the optimal source of all information. Enjoy traveling via Poland! And all the information neccessary to travel in within Krakow can be found here.

There is another reason why we said that „U Pana Cogito” Pension and Restaurant is a special place. First, a small detour. Pan Cogito (Mr Cogito) is a character from Zbigniew Herbert’s, famous polish poet, best known poems. The series of poems including “Mr. Cogito’s Reflections on Redemption“, “The Prayer of Mr. Cogito – The Traveller” went to be a significant character in Polish culture. He’s became one of the most recognizable characters associated with irony, redemption, intellectual freedom. Based upon Herbert’s poetry „U Pana Cogito” Pension and Restaurant took it’s name. What makes this place most significant is that some of the employees are mentally handicapped – mostly with autism. Also all the profits made by the hotel are donated to rehabilitation for the handicapped. So – if you’re not indifferent and want to make a change – think of staying with „U Pana Cogito” Pension and Restaurant next time you’re in Krakow.

Just a small reminder – a hotel with handicapped staff does not mean lower standard of service. Quite the contrary. Only the best is to be expected and many tourists so far were more that happy with this accommodation. Also – U Paga Cogito was one of 4 hotels recommended by National Geographic in an article ‘48 Hours in Krakow’ by by Mark Baker.

u-Pana-Cogito-krakow

Very good production values, excellent choice of sights and all in English.

“The only and exceptional viewing platform raised by a tethered balloon in Poland. See the magnificent panorama of Krakow and enjoy the ancient town borders of the Old City and Jewish District Kazimierz, both registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. During the 12 -15 minutes flight you will see Krakow with its neighbourhood and also the Tatra Mountains from above 150 meters height (depends on the weather conditions). The flight by the Hiflyer tethered balloon is an exceptional experience itself both during the day and night.”

Just a reminder – another possibility, to see Krakow’s panorama would be to climb Kościuszko Mound. Though I must admit a balloon ride bits it by far.

Features Krakow and it’s atmosphere on a regular day. Most weekends it would be much more crowded.

Try yourself – it’s only 42 km run ….

More info at www.cracoviamaraton.pl

Krakow Marathon

First of all – there are over 5 thousands foreigners living in Krakow. Amongst them 1500 people with long time stay permit. The report states that biggest obstacles obtaining citizenship of long term stay permit is bureaucracy… It’s necessary to collect lots of documents and procedures are long and nut clear. Report also gives recommendation – amongst them – use of internet to communicate with foreigners, hiring more people being able to communicate in foreign languages, especially in public transportation and local government.

Another difficulty, last but not the least, is a language barrier – in most government agencies including City Hall it’s not always easy to collect all the necessary information without being able to speak polish. Let’s just point out that even mentioned report if entirely in polish….

To sum up – Krakow is more and more intercultural but still many things are to be developed and refined.

cudzoziemcy-w-krakowie

Orchestra has started 20 years ago under charismatic front man Jurek Owsiak. Since then they gathered huge amount of money and literally millions, which went to transfer polish medical system. It’s a different cause every year but most of the money goes to support children’s hospitals. With over 120 000 volunteers working around the clock in every first week of January it is the biggest event of such kind. Orchestra is a series of events actually. Most recognizable are concert held in every bigger town, but there are also accompanying events such as austions, marathons, fashion events, and many more.

The biggest concert is as always in Warsaw, but also Krakow has it’s advantages. It all starts in the Main Market Square at 6 pm. Artists are Mats Meguenni, Via Rei, CF98, DMTA, The Car Is On Fire. Be ready and enjoy.

More info here – Kazimierz in Krakow.

And our Gallery here:

The first edition of festival was launched in 1962. It’s the event which has helped many polish starts to start or develop their careers. Among them, lets mention couple names such as Maryla Rodowicz, Marek Grechuta, Ewa Demarczyk and Jacek Kaczmarski. All of them nowadays are amongst the greatest inspiration and idols for thousands of people, especially in Poland. The event is an opportunity for tallented students to show their talents in front od audience and jury. It lasts three days. One of evenings will feature french songs. Before the announcement of final verdict, all of participants will be able to present on stage with the repertoire which they choose themselves. 22th of November will be held the ceremonial event on which the results are planned to be proclaimed. The following attraction of this evening is the finale concert.

The Student Song Festival is the source of polish artistry tradition. It constitutes both fun and entertainment for those who have their education in progress as well as those who finished it long ago. Feel free to check it out!

This years grand finale is dedicated to commemoration of Andrzej Zaucha – great polish songwriter and composer tragically killed 20 years ago. Performing in the show – Ola Szomańska, Ryszard Rynkowski, Andrzej Sikorowski, Grzegorz Turnau, Janusz Radek, Jacek Kotlarski, Michał Kaczmarek and Dżamble. Enjoy this assemble of the best polish artists.

The festival will be held from 19th to 22th October 2011. All information needed you can find on the website: www.studenckifestiwal.pl

Below a spot of 47th Student Song Festival in Krakow 2011:

We proudly invite you to visit the 3rd edition of Festival, which will be held this December, from the beginning till 12th of the month.

The most interesting thing about this event is that the whole plan of festival was divided to three parts called: Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso. First of them is the competition gathering the best Polish shows of the past season. The grand prize is the statuette of the Divine Comedian. Purgatorio is the part about project “Life in theatre”. This one includes many accompanying events. Paradiso is the section of the festival dedicated to young directing artists. Many of them have been already widely acclaimed!

I’m sure you’ll enjoy each of the festivals’ parts. The only thing you have to spare is your free time. Hopefully you have a lot of it.

