Travel Troops Global Private Ltd. 2022 all rights reserved. Your email address will not be published. We spent 3 days there, and so a 3 day Krakow itinerary is what were going to cover! So go check out the dragon of Wawel Hill and try not to get eaten or burnt to a crisp! Vijay is a techie, globetrotter, a bookworm with an endless bucket list. Come to think about it, we bought two penguins in Krakow. Basically what Eric grew up eating! Although it costs around 100 Zloty, it is worth the ride. The food was delicious, the drinks were cheap, the portions are huge, and the service was awesome. Ultimately, our first trip was just a sampler trip of quite a few places and now we are really wanting to get back to most of them! You can find the church close toSt. Maria Magdalena Square in the Old Town. Aboard the carriage, I felt like a king riding around Krakow. Brick was later added to solidify the fortifications and then the current style of a Baroque roof in the 1600s. Located in the heart of Krakow, the castle looked magnificent from the outside.

Thats the short version theres a king involved and a bunch more details. From November 1, free admissions change to 10 am 4 pm on Sundays. If you make a purchase via the links on our site you will pay the same price, but we may receive a small percentage which helps us to keep bringing you new and informative travel content every day! Upon some research on Booking.com we choosePrzy Szlaku Zakopane Centrum Pokioje & Apartamenty. National drink of Polish people, local vodkas are available to try out. We like just taking in the sights and sounds of a place rather than have a rigorous schedule. As you wander around the Main Square, youll be overloaded by the things you want to check out or photograph. There are also photographs and small exhibits to learn about Krakows past. As one of the best examples of Polish Gothic Architecture, the red brick church is an attraction that wows you when you see it. Traditional Polish dumplings filled with meat, fruits, potato, and vegetables. Obviously, they were closed off in the wintertime but still made for a lively atmosphere! Eric actually has Polish roots and is well-acquainted with Eastern European foods like pierogis and cabbage rolls.

Flights from the UK are relatively cheap and you get can airfare for as low as GBP 15 each way. Dragons Den A legendary cave that sits on the western slope of the Wawel hill. There were a ton of restaurants and lots of green space where we stayed. If you are looking for a hostel in Krakow, there are also LOTS to choose from. Of course, we were hungry and the best deal was ordering a sushi boat with a few rolls on it. Go to our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article. Krakow (and Poland, in general) is quite cheap meaning you can stay in the centre of the city and not have to pay anarm and a leg **cough** Copenhagen **cough**. We choose the magnificent Kanonicza 22 hotel. This is what we did and admittedly, finding the bus station and making the early bus was a little stressful. Krakow is an incredible medieval city that is jam-packed with history. Tip:Allow yourself an entire day for this experience. The crepes look really good. By now, weve mentioned the park that surrounds the Old Town a few times. Exclusive Member of Mediavine Travel Development by Becky van Dijk, DAY 1: TRAVEL DAY TO KRAKOW AND ONWARDS TO ZAKOPANE, Day 2: Explore Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains, Day 5: Travel back to your home country, or onward destination, This website is a free resource and to keep it free for our readers we may use affiliate links in our articles.

One evening, we were walking home a different route when something fun caught our eye. In this article I share a few interesting facts about Poland, our exact itinerary of what to do with just three days and four nights in Poland, how to get around the country easily and cheaply, where to stay in Krakow and Zakopane, my favourite spots to eat and of course the best things to do in the country. Your email address will not be published. Today, it actually incorporates most of the major architectural styles from the centuries Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, etc. Later, I tasted many Polish dishes and desserts in local restaurants. There is also the option to go right out to the Tatra Mountains which create a natural border between Poland and Slovakia and visit the stunning Lake Morskie Oko. Once I started my research, I discovered lots of interesting facts about Poland. Of course, we werent going to tour through Poland without having authentic Polish cuisine. If you are ready to spurge on your trip to Poland then I cannot recommend Kanonicza 22 highly enough. So, we had to snap a photo. We were searching the store when Lisa exclaimed from another corner. What I loved most the Polish hospitality. Since we only spent a few days in Krakow as part of a much larger trip, we know that we need to go back and do so many more things. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link. We wandered up there on the first evening in Krakow and we were SO lucky to catch the most stunning orange sunset weve ever seen.

