Medieval Krakow was the only place in Europe that I was disappointed by the free walking tour; not because the guide was crap, but because they’re just wasn’t much to tell us about the city. While I usual love a walking tour, what was much more enjoyable in Krakow was wandering the well preserved buildings on our own. There was a really fun festival in the town square while we were there, but according to locals, there is always a festival. I loved the wholesome family vibe Krakow has. Everyone seems so happy it put a stupid grin on my face the whole time I was there. For being such a big city, it has a really quaint feel… but, even with that, it just doesn’t call me back.
Main attractions: Wawel Castle, a dragon statue from Polish mythology, Wawel Chakra, at the courtyard of the Royal Caste, where one of the worlds’ 7 force centers are, Wawel Hill for view of Vistula River, Schindler’s Factory, which is now a museum, and visiting the Wieliczka salt mines just outside the city.
Wawel Chakra
Where I stayed: centrally located Hostel Fundacia Sw. Benedykta. Known as a party hostel, we met a lot of people, and enjoyed the free breakfast.
Keep in mind: the end of “summer” in Krakow it gets pretty cold! Just more reason to do a little shopping
Where to eat: soup at Polinksi, yum! Although, I didn’t like the pirogues
Food & Dancing in Krakow: festivals
It’s unbelievably cute to see little kids dance to traditional music. I’m pretty sure they were clogging while dressed in cute overalls and they’re identical hair in pigtails. The festival meant markets full of food stalls selling traditional food like potatos and sauerkraut, pickles, sausages, candies, and pastries. I also did a little jewelry shopping here, what else is new? There were a lot of stalls selling handmade knickknacks, some from colored clay that were really cute. PS: polish sauerkraut is nothing like American. I wasn’t a fan. The nightlight was great, bars and clubs were very fun, and booze was incredibly cheap. Try a pub crawl- every hostel can help you find a good one.
food at the local festival
Overall Krakow was… okay. I enjoyed it, I felt completely happy here, but at the same time as a city it was great for a couple days only. I wouldn’t want to stay for long; and if there wasn’t such a party scene, I’m not sure if it would be as cool of a place. The medieval look to the city is a lot like Prague, which is a city I liked a lot more.
Hello,
I just love your blog! – Originally came to read about India.. hahha
Just an advice if you ever visit back to Krakow/South Poland that you to visit Zakopane with its summer film festivals, excellent summer activities and ski opportunities in the winter!
Kind regards,
Betti
Thanks Betti :)