Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

EverydayKrakow.com wishes all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2009!
We hope that the forthcoming year will bring you a lot of joy, happiness and time for the travels of your life!

We hope to meet you soon in Krakow!

Everyday Krakow Team

Accommodation in typical neighbourhood of Krakow

Hotels in Krakow are very often located in historic tenement houses in the Old Town or centre of the city. But there is one that enables you to experience typical Krakow neighbourhood. Artur hotel, situated in the outskirts of Krakow (on the way to Wieliczka Salt Mine), offers unique view over the neighbourhood. A lot of greenery on one side and blocks of flats, in which most of Krakow citizens live, on the other. But Artur hotel is also a fine example of modernity with wide offer of additional amenities - such as conference room and restaurant. Book Artur hotel or view other hotels in Krakow.

Heart of Krakow

If you ask about the heart of Krakow - the answer must the Main Market Square or Rynek Glowny (as the Poles call it). Not only is it one of the most beautiful city's squares, but also the biggest Medieval square in the world. Apart from it, Rynek Glowny features gems of architecture such as St Mary's church or Sukiennice (the Cloth Hall) where one can buy hand-made souveniers. If staying in Krakow, you must consider accommodation in Wentzl hotel that offers wonderful view over the Main Market Square. Read more about the Main Market Square of Krakow and check Krakow hotels with possibility of online booking.

Peasant's food in Krakow

One of the best Krakow restaurants - Chlopskie Jadlo - serving Polish traditional cuisine, provides special offer to Everyday Krakow Guest Card's holders. Attractive discounts and free of charge additions are available in 3 restaurants belonging to chain of Chlopskie Jadlo (Peasant's food). Read more about benefits of Everyday Krakow Guest Card benefits and book your Krakow hotel through Everyday Krakow to become the holder.

17 thousand readers award Krakow

Guardian, Observer and guardian.co.uk Travel Awards have brought Krakow a great honour to be chosen as the second most interesting overseas city. 17 thousand of readers, that took part in a survey, placed Krakow only behind Sydney in the category of 'Favourite overseas city'. As a decision of British readers Krakow jumbed from last year's number 10 to leave behind places such as San Francisco, Singapore or Vancouver. Check Travel Awards 2008 winners and read more about Krakow, its hotels and must sees.

Great lesson of history...

When visiting Krakow, many tourists plan their trips around and outside the city. One of the most popular spots is Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, situated in Oswiecim (about 1h away from Krakow), that is former concentration camp and now the tribute to victims of WW II. Check information on the visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau (provided by EverydayKrakow.com) where you will find details concerning how to get there, rules of visiting this exceptional place and additional info about Auschwitz.

Hotel that resounds with Jewish music

When entering Kaziemierz district in Krakow, one will easily notice that it used to be the Jewish quarter of the city. Jewish style restaurants, embellishments on houses and synagogues and hotels that bear Jewish names.
One of hotels that is a great example of joining comfort and modernity with Jewish heritage of the quarter, is Ester hotel. Situated on Szeroka street, one of the main points of the district, provides wonderful view over Kazimierz. For guests seeking more experience, Ester offers cosy restaurant with concerts of live Jewish music. Read more about Ester hotel in Krakow and other interesting Krakow hotels.

Everyday Krakow Guest Card

EverydayKrakow.com offers its guests new benefits! When booking your hotel via our website you authomatically become the holder of Everyday Krakow Guest Card.
The card, delivered directly to your place of accommodation, entitles you to a wide variety of dicounts for Krakow restaurants, cultural events and trips. Soon there will be more benefits for Everyday Krakow Guest Card's holders.
Please, visit our website to learn more about the card - get to know about benefits, terms of use and conditions under which you become a holder.

Holy painting of Krakow church

One of the most beautiful Gothic churches of Krakow holds the holy painting of Virgin Mary of Sorrows. St Francis church will celebrate soon the 100th anniversary of coronation of the painting. The solemn concert, to celebrate the anniversary, will host soloists, Gregorian choir and Orfeusz chamber orchestra. Read more about this solemn concert on EverydayKrakow.com
As the Gothic shrine is situated only couple minutes away from the Main Market Square of Krakow, it is surely worth visiting when you stay in the city. Visit EverydayKrakow.com to read more aout the magic Royal City of Krakow.

Krakow - Business and Spa?