During the Second World War, many of the Jewish inhabitants were relocated from the district into the ghetto across the river. Well, under Austrian rule in the early 19th century, the walls were largely torn down with the exception of St. Florians Gate, the two adjacent towers, and the giant Barbican close by. They dont have an official website so you can check out Milkbar Tomasza TripAdvisor if youre curious! I hope that you found this article useful and that it will provide you some inspiration and helpful tips for planning your own trip to Poland.

Address:witego Tomasza 24, 33-332 Krakw. First of all theKanonicza 22is beautifully decorated in grey and white, and for my friends who know me personally they know I have a very simple dcor of greys and whites so this certainly appealed to my taste. Well, according to Polish folklore, there was a dragon living in a cave at Wawel Hill. The first cathedral was built on the site around the year 1000 but over the years rulers have expanded it significantly. All in all, wed suggest a wander around the Jewish Quarter starting at the main market streetUlicaSzeroka. The highlight here is Szczerbiec Polands original coronation sword. In addition, Poland is one of the cheaper European country when you get there, making it a great budget destination as well! Cheap typically means fun and wild in hostel life because the beer is cheap! But more important is the absolutely stunning bathroom, and the pice de rsistance is the private rooftop, where you can sit and enjoy a glass of champagne with a view overlooking the Wawel castle. Want to learn about Polish history through art? A beautiful marriage of Romanesque, Renaissance and Gothic architecture, the Wawel castle is actually considered one of Krakows architectural jewels! To learn about the Town Hall Towers opening hours and prices, you can check out the website. The Barbican is a fortified outpost connected to the city walls. On Day 3 you can take an early morning or afternoon bus back to Krakow. Please see our Disclosures for more information. Located very close to Wawel Castle, Pod is described as the touristy place that everyone goes to because it truly is one of the best options for authentic cuisine and a great Polish meal experience. Located about an hour west of Krakowby bus and train in the town ofOwicim is the infamous Concentration Camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau. If you check out the calendar on their website, youll find lots of repeat performances with a variety of productions that come and go based on the season. In fact, its considered one of the best-preserved examples of pre-war Jewish lifestyle and culture. Upon entering the restaurant the disappointment was clear, little we knew that it was just about to get worst. They do a great job. For example, there is a gallery of just 19th-century Polish art located in the upper parts of the Cloth Hall in the Mina Square. This is because two of the days are assigned as travel days, so its a full 3 days of sightseeing. It can be a bit confusing to schedule your stay around. There are lots of different tours that will take you directly there from Krakow, while others just cover the entrance ticket. We had tons of restaurants close by and it was a pleasant walk to the train station. ), I discovered that Poland has a lot to offer its visitors and is a great winter destination. Mostly with pork, rice, and onion wrapped up deliciously. At the end of the guide i also share a few ideas on other things to do in Poland if you have more time. Juliusza Sowackiego), Enjoy the Outdoors in Bonia Meadow or Planty Park, Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, check out more information about Wawel Castle here, Here Is Our Exact Europe Trip Packing List, read more about these awesome attractions at the official website, check out the website for Bukowskis here, check the website for the ones that interest you, Check here for the Auschwitz-Birkenau tour that fits best for you, check out Milkbar Tomasza TripAdvisor if youre curious, check out their website for the menu and opening hours, 8 Awesome Day Trips from Barcelona You Should Take, Whale Watching from Victoria, BC [Our Experience], How to Spend One Day in Barcelona: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors, 3 Days in London: Helpful Itinerary for First-Time Visitors. We were walking Ulica Grodzka from the Castle/our Airbnb and there was the church just sitting pretty. There is plenty to do in Krakow well cover a few of the things we did and few things that are very popular, as well. There are also many attractions along the river like the Wawel Dragon and if you walk far enough west from the Old Town youll end up at the green space near the Mound! The Mound was built in 1823 entirely by volunteers workers and locals who gradually brought dirt to the site to create the mount as a museum and to commemorate the Polish War Hero Tadeusz Kosciuszko. Were not going to give away all the details but the experience is very well done and immensely heavy. On the final day 5 depending on your flight time you may have extra time to explore in the morning and afternoon before your departure. We didnt get a chance to go because we mostly cooked in our Airbnb but we had seen it (and how highly it was rated) and planned on going. How fitting! Having an interest in the Second World War, Eric had always wanted to visit to learn about what happened. There is plenty to do to keep you occupied in Zakopane and I have highlighted my favourites and must-dos when visiting Zakopane a little further down this article. The surrounding fort was built later, was partially destroyed, and has since been rebuilt serving as a great way to learn about Polish military history. Another one of the most popular day trips from Krakow is one with a slightly darker history. Our preference was to take the bus around 10am and get to Krakow for lunch and to have to some time to explore the city during the afternoon. Seriously, take my advice and choose this hotel for your next visit to Krakow.

