Kraków

Krakow - the open city

Krakow is one of the best recognizable cities in this part of Europe visited by about 14 million visitors annually. They are attracted by one-of-a-kind atmosphere and largest historical complex in Poland, unique on global scale, with encompasses over 6000 priceless architectural structures, as well as diversity and high standard of cultural events on offer here.In recent years, Krakow has become a city of ever increasing innovative and creative initiatives in various fields. Until recently, it attracted with its legend: a treasure trove of Polish heritage, European Capital of Culture, a city full of events and unique collections, a city organizing excellent festivals. These advantages were complemented with purely economic or even business arguments.



Today, Krakow is a place where it is not only worth holding a business meeting or a congress, but now, according to current trends, a business meeting in Krakow is a must. New congress centres and original interiors of historic buildings can provide services and add the appropriate prestige to each event. Krakow also owes this ability to its friendly and the professional hotel, catering, entertainment and cultural infrastructure which is clustered near the centre and the proximity of Małopolska region’s attractions, offering numerous opportunities for active recreation and unforgettable scenery. Currently, Krakow is the artistic and intellectual centre of southern Poland, and one of the most popular tourist spot in Europe. Krakow’s main Market Square – the largest mediaeval square in Europe (200x200 meters) – has always been the heart of the city, vibrant with life throughout the year. It is a favourite meeting place for Cracovians, students, tourists, and businesspeople. The 47 tenement buildings surrounding the square house numerous cafés, restaurants, pubs, galleries, shops, bookstores, and museums. The passage of time is marked by the bugle call played every hour on the hour from the top of the taller tower of St. Mary’s Basilica – the only musical signal in the world sounded regularly for six centuries. The most distinctive buildings in the Rynek Główny are St. Mary’s Basilica, with its imposing Gothic altar, and Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) – the best preserved cloth market in Europe.

Why Krakow?

Excellent accessibility - Krakow lies in the middle of Europe (~1500 km from Paris, ~1500 km from Moscow); Krakow Airport (second biggest airport in Poland) offers regular cost effective direct connections with major Eastern and Western European airports (2,5 h by plane to Paris, London, etc.). The city offers professional and diverse conference base. Most of the MICE objects and tourist attractions are in the walking distance from the city centre; Krakow has very broad range of accommodation types: from the 5-stars luxury hotels (in very reasonable prices compared to Western European cities) to the budget hostels. In total, the number of hotel rooms in Krakow exceeds 8000; Modern Krakow is dynamic, vibrant city, with 1 million inhabitants, numerous scientific institutions, excellent theatres, attractive night life, great restaurants and beautiful surroundings; Krakow has vast scientific facilities: numerous universities, higher education establishments, scientific institutes and research institutions. Krakow’s Jagiellonian University founded in 1364, where Nicolaus Copernicus studied medicine, connects Eastern and Western parts of common European scientific heritage. Krakow combines tradition and creativity, past and future, art and science – the congress delegates will be inspired by amazing spirit of this multi facial city. 10 th place in the world as per Tholons ranking ”Top 100 outsourcing destinations” with more than 70 international corporations from Business Service Sector. Local support – engagement of Krakow Convention Bureau and local companies from MICE sector. Krakow plays a crucial role on the culinary stage of Poland, where traditional Polish cuisine meets global influences. The Michelin Guide recommends 53 Polish restaurants, 24 of which are located in Krakow.