Although Krakow is most of the time perceived through its cultural heritage, it has developed also as a modern place for business conferences and Spa amenities. The examples of this new way of Krakow development are buildings such as hotels that make their best to provide the guests with comfort and adjust to their needs. One of Krakow hotels - Farmona Busienss&Spa Centre - can boast of massages, sauna and variety of beauty and welness treatments. Its garden and stylish restaurant add to its character. On EverydayKrakow.com you can read more about Farmona hotel as well as book it online.

Salty Krakow.

Nearby Krakow there is a small town - called Wieliczka - that hides one of the most important treasures of Poland. The Salt Mine in Wieliczka is more than the only working Medieval salt mine ever. It is also a tourist area that hosts chambers and chapels carved in salt (containing salt sculptures, carved walls and even salt chandeliers), tourist routes and underground lakes. It is a day trip when staying in the Royal City of Krakow. Read more about Krakow attractions and hotels in Krakow on EverydayKrakow.com

German rule over Krakow!

Soon there will be 6th edition of Sacrum-Profanum Festival in Krakow. The event presents classical and contemporary music and this year's theme is German music. During the festival you may see stars such as Kraftwerk, Ute Lemper, Paul Hillier, London Sinfonietta and many many more. At EverydayKrakow.com you may read more about Sacrum-Profanum Festival.
If you plan to visit the city during the event (that will last 7 days) or during different period of the year, we warmly invite you to check our external site EverydayKrakow.com You will find there not only descriptions of the most interesting events in Krakow and its attractions but also list of Krakow hotels.

Krakow Autumn full of Jazz!

Today is the first day of a unique event - Cracow Jazz Fall - during which (from September till Deecember) numerous Jazz concerts will be organised.
If you love Jazz, Krakow is a perfect place to visit and listen to the great music!
You can read more about Cracow Jazz Fall on EverydayKrakow.com where you will find additional information such as sort films from previous editions, direct links to this year's artists and many many more!

Kazimierz - Jewish district of Krakow.

The city of Krakow is divided into districts that sometimes differ in architecture and atmosphere that is created by its inhabitants and visitors. Apart from the Old Town, one of the most popular districts is Kazimierz that used to be the Jewish quarter. Jewish community lived in this part of Krakow since its very beginnings - when Kazimierz (named after the king Casimir the Great who founded it) was a separate town with its own Main Market Square (today's Plac Wolnica) and authorities. Kazimierz is not much younger than Krakow itself - as it was founded in 1335. It had its own city walls but, due to convenient situation, it was also protected - from the invaders - with the river. The city had its Christian and Jewish part. In result of Holocaust and later political situation in Poland, there was no Jewish cummunity anymore and Kazimierz became ubandoned, devastated part of the city.
Since about 15 years the former Jewish quarter has undergone the revival - thanks to investors and sponsors of cultural events that take place there. Although it is perceived by many as the Jewish quarter (due to synagogues that are there and Jewish culture that is cultivated there in many ways) it is actually a place where there are no Jews living - as the ones who stayed in Krakow are scattered around the city.
The distrct has, however, a lot to offer to those who would like to get to know Jewish culture better. There are 7 synagogues (in differect architectural styles), exhibitions of photos depicting how life used to look like in the district and local restaurants regularly give concerts of Klezmer music. In the streets one can very often see Orthodox Jews who come to Kazimierz to visit a grave of Moses Isserless (called Remuh) and see the place where the Jewish life used to flourish.
The restaurants, pubs and cafes feature exceptional atmosphere - as many of them are designed as dark, mysterious places. Also the hotels in Kazimierz district seem to differ from others in Krakow - even the names remind of Jewish culture (among them there are: Ester hotel, Eden hotel, Kazimierz hotel, David hotel...) while their interior design creates atmosphere as one would go back to the times when Jewish life was still ordinary thing - not a tourist attraction.
Read more on Kazimierz district on EverydayKrakow.com

Where Isaac Jakubowicz lived...

