The Enchanting Tapestry of Krakow

• HelloCześć
  [cheh-shch]
• GoodbyeDo widzenia
  [doh veed-zen-ya]
• YesTak
  [tahk]
• NoNie
  [nyeh]
• Please/You're welcomeProszę
  [proh-sheh]
• Thank youDziękuję
  [jyen-koo-yeh]
• Excuse me/SorryPrzepraszam
  [psheh-prah-shahm]
• How are you?Jak się masz?
  [yahk shcheh mah-sh]
• Fine. And you?Dobrze. A ty?
  [doh-bzheh. ah tih]
• Do you speak English?Czy mówisz po angielsku?
  [chi moo-veesh poh ahn-gyehl-skoo]
• I don't understandNie rozumiem
  [nyeh roh-zoo-myem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChciałbym zobaczyć menu, proszę
  [h-chyah-bim zoh-bah-chich meh-noo, proh-sheh]
• I don't eat meatNie jem mięsa
  [nyeh yem myen-sah]
• Cheers!Na zdrowie!
  [nah zdroh-vee-eh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChciałbym zapłacić, proszę
  [h-chyah-bim zah-plah-cheech, proh-sheh]

• Help!Pomocy!
  [poh-moh-tsi]
• Go away!Idź sobie!
  [eej soh-byeh]
• Call the Police!Zadzwoń po policję!
  [zahd-zwohn poh poh-leet-syeh]
• Call a doctor!Zadzwoń po lekarza!
  [zahd-zwohn poh leh-kah-zah]
• I'm lostZgubiłem się
  [zgoo-bee-wem shcheh]
• I'm illJestem chory/chora
  [yeh-stem hoh-ri/hoh-rah]

• I'd like to buy...Chciałbym kupić...
  [h-chyah-bim koo-peech]
• I'm just lookingTylko się rozglądam
  [tih-koh shcheh rohz-gwah-dahm]
• How much is it?Ile to kosztuje?
  [ee-leh toh kohs-too-yeh]
• That's too expensiveTo za drogo
  [toh zah droh-goh]
• Can you lower the price?Czy możesz obniżyć cenę?
  [chi moo-zhesh ohb-nee-zhich tseh-neh]

• What time is it?Która jest godzina?
  [ktoo-rah yest goh-dzee-nah]
• It's one o'clockJest pierwsza
  [yest pyehr-foosh-ah]
• Half past (10)Pół do dziesiątej
  [poow doh dzyeh-syahnt-ehy]
• MorningRano
  [rah-noh]
• AfternoonPopołudnie
  [poh-poo-wood-nyeh]
• EveningWieczór
  [vyeh-choor]
• YesterdayWczoraj
  [v-choh-rye]
• TodayDziś
  [jeesh]
• TomorrowJutro
  [yoo-troh]
• 1Jeden
  [yeh-dehn]
• 2Dwa
  [dvah]
• 3Trzy
  [tshih]
• 4Cztery
  [ch-teh-rih]
• 5Pięć
  [pyehnch]
• 6Sześć
  [shchehshch]
• 7Siedem
  [shye-dehm]
• 8Osiem
  [oh-shyem]
• 9Dziewięć
  [dzyeh-vyenhch]
• 10Dziesięć
  [dzyeh-shehnch]

• Where's a/the...?Gdzie jest...
  [gdyeh yest]
• What's the address?Jaki jest adres?
  [yah-ki yest ah-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Czy możesz mi pokazać (na mapie)?
  [chi moo-zhesh mee poh-kah-zach (nah mah-pyeh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kiedy jest następny (autobus)?
  [kyeh-deh yest nah-stehp-ny (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilet (do ....)
  [bee-let (doh)]

Krakow was founded in the 7th century and has since grown into one of Poland's most important cities. According to legend, the city was established by the mythical ruler Krakus, who built it above a cave occupied by a dragon. This legend is commemorated by the Wawel Dragon statue near Wawel Castle.

In the Middle Ages, Krakow became the capital of Poland and a major center of trade and culture. Its strategic location on the Vistula River made it an ideal hub for merchants and artisans. The city’s first university, Jagiellonian University, was founded in 1364 by King Casimir III the Great, marking Krakow as a center for learning and scholarship.

The Renaissance era was a golden age for Krakow. The city flourished as a center of arts, sciences, and trade. The construction of Wawel Cathedral and the renovation of Wawel Castle during this period are notable highlights. The Sigismund Chapel, often regarded as a pearl of the Renaissance north of the Alps, was also built during this time.

After the partitions of Poland at the end of the 18th century, Krakow was incorporated into the Austrian Empire. Despite the foreign rule, the city retained its cultural significance. The 19th century saw the development of Krakow's infrastructure, including the establishment of the Planty Park, which replaced the old city walls.

During World War II, Krakow was occupied by Nazi Germany and became the capital of the General Government. The city's Jewish population suffered immensely during the Holocaust, with many being sent to concentration camps such as Auschwitz. The Krakow Ghetto and the Plaszow labor camp were sites of horrific persecution.

After World War II, Krakow became part of the People's Republic of Poland under Soviet influence. The city developed industrially, most notably with the construction of the Nowa Huta steelworks. Despite the political repression, Krakow remained a stronghold of intellectual and cultural resistance, playing a significant role in the Solidarity movement of the 1980s.

Following the fall of communism in 1989, Krakow emerged as a vibrant cultural and economic center in Poland. The city's historic sites, including the Old Town, Wawel Castle, and Kazimierz district, have been meticulously restored. Krakow's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 has helped preserve its rich heritage.

Krakow is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice (KRK) is the main airport, located about 11 kilometers from the city center. Direct flights are available from many major European cities. From the airport, you can take a train, bus, or taxi to reach the city center. The train ride takes about 20 minutes. Krakow is also accessible by train from other Polish cities and neighboring countries. The main railway station, Kraków Główny, is centrally located. Buses and cars are other viable options; the A4 motorway connects Krakow with other major cities.

Krakow has an efficient public transportation system, which includes buses and trams. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, ticket machines, or via a mobile app. Validate your ticket immediately upon boarding. Taxis are available but make sure to use licensed ones. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are also popular. For short distances, walking and cycling are great options. The city has many bike rental services and designated bike lanes.

The official currency is the Polish Zloty (PLN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in case you visit places that do not accept cards. ATMs are widely available. Currency exchange offices (Kantor) offer competitive rates but always check the exchange rate before making a transaction.

Krakow is generally a safe city, but like any major tourist destination, it's important to stay vigilant. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas like the Main Market Square and public transport. Avoid poorly lit areas at night. Kazimierz and Nowa Huta are generally safe but exercise caution, especially after dark. Always keep an eye on your belongings and use hotel safes for valuables.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number works for police, medical emergencies, and fire services. The main hospitals in Krakow include University Hospital and St. Raphael Hospital. Pharmacies, known as 'Apteka', are widely available, with some open 24/7. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and other unexpected events.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like churches. Avoid overly casual attire in fine dining restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and avoid loud conversations. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers and pregnant women. Don’t talk loudly or disrupt other passengers. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like pierogi and zapiekanka. Don’t skip tipping; 10% is customary in restaurants.

To experience Krakow like a local, visit the less touristy districts like Podgórze and Kazimierz. Enjoy a Vistula River cruise or rent a bike to explore the city. Try traditional Polish cuisine at a 'milk bar' (Bar Mleczny). Attend a local festival or cultural event to immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit the local markets like Hala Targowa for fresh produce and unique finds. Engage with locals; they are generally friendly and willing to share insights about their city.