Called the Stare Miasto in Polish, the Old Town is full of winding streets, alleyways, churches, restaurants, statues you name it. Wed recommend trying it out if you want sushi in Krakow. Our Airbnb was right on the border of the Quarter and we thought the area was super cool. Again, its one of those well get there next time kind of things! And thats the story of how we bought Pia the inspiration for this very travel blog!

Jaw-dropping travel deals now LIVE with upto 1 Year Validity on all trips! Winters are extremely cold if youre flying anytime between December to February. This massive open-air square is lined with shops and cafes and has a ton of popular attractions right in the middle of it. You get to soak up the history of Krakow worth spending at least 2-3 hours here. The hill itself, as we said, has played a role in human civilization for a very long time. As such, the dragon is proudly standing along the walkway at the foot of Wawel Hill beside the river. We didnt go wrong choosingPod Wawelem as our place to try out! Subscribe to get access to our FREE eBook with top tips for saving money when you travel! Alternatively, you can book a tour that takes you from Krakow and includes your entry ticket into the Memorial and Museum. The Castle was built upon Wawel Hill, which has actually had settlers living on it as far back as 50,000 years! The dim lighting made the atmosphere really cool, too. Give this site the respect and time it deserves because it is something that will forever be etched in your memory. Some of the buildings are still standing while many were destroyed by the Nazis before they evacuated as Allied Forces marched through Poland. We bought a little glass penguin there. Youll notice a crowd gathering all times of the day. Youll find it located just on the border of the Old Town. Youll see once you get there inside there is a massive glass case full of the cakes and other goodies waiting for you to order. For this post, were going to start off with a list of things you can see and do in Krakow. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We Are Travel Girls is a global travel community created to inspire, connect, educate and empower female travellers around the world. Just means that well have to go back. April to September would be ideal as the weather is warm/hot and pleasant. The neighbourhoods surrounding the centre (which we cover in the accommodation post) are quite safe and all have different vibes, restaurants, and things to check out. In fact, Krakow (the city) has to compete with two of the most-visited spots in all of Europe: The Wieliczka Salt Mines and Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp Memorial and Museum. Along the way we admired the pretty streets of the old town, other beautiful and ornate buildings and stopped for some sweet treats and donuts along the way. A general admission ticket is 9 Polish Zloty (approx. Food was terrible (over fried and oily), water tasted awfully and the white wine was warm.. Inside, the castle is divided into several museums and you must purchase a ticket for each exhibition. We cant imagine what people went through so many decades ago. The hours for the different branches and galleries canvary best to check the website for the ones that interest you! Our flight arrived in Krakow at 3.30pm in the afternoon, and since this seemed like a bit of a dead day we decided to go straight from the airport to Zakopane in the south of Poland. We didnt get a chance to wander through but know that its a nice escape from the city yet still very much in the city. If you want to learn more about the Basilica, including opening hours and times for when to attend mass or a tour, check out the Basilica website. Krakow is a great city full of history but its no secret that in the surrounding area, there are LOTS of great day trips you can take. The Lost Wawel An archaeological and architectural reserve, you can peek a look at stonework, tiles dating back to the Renaissance period. We stayed in an Airbnb that was very close to the centre of the city. They just give you a great sense of the city especially if you do them early on when you arrive in a place. Oh, and yes the pierogies and the pickles were just like his grandma used to make! There will be a lot of walking and wear suitable shoes as walking is on an uneven surface. After completing Auschwitz camp, the next stop was Birkenau camp. The park basically runs the former route of the medieval walls and moat when Krakow had fortifications around it. For more ideas on things to do in Krakow on your final day see my list below. Tip:Dont miss out on local food and drinks in the Old Market Square. We just listened to the music on the one evening when the sun was setting and it was a great experience. Its very old and cozy inside, too. Auschwitz I is where you start your tour. Then a stop at the National Museum in Krakow is for you. Further this is a great trip idea for those looking to visit Europe sans the wallet strain. The church was the first built in Poland to be entirely in the Baroque architectural style. We left the shop all smiles, and Lisa named her Pia to go