Krakow - or Kraków in polish - is the capital city of the voivodship of the Little Poland, as well as one of the oldest, largest and most important Polish cities. It's located on the banks of the Vistula River.
It is one of the economic, scientific, cultural and artistic centers of the country, and has great importance in terms of tourism, both local and international. Its historic center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978, a title that also owns the Ecuadorian city of Quito.
Do you want to discover this beautiful city with us? Do not miss these things!
PASS BY OLD TOWN
The old town of Kraków - Stare Miastro - is perfectly preserved and was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In it you will not see a large number of cars, which you will find, will be many bars and restaurants. The heart of this area is the well known Rynek, as well as, the Market Square, the largest in Europe, or at least, according to assure us the Poles themselves. In its central part you will find the Fabric Market -Sukiennice- and the Church of Santa Maria, with its characteristic towers, each of different height.
In addition, bordering the square is located Kazimierz, the historic district of Krakow, named after its founder: Re Casimiro il Grande.
EAT IN A JADLODAJNIA
Anyone whi travels wants to taste everything that he does not find in his country, and when it comes to food, it becomes an indispensable requirement or do you plan to return home without giving at least a nibble to a Piroghi, a barszcz or a chlodnik? In addition, you are in luck, because, although the gastronomy of Poland is not really famous, Krakow is the exception that confirms the rule. The best way to enjoy your hidden delights is to enter a jadlodajnia, where you will serve typical food in abundant quantities and cheap prices.
Do not forget to visit also the Jewish Ghetto , where you can eat in the street spending very few euros!
VISIT ITS CASTLE
No inhabitant of Krakow will tell you about the castle of the city, perhaps you should ask for Wavel. Nor will you listen to any of them who do not know the story behind them: legends, dragons, caves, sacrifices, princesses ... can you think of something more intriguing? To us certainly not! Wawel was the emblem of Poland, but after the fall of the Kingdom and the transfer of the capital to Warsaw, it was abandoned, although preserving a strong symbolic value.
Do you dare to enter and visit discover all its magical corners?
MEET AUSCHWITZ
If you really want to feel like a real Polish, first of all, the first thing to do is to know its history of your town. Of course, this is not only about Krakow, but about any country you visit: you can travel from north to south, from east to west, try their food, adapt to their customs ... but if you do not know anything about their past or, which is even worse, if you think to know everything, you will not grasp the essence of their customs, and that is something that a good traveler shouldn't do!
In the case of Poland, we can not think of a better way to immerse you in your culture than by knowing firsthand one of its darkest stages, and that can only be achieved by visiting Auschwitz, a few kilometers from Krakow. We do not think we need to tell you more about this place, so we suggest you to travel there and put your knowledge to the test.
A visit you can not miss!
ENJOY THE NIGHT
If you have a minimum of knowledge about Krakow, you will surely know that it is an university town. So if you are in the Polish city during the period in which the university is open you will find the city full of students, both local and internationals, take the opportunity to spend a lively night full of music and fun. When the sun goes down, bars, pubs and discos fill up with young people with energy in search of one thing: do not get bored, and believe us when we tell you that they get their goal!
If the plan does not convince you, best if you take a look at their prices ... fit for all budgets!
DRINK (MUCH) BEER
And it is not that in Poland this alcoholic drink is especially well known - we can not compare it, for example, with the famous German beers - perhaps it is not so much about quality as quantity. If you want to go out for drink something, keep in mind that "something", speaking of beer, translates into nothing more and nothing less than Half Liter! Do not look for our beloved thirds (330 ml), let alone the typical Spanish fifths (200 ml), because you will not find them, not even at supermarkets. Although not only the size of the bottle but also the amount of alcohol, since the Polish ones usually have a lot more grades than we are accustomed to. So you know, if you decide to drink there, remember: eat well!
Yes, fortunately also in this we want to respect the size, and if you do not believe us, do not have more than see their ice creams.
WHERE TO STAY IN KRAKOW
Atlantis Hostel: One of the cheapest accommodation you can find in the center of Krakow. This guest house offers large, comfortable and fully equipped rooms in a recently renovated historic building. Prices from € 9.57 per person per night
Good Bye Lenin Revolution !: Just 10 minutes walk from the Main Market Square but in a quiet street of the medieval old town. Enjoy the advantages of a central area but without the inconveniences that this entails from € 10.12 per person per night.
Hostel Deco: A place with personality, decorated in the Art Deco style. Each of its rooms has a unique design, inspired by the war period of Krakow. Prices from 10.31 € per person and night.
Hostel Yellow: Located in the center of the city, only 10 minutes walk from the Central Rynek Square and 5 minutes from Wawel. Prices from 10.71 € per person and night.
Euro Hostel Krakow: Close to the best monuments of the old city, within walking distance of the Main Square. Each room has been decorated in a different style and has its own atmosphere and character. Prices from 10.71 € per person and night.
Pink Panther's Hostel: In the center of the city of Krakow, near Rynek and a few steps from the train station. Rest, have fun and meet people from around the world from € 11.90 per person per night
Let's Rock Hostel: On the pedestrian street Grodzka, a perfect location to discover the Market Square and the Wawel Castle. Take advantage of all its services available from € 12.08 per person per night.
Bubble Hostel: 200 meters from St. Florian's Gate and 400 meters from the Krakowska Gallery. Each room has a shared bathroom and the hostel has Wi-Fi and 24-hour reception. Prices from 13.18 € per person and night.
Penguin Rooms: Born in Krakow in 2016, it now has 49 apartments in Krakow, Wroclaw and Katowice. Prices start at 14.43 € per person per night.
Kajzer Hostel & Apartments: 15 spacious rooms with bathroom, fridge, television, hairdryer ... The accommodation has a restaurant located on the ground floor, where you can try European and Polish dishes. Prices from 17.09 € per person and night.
Antique Apartments: Different accommodations of different sizes, choose between a studio or a one, two or four bed apartment. Prices from 27.61 € per person and night.
Dragon ApartHostel: Located 600 meters from Blonia Park and 300 meters from the Vistula River. The hostel has free wifi in all its colorful rooms. Prices from 42.83 € per person and night.
What do you think if we now jump to the neighboring country and spend a weekend in the Czech capital? Surely with these beautiful photographswe convince you!
Cover photo by Sylwia Bartyzel
