Krakow,Poland- any tips please?

Yorky

Going to Krakow soon on holiday - any tips/advice/do's/dont's would be appreciated.

missmatty

I was in Krakow three years ago and I really loved it. At the time it wasn't very touristy and had the 'fresh out from behind the iron curtain' feel! I'd say it's different now since direct flights came in and probably a bit more expensive too. I loved the main square with the church and the Cloth Hall (gorgeous amber and jewellery stalls) and also Wawel Castle is really nice. Lots of museums tend to be closed on Mondays tho - common around Europe. The food and beer was good and relatively cheap at the time. We took a day trip to Auschwitz which i found very interesting and moving as I read a lot of history and one of our group was Jewish also. It's not for everyone but I was very glad I went. We also had a lovely dinner in a jewish restaurant in Kazimierz (huge jewish area before the war but hardly any left now). I think the Lonely Planet guide was good and I usually buy those as i like their maps.
HTH!

jdivision

It's the best city in eastern Europe. absolutely brilliant. loads of students which helps make a great atmosphere. The salt mines outside the city are worth a visit too.

lemik_24

hi Yorky

krakow is beautifull place - really worth of visit
near to krakow is kazimierz - very old city with beautifull buildings.
you should also visit place named "wieliczka"

you ask for any advices hmm - it is quite safe place always a lot of people but for safety of your wallet don't show to everybody that you are rich and have a lot of euro in pocket. - if you are taking taxi - use corporate car - it looks the same as in ireland - there are some big corporations and private cars with small taxi sign on the top of care. ask for a price - before you get in - in Poland you should pay 3 - 4 times less money for taxi then in Ireland for the same way.

What else

beer in pub costs about 1,2 - 1,5 euro for half a litre ( try polish local beer - it is very tasty and quite strong.

marlboro - 1,5 e

dinner - pizza - about 2 - 3 euro , potatoes with meet and veg about 5 euro - in top quality restaurant u will pay for dinner up to 20 - 25 euro per person

try to eat polish traditional food - it is good and fresh of course - you don't need to be afraid and you really shouldn't look after mc donalds or kfc

what else would u like to know ? ask questions I'll try to help

some of electonic devices are cheaper in Poland - and there is no problem to get eu warranty - so if u want to buy somth soon check prices in Poland.

there are a lot of pubs in krakow - ask any students which one is worth of visit you can ask also about any good place to eat something.

how long u will stay in Poland ?

Yorky

Thanks for the advice - you sound like a Polish national so should have an inside view! We're staying for five days in DJ HOSTEL,ul. Rakowicka 12/18,31-510 Kraków.

Can you name some good cheap restaurants to eat in?

Mo-Mo

Went to Krakow for a few days years ago. i'd love to go back.

I recommend as someone earlier did going to the salt mines. They might sound a bit boring and nerdy but they're spectacular. Be prepared for lots for walking up and down stairs!

goingtokl

The salt mines are very cool.

You can also visit the concentration camps (if that's your thing)

The city itself is lovely, there is lots to see and do!

Food and drink is very very cheap!

jester77

As everyone has said and def do the salt mines, amazing!
Also, if you are staying a while then take a trip down to Zakopane, really nice down there.