with Penguin (who was at home waiting). Check out for free walking tours here. A nice way to end your day, watch the old town come to life with its ancient buildings and city when you take this ride at night. If youre going to Poland, you might get asked oh, are you going to see the Salt Mines? .. and that would be a fairly reasonable question. Since there is so much to do and see, its pretty easy to spend 2 days in Krakow, 3 or even 4 days in Krakow. Waszyngtona 1, 30-204 Krakw. We also plan on writing a whole post on our day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau in the future so stay tuned for that. Wroclaw, Warsaw, and Gdansk: As I had clubbed my Poland trip along with Berlin it was a short 2-day-trip. Wondering How to Spend 3 Days in Krakow, Poland? Beginning from Berlin, then to Auschwitz and finally the Birkenau Nazi camps a must visit if you want to understand the grave havoc Nazis left behind. A ticket for the Cathedral is free but you have to pay to see Sigismund Bell, the Tombs, and the Cathedral Museum. Want to get amazing views of Krakow and the surrounding area? Euros arent accepted in Poland. The Wieliczka Salt Mines are located in you guessed it Wieliczka, which is technically in the greater Krakow area. This ticket can be purchased at the Visitor Centre ticket office located in the Cloth Hall in the Main Square. That said, finding a hotel just outside this area can be even cheaper and provide you with a nice little walk each day. Check out the notefor more information! Krakow was a great city for that. There is a long history about the church from the trumpeter who was shot while warning the city of an attack to the wooden carved altar inside. . After being in England over the holidays and craving a nearby winter trip, I used the handy everywhere feature of Skyscanner and looked for the cheapest flights. The interior is a vintage, beer-hall style, cozy kind of place that is welcoming to everyone just looking for some good food. Packing for your Europe Trip? Links in this article may earn us a little money if you book/ order stuff. Why? I visited Auschwitz camp first one of the largest Nazi concentration camps. Przy Szlaku Zakopane Centrum Pokioje & Apartamenty, Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow MGallery By Sofitel, Guide & Itinerary For A 5 Day Lapland Adventure, A Guide To Visiting Historical Warsaw, Poland, THE ULTIMATE ICELAND CAMPERVAN FIRST TIMERS GUIDE, THE ULTIMATE KEY WEST BACHELORETTE PARTY GUIDE, THE ULTIMATE CHARLESTON BACHELORETTE PARTY GUIDE. We discovered most of the city on our own. Filled with poisonous gases, thousands of people were killed in the gas chambers. However,there are concert performances that you can attend for a fee and apparently, the acoustics are amazing in the church. Two more camps were built as more Jews were deported from various places in Europe. We actually wandered around Krakow on our ever first trip together. Not bad! Youll passthrough different districts on the nice walking paths and each of these places can be explored if you like. It was also close to the river which meant having an all-important water source nearby. Our traveller Vijay Ram discovers and falls in love with Krakow and more with this 3 day Poland itinerary. Get Great Deals On Your Maldives Trip. Known in Polish as the Teatr im. Many of the Jew occupants suffered from diseases and died without proper medical facilities. I tried the cheesy one with fruits and jam mixed. On the final day of your trip you will be heading home, if like us you have an afternoon flight then you can use the morning to explore Wawel castle and the cathedral. Subscribe to get our FREE eBook with tips on saving money when you travel! After a bit of research we found that buses run from the airport to Zakopane with Flixbus and are as little as GBP 4 per person! Quite a collection of stories about this place go hear it yourselves! Created in the early 1600s, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul stands as a significant piece of Polands religious history. That said, it didnt feel artificial like other tourist hot spots can be. Then hike up the Mound and take it all in! There are hundreds of options for places to stay in Zakopane, from lodges, small cabins, hotels to AirBnB. Pay in No Cost EMI, Written by Vijay Ram on September 13, 2017, Ireland Castles: All about Ireland Castles, Castles in France: Top 7 most beautiful places to visit, Best things to do in Cordoba for an incredible vacation, Things to do in Zakopane- Top 5 things to do in Zakopane, Exploring Michigan: Top 10 Beaches of the Great Lake State, Things to Do in Gdask during your Poland vacation, These Best Things to Do in Wrocaw should be a part of every itinerary, See and experience royalty at the Taj Lake Palace Udaipur, Edinburgh Castle An escapade into history, 4 Most Romantic Walks In The Lake District, United Kingdom. Choco Cafe is located just off of the Main Square so very much in the touristy area. In this sections, well cover the Square itself and the beautiful Basilica of St. Mary. Built in the 14th century, St. Marys Basilica is definitely something you shouldnt miss.

