A thriving trade town during the Renaissance, Kazimierz Dolny stopped growing during the 17th century, which helped keep its charming Old Town intact and looking like it hasn't been touched in more than 400 years (even if the castle has been in ruins for nearly 500 years). Today, Kazimierz Dolny is a popular destination for Polish travelers, drawn to its film festival, architecture, and artist's colony. By World War II, Jews formed nearly half of the town's population, including many of its artists.

Kazimierz Dolny is in a relatively rugged area, with the town itself sitting in one of the region's gorges on a meandering stretch of the Vistula river which also runs through Krakow, Warsaw and Gdansk. This gorgeous gorge network can be hiked, but tourists tend to visit the neighboring spa town of Naleczow, and the palace and park in neighboring Pulawy. Lublin, with its beautiful Old Town and castle, is a must-see, but may be worth a stay, instead of being used as a day trip.