Briefly, please could you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Barbara – but most of my friends and relations call me Basia. I was born in Krakow, where I also studied ‘Tourism and Recreation’. I love to travel and experience different cultures.

Out of passion for our hometown, me and my friend created www.EverydayKrakow.com that provides information on Krakow including must sees, sites, events as well as an online hotel reservation system. We don’t want to become an ordinary booking agency, so we give tips, recommend events and offer exclusive cards for our guests. I really believe that passion can be contagious!

How long have you lived in Krakow?

All my life! Here in Poland we say that you never ask a woman for her age – so I will not reveal how long exactly. But just imagine that I have never lived anywhere else.

I travel quite a lot – but Krakow has always been a place that I would call ‘home’.

What do you like most about living in Krakow?

The atmosphere. I love its narrow streets and the huge Main Market Square, the strolls around the Old Town and former Jewish district, beer in pubs located in cellars, the bugler tune played every hour from the church tower… I have always felt lost in big cities and limited in smaller ones. Krakow and its ambience is a perfect match for my personality.

Is there anything you do not like about living in Krakow?

Hmmm… let me think… I would certainly wish for a big concert hall in Krakow. The citizens perceive their city as a cultural centre of Poland, but very often we realize that we miss facilities to organise events on a large scale. We host festivals and cultural events, but when I want to take part in a concert by a famous international singer, I usually need to go to Katowice or Warsaw.

Why should travellers visit Krakow?

The answer seems easy – Krakow is simply worth paying a visit. Many tourists find the character of the city unique and come back to savour it more often. There is a lot being organised in Krakow, but you can also find solitude here if needed.

Krakow and Poland in general also boast culture and hospitality. Our Easter and Christmas celebrations are very different to those in many western countries. There are still holidays and customs that might seem an extinct tradition to many foreigners.

To sum it up: culture, various events, concerts, funny tours, interesting must sees, off-the-beaten path routes, customs, tradition and delicious Polish cuisine are just a few of the things that Krakow offers its visitors.

You mentioned events. Are there any especially worth recommending?

All the time there is something going on in Krakow. It is definitely worth checking what the city offers in a given period, before your travel. There are cultural events connected with Krakow or Polish traditions, festivals (such as Summer Jazz) or regular events for visitors.

I am, for example, a big fan of Krakow Jewish Culture Festival that takes place each Summer. For some years now I’ve tried not to miss any edition. But of course it is all dependent on what one is looking for.

Is Krakow famous for any particular traditions?

I guess every city has its unique traditions. Krakow has many connected with legends or old customs. One, probably the most popular, is the bugler tune that is played every hour from the tower of St Mary’s church. It is a tribute to the trumpeter that saved the city from Tartar invaders by warning them with the tune. At least the legend says so.

What do you wish travellers would do or stop doing when they visit Krakow?

A while ago there was quite a lot of criticism of drunken groups of stag party tourists that seemed to be a nuisance to the locals. The citizens don’t like Krakow to be treated simply as a destination of cheap fun. Don’t get me wrong – we also love fun! But hearing that somebody did not visit the castle or Kazimierz, but spent 3 days in pubs instead, or the view of half naked guys bothering girls in the streets will cause a reaction.  I am myself confused about this issue, as I believe everything can work, if it is based on mutual respect. So don’t stop coming, just respect also the needs of the locals.

Which would you say are the highlights of the city?

There are of course things that pop out when you search information on Krakow. The Royal Route is a must. On the way you will see the most important attractions of the Old Town – the Barbican, city walls, Main Market Square and the Wawel castle. The Kazimierz district is another place that you must definitely visit. Many still decide to visit Wieliczka Salt Mine and Nowa Huta – the communist district of Krakow.

Oh, Polish cuisine is another of Krakow’s highlights. Pierogi, bigos, borscht, kielbasa, zapiekanka are only some of our culinary specialties.

What are your top 3 insider tips for visitors to Krakow?

Oh no… only 3? I could be giving tips for hours! But as an insider I especially recommend:

• visiting the Kazimierz district in the evening, when it enchants the most! There you can purchase (in Nowy Square) the most delicious Polish snack – Zapiekanka – that one can find in Krakow!
• take a crazy tour to the Nowa Huta communist district. Some tours offer a trip in an old Trabant car with crazy guides that will even treat you to the glass of vodka and show you this part of Krakow in a funny and interesting way.
• plan more days in Krakow as it is a perfect spot from which you can make various trips outside the city. Many visitors, apart from sightseeing in Krakow, decide to go to the Auschwitz Museum, Tatra mountains, Warsaw and many more areas of Poland.

Editors note: Don’t forget to visit Barbara’s web site EverydayKrakow.com for more tips on Krakow.

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