Guest post: A long weekend in Kraków, Poland with Molly

I was seriously so excited when my dear friend Molly offered to write a post for the travel blog! Molly has been living in Vienna for 5 years working as a teacher at the American International School – Vienna and, as a result, has been able to hop all over Europe on weekends and vacations. All of that to say that I’m always living vicariously through her travels and her stellar review of Kraków has immediately moved it to the top of my list! Read on for all of her recs + tips.

Thanks for being on the blog & telling us all there is to know about Kraków, Poland! First and foremost, can you tell me what it is that you love about the city? 

If you like a small European town full of culture, history, good food, nightlife, and beauty – put Kraków on your list! 

The small city of Kraków, Poland holds a very special place in my heart. Since moving to Europe in August 2017, I have had the opportunity to visit Kraków three times – twice for work as a co-leader for a field trip with high schoolers and once for leisure with a friend. Every time that I am in Kraków, I feel a sense of peace. It is a quirky, magical, and unique city with so many stories around every corner.

Wrapped by a horseshoe of trees, the old town (Rynek Główny), is full of history, architecture, good food, and a fun nightlife. You often see stag and hen parties bar hopping.

Outside of the old town you can find the same things offered in the districts. From the Wawel Royal Castle to the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz) to the old Jewish Ghetto (Stare Podgórze) to the Krakus Mound, there is much to offer with every kilometer (or mile) walked.

Another special aspect to Kraków is that it is less than 70 km from the small town of Oświęcim which is the home to the memorials and museums of the holocaust (Auschwitz-Birkenau). There are MANY tours (private, small or large group) available for purchase in Kraków with transportation included. The most popular tour includes a visit to both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II on the same day as they are less than a 10 minute drive from each other. While this visit is full of somber and may feel heavy on a holiday, it is a must see for all human beings (in my opinion).

Another popular stop is to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine which is just southeast of Kraków. This salt mine (135 meters in depth) is an experience and one that you will be talking about after visiting. You won’t believe the history that was and the current events that are happening in this underground city of salt!

Overall, please consider putting Kraków on your travel list. From a stag party or hen do (many are held here!) to a low-key long weekend away, this place is for you! 

What type of trip is Kraków good for?

Kraków is great for a long-weekend getaway (2-3 days)! There are cafes that I’m sure you can work from, but honestly there is much to see and explore so it’s nice to unplug, sit in the old town, and just unwind. 

What neighborhood would you recommend staying in?

Staying by the old town is the best! 

• Hotel Vienna House Andel’s Cracow (next to train station, 5 minute walk to old town)
  
  
• Airbnb (10 minute walk to north part of old town)
  
  
• Many hostel options too!
  
  

What are your top recs for things to do in Kraków?

• Free walking tour 
  
  
• Stara Synagoga (old synagogue)
  
  
• Wawel Royal Castle
  
  
• Wieliczka Salt Mine (tour)
  
  
• The Cloth Hall 
  
  
• Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (tour)
  
  
• Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorials and Museums (various tour options)
  
  
• Jewish Ghetto Memorial
  
  
• Krakus Mound
  
  
• Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)
  
  
• Apteka pod Orłem – apothecary with holocaust importance
   
• Fragment of Ghetto Wall
  
  
• Wawel Dragon
  
  
• Pub, bar, and club crawl!
  
  

Favorite food & drink recs?

Try some culture staples: pierogies, kielbasa, vodka, obwarzanek!  

• Pierogowy Raj (BEST pierogies) 
  
  
• Pierogarnia Krakowiacy
  
  
• Okrąglak (food court)
  
  
• Various food trucks in Kazimierz
  
  
• Szeroka street (various restaurants in the Jewish Quarter)
  
  
• Eszeweria (bar)
  
  
• Singer (restaurant focused around Singer sewing machines)
  
  
• Hamsa
  
  
• Miód Malina Restaurant
  
  
• Bulldog Bar
  
  

Anything we should keep in mind from a cultural standpoint?

With Poland having a heavy history, there needs to be consideration. However, today’s Poland is about remembering the past and doing good for the future. Since Krakow is a popular tourist destination, English is spoken. When I travel, however, I like to at least know and use the phrases of “thank you”, “please”, “you’re welcome” in the local language. 

As far as dress goes – I’d say a modest dress especially if visiting the holocaust memorials. Anywhere else; the dress is a little bit of everything. 

Any safety precautions we should keep in mind? 

Kraków is very safe! I have been there with one friend and then chaperoned 30 high school students. We felt safe being in a large group as well as allowing students to explore on their own in smaller groups. I would feel safe walking around the old town on my own as a woman. 

Any travel logistics we should keep in mind? 

TRAVEL TO AND FROM

Train: Main station is Kraków Glowny

• Approximately 5 minute walk to the old town
• I have taken the train twice to Kraków from Vienna, Austria (approximately 6.5 – 7.5 hours)
  • 1st time: overnight train
  • 2nd time: day train 

Airport: John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport

• Approximately 25 minute drive to the old town 
• Booked a taxi through Airbnb

CITY TRANSPORT

Kraków is very walkable! There is public transportation, but I have never used it. 

WIFI

Wifi is common in restaurants and bars. 

WATER

The tap water is safe to drink! 

MONEY

Have some cash, but a majority of places take cards! There are ATMs available in the city with low rates. I typically pull out money to help with budgeting since the currency is different. Know the exchange rate ahead of time! As of October 27, 2022, the exchange rate is 1 USD = 4.74 PLN

Anything else we should know? 

Have a few days that you need to fill on your European tour? Check out Kraków! I promise you won’t regret it! VisitKrakow.com