One Bustling City Is The Absolute Best Destination In Poland, According To Rick Steves

The fall of the Iron Curtain not only had massive implications for geopolitics and the lives and freedom of millions of Europeans, it also had a big impact on tourism. Countries only rarely visited by regular travelers suddenly saw an influx of curious tourists, most notably in Prague. Throughout the '90s, the Czech capital saw a huge boom in travelers that has shown little signs of slowing down, drawn by gorgeous architecture, great beer, and cheap prices. Other former Eastern Bloc cities such as Kraków, one medieval town you don't want to skip when visiting Europe, also saw a rise in visitors as they strove to become "the next Prague." According to Rick Steves (per his website), the latter is simply the best place to visit in Poland.

While Warsaw has recently emerged as one of the top ranked city vacations in Europe, Kraków has long enjoyed its status as a jewel in the Polish crown. While Warsaw has been lovingly restored after the mass destruction of World War II, the country's second city emerged from the conflict relatively unscathed and still has a small-town feel despite its bustling tourists and population of almost 770,000. The Old Town has been somewhat blighted by restaurants and bars catering solely to holidaymakers and rowdy bachelor parties, but it is still relatively sedate compared to Prague or Budapest — you only need to duck down a side street to find a more authentic Kraków experience again. Let's take a look at some of the highlights.

Rick Steves captures Kraków's appeal in a nutshell: "Bustling university life, thought-provoking museums, breathtaking churches, great restaurants, sprawling parks, and vivid Jewish heritage sights round out the city's appeal." The beautiful Market Square is the centrepiece of any visit to Kraków, and it's a fun place to wander and people-watch. The middle of the square is dominated by the splendid 13th-century Cloth Hall, and the whole scene is overlooked by the soaring, mismatched towers of St. Mary's Basilica. Listen for the enigmatic bugle call on the hour, which ends abruptly. Legend has it that it is an homage to a 12th-century bugler who alerted the city to an invading army but was struck down by an arrow mid-note.

Other sightseeing highlights include imposing Wawel Castle, with its cathedral and underground passages, and Kazimierz, the lively and historic Jewish district. The terrible plight of Kraków's Jewish community during World War II cannot be overlooked, and you can visit Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory to learn more about the German industrialist's efforts to save around 1,200 people during the war. Kraków is also many travelers' base for a visit to the nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, one of the world's most popular dark tourism destinations. The former concentration camps aren't an easy visit but remain an essential reminder of the horrors of the past. Many travelers also head out to the incredible Wieliczka Salt Mine to see its subterranean chapel that looks like something from J.R.R. Tolkien.

As with many Central European countries, Polish cuisine is traditionally a stick-to-your-ribs affair. One of the best places in Kraków to get it is Milkbar Tomasza, a trendy modern spin on the classic Polish worker's canteen. As Rick Steves explains: "At Poland's 'milk bar' cafeterias, holdovers from its communist era, you can get a super-cheap meal with a side of cultural adventure."

Elsewhere, Pierwszy Stopien is a family-run spot offering top-notch dishes focusing on the best local produce, while Ristorante Sant'Antioco serves excellent seafood and Italian cuisine in an intimate setting. Both hold top ratings on TripAdvisor. If you are more in the mood for Asian flavors, Molam Thai is a stylish Bangkok-inspired restaurant that has received the Michelin Bib Gourmand Award for great food at an affordable price.

Nightlife in former Eastern Bloc countries isn't quite the adventure sport it once was, but Kraków after dark is still pretty lively. If you want to avoid boisterous parties, your best bet is to skip the touristy joints in and around the Market Square and head down to Kazimierz district. The neighborhood is full of friendly bars where you can drink and chat all night on a modest budget. Polish beer is decent and costs as little as $3 USD. Also, check out the range of vodka if spirits are your thing. Don't miss the iconic Żubrówka vodka, made with bison grass and often mixed with apple juice. It tastes just like apple strudel!