Budapest/Krakow/Warsaw

Old Jun 28th, 2016, 06:14 AM
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Budapest/Krakow/Warsaw

We are headed to Budapest (5 nights) Krakow and Warsaw (3 nights each) toward the end of July/early August. While we have a pretty good idea of the places we'd like to visit, we also wanted to hear from any of you who have had memorable personal experiences or useful practical recommendations - restaurants/cafes, tour guides, drivers/transfer companies, etc. We aren't foodies, but we do enjoy a good meal or snack especially one which tends to be unique to the area - think something like cream cake in Lake Bled.
In between Hungary and Poland is a venture to Rotterdam. We are big market fans and want to go to Markthal and the Blaak market. Any ideas or tips for this outing will also be appreciated.
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Old Jun 28th, 2016, 08:33 AM
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You can read my 2012 trip report that included Krakow by clicking on my name and finding my list of trip reports. You can also seek out other Poland-specific and Hungary-specific trip reports by searching for them here in the forum.

In Krakow, you could try eating at a "milk bar" - which is a state-subsidized cafeteria where mostly locals eat, kind of a hold-over from the communist era. I got a plate of pierogis there cheap - and they were really good! And cheap! I got a bottle of diet coke to go with it - that was not cheap. You can see that only the basic foods must be subsidized and not the soft drinks!
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Old Jun 28th, 2016, 04:59 PM
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Depending on your interest, you might consider shifting one night from Warsaw to Krakow.

In Krakow, consider visiting the Lady with an Ermine -- she is, IMO, very special.

If you decide to visit Auschwitz / Birkenau from Krakow, consider going with a tour. IME, they are excellent, and I, for one, would not have wanted to deal with either a car or unfamiliar public transportation after such an emotional experience. And plan the evening of that day accordingly, too. I wanted a very quiet evening with good food; others might want a distraction, or whatever....

Hope that helps!
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Old Jul 25th, 2016, 11:49 PM
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Weislaw, if its still not too late. For Krakow:

I would recommend those Attractions:
Auschwitz, Wieliczka, Main Market, Wawel Hill, Schnilders Factory, Jewish Quarter.

If something to eat. Please do not go to Milk Bar, its cheap and not high quality food. Jewish Quarter gives you a really delicious restaurants. E.g if you love ribs - go to "Rzeźnia"

I work here in discover cracow and I can really say that we care about quality as the biggest value. Clean cars, friendly tour operators, well organized trips. If you order a transfer you will ride with a new Mercedes V class or BMW 5 all not older than 2-3 years, comfortable inside with AC.
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Old Jul 26th, 2016, 06:56 AM
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Commie tours in Budapest and Krakow.

In Budapest, Szoborpark.

In Krakow, look up Mike's Crazy Guides.
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Old Jul 26th, 2016, 02:41 PM
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We took a Crazy Mike's Tour in Krakow, and it was one of the high points of our trip to Eastern Europe. Our guide picked us up at our hotel in a communist-era car. We then toured a number of communist-era sites including an apartment that had been restored to what it looked like in the 50's. We had vodka and pickles and a lunch in a milk bar. If you have an interest in this time in history, you will have an interesting, informative, and enjoyable four hours.
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Old Aug 12th, 2016, 09:05 AM
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Hello,
cant tell you something useful about Warsaw ( well, as I live in it): what about tours - there is one nice free tour around the Old Town of Warsaw ( I used it, when I first came to Warsaw), called "Orange Umbrella Tour "( you really meet the guide with orange umbrella), it's an english speaking tour, so you'll like it)) Whatabout cuisine, can't recommend you much, by me personally like the polish restaurand, located in many corners of Warsaw, I used one in Old Town, called "Zapiecek"- it's right there I tried real polish cuisine, and, can tell you, I didn't fail ( tasty!)Also try polish donut( it's round, but without the hole in thr middle ( it called " paczek"- read "ponchek"). What about shopping - lots of big malls right in centrum of city, where I also reccommend you to visit a Palace of Kulture and Science ( a panoramic view from this the tallest building in Pland in incredible, trust me))

Hope you will enjoy being in Warsaw ( read: I'M SURE YOU WILL ENJOY!) Have a good time)
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Old Aug 12th, 2016, 10:45 AM
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Trains between Warsaw and Krakow - no driver needed -
for lots about trains check www.seat61.com- great advice on discounted tickets; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.
PalenQ is offline  
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