Built in the 13th century from stone and brick, the tower was actually part of a larger Town Hall building. It was considered one of the best examples of fortified military architecture given that the walls were 3 metres thick and were designed for both military defense and offense. And at around US $55 a night they are very budget friendly. This Poland trip has been equal parts historical retreat to all the World War 2 locations and equal parts basking in the beauty of Krakow. Address:al. If you want to explore the shop, check out the website for Bukowskis here.

It was Bukowski Toy Store. Our trip was in the second week of January, right in the middle of winter but also the perfect time to enjoy the last of the festive season and get a bit of belated white Christmas. We had a live guide but we also had headphones which made it clear to hear her at all times so she didnt have to shout. In 1820, that part of the building was demolished in an effort to open up space in the Main Square. We just kept making directional decisions and eventually, we had gone in a massive circle and seen lots of points of interest! You can check out more information about Wawel Castle here. We stumbled uponGenji because we walked by many times to and from our house to the Old Town. The overall experience was amazing. Here you can recline in a deckchair, with a bloody mary (or glass of water!) Admittedly, we didnt realize how much there was until we did some research for this article.

The staff was very friendly and overall we had a cozy time in a Krakow cafe. If you are feeling up for a wander, simply walk along the Vistula River.

It goes without saying that Wawel Castle is a huge attraction in Krakow.

