Here are a few tips I picked up on a recent visit to Krakow. I traveled in winter with a girlfriend and we spent a fascinating week in this historic city. Auschwitz is a shocking day trip from Krakow, and a tour to the nearby mountains adds another element to the large Polish metropolis.
1. The public transport is so cheap that the Krakow Card is not worth buying unless you plan to spend a lot of time in museums. I actually ordered one on line and then never picked it up as I realized I would have no use for it. If you are going for more than a week it could be useful but for a one week trip you will probably spend one day at Auschwitz, another in the mountains or outlying areas and another exploring the castle so the time you have left will not justify the purchase of the card.
2. I recommend the Hotel Senacki. It is an intimate three star hotel with five star services. It is located on a pedestrian street in an excellent location. The rooms are clean and the facilities are all that you will require. Most of all the service is outstanding. From my experience the cheapest price for this hotel was on http://www.yeego.com/
3. Try the Orient Express restaurant for a unique eating experience. The decor is that of a train and you eat inside "train compartments". You can find my review of the Orient Express restaurant here and also the restaurant’s address.
4. Several tours are offered to outlying areas around Krakow. I booked on line through Viator having used them in the past for other cities. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and willing to answer all of our questions. I recommend the tour to the Tetras Mountains rather than the Black Madonna tour as although they are both full day tours you will see more on the mountain tour.
5. Another interesting café/restaurant is the Bona Media; it is a cafe and bookshop frequented by local students who sit around discussing literature. The walls are lined with books and the atmosphere is warm and cozy. They also have a large selection of English language books. Here is a review of the cafe.
Krakow Poland is an interesting travel destination, and not as far from central Europe as it seems, Prague is just a few hours away by train. Also consider Krakow as a winter travel destination. You can hire a driver in a golf cart type contraption who will take you around town stopping at each interesting site, and the price is reasonable.
About Petal grew up in England and Africa, now living in Israel, avid traveler and writer. Have worked in all of the creative arts - acting, painting, writing and more. Did you enjoy this article?
