Lublin (all images)

Lublin is a city of 340000 inhabitants, located in the plains of southeast Poland, about 50km from the border to Ukraine. It is a good base from which to explore the historical cities in the surrounding Lesser Poland area (Sandomierz, Kazimierz Dolny, Zamosc) and a good place where to stop before crossing by car into Ukraine.
Lublin was founded as a city in the second half of the 13th century, on the site of previous settlements, dating from the early Middle Ages. It developed as a trade centre between Poland and Lithuania and grew rapidly in the 15th and 16 centuries. After the third partition of Poland in 1795, Lublin became part of the the Austro-Hungarian empire. It became part of independent Poland after World War I in 1918.
Lublin has a small, but attractive historic centre, located southwest of the castle. There is a market square (Rynek) with restaurants and more restaurants and shops along the Grodzka street pedestrian area and Po Farze square.
The Krakowska gate leads into a more modern part of the city with a large pedestrian area. Here, on Litewski square, after dark there is a light and water show.
How to get to Lublin
Lublin has an international airport with flights to some European destinations and a train station. It can also be reached by car.
Accommodation
There are many hotels in and near Lublin, most of them bookable via the international booking portals.