In Kazimierz district - former Jewish quarter - of Krakow there is a small hotel situated between three synagogues. Eden hotel does not only boast of special ambience but also great location in small Ciemna street. Some windows of the hotel look out at Ciemna street and summer garden of hotel pub, that hosts annually concerts within Jewish Culture Festival, while from others one can see Remuh cemetery with Moses Isserles' grave.
Eden hotel - due to small number of rooms (as there are only 27 in the building) - creates intimate atmosphere and guests who count on getting to know the local customs (especially connected with Jewish culture that used to flourish in this district) will not leave disappointed as the staff will eagerly provide any information needed.
The hotel restaurant offers Jewish guests kosher meals. However, also vegetarian guests will find Eden hotel a great opportunity - as no meat is served for breakfast, open buffet of Eden offers variety of cheese, vegetables, fish and non-meat products.
Eden hotel has additional facilities such as Mikveh (Jewish ritual bath), sauna and Ye Olde Goat pub situated in historic celars of the hotel building.
One of the buildings, from which Eden hotel was erected, used to be inhabited by Issac Jakubowicz - the founder of Issac's synagogue which is situated nearby.
Read more about Eden hotel and view its photo gallery. Online booking available via EverydayKrakow.com website.

Hotel full of history.

Krakow has many enchanting corners, streets, buildings, cosy cafes and restaurants. But as many marvellous interiors were placed in simple tenement houses - with time people inhabited them or changed their role. Nowadays the tourists, although many may not notice or value it, get accommodated in hotels that are a part of Krakow's history. They may breath the past of the city in its walls and ceilings - although sometimes the original interior is covered or on the contrary - exposured.
One of the Krakow hotels that will surely make the visitors experience the city's history is Wentzl. Located right at the Main Market Square of Krakow provides the view on the city's most precious hallmark and Europe's biggest medieval square. The 15th century Cellarich's family tenement is called "Under the painting" due to the beautiful painting of St Mary's that embellishes its facade.
One will not feel disappointed when entering Wentzl hotel, where modernity is beautifylly joined with historic interior. The hotel restaurant will sastisfy the most demanding tastes as Wentzl, founded in 1792 by John Wentzl, has gained recognition among the locals and visitors. Read more about Wentzl hotel and watch beautiful photos of enchanting hotel whose rooms will make you feel the royal past of Krakow. If you decide to stay for night in this charming lodging, be prepared for Krakow hejnal (traditional tune played from St Mary's church) to be played each hour - even at night. Windows of Wentzl will enable you to take part in night life of the city - watching the locals and visitors to stroll around the Old Town and admire the Royal City of Krakow.

Enchanting hill that raises over the city

The magic hill, situated in the very centre of Krakow, bears a unique name - Wawel - that became a hallmark of the city. The hill reveals the treasures of Krakow as there was the settlement from which the history of the Royal City of Krakow started. Word Wawel is also used to describe the castle, cathedral and a dragon that, according to the legend, had its seat in the cave of the hill.
The cathedral is one of the symbols of Poland - as there are placed the tombs of Polish kings, who ruled the country when Krakow was its capital. Starting from the first - who also reunited Poland - Wladyslaw the Short (Lokietek). In the basement of the cathedral one can also visit the tombs of Polish poets - Slowacki and Mickiewicz. Saint Jadwiga, the only female king of Poland - Hungarian princess - deriving from Polish first dynasty of Piasts - was burried on the wawel Hill. But when entering the place, one can admire in the main nave the silver coffin with remains of Saint Stanislaw - bishop of Krakow and patron of Poland. The visitors can also climb a tower to see and touch the Sigismund bell whose sound celebrates important events of Krakow and whole country.
The Wawel castle features beautiful Renaissance countryard. The tourists are allowed to visit the royal apartments and treasury.
When looking for thrills, mystery and legends - you are encouraged to visit the cave of the Wawel dragon who used to endangered Krakow and its citizens and afterwards was defeated by a simple shoemaker.
The Wawel Hill is seen from many places in Krakow. One of the most beautiful views one can get from Kanonicza street - which is said to be one of the most beautiful streets in the city. As well Poleski hotel features the view of whole Wawel Hill - situated on the other side of the river it enables its guests to stroll at the embankment of Vistula (Wisla) river. If you, however, choose different hotel in Krakow then Wawel Hill is still a must see of your trip.

