We visited Poznan, Poland last winter, and we really liked it. So we planned another trip to Poland in the summer, this time for 3 days in Krakow. We’ve heard good things about this tourist-friendly university city, and it did not disappoint. Krakow does a superb job welcoming its visitors, and making it very easy to explore everything. It’s a very walkable city, with many lovely neighborhoods, cafés, pubs, and excellent food, wine, and beer at budget-friendly prices.
Kazmierz District
We stayed at the wonderful Hotel M29, where we were greeted with a glass of champagne. The hotel is located in the Kazmierz district, historically the Jewish quarter. This is a beautiful and fascinating neighborhood, with pleasant, tree-lined streets. It has been transitioning into a very hip area, as developers are fixing up beautiful old buildings into hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, and apartments.
Sights in Krakow
Krakow’s main square is the largest in medieval Europe at 10 acres. It includes St Mary’s Basilica, shops, restaurants, and cafes. St. Mary’s, gothic and beautiful, has an amazing altarpiece which is a national treasure of Poland. Wawel Castle is also impressive, a huge compound on the Vistula River. The history of World War 2 in the area is powerfully felt at Ghetto Heroes Square, an empty square with memorials represented by chairs, for the Jewish people who died in concentration camps.
For another sad but important reminder of the war, we highly recommend visiting Schindler’s Factory Museum. The original Schindler’s Factory houses artifacts and stories of the history of Krakow. The stories are of both the Jewish people and their neighbors, and their experiences in Krakow during World War 2. It shows what life was like for people enduring hardships, but also their adventures and inventive thinking and planning to survive while helping each other. It is not a long tour, but it is very good. You should definitely book a time slot in advance.
For a nearby outing, we booked a tour to see the Wieliczka Salt Mines. This is truly an amazing salt mine tour, located 30 minutes outside of Krakow. Underground is full of surprises, with 7 centuries worth of stories, all about the “white gold.” The mines are full of fascinating chambers and underground lakes, with shrines and monuments all made of salt.
Food and Pubs
We really enjoyed the outstanding restaurants, along with the super reasonable prices, in Krakow. The neighborhood restaurants in Kazmierz are lovely, with outdoor seating, excellent food and wine. The weather was nice, so it was lovely to sit outside, in the midst of historic buildings and synagogues, without the crowds of the main square.
A festival at the river walk showcased traditional handmade crafts, pottery, and served up breads, meats, pierogies, and drinks. We really loved the cool Irish pubs around town as well. Amazingly, the price for a pint of Guinness was only $2.50.🍀 Continuing to explore the Polish food scene, we went on a very fun walking food tour with a local guide. While enjoying stories of Krakow’s unique history, we tasted pierogies, vodkas, zapiekanka (Polish pizza), and craft beers, in the company of locals and visitors alike.
Krakow is a beautiful European city, full of wonderful sights, tours, and restaurants, and indeed, with a fascinating history. Altogether a destination that is very welcoming to tourists, with prices that won’t break the bank. We had a lovely time in our 3 days in Krakow.
Na Zdrowie!
Krakow
Above all, Krakow is a top destination for many interests. There is both an incredible history of a country that refused to give up in their fight in World War II, and a current day happy, welcoming atmosphere. Accordingly, this University city is easy to recommend to many as a great travel destination. By comparison with many other European cities, this is an easy choice. In any case, we will definitely be back. And when we do, we would love to tour all around this amazing country. Until then, Poland!
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