One Of Rick Steves' Favorite European Cities Is An Enjoyable, Historic Tourist Destination

When it comes to European destinations, few know them as well as Rick Steves. The travel writer and television host has made a career out of exploring the continent, after all. His research and experience are extensive, and that work has led to him ranking Kraków, Poland, as one of his favorite European tourist destinations.

Calling Kraków one of Central Europe's best cities in one article and Poland's best destination on another page of his website, Steves describes it as a "beautiful, old-fashioned city buzzing with enjoyable sights, tourists, and college students." It's a far cry from one of Steves' least favorite places in Europe, Germany's "overrated" Black Forest. Kraków's Old Town, in particular, elevates the city in Steves' eyes. It includes the Main Market Square, which he describes as "one of the most charismatic squares" on the continent. The square is authentically historic, dating back to the 13th century as a site for selling and trading.

The reason Kraków is able to maintain its historic charm is that it was spared from the heavy bombings so many European cities suffered during World War II. So, rather than a rebuilt city that reflects its heritage, Kraków's design and layout are truly authentic and well preserved. Of course, Poland was not untouched by World War II. Near Kraków is former concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, now a Holocaust memorial and museum that is considered one of Poland's must-visit attractions to add to your itinerary.

When Poland relocated its capital from Kraków to Warsaw in 1596, Kraków maintained its intimate layout that still exists today. The city is also home to several museums and the oldest higher-education institution in Poland: Jagiellonian University was founded in 1364 and has remained an institution of higher learning for more than 660 years. These are just a few of the reasons Rick Steves considers Kraków the country's "cultural and intellectual center."

According to Steves, the soul of Kraków can be found at one of the most popular sights in Poland. Wawel Cathedral is a site full of memorials and tombs that honor Poland's former leaders, lawmakers, and historical figures. Today, the cathedral still offers Holy Mass on Sundays and holidays for those interested. The Wawel Castle Grounds are also a highlight, Steves shares, and include hilltop and castle views of the city below.

Adding to Kraków's cultural influence are its impressive number of museums. Steves specifically points to the Czartoryski Museum, which displays some of the most valuable and unique collections of art in Europe and houses Leonardo da Vinci's "Lady with an Ermine" and Rembrandt's "Landscape with the Good Samaritan." History lovers will also be attracted to Schindler's Factory Museum and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which was excavated over a span of 700 years.

Kraków's preserved history and buildings are certainly center stage. But the Polish city has plenty more to offer visitors, and Kraków perfectly illustrates why Rick Steves urges tourists to spend some time in Europe's "second cities." Steves points to Kraków's many expansive green spaces and Jewish heritage sites as just some of the reasons this city lands near the top of his list of favorite European destinations.

One way the travel guru suggests experiencing the city is by renting a bicycle or taking a walk and exploring Planty Park. The park encircles Kraków's Old Town and uses eight separate gardens to complete a circular pathway. In the spring, the gardens are full of colorful blooms, and in the summer, the space acts as a lush and shady route to some of the city's sites.

Steves also recommends a visit to Kraków's historic Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz. The area served as a base of sorts for the community and today is full of bars, restaurants, hotels, and shops. To begin your tour of the city, the easiest way to get there is to fly directly into John Paul II Kraków Balice International Airport (KRK), which sits about 30 minutes outside of the city's historic center by car or 20 minutes by train.