Pierogi Festival 2008

When travelling, do you try out local specialties? Do you eat in restaurants where the local cuisine is served? Are you bold enough to taste the things that you thought of before as uneatable?
Tasting local cuisine is surely one of experiences and privilages of travelling. It tells a lot about customs, habits and style of life of the citizens of a visited country. In Poland, for example, things made of flour are very specific and common as typical national dishes. Among them many Poles and foreign tourists value PIEROGI. You can eat them with fruits (strawberries, apples, blueberries), sweet cottage cheese, with meat, meat and cabbage, cabbage with mushrooms and other more or less sophisticated filling. But the most recognisible (traditional) way of making them, is to stuff them with cottage cheese mixed with mashed potates and fried onion - so called Russian (Rusenian or Ruthenian) style. The recipe is very easy and I recommend to try out making them at home!
And so Krakow decided to celebrate this delicious specialty by making the PIEROGI FESTIVAL. Krakow restaurants would compete to become the winner of the best pierogi! And the visitors to that event? They could of course taste all of the kinds of dumplings that were presented. The festival is organised annually on the Small Market Square (nearby the Main Market Square of Krakow - behind St Mary's church). Apart from the contest and pierogi degustation there are additional events organised - this year folk groups performed for the visitors and the children were entartained by clown and Lajkonik. The winner of the festival appeared to be a small restaurant, situated in Kazimierz district, called Any Time. You can eat there pierogi any time you come to Krakow... from the restaurants worth recommending I would still mention "Pierozki u Wincenta" that is located just couple minutes away from Any Time. The dumplings with spinach and garlic sauce is my favourite dish there.
Krakow has a lot to offer to tourists. However, pierogi are surely one of the reasons to pay a visit to this magic city. Book your hotel and taste pierogi every evening! We will be glad to hear which type is your favourite one. If you still do not feel convinced to the Pierogi Festival or to the dish itself, visit EverydayKrakow.com and find an event that is perfect for you and for your way of travelling. And, last but not leat, have a lot of fun in Krakow!

Krakow Jewish Culture Festival 2008

As each year, Krakow Jewish Culture Festival appeared to be a wonderful event that makes us all wait impatiently to its next edition. Apart from "old" stars that entartain us since couple of years, one could experience something new and fresh - and enjoy new bands that seemed to be unknown to most of Krakow citizens.
My personal definite highlight of the festival (apart from "Shalom on Szeroka" final concert that since years gathers more and more visitors) was Jazz Klez Session with Paul Brody - who is every following year more and more amazing. From Monday to Friday the audience would meet in Alchemia, whose small underground concert room had troubles to place all those wanting to take part. Not only did the invited musicians manage to entertain all public but also had a lot of fun themselve performing. Apart from "usual suspect", such as Frank London or Mark Rubin, the star of each evening was Israeli band Oy Division. Klezmer music performed by those 5 young fellows amazed all the attenders and made them (or maybe I should say "US") not regret the sleepless nights spent on Jazz Klez Session. I am genuinely looking forward to next year wishing that the Festival will be at least as good as this year's one. We recommend you reading our EverydayKrakow.com 's announcement of Krakow Jewish Culture Festival 2008 as you will find there links to this year's stars as well as videos from previous years. If you missed 2008 edition - plan your holidays now to attend it in 2009. It will take place from 27th of June to 5th of July 2009... in Krakow of course. Nowhere else you can attend an event like this! Check our website EverydayKrakow.com for updates and other cultural events. If you are from outside of Krakow, book your hotel in Krakow in advance - not to face the situation that there are no vacancies anymore. Let's all meet in Krakow and let's have fun on one of the best cultural events ever!
If you wish to watch the video from Jazz Klezz Session in Alchemia, we invite you to EverydayKrakow.com youtube channel.

Find your own path through Poland's most captivating city!

We, Barbara and Wojciech, are very happy to welcome you on our blog where we intend to publish information connected with our home-town - Krakow. We hope that through our blog you will get to know that the city is worth visiting as there are various projects organised here. We also created EverydayKrakow.com website to be able to help tourists with achieving their own experience on the Royal city of Krakow.

EverydayKrakow.com is a reliable and comprehensive source of information on Krakow that offers discount booking of hotels in the city. Created by Krakow-born citizens it will help you with discovering Krakow as a perfect tourist destination, cultural centre of Poland, or simply as a beautiful place to stroll around.

Apart from cultural, art and music events presented on the website (to help you plan your visit) EverydayKrakow.com offers listings of good quality hotels at affordable rates of 3-star or higher standard accommodation. All the hotels offered provide comfortable accomodation with convenient online reservation.

As citizens of this beautiful place we also attend the events, therefore we will share with you experience and review things that take place in Krakow. We want to give you some ideas of spending time in Krakow and share our passion for the city.

Barbara & Wojciech