Kraków - Poland

Kraków: A City Steeped in History and Culture Located on the banks of the Vistula River in southern Poland, Kraków is a city that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern-day charm. As the second-largest city in Poland, Kraków boasts an impressive scorecard, with top grades in amenities (A+), commute (A+), health (A), culture (A), and childcare & education (A+). With a population of over 804,000 residents, Kraków is a vibrant metropolis that has been attracting visitors for centuries. Its strategic location made it an important trading center as early as the 10th century, and today, the city's historic center, including the stunning Wawel Royal Castle and Old Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kraków's academic excellence is evident in its numerous institutions of higher learning, including Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest universities in the world. The city is also home to several national museums, theaters, and libraries, cementing its reputation as a hub of artistic and cultural expression. Despite being an urban center, Kraków's commute score of A+ reflects its well-planned infrastructure, making it easy for residents and visitors alike to navigate the city. Additionally, the city's health score of A indicates a high level of access to quality healthcare services. However, like many cities, Kraków faces challenges related to noise pollution (D+) and NIMBYism (B), reflecting concerns about development and environmental impact. Kraków has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a Stone Age settlement. From being the official capital of Poland until 1596 to hosting major international events like World Youth Day in 2016, Kraków has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt and evolve while maintaining its unique cultural heritage. Today, visitors can stroll through the city's picturesque streets, taking in the stunning Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture that characterizes much of Kraków. They can visit famous landmarks like Wawel Cathedral, St. Mary's Basilica, and Rynek Główny, Europe's largest medieval market square. As a global city with "high sufficiency" ranking by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network, Kraków is well-connected to the world through John Paul II International Airport, the country's second busiest airport. In short, Kraków is a city that masterfully balances its rich history with modern-day convenience, offering an unparalleled quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Kraków

Country: Poland

Population: 804237

Metropolitan Population: 1,498,499

Elevation: 219.0 metre

Area: 327.0 square kilometre

Web: http://www.krakow.pl/

Postal code: 30-024 to 31–963

Area code: +48 12