Krakow

Whispered word of 'the new Prague' has travelled far, and today Krakow - for centuries the residence of Poland's kings - is rolling out the red carpet for flocks of eager tourists instead.

Situated along the Vistula River in the southeast of the country, the city entices visitors to its irresistible Old Town, which has endured the last seven centuries largely unscathed by war or natural disaster.

Containing one of the largest, richest and densest collections of historical buildings anywhere in the world, it's a feast for the eyes and magical to explore.

Encircled by a belt of parklands (flourishing where once the moat repelled invaders), the Old Town is a grand parade through the ages.

This is a kingdom of palaces, ancient churches, turreted towers, monasteries and monuments in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque attire; of Wawel Castle, one of Europe's most striking; and Rynek Glowny, the vast medieval main square where a bugle trumpets hourly from the highest tower of Mariacki Church.

Outside the Old Town are other treasures too: the traditional Jewish area of Kazimierz, which is finally being rejuvenated after decades of neglect, and the wooden churches in Zwierzyniec.

If at all possible, rent a car or take a bus south to the splendid mountain region of Tatras, for its traditional highland villages and nationally-adored rambling terrain.

On top of Krakow's immense cultural and historical clout, its vast student population ensures that its nightlife is served young, vibrant, and well into the wee hours.

After tucking into anything from Chinese to traditional regional fare, you'd do best to duck into a moody cellar bar (in winter), or a side-street pavement café (in summer) and leave less clued-up tourists to the traps.