How many of you have visited Krakow, Poland? I plan on going there when I go to Europe to visit Auschwitz and Oscar Schindler's Factory. I plan on being there for two days.

Are there any other history sites you all would recommend seeing as well in Krakow?

I visited Krakow about three years ago. It is a very beautiful city. If you can possibly add a day to your time there, thee's certainly plenty to see and do. St. Mary's church (Kosciol Mariacki), the Franciscan church, the Collegium Maius at Jagiellonian University, Wawel castle and cathedral, the Cloth Hall, the museum with Da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine, Kazimierz...

We spent five+ days there. Every morning I would go for a run around the Planty, then back to the hotel for breakfast and a shower, then off sightseeing.

Enjoy.

Been there quite often. But always after 7 pm so no visit.
Walking eating and drinking - I can't get tired of Kraków.
Piwo (peevo) : beer.
Vino : wine.
Dzien Dobry : hello.

You are all set !
Enjoy.

Twice, last time in July.
Krakow is one of the most fascinating European cities, with virtually intact medieval centre (little wartime damage).
Other than those two, I'd add Wawel Castle, Wawel Cathedral, St Mary's Basilica (and half a dozen other churches in the centre, some already mentioned), Wieliczka Salt Mine, museums, synagogues, and places associated with Pope St John Paul II. I'd say you should stay at least 3-4 nights. A week isn't too long. Also prices are very reasonable. Average cost for eating out is about a half of say Paris or Rome.

Unhelpful Advice - the best Free Walking Tour we have been on in any country was in Warsaw. Unfortunately we did not have time to take the one in Kraków. But we sure will when we return. Those tours are an incredible bargain.

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attractio...rn_Poland.html

Piwo (peevo) : beer.
Vino : wine.
Dzien Dobry : hello.

You are all set ! >>

wohin - if there are two of you you need this:

Dva piwa - two beers!

You might want to take a look at my trip report on Krakow; click on my name to find it.

There is an archeological tour of the foundations under Rynek Glowney, the main square called Rynek Underground. It is intwractive and well done, very interesting.
Take a free walking tour. They meet in the main square with signs designating languages used on the various tours. Our hotel had their brochures and highly recommended them. We went on the tour of the Jewish Ghetto which ended at the Shindler Factory and learned so much. The guide was excellent and they are paid by tips from those taking the tours. We roured Shindler's Factory on our own.
The Basilica of St. Francis has beautiful Art Nouveau painted interior designs. It is directly across the street from Pope John II's former residence which is not far from the main square.
And, as mentioned above, don't miss Lady with an Ermine, one of da Vinci's few paintings. It is on the top floor of Wawel Castle, and a separate ticket is needed to enter. She does not have the crowds like the Mona Lisa and we thought she was even more beautiful. While there visit the castle and the extensive grounds.

On Florianska there are two small museums worth a visit; Jan Matejko's house and the Pharmacy Museum. ( Historical fact: Ignacy Łukasiewicz was a pharmacist, before he started the modern oil industry)

Kościuszko Mound, if you are interested in the life and accmplishments of one of the most remarkable men of the 18th Century.

Try the products of two of the oldest Polish companies, Wedel and Wawel. Both have stores on Stary Rynek.

Wawel is best known for their hand made fudge (krówka) and Wedel for their "ptasie mleczko"

Chata restaurant on Krowoderska 21 is a good place for traditional Polish food.

Try an oscypek, a smoked goat cheese, served with borówki, a cranberry-like fruit.

Visit the Historical Museum of Kraków and their szopki collection.

Mark

annhig ;-)

Was just there three months ago. Nice place. Lots and lots of tourists, but that's how it is. Walk all over, the historic and touristy center where you'll want to be is not large.

Take the train to the salt mine nearest to Krakow - www.wieliczka-saltmine.com. The Krakow train station with the neon sign Glowny that you see next to the modern shopping mall Galleria is actually closed, a modern station is adjacent, with underground links to the shopping center or with stairs from the outside.

The train is dirt cheap, not fast, stops in a few local places before the mine, but there is absolutely no need to buy a "tour" that they'll try to sell you all over Krakow.

From the train station you walk a couple of hundred yards, stand in line for a ticket, tell the seller which language group you wish to join (you can't go in on your own), and in a little while you'll be going in. Lots and lots of stairs, more down than up since you come back up by elevator.

Fascinating, everything is made of salt, an entire ballroom for example, simply astounding.

We just returned from Krakow and loved it. I agree with all above that you have plenty to see and do in Krakow. Have a great trip.

A little info. inyourpocket.com/Krakow

I also think you should try to add at least one more day.

I did a trip report http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ith-photos.cfm

Another plus - I found Krakow one of the least expensive places I've visited in Europe (or the US for that matter).

Also second the idea of visiting the Salt Mine. But both that and Auschwitz take at least half a day so three days would be a minimum.

I also agree with Isabel that Krakow is one of the least expensive cities we have visited. We went to Auschwitz early in the a.m. and we didn't return to Krakow until after 4 P.M. I think you need at least another day.

If have time- Zakopane must visit. About 60 km from Cracow, awesome views. It is good to check out what is going on in Cracow just before yr visit. Just now Van Gogh exhibition is running. If someone likes cats there is a cafe close to the city centre, where you can drink coffee accompanied by 8-10 cats living in. And Jewish district just to walk and drink delicious coffee.

<<If have time- Zakopane must visit. About 60 km from Cracow, awesome views>>

He's there two days. He doesn't have time.

Thanks everyone..we are going to Krakow too and ive already asked questions here but it helps to read it again from a few others
I wasn't keen on the saltmine but it sounds great...will put it on the list

if you haven't got accommodation have a look at the orlowska townhouse...that's where we are staying..it looks amazing and not that expensive
we also look at the venetian courthouse..but were lucky to score the orlowska
we like staying in the old areas...the historic centres

we are staying for four nights...we unfortunately have a later flight from Berlin at 520pm cos it was loads cheaper than going earlier...so we have lost quite a few hours in Krakow...

will be there in 2 weeks. one evening.
since the thread attracted Krakow lovers, anybody has a rec for a restaurant ? can be expensice for local standard, can be close to 200 PLN.

How about a cheap place. Pizza. Near the train station. I never recommend restaurants but we had to go to this place twice.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...rn_Poland.html