At the festival we will have an opportunity to attend several shows: Jan Klata’s famous Wedding of Count Orgaz, Sobociński’s show of Hamlet based on Shakespeare’s creation and other plays such as Antelli, The Three Sisters, The Living Room or those based on Franz Kafka’s novels.

You can find all these information and the timetables on festival’s site: boskakomedia.pl

You probably recognize the green sign of Starbucks. If not from visiting the coffe point, you must have seen it in many tabloids, tv ads or just almost everywhere in the world. It is often shown on the pictures presenting all the famous people during their daily activities – on the walk with friends, chatting on the phone, walking to the gym… Always with a mug filled with aromatic coffee from Starbucks- the biggest chain of coffee points on the whole Earth! If you didn’t know first Starbucks opened in 1971 in Seattle, and rapidly spread over US and then rest of the world. Today theyown more than 15,000 stores in 50 countries.

Among the customers of Starbucks we can mention Sarah Jessica Parker, Taylor Momsen, Madonna, Britney Spears, Nicole Richie, the Hilton sisters any many more people whom you can recognize from first pages of the magazines. Why not to trust the sophisticated taste of celebrities and buy some special drinks from Starbucks?

The choice of delicacies is very wide: ice coffees, macchiatos, traditional black coffee or latte with different kinds of syrup: caramel, vanilla, coconut or chocolate ones. Not to mention teas, shakes or hot chocolate! Every of them is worth tasting! If you haven’t been to Starbucks yet, don’t waste your time sitting in front of computer and try the delicious coffee. We can guarantee that you will become the next big fan of this green logo!

The Starbucks Coffee is located in Galeria Krakowska, on the 1st floor. You can find it next to the sushi bar and Mc Donald’s, signed by the green, characteristic logo.

Starbucks Galeria Krakowska, Krakow

What is more, there is always a chance to meet somebody famous here as it is a place popular among many artists. After all, the owner of Nowa Prowincja is Grzegorz Turnau – well known polish composer, pianist, poet and singer – formerly associated with Piwnica pod Baranami and Piotr Skrzynecki. The cafe also organizes meetings with some writers and artists. To find out more about these, ask for the schedule at the bar.

Address: Bracka 3-5 (according to one of Turnau’s song ‘a street where it always rains…’)

Well – enought. It’s been counted that Krakow attracted over 8.1 million visitors in 2010. It’s by 800,000 more than a year ago, in 2009. Estimations by Malopolska Tourist Organization. Foreigners constituted roughly a quarter of the total number, i.e. 2.1 million, and – in contrast to Polish tourists – they mostly stayed overnight in the city.

Over 26 percent of them came from the UK while 11.2 percent were Germans, 9.1 percent Italians, 8.3 percent Frenchmen, and 6.3 percent Spaniards. In 2010 all visitors spent some 3.5 billion zloties during their stay in Krakow.

What are the numbers for 2011? We’ll try to find out soon. Stay in touch!

Jama Michalika is one of the most popular coffee places in Krakow and a real legend too. It was opened in 1895 and from ordinary café, it has quickly became a favourite place of artists meetings. What’s interesting, ‘jama’ means ‘cave’ in english. The place was called like this, cause… it had no windows then! Along with Piwnica Pod Baranami Jama Michalika is on of the most known place of independent cluture in Krakow.

Among the guests of Jama Michalika we can notice: painters, poets, writers and actors, such prominent names as – Tadeusz Boy-Żeleński, Malczewski, Mehoffer, Lucjan Rydel, Włodzimierz Tetmajer, Kazimierz Przerwa-Tetmajer, Stanisław Wyspiański, Hanka Bielicka, Jacek Fedorowicz, Jerzy Kryszak, Andrzej Zaorski, Marian Opania, Tadeusz Drozda, Stanisław Tym, Andrzej Rosiewicz. Also first polish cabaret – Zielony Balonik was conceived here.

Even Józef Piłsudski, hero of I World War, was a proud guest of this historical coffee bar! Recently, in Jama Michalika are often organised concerts, recitals and poetry evenings. It’s the place where you always likely to meet some classy celebrities! Not only guests make the place so special- most of the furniture is originally from XIXth century.

You can find Jama Michalika on Floriańska street. You will recognize it when you see the characteristic, green door.

Łódź Kaliska is one of the best clubs on Krakow’s nightlife map. If you’re into modern interiors, red lights and really good music, it’s the perfect place for you! Łódź Kaliska is furnished in a rather unusual way… You can find there red leather sofas as well as golden victorian chairs- surrounded by harsh, stony walls. Not to mention sophisticated paintings and sculptures of women! If you’re adventurous, you will be glad to see the toilets. They have transparent mirrors instead of ordinary walls. Really interesting- better see it yourself!

You also won’t be disappointed with the music. You can hear there different kinds of electronic music: drum’n'bass, house, electro or dubstep, mixed by best djs in the city.

Łódź Kaliska is located on famous Floriańska street. You will recognize it seeing the big black and white logo on the one of walls. It’s open late till the last customer.

What is so special about this place is the fact that it offers handmade caramels made right in front of the customers. The whole production is based on the 17th century recipes. The sweets come in many different shapes but also you can order a shape of your own choice. Not to mention a wide variety of flavours like lemon, apple, amaretto or even thyme.

Apart from just purchasing candies you can participate (for free) in a demonstration of sweets’ production which takes place everyday at 5 pm. After the show you can try some of these lovely (and still warm) candies. It really is a special treat whether you have or not children.

As always the best way to learn about this sweet paradise is to visit its magical place at Gołębia Street 3. The shop is open everyday from 11 am to 7 pm.