Eastern Flair

Yes, its the land of pickles, perogies, Polanski and the past Pope but
Polands cultural capital, Krakow, with its rich history and a newfound
modernity is also the perfect mix of past and present.

Stay
Located in the bustling old Jewish district
Kazimierz, Hotel
Karmel is perfectly tucked away from the nightlife action but still
remains in the heart of the historic neighbourhood and within walking
distance from must-sees like the Grand Square (Rynek) and the Wawel
castle. 15 Kupa St., Krakow, Poland, +48 12 430-67-00, www.karmel.com.pl

Shop
For a modern take on amber jewellery, check out Galeria
Skarbiec. It carries the work of a variety of Polish designers
ranging from bold statement necklaces to delicate earrings, with or
without the popular gemstone. 35 Grodzka St., Krakow, Poland, +48 12
422-60-56, www.galeriaskarbiec.pl

Eat
The head chef at Farina
brings a Mediterranean flair to most of her dishes such as the fish soup
(19PLN) and the grilled trout with garlic and almonds (29PLN), but a
plate of traditional Polish dumplings (aka perogies) is also available
(19PLN). Farina, 16 w. Marka St., Krakow, Poland, +48 12 422-16-80, www.farina.com.pl

Drink
On a warm summer night, sip a beer and
raspberry juice concoction with pretty young things at the outdoor café Mlekowoz.
On a cooler day, ask for a warm beer at the nearby Studnia Zyczen (The
Wishing Well). Mlekowoz, Meiselsa St.; Studnia Zyczen, Plac Nowy 6,
Krakow, Poland, +48 12 429-53-37.

See
Mona Lisa who? Before La Gioconda,
Leonardo da Vincis muse was Cecilia Gallerani, otherwise known as The
Lady with an Ermine. The painting went through some tough times
including Nazi looting in 1939 and had to be moved to Paris and later
Germany but was then returned to its home in Krakow. The Princes
Czartoryski Museum, 19 w. Jana St. and 8 Pijarska St., Krakow, Poland,
+48 12 292-64-60, www.czartoryski.org