Five reasons to visit Krakow

Culturally rich, historically fascinating and scenically located, Krakow is the perfect city break destination. Its beautiful Old Town, lively entertainment district and wealth of luxury hotels draw hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. If you're keen to follow in their footsteps then here's how to make the most of your stay in Krakow.

1. Walk the Royal Route: The best way to explore Krakow's historical heart is by foot; and the Royal Route takes in some of the city's most famous buildings. It starts at Florianska Gate and winds past St Mary's Cathedral into the market square. Continuing down ul. Grodzka, it passes the magnificent Church of St Peter and Paul before coming to an end at Wawel Castle. With plenty to see en-route, this really is the ultimate way to stretch your legs.

2. Visit Auschwitz: 'Auschwitz' is a name associated the world over with horror and suffering. The site, once a thriving Jewish town and later a grave for over a million people, has been preserved as a sombre remainder of the terrible atrocities committed by the Nazis. It lies just a short distance from Krakow and should be a stop-off point for anybody looking to pay their respects to the victims of the Holocaust.

3. Take a trip to the Tatra Mountains: Whether you plan to visit Krakow in summer or in winter, don't miss out on the beauty of the nearby Tatras. This lofty mountain range plays host to some of Poland's largest and most highly rated ski resorts, including Zakopane which was considered as a venue for the 2006 Winter Olympics. When the skiers leave, hikers take over; and the Tatra National Park, with its post-glacial caves and thriving populations of falcons, bears and marmots, makes for great exploring.

4. Tour Wieliczka Mine: A trip down an old mine might not sound like everybody's idea of fun - but Wieliczka Mine is in fact a UNESCO World Heritage monument and one of Poland's most dazzling sites. It was formed naturally over 15 million years ago, and comprises a range of chambers set over nine floors and abounding with ancient statues and carvings. Two underground chapels and an extensive salt lake provide the highlights of this tour.

5. Stay in luxury: Despite enjoying a thriving tourism trade and boasting excellent visitor infrastructure, Krakow is relatively inexpensive compared to many western European destinations. It abounds with luxury hotels, many of which are affordable even for those travelling on a strict budget. To take advantage of the best offers, book as far in advance as possible and use a specialist booking site such as Octopus Travel to search for deals on Krakow hotels.