During the 1990s, Prague was an expatriate haven, being often compared to Paris in the 1920s. Now, travelers are looking for the next Prague. And Krakow, Europe's most underrated cultural Mecca, is the next big thing in European travel. Unlike most other Polish cities, Krakow (or Cracow) came through the last war unscathed, so it has retained much of the history guarded in its walls, works of art and traditions. Since 1978 this quaint, friendly and affordable city is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Krakow's Main Market Square, the largest such a square in the world, is a medieval wonder.

Among the many to be seen is St. Mary's Church, with its world famous wooden altar carved by Wit Stwosz, Czartoryski Museum housing ancient European artefacts and Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece Lady with an Ermine, the Royal Castle Wawel with beautiful 16th century tapestries, klezmer sessions in the Jewish Quarter, and a real wonder - Wieliczka Salt Mine, an incredible underground museum featuring lakes and churches carved out of sale, located 15 kms from Cracow.

With its massive student population attending Jagiellonian University, your IQ could possibly rise considerably just by spending a couple of days wandering through Krakow. In fact, one JU alumnus is none other than Nicolaus Copernicus, the guy who came up with that idea about the Earth revolving around the sun.

And last but not least, Warsaw may be the political capital of Poland, but raise a glass instead to Krakow, the undisputed pub capital! There are over 300 pubs, cafes and bars in the Old Town alone. Enjoy!