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Founded as a separate city by King Kazimierz the Great in 1335, Kazimierz became home to a growing Jewish population in the late 15th century, as Jews fled persecution in Western Europe and were welcomed by Polish kings. Today, the district is one of the most important centers of the Jewish diaspora in Europe, with as many as seven surviving synagogues to prove it. Every year in early summer, Kazimierz hosts the largest Jewish culture festival in Europe, drawing musicians and visitors from all over the world. The area is worth exploring year-round, however, as it’s also home to a variety of lively cafés, bars, and pubs as well as several trendy stores along Józefa Street.

Located in the former administrative building of the famous Oskar Schindler Factory is a branch of Kraków’s Historical Museum, which tells the story of the city under Nazi occupation from 1939 to 1945. The museum ignites imaginations with its set-like displays, packed with realistic details about Kraków’s former residents and their lives during those very difficult years. Throughout the museum, visitors can also hear recorded testimonies of Holocaust survivors—don’t miss the documentary (with English subtitles) in the movie room. Other exhibitions worth seeing include the art installation in Schindler’s former office, and the last display before the exit, called “The Room of Choices.” It takes at least three hours to see the museum properly so be sure to plan accordingly.

Eataway is so much more than just dinner. Started in Kraków but quickly spreading to other cities, countries, and even continents, the creative concept involves local people cooking for guests in their homes. Interested parties simply book and pay in advance via the Eataway website, then receive directions to their dinner with their confirmation email. Meals vary greatly, so it’s up to you to browse the options and choose one that suits your needs, whether that’s pierogi the way your grandmother used to make them, or a sophisticated feast made by an aspiring chef in their own kitchen. Offerings also go beyond Polish food, as Eataway’s network of cooks includes expats like Mira from Korea and Sheuli from India, who prepare their national specialties extremely well. Besides the fact that the food is always delicious and authentic, it’s very reasonably priced—you can typically enjoy a three-course meal for around 50 to 130 Polish zlotys. Above all, you’ll meet interesting people and get a glimpse of real, local life. Eataway’s creator, Marta, remains at the heart of the community, serving “happy meals” from her home in Kraków.

During a tour of the more-than-700-year-old Wieliczka Salt Mine, you’ll travel through a labyrinth of underground corridors and stairs leading to a variety of fantastically shaped chambers, chapels, salt sculptures, and subterranean lakes. Exploring with a guide is essential, as the mine is home to nine separate levels and more than 2,000 excavated chambers. The Tourist Route, which starts at the Daniłowicz Shaft, takes about three hours to complete but covers only a small stretch of this fascinating underworld. For a more adventurous experience, choose the Miners’ Route expedition, which begins at the Regis Shaft (about a 10-minute walk from the main Daniłowicz Shaft) and allows guests to try their hand at working underground. The salt mine is very popular, so buy tickets far in advance, either online or from a trusted tour operator. And wear comfortable shoes—a visit here involves a lot of walking.

While unspeakably sad and heart-rending, a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is an important one. Located in the small town of Oświęcim (better known by its German name, Auschwitz, as this area of Poland was part of the Third Reich during World War II), this was the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp, where more than 1.5 million people—90 percent of them Jews from Poland and throughout Europe—died from 1940 to 1945. The former camp consisted of three parts: Auschwitz, Birkenau (where the gas chambers were located), and Monowitz (where a chemical camp was run by prison labor). Today, the barracks at Auschwitz have been turned into the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, while Birkenau has been preserved to look much as it did after the liberation. Admission to the grounds is free, but visitors must reserve a time slot online to help control crowds—about 2 million people visit every year. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour to learn more about this significant site.

The castle was the official residence of the Polish monarchs. After the building’s devastation by the Nazis during the Warsaw Uprising, the Communist authorities delayed a decision on whether to rebuild the castle. Finally, the decision to do so was made in 1971. It took nine years. Funds were provided thanks to the dedication of the community. Royal Castle, together with the Old Town was registered in UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Warsaw is one of those cities that may not be on the top 5 tourist destinations, but it will completely surprise you. Head to the old town and you will find incredibly beautiful and colorful architecture. The buildings were reconstructed after World War II, but you probably wouldn’t even notice because everything looks original.

Built in 1857 to house what was then one of the most luxurious hotels in the Russian Empire, this neo-Renaissance palace has seen a lot of action—including its near total destruction in World War II. Following a lengthy renovation and restoration that paid close attention to the building’s heritage, the Europejski relaunched in 2018 as a five-star Raffles, making it the brand’s third hotel in Europe. The 106 rooms and suites feel like chic residences, with vintage-inspired design, eye-catching modern Polish artwork, plush textiles, and bespoke products from French perfumer Blaise Mautin. All rooms also have a library with a curated book selection, and service from the famous Raffles butlers.

Soak up more of the hotel’s history in the dramatic Lobby Lounge or the clubby Humidor bar, indulge in signature sweets at the Lourse Warszawa patisserie, and savor modern Polish and international cuisine at the Europejski Grill, which overlooks Piłsudski Square and the eternal flame of the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. (The hotel also boasts an outpost of Long Bar, the signature watering hole from the Raffles Singapore.) A 1960s-era, wall-size mosaic by artist Krystyna Kozłowska provides a striking backdrop for the sophisticated six-room spa, where the treatments incorporate products from Sisley and Aromatherapy Associates.

In this week’s episode of Unpacked by AFAR, four AFAR editors—all parents—share their tips on traveling with kids, from how to deal with jet lag to one brilliant packing hack.