5 days in krakow

dawyldthing

I'm going to krakow for 5 days and was wondering if anyone has any tips as to what to do. I now wish we had just booked 3 days as I can't see that much to do. I think we're going to the salt mines and awtswich but past that I haven't got a clue. I'm not really into shopping nor going to churches etc (just not my thing) nor sitting in a pub all day (I've done a few city breaks before, but I'm just at a loss as to what to do for so long.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

814man

We visited Krakow a few years back when living in Berlin for a few long weekends. After exploring the city we took the bus south to a town called Zakopane which is in the Tatra mountains. Ended up enjoying it far more, particularly when Krakow gets very busy.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/poland/malopolska/zakopane
Lake Morskie Oko is quite stunning.

vanilla8

i'll second the trip to Zakopane. You will love Krakow!

sexyshark

you can also visit plascow camp and oskar schindlers factory

converted

I have just returned from Krakow, was there for 4 days- went on a few free walking tours, they are good for getting your bearings in the city. If you are going to Auschwitz I would suggest not getting a tour guide, as you only get to see a fraction and there are so many tours going on at the same time it gets very crowded. There is a little museum on the main square "executioners museum" it is quite small and if it looks like it is closed don't worry she will be in the pub looking out for people and will quickly appear. This is all about torture instruments etc. - it is worth it as she obviously enjoys her job and she makes it worth while just by her manner, it costs 9zlt (which is less than £2)


Food and public transport are incredibly cheap. You should check out the tripadvisor forums for things to do.

photome

extra to above

gestapo cells are worth a visit (chilling)

http://www.inyourpocket.com/poland/krakow/sightseeing/museums/Ulica-Pomorska_80950v

If you like hot chocolate (sure its made from melted chocolate with nothing added )

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g274772-d1819811-Reviews-Wedel_Chocolate_Lounge-Krakow_Lesser_Poland_Province_Southern_Poland.html

lots of walking around the jewish quarter where parts of the old ghetto walls are still there

Around Kazimerez you can see areas where schindlers list was filmed

http://www.scrapbookpages.com/Poland/Kazimierz/Kazimierz01.html

If you like vodka, try the Wodka bar,they have hundreds of flavours at around 5/6 zlotys a glass, hazelnut is fab


I love Krakow, have spent 6 nights there and looking forward to going back again

If you havent booked transfers http://www.bobtaxi.com.pl/Angielski.htm is a great place to start, email him details and he will get back to you.

I have used him 6 or 7 times now for various trips, you dnt pay till after the trip and has never let us down.

We did Auschvitz with him (he sorts everything and transfers you between the 2 camps), personally I think the tours are better than doing it alone.

We used the local train to the saltmine, very simple about half hour on the train and less than 5 minutes walk to the mine

Doshwaster

I love Krakow too but prefer to do it as a 3 night trip. It's an easy city to get around with an easy layout, very friendly locals and food and drink are very cheap. I much prefer it to Prague.

sexyshark

I am going to Kracow in 18 weeks time and I cannot wait

Hobsons_Choice

I have been at least five times to Krakow and will be going back next year (in the Spring).
The history, architecture and beauty of Krakow is, in my opinion, unsurpassed and we always find somewhere new to visit or something different to do. The Jewish Quarter is, I find, the best area for restaurants - or make sure you eat in the side streets off the main square, it's a lot cheaper and tons better (even though the whole of Krakow is very reasonable price-wise). Most of the town is walkable, or get used to the trams and buses and use them to travel over the river and to Zakopane and other places.
I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time and wonder why on earth you thought five days would be too long!

hamsterfan1

the castle - although it was the coldest place I've ever been (in Feb). The main square is quite amazing. The folk museum is really interesting - if just to see the painted eggs

joerugby

The main square is amazing, biggest in Europe.

Get a good guide book, there is a lot to see.

I know you don't like churches but Google "Veit Stoss" and read about his life.