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FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR KRAKOW

For a weekend trip there aren’t many better options than Krakow in Poland. From the beer to the incredibly humbling Auschwitz, there is more than enough for a week’s worth let alone a weekend. Even the food here, although not to everyone’s taste is a good opportunity to try something new!

🗺 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR KRAKOW: WHERE IS KRAKOW? 🗺

📆 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR KRAKOW: WHEN TO GO 📆

Back when I decided to visit, I was keen to do it when there was as few people as possible. Going during a normal weekend (non-school holiday) in the likes of February makes for a huge difference. It might be cold but we wanted it to be an eerie experience and for the conditions to be as extreme as possible so we could relate in the smallest way possible. Going in December would also be nice with the markets but again you run the risk of coming across crowds.

When to go: Jan/Feb or Oct/Nov

Bird eye view of barracks that used to house Jewish prisoners in Auschwitz, Oświęcim, Poland. Mixed feelings in Auschwitz

 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR KRAKOW: HOW LONG TO STAY

We stayed for 3 days and it was packed full as well as giving us time to sample some of the restaurants and bars in the main square – needs must in Eastern Europe!

How long: 3 full days

🛫 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR KRAKOW: HOW TO GET THERE 🛬

Krakow has become one of the most popular non beach destinations in Europe and thus has direct flights from all across Europe.

How to get there: flights available through the week or daily.

Barbed wire fence in Auschwitz, Oświęcim, Poland. Full guide & itinerary for Krakow

🌞❄️ FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR KRAKOW: WEATHER 🌞❄️

When I first checked the weather I couldn’t believe the difference from their summer to winter. Their summer can get well beyond 25C and below -5C in their winter. We went during February, not only to stay away from the crowds but also because it is generally their driest month

Weather: Warm summers, freezing/dry winters.

 FACTS:
  • The Town Hall Tower is the cities very own Leaning Tower of Pisa.
  • The Sigismund Bell within the bell tower is 11 tonnes.
  • Krakow university is the oldest university in Poland.

💳 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR KRAKOW: MONEY 💳

Poland still use their own currency Zloty but like most of Europe, the Euro is widely accepted and is the way a lot of tourists pay. The majority of agents, drivers and attractions accept Euro but keep an eye out for their exchange rate. ATMs can be found throughout the city but again due to exchange rates you might be better bringing your own cash from home.

Money; Zloty, Euros & cards accepted, very affordable

🗣 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR KRAKOW: LANGUAGE 🗣

Polish is the official language here but as the city has become more and more accustomed to tourism English is spoken by most. Don’t expect any problems when going into a restaurant, taxi or tourist attraction.

Language: Polish & English

Shoes of executed prisoners in Auschwitz, Oświęcim, Poland. Mixed feelings in Auschwitz

🚖 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR KRAKOW: HOW TO GET AROUND 🚖

As a major city, its relatively cheap. We had our own driver for 3 days and we couldn’t believe how cheap it was. Although this is not completely necessary. Taxis are generally ok but you have to be careful about getting ripped off – the same with any city. However, the only time you would need transport is from the airport and to Auschwitz. Auschwitz can be done as part of a tour where the transport is included so you won’t have to worry.

How to get around: Walk around the city, driver to the attractions

📱 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR KRAKOW: INTERNET & MOBILE 📱

I would suggest where you expect additional charges when using your own sim to get a local sim card at the airport or in the city. Wi-Fi is also readily available in hotels, cafes and restaurants.

Mobile: Buy a sim if required. Wi-Fi available.

David Simpson at the gate in Auschwitz, Oświęcim, Poland. Full guide & itinerary for Krakow

🧳 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR KRAKOW: WHAT TO PACK 🧳

The time of year will dictate how you need to pack. During our trip in February it was freezing cold. I found myself wearing more clothes than I expected so be sure and wrap up!!

What to pack: Layers!!!

Crematorium in Auschwitz, Oświęcim, Poland. Mixed feelings in Auschwitz

🏢 FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR KRAKOW: WHERE TO STAY 🏢

In terms of location, as long as you stay within the old town you can’t go wrong. Even being within walking distance to the old town should be more than enough. Have a look at some of the options for different budgets;

 

LUXURYHotel Copernicus*****

This is where we stayed and it was great. Just 2 minutes from the square and on a quiet street away from any of the noise. The facilities were great with a pool and gym if you fancy it.

