Warsaw and Cracow...been there?
 

Visiting Warsaw and Cracow next Spring. Don't see many posts on these cities. Anyone been there? What are the must sees?

It's been a few years (4?),but Poland and the Polish are so wonderful that I had to post an answer to your question! <BR>Warsaw is not a beautiful city, but does have a lovely, restored main square (in which you will find one of its most famous old restaurants--begins with a F...someone else will come up with the name). Cracow is a beautiful town, with many winding streets and lovely details everywhere. The castle is worth a visit, as is the park, the main market square and church. There are several concentration camps not too far away that you can visit as a day trip--most worthwhile. Have a wonderful trip.

hello there,
I'm heading that direction in a few days. I've a week between those two cities; how should I divide my days? flying in and out Warsaw - taking a train to Cracow.
The plan is:
- flying in (mid day) - straight to the train station; evening in Cracow
- 4-5 days there; coming back to Warsaw for the last 2 days;
or somebody thinks I need more days for Warsaw?
thanks!

Hi; Good downloads of information on both cities on www.inyourpocket.com/ Richard

I went to Kraków last May (2008) and found the city interesting, clean, and the people polite and pleasant. I also took a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine (did both on the same day, it was fine for me but may be tiring for larger groups or people with mobility issues).

I really enjoyed Wieliczka Salt Mine.

I am glad that I went to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Hello:) I am living in Cracow currently and I do really recommend the city to visit. It's the city full of tourists and attractions prepared for them . If you like parties, monuments, history and culture - that's the best city to enjoy:) Auschwitz-Birkenau is a nice trip, but don't go there if you are too sensitive...it may be quite shocking...but still worth seeing of course:) And Wieliczka is absolutety a must-see - it's not far from Cracow, but reality changes a lot inside of it lol :)If you need any details feel free to ask:)

I think your division of time for the two cities is about right.

In Warsaw in addition to the old (rebuilt after WWII) square and its environs, visit the "Palace of Science and Culture" for a good view over the city. It was a gift from Stalin to the city and not always appreciated. As one Pole told me, "We call the Russians our brothers. You can choose your friends, but not your relatives."

Cracow was one of my favorite places. Visit the old town market square, the cathedral, the castle. Wander the old streets and lanes. I loved the Muzeum Czartoryskich, a museum of art and some artifacts. The art collection includes "the Lady with an Ermine" by DaVinci. This museum is small and I didn't feel the rush and crush of larger museums. Closed Monday, free except on Sunday.

From Cracow I took a day trip to Auschwitz and found it a powerful experience one that can not be described.

The salt mine is certainly an interesting experience but I enjoyed a salt mine visit near Salzburg more to my liking.

generally tourists prefer visiting Krakow, but I think that Warsaw is also worthy to see. In my opinion you have divided your time quite well - in Cracow, especially during the winter and early spring, there isn't so many tourists and you can enjoy walking down old streets. Ale the people have already written about different places you must visit, so I can only recommend you to have one or even half of the day just to wander around the city - great experience:)