Bonia Meadow is technically a park that youll find due west of the Old Town. Overall, the experience was very well done. We were, fortunately, able to visit one of them, and we will definitely visit the other one when we go back! Depending on how you like to select your accommodation will determine which you choose, some people choose based on price, others based on location. If you want to go inside, its free to enter. Once there, the tour continues with the same guide who takes you through the grounds as you learn about the past. Fast forward two days we enter the shop again and cant find the penguin. when we got to the front we were told there was no assigned seating today and to take any seat, so my advice would be to get to the front of the queue just in case seat reservations are not honoured on that day. Yes, we went for sushi in Krakow. If you want to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, you can buy tickets online and take the regular bus from the Krakow Bus Station (located behind the main train station). If you want a great breakfast/brunch place, then Milkbar is for you! If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below. Inquire about tourist cards. There were lots of birds when we went and since we get enjoyment from basically all animals these birds were a treat. Originally opened in the 13th century, the mine produced table salt until 2007 making it one of the oldest salt producing mines in the world. A must visit to experience the hustle of the city and the Polish life. There is so much history to learn about Poland and so many interesting facts about the country to discover so take some time to read up about the country before your visit! Well also cover day trips briefly since they are important for shaping your experience in Krakow and in Poland, in general. If you make a purchase via the links on our site you will pay the same price, but we may receive a small percentage which helps us to keep bringing you new and informative travel content every day! Learn a bit of Polish language you can make amazing friends. Today, you can go up to the top observation deck for great photos of the city from within the Old Town. Before travelling I wanted to book a set with the best views, but honestly it looked like the views were beautiful from both the left and right hand side of the bus so you can pick either side. Today, this makes St. Florians Gate (Brama Florianska)a great example of the old Gothic architecture and one of the historic entryways into the Old Town. Visitors can purchase a ticket to explore all of the remaining fortifications for the price of one during opening hours. We didnt actually do one in Krakow. You never know what you may find! Its best to walk around, learn about the history of the city and shop for local souvenirs. Built in 1940, the camp is close to the German border and few miles from Krakow. The area fell into despair during the Communist Era and has since seen a revival of culture, food, and energy. Address:witej Gertrudy 26-29, 33-332 Krakw. There are a table and a curtain and a buzzer for calling for service. The side of the Cloth Hall has restaurants and cafes that overlook the areas of the Main Square. You can check out their website for the menu and opening hours. Admission prices vary AND tickets can be sold out due to daily limits on visitors so it can be best to book ahead if you know your dates. I visited the Cloth Hall, Rynek Underground, St. Marys Basilica and hit some of the local bars and restaurants. We strolled the park in both directions and even in winter enjoyed the walk. The museums and exhibits provide you with all the information needed to set the tone to understand what you are witnessing. To check out the photos, check out the website for Choco Cafe. Well walk you through the top attractions before diving into day trips from Krakow and a few restaurants we enjoyed for dinner and coffee. Signing off with few beautiful memories of Poland ~. I found round trip flights for around GBP 50 from Bournemouth to Krakow, and after a quick bit of research and Pinterest exploration (my favourite way to plan travel! We JUST missed the Krakow Christmas Markets. Originally built in 1300, the tower was made of stone. Read on! Be careful not to have drinks in public. As a natural elevated area or old rock, it was a good vantage point to make a settlement on. For us this meant a few hours waiting at the airport at a Costa Coffee, but this was a better than staying the night in Krakow and travelling the next day losing one of the few days we had in Poland. Now a memorial and museum, the area is broken up into Auschwitz I (which was the main camp Auschwitz) and Auschwitz II (which was the larger camp at Birkenau). Based on your review we will remove it from our list. With over one million visitors each year, the mines are a VERY popular attraction and for good reason. Wandering the Old Town is how we found Pia (the penguin, as you read above), how we found the cafe we went to, and generally how we get our exercise. Remember how we mentioned that medieval Krakow had walls, towers, and gates, all the way around? Planty Park is the ringed walkway that encircles the Old Town with old trees and many old historic structures to enjoy along the way. If you end up in Krakow, let us know what you think! Generally, lots of the main attractions are in the Old Town and so staying anywhere in there would make you close to the heart of all the action. There are 5 rooms to choose from and we opted for the Emperor Suite, if you take a look at the website its not hard to see why! And if you enjoyed this article, make sure to read my detailed Guide & Itinerary For A 5 Day Lapland Adventure in Finland. Veggies should be careful. Its an offense in Poland and you may get fined. We were pretty sad and then realized how much we actually grew fond of the damn stuffed animal in the short time we had held it. After the dragon made the villagers fear for lives and defeated many brave knights, one boy had a smart plan and eventually blew up the dragon. Very few words can describe being in those camps never have I seen and felt so much sadness and desperation. It is worth noting that the seats you book may not always be honoured, on our return journey we pre-booked seated so we didnt rush to be on the bus first like some other passengers did. Tip:On Mondays up until 1 pm, free admissions are available for the armory and Lost Wawel attractions. Most people know about the attraction but dont even realize which city it is close to! Any products we endorse we personally use and love.