annhig

We are considering going to Krakow in October, and I would greatly appreciate any help OPs can give me. Particularly, the best area to stay in, what I should expect to pay for approx 3star acoomodation, Best sights, Day trips, etc.
Thanks in advance for any tips, Ann

AAFrequentFlyer

See the search window above your post?

Type - <b>Krakow</b> - click - <b>Search</b>

and you'll be amazed at the number of threads talking about Krakow, the best sights, day trips and even hotel recommendations.

Good luck!

thursdaysd

Best area - walking distance to the old town center. Day trips - salt mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau. Best sights - the town itself, the Jewish quarter, several of the churches. I stay in budget accomodation so can't help with hotel prices.

But - I was in Krakow in 2004 and loved it. I went back this spring and found it was now on the cheap airfare circuit and overrun. Even the big central square was crowded. I was glad to leave....

annhig

Thanks, Thursdaysd - what would you think of it as a destination for a family with older [19 &amp; 15] teenagers, who get museum fatigue quite quickly?

Christina

I agree with the above, although I would say a couple of the museums are also best sites. I wouldn't call the Jewish Quarter one of the top areas, but more second tier in interest after you've seen the main things. They have so many great museums and they aren't huge so that's nice. YOu can be in and out in a few hours. I really enjoyed the castle complex, also.

I'm not positive, but would guess that a 3* in October could be around the equivalent of 100-150 euro per night in the very close-in center. I stayed at the 4* Hotel Grodek last month, but that was a splurge for me and it was more, of course. I was also considering the 2* French chain hotel very near the Hotel Grodek (Campanile), and it was a lot less, maybe only 80 euro a night.

I found the www.inyourpocket.com guide the most helpful for Krakow on lots of things, and it will give you ideas of costs. I really like their restaurant and hotel reviews.

I didn't do day trips, but think the above post mentions the usual choices.

Amy

Krakow is quite lovely; my trip report is here: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34841274

I paid about $60 a night in July for the Trecius, which is a great location right near the main square. I'll be happy to try to answer any specific questions.

thursdaysd

annhig - there seemed to be quite a lot of kids - teenagers and younger - around on my second trip. I wasn't looking for nightlife, but there seemed to be plenty of places around the square. I would definitely take teenagers to Auschwitz, but if they're not into museums or castles or churches, there might not be so much for them in Krakow itself. How long are you thinking of staying? What do they like doing?

BTilke

We stayed at the 3 star Hotel Batory in March and paid only 55&euro; per night, including breakfast. I think their rates for October are a little higher. It was a very comfortable stay and within an easy walk to the old town. Nice staff, English speaking of course. No currency exchange available at the hotel, but there was an ATM a block away and we had no problems using it.
http://www.cracow-life.com/krakow/wh...6-Hotel_Batory

annhig

Christina, thanks so much for the link to the &quot;in your pocket&quot; guides. I'm having to use my husband's computer at the moment as mine was wasted by lightening, and I've lost my favourites since we went to Prague and Budapest. You reminded me of how good these guides are. I've sent off a couple of hotel enquiries already!

tower

ann....try the Francuski (2 or 3 star)...excellent lodgings just outside the Barbican..walk everywhere...teens will find plenty of interest...
Stu T.

annhig

Amy - thanks for the tip, I've just e-mailed them for a quote.
Thursdaysd- i think we would be restricted to 4 nights due to a combination of flight times and available flights, so I'm beginning to think it might not be the right choice for us this time. but 4 nights would certainly be OK for the kids - I can see that there would be enough variety, even for them.
My main dilemma would be - auschwitz or not - what do you think?

John

My two cents worth. Was in Krakow last March and stayed at the Hotel Pollera.
www.pollera.com.pl
Clean, comfortable rooms, large updated bathrooms. Rated 3 star. Free breakfast including eggs cooked to order.
Auschwitz is a MUST though it will be depressing. However it is history we must never forget.
Salt mines are interesting, castle area a must. Food is great and inexpensive.
Have a great trip.

thursdaysd

I really think Auschwitz is a must - they count the visitors - what if no-one went? You might want to do it the last day though - I was depressed for several days afterwards, but I went alone &amp; am fairly sensitive to atmosphere.

lincasanova

about auschwitz. i would suggest the kids read a book on it beforehand and decide if they want to see it.

i was travelling with a friend suffering from cancer, and we just couldn't deal with it.

we loved krakow.
but auschwitz was not on itinerary.
reading short testimonies and books bought in jewish quarter, seeing schindler's list factory front were all we could do.

tower

ann:
re: Auschwitz (Oswiecim)...teens at 19 and 15, and all adults should not miss visiting any former concentration camp. It is pure, unadulterated history..of humankind's inhumanity. Be sure to visit both Aus.I and, about two kms away, Birkenau.

As to Francuski Hotel (now an Orbis):

http://www.zlotehotele.pl/francuski_...eng/index.html

Stu T.

annhig

Thanks all - not quite decided yet as there is a strong family vote for Italy, but i'll let you know!

Migel

Over the years, I have stayd at many five star hotels throughout the world. However, this was my first experience renting an apartment while on a foreign trip. Therefore, my evaluation is based on how it met the needs of our group of four.

Four serviced apartments located in the newly renovated building in the former Jewish quarter of Kazimierz. Kazimierz, less crowded than Old Town with its tremendous, genuine atmosphere, is often being compared to the famous districts of London (Soho) or Paris (Montmartre). We know that Kazimierz is the next big thing in European travel!

I booked it via http://www.cracowonline.com

regards,
Migel