Entertainment

Strolling through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, passing through the main square at night, watching the hustle and bustle and the street performers, hearing the trumpeters call from the top of the Mariacki Church Tower —these are all amazing experiences in themselves. However, the city has much, much more to offer.

While Kraków is undeniably a historic city, it is also very contemporary and vibrant. The 100,000 or so students in the city ensure that many of the bars and late night clubs remain cutting edge in terms of both music and atmosphere. Its popularity as a tourist destination means that there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and clubs as well as a wide choice of cultural events.

Theater

For those who would like to experience some classical entertainment in this classic city, there is much on offer. The Philharmonic Hall offers a wide range of musical performances. There are two opera stages (although the city does not have its own opera house) as well as a dozen or more theater companies. Any performance at the Slowacki Theater is magical as the building itself is beautiful. To see the varied history of Poland's fairy tales portrayed on stage, visit the Groteska Theater in the Old Town. And for traditional theater performances, go to the Old Theater or Theater Stary as it is also known, which has entertained audiences since 1798.

Churches

Several of the city's churches offer organ concerts and other musical events on a regular basis - try the Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec, or the Mariacki Church. Simply attending a Sunday morning mass at one of the Old Town churches is also quite an experience. Visit the ancient gothic church of St. Barbara, it has served as a place of worship since the Middle Ages. To see an even older edifice, visit the Church of St. Aldabert, built sometime in the 11th Century. The most visited and famous isSt. Mary's Church, located in the Old Town Square, come here to listen to the trumpeter play the Hejnal, Krakow's very own ode to itself. Due to the long and turbulent history of Catholicism in Poland, there are so many religious monuments that exceed one's expectations on what appears to be every corner of the city.

Music

In Kazimierz you can recapture some of the lost Jewish tradition by attending Klezmer concerts and other traditional musical evenings. These take place at Klezmer Hois and Alef.

Many of the city's bars offer live music, often jazz. These are great places to meet friends or new people. They vary in atmosphere and style from pub-style locals to underground bars in classic Gothic cellars. Traditional favorites are Harris Piano Jazz Bar, U Muniaka and Klub Indigo.

Kraków - like all Polish cities – used to go to bed early, but not anymore! There are now many dance clubs that stay open until breakfast time. Places to try include Insomnia, (which true to its name closes at 6a on weekends), or the Electric Cafe. Others that stay open late are Kredens, Music Bar 9 and Pod Papugami.

Movies/Museums

As regards to movie theaters, once again there is considerable choice. There are several cinemas in the Old Town which are great places to rest and relax for a few hours. Try the Apollo or ARS for convenience. Some of the city's cinemas show alternative films as well as blockbusters.

Kraków has some fine museums, several of which are quite unique. Don't miss the famous Czartoryski Museum or the National Gallery. If the city has charmed you, try the Kraków History Museum. The Jan Matejko House is also very interesting as is the Manggha Center of Japanese Art and Technology.

The Zoo – which is surrounded by beautiful forest – is a great place to visit. There are bowling and arcade games at Atomic World as well as swimming at the Krakówianka Pool and lots of recreational facilities at the city's many Dom Kultury.

The Kraków Cultural Information Center (located on Ulica Sw. Jana, 2) can provide you with detailed schedules of what's on and when. They also publish a very handy magazine entitled This Month in Kraków that lists everything from galleries to concerts.

Whatever form of entertainment you choose, the powerful backdrop of Kraków itself always adds to the experience. Walking out from a film, concert or nightclub into the historical cobbled streets and narrow lanes is a surreal but amazing feeling.