Krakow A city break favourite.
The city is in Southern Poland and sits on the River Wisla and is home to 755 000 people.
Due to the cities long history dating from medieval times it has many popular and notable historic buildings. Add to that a vibrant nightlife with many bars and restaurants to pick from you can see why its now a very popular city break destination for many.
We visited on a weekend City break, during the winter period. We flew direct from Edinburgh to Krakow airport known as John Paul ll International. The airport sits 15 km outside the city center, there is the option of travelling to the city on public transport by both train and shuttle bus. However we chose to get a taxi and were in the city at our hotel within 30 minutes.
Accommodation
Metropolitan Boutique Hotel
This was our base for the weekend and I have no hesintation in recommending this modern Hotel that is situated in the cities Jewish Quarter, with a large selection of bars and restaurants nearby and only 15 minutes walk into the main City square.
Its rooms were a good size as was the bathroom and all rooms are fitted with modern amenities. We booked it via Booking.com a online agency we have used numerous times before, but the hotel its own website at, http://m.hotelmetropolitan.pl
Metropolitan Boutique Hotel reception
What to see and do.
Main Market Square (Rynek Glowny)
This huge square is in fact the largest medieval square in Europe and is the heart of the city. Its now filled with bars, restaurants and toursit vendors. It is in itself worth a visit just to see, and there are a number of other tourists destination adjacent to it so its a good starting point for any city visit.
Main Market Square
Main Market Square at night
Yours truly in the square at night
The Cloth Hall
This building is the center piece of the Square and in Medieval Times was a busy market, it still functions as one today but its now filled with vendors selling toursist souvenirs. Howdver its a interesting building and its worth a walk through.
Inside the Cloth Hall
St Mary's Basilica (Kosciol Mariachi)
This impressive Basilica is also found at the Market Square, itsthe Church you see on so many travel sites promoting Krakow, it does cost a small fee go inside but its worth it to see tne impressive Gothic alter and the blue eye catching ceiling. You can also then climb to the top of the tower and see a top view of the city.
St Mary's Basilica
Alter within the Basilica
Town Hall Tower
This is another tower in Market Square and again you can climb to its top but to be honest the Basilica tower view is better.
Florianska Street
This is one of the cities most famous streets, and runs from Florian's Gate down to Market Square its home to a number of Boutique shops, tourists shops and a few restaurants.
Florianska Street
Wawel Castle Wawel Castle and Cathedral sit atop a hill just south of the Old Town area, there are in fact several historical buildings within this complex all of which can be visited separately it also has some beautiful grounds and gardens that can be visited on its own and is well worth it.
Castle Grounds
Wawel Cathedral
This Cathedral is a important religious site in Poland as inside it is the tombs of many important Polish people. It is also home to the Pope John Paul ll Museum. You can visit the actual Cathedral for free but to enter other areas there is a fee.
Kazimierz ( Jewish Quarter)
This was once the heart of the Jewish community in Krakow but during World War 2 the Jews were forcibly removed from here to a Ghetto and then to the concentration camps. Resulting in the neighbourhood remaining largely abandoned and neglected for many years. Then in 1993 Steven Spielberg filmed Schindler's List here and it acted as a spur for people to come flooding back and bring the area back to life. Now its a vibrant mix of restaurants, Synagogues, souvenir shops and funky bars. This was an area we really enjoyed and especially at night give it a look.
Bars in Kazimierz
Logistics Manager at the Jan Karski statue
Drinks in the Jewish Quarter ( Kazimierz)
Enjoying a night out in Kazimierz area.
Oscar Schindler's Factory
Oscar Schindler is credited with saving 1200 Jews during the Nazi occupation of Krakow this is his original enamel factory which has been turned into a museum.
Myself and Logistics manager at the gates to Schindler's Factory
Auschwitz & Birkenau
This is something everyone should do, it really brings it home to you the horror of the holocaust.
These are the notorious sites of largest extermination camps where the practiced mass murder on a industrial scale. They are preserved as a reminder of that horror and as a memorial to the people who died. It was a somber day but one I amglad we did.
Though provoking location.
The notorious rail sidings
Auschwitz
Electric fences at Auschwitz
Replica of the ovens
Gates to Auschwitz
Gas canisters
Take a horse carriage tour.
OK this was the Logistics Manager's idea, but in Market Square there are a number of horse-drawn carriages that offer short city tours. So we gave it a go it was a relaxed way to see some of the attractions.
Logistics Manager enjoying the Horse drawn carriage tour.
Where to eat & drink
Simply you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to bars and restaurants the area around the Market Square is full of them, as is the surrounding streets. Personally we enjoyed the Kazimierz area where again there were plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.
Logistics Manager outside bars on Market Square
Recommendations
Hamsa Hummus & Happiness Israeli Restobar
This restaurant is to found in the Kazimierz area, it really was good and is well worth a visit very reasonably priced opportunity to sample Israeli cooking. The food was well presented and very full of flavour. A tip is if you there in winter try the hot chocolate its great.
Restauracja Staka
Again this restaurant is situated in the Kazimierz its a busy Polish restaurant/bar the food was good and there is also live music at night. If you want to try some Vodka in Poland this bar has a impressive multitude to choose from in there gantry.
The bar in Restauracja Staka
So that was Krakow, it was a city we found very reasonable priced and welcoming. Its a popular destination for many and therefore can get busy particularly at weekends however it is still worth a visit as it has plenty to offer.
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See you soon from another location on this wonderful blue planet we all inhabit.
