Krakow questions
 

If one doesn't take day trips to Auschwitz or the salt mines, how long is enough to adequately see Krakow. Is two days okay, or are more needed?

Also, would it be crazy to go in January ... would it be far too cold? Would things be closed or ugly (i.e. all of the green spaces?)

I went in February and loved it! It was cold, but not colder than NY where I live. And winter can be, like in NY, anywhere from mild and sweater weather to terribly cold, who knows? I was in Krakow for a week and filled each day with great stuff to do - it is a cultured and intellectual city. Everywhere you go you'll see beautiful religious stuff happening: a group of special needs people singing hymns in front of a church, a music group playing songs on the street, people praying iopenly - very Catholic and very beautiful. Jagolean (sp?) University, John Paul's and Copernicus' alma mater, a must-see!!!!!!!!!! I stayed in the University atrea, lots of clubs, restaurants, bookshops catering to students and professors, etc. The archdiosese museum, where JPII lived, it can all or a lot be done in a few days, but longer allows you to savor the food, the friendliness, the intellectualism always evident. Great opera, music venues, clubs, bars. I would go back in an instant. (also went to auschwitz & wadowice, JPII's town)

We've been twice for about 3 days each time and never got bored.

If two days are all you have, then you can still see a lot. Three days or more would be better, of course.
We were there in early March during a cold wave--the high temp was about 20F and it snowed every day. I had to buy a hat and a pair of thicket gloves, but other than that, we got by. Krakow has plenty of great cafes, so when we started to shiver, we stopped for coffee or fabulous hot chocolate. Two places were really liked were the Tribeca cafe on the main square--very modern, not traditional--and the Cafe Botanika, which had a terrific vibe, most people there were in their 20s and very interesting sculptures.

If you like graphic design, the poster gallery across from the U.S. consulate in the old town, has a great collection that shows off the talents of Poland's graphics design community. And the owner/manager has traveled to the U.S. to coordinate Polish graphics design exhibits at various universities. He speaks excellent English, is very helpful, the posters are unique (and cheap), and can be mailed from the shop for you. Spending an hour with the owner was one of the highlights of our trip. Can't wait to get the posters we bought framed and mounted.
http://cracowpostergallery.com/index2.php

BTilke: thanks for that information. Do you have any recommendations as to a hotel in Krakow as we are thinking of visiting sometime in 2007.

We stayed at the Hotel Batory because we found online rates of 55 euros per night including breakfast. It was very comfortable and good value for money and about a 10 minute walk to the main square.
BUT Fodorites have also recommended many other hotels that sounded just as nice or better. If I were to do it over and spend a bit more money, I'd pick the Hotel Grodek in a heartbeat. We stopped in to look at it and it's gorgeous. It's a new hotel (in a restored old building)--the TA and other reviews have all been raves.
http://www.donimirski.com/en/cms_id/...otel_na_grodku

Thanks very much for your reply. I'll definitely check the Grodek out.

Thanks. I'm now thinking 3 days in the Spring, as opposed to 2 in Winter. We'll see!