Sensible Traveler’s Hot Take
Krakow is a beautiful European city with fantastic food/drink and affordable accommodations. The Nazis took over the city relatively quickly during WWII which means that most of the beautiful architecture is still standing. If you care about history or enjoy your WWII lessons in grade school, Krakow must be at the top of your list. It can be very cold in the winter but all the more reason for a warm meal or vodka to warm one up (bonus if you visit during Christmas market season). Plus the city has a slight obsession with dragons so why wouldn’t you visit? While the most challenging part about visiting Krakow is getting there since most non-European carriers do not have direct flights to the city, but a single layover shouldn’t deter you from visiting.
Top Things to Do in Krakow:
- Krakow’s Rynek Glowny Central Square/Old Town and Florian’s Gate
- This is where the action happens which means you should stay within close walking distance of the square
- Krakow Castle/Cathedral
- The castle is about a 15 minute walk from the central square and worth exploring even if it’s just to see all the dragon statues. In the middle of the castle is the Krakow cathedral which is home to a bunch of dead polish kings.
- Day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau
- You really can’t miss this day trip if you’re in Krakow. While it’s not a joyous occasion, it’s memorable and important to make this a priority place to visit. A visit really pulls together all those history lessons you had in middle school and it’s a day you won’t forget or regret.
- *Don’t pay for a fancy tour bus and take the local bus which is relatively cheap and easy to use.
- You really can’t miss this day trip if you’re in Krakow. While it’s not a joyous occasion, it’s memorable and important to make this a priority place to visit. A visit really pulls together all those history lessons you had in middle school and it’s a day you won’t forget or regret.
- Visit Oskar Schindler’s Factory (World War II Museum)
- As mentioned, WWII had a significant impact on modern day Krakow and this is on clear display in a museum based in Oskar Schindler’s Factory (yes the Oscar winning movie was based on a real man and factory). This is one of the most well done museums in the world as you work your way through the factory to experience how WWII was experienced by residents in Krakow. This is the museum for the guy who doesn’t like museums as it’s constantly engaging and interactive.
- Visit the salt mines
- While not at the top of the list, a trip to the salt mines does ultimately make the list. We quickly forget how important salt used to be on this planet and how it made certain countries/kingdoms very powerful. It’s a good activity when the weather is snowy or rainy as it’s largely inside (by inside we mean in salt caves) and who doesn’t like viewing banquet rooms made out of salt.
- *Take the local bus to get there and avoid overpaying for a fancy tour.
- While not at the top of the list, a trip to the salt mines does ultimately make the list. We quickly forget how important salt used to be on this planet and how it made certain countries/kingdoms very powerful. It’s a good activity when the weather is snowy or rainy as it’s largely inside (by inside we mean in salt caves) and who doesn’t like viewing banquet rooms made out of salt.
- Extend your trip by taking an overnight train to Prague
- Krakow’s proximity to Prague is perfect to conquer two beautiful European cities in a single trip. The train leaves around 10-11pm and arrives in Prague around 7:30am. Price of the ticket is less than $100 USD per night for a sleeper car and you can avoid a night of paying for the hotel!
Food to Eat in Krakow:
- Food is good and cheap. Eat the local cheeses and homemade pierogies.
- If you’re into alcohol, drink vodka as you really can’t beat it with the exception of Russian vodka but we don’t recommend visiting Russia these days if you’re from the West!
- If you are adventurous, and like black licorice (YUCK) you can find absinthe everywhere
- There are hundreds of wonderful restaurants with wonderful food, great service and low prices.
Value:
- Food is very affordable compared to the rest of Europe.
- Accommodations are affordable and you’ll be able to find a decent non-chain hotel for a reasonable price.
- Prioritize staying near the central Square as that will allow you to walk and maneuver around the city on public transit relatively easily.
- While we stayed at a couple of different places I’d recommend staying at the Red Brick Apartments. It’s not fancy but it also doesn’t break the bank and is in a very good location.
- LOT is the national airline of Poland but it’s hard to find any directs from the US so you’ll likely have at least one connecting flight. Visit in the shoulder seasons for lower airfares and less tourists (but don’t visit in the dead of winter because you might freeze).
Time Needed: 3 Full Days
Any other Sensible Travel tips for Krakow? Leave a comment below to help your fellow travelers!
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