Shoulder season prices around €75/pp

MID RANGE – Radisson Blu Hotel****

Radisson Blu is located just on the edge of the old town and has not only a great bar but also rooms with a view! Some of the rooms face towards the Wawel Royal Castle.

Shoulder season prices around €40/pp

AFFORDABLEHotel Wyspianski***

For just €25 each, Hotel Wyspianski is an absolute bargain. Not only is the destination perfect and the breakfast generous but they also offer single rooms at just €20!

Shoulder season prices around €25/pp

FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR KRAKOW: ITINERARY

DAY 1, FOOD & WALKS

Airport – Krakow – Food tour – Walking Tour

13:00

FOOD TOUR

After checking into your hotel, it’s now time to sample Poland’s finest food. Let’s be honest it all won’t be for everyone but it’s something I make an effort of doing every time I visit a new place. Be prepared for the straight vodka!

 

15:30

WALKING TOUR

I always find a walking tour is best done at the beginning of a trip, just to help get your bearings! A tour of the old town will take you around the Royal Castle, St Mary’s Basilica and The Cloth Hall.

 

19:30

DINNER

End a long day with a casual dinner at your hotel or at Sakana Sushi & Sticks.

 FACTS:
  • When Auschwitz became a museum, exhumation work lasted for over a decade.
  • International Holocaust Remembrance Day is on 27 January
  • 196 prisoners managed to escape the camp.
Royal Castle and Cathedral in Krakow, Poland. Full guide & itinerary for Krakow

DAY 2, THE HIGHLIGHT

Auschwitz – Salt Mines – Dinner

07:30

AUSCHWITZ

After an early wake up call and taxi to Auschwitz it’s time to enjoy the highlight of the entire weekend. It’s important to arrive at the opening time of 07:30am at the crowds tend to come thick and fast. So much can be said about this place so ensure you get a reputable guide who is happy to take their time to show you around.

 

12:00

SALT MINES

On the way back it’s time to call into the impressive Salt Mines. This attraction is often overshadowed by the attention Auschwitz gets but it’s not to be sniffed at. After not expecting much from the mines, we walked away in pure amazement. To give you an idea of it’s size, the two hour tour only takes you around 2% of the complex!

 

19:30

DINNER

After arriving back to your hotel and either enjoying a nap or a beer, it’s time to head out to Salta Resto, an Argentinian Steak House in Kazimierz

Chapel in Salt Mines, Wieliczka, Poland. Full guide & itinerary for Krakow

DAY 3, SCHINDLER’S LIST

Schindlers Museum & The Ghetto – Shooting range – flight home

09:00

SCHINDLER’S MUSEUM & THE GHETTO

This morning we need to build up a bit of an appetite so we set off to the Agora of Athens and take the option of hiring a tour guide for 1 hour or 2. Here you can see some of Athens’s best ruins as well as The Temple of Hephaestus.

 

11:30

SHOOTING RANGE

After getting some food at Moo Moo it’s time to head towards the airport. But before checking in, there is time for one more activity. The shooting range is located just 5 minutes from the airport, yes I found that strange myself! No matter the gun you have in mind, you can be sure they’ll have it!

 

15:00

FLIGHT HOME

Relics at Jewish Quarter in Kazimierz, Krakow, Poland. Full guide & itinerary for Krakow
David Simpson and family holding guns at Jewish Quarter in Kazimierz, Krakow, Poland. Mixed feelings in Auschwitz

FINAL THOUGHTS

Krakow is no longer just that cheap eastern European getaway, it offers so much more. When it comes to finding a unique destination in Europe with plenty to do, Krakow is one of the best. Not to mention the fact it is one of the most affordable cities I’ve been to!

SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
To read about my Krakow trip, click here.

Question Time

  • Have you visited Krakow?
  • Would you recommend anything else?
  • Which restaurants and bars did you like?

Let me know in the comments below . . .

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