Krakow

[Satch]

Off to a wedding in a couple of weeks, will be spending about four days there.

Staying in the Sheraton (a bit boring I am told but then I am not paying ) so the question arises of what to see, do & avoid.

 

[Gollom]

Off to a wedding in a couple of weeks, will be spending about four days there.

Staying in the Sheraton (a bit boring I am told but then I am not paying ) so the question arises of what to see, do & avoid.

Take sterling and change at the Kantors (not in malls or airport)

Tip was from Columb!!

 

[columb]

Yeah, we love Krakow Really love! Been there MANY times so will try to tell you more tomorrow

Have to go to bed now I don't think that my missus understands importance of this forum


Cheers
Chris

 

[Robthedog]

Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau prisoner of war camp, everyone must go once in their lives and there would be no more wars. Take a hanky but def a life changing experience. Its not far fro Krakow

 

[wemorgan]

The city is a very beautiful place. So take time to just walk around and soak up the atmosphere. I'd avoid the tourists golf buggies that tout for business, they're not worth the money in my opinion.

Wawel Castle is a worthwhile visit, if you like architecture. Whilst you're there talk a walk along the river and have a beer on one of the boats moored up. If you're fit, walk out west to the cemetery, where there's a very pleasant park and an impressive man-made mound which you can walk up to get a nice overview of the city.

I can recommend eating in the few remaining 'Milk' bars. They're places formally owned by the government (now mostly privately owned I think) where you can get good traditional Polish food for a very reasonable price. Menu's tend to be only in Polish though. But I'm sure a polite smile and finger pointed towards your choice will work well.

There's more tourist info here: http://www.cracow-life.com/

Enjoy.

 

[Venomous]

I was there last week, if you're looking for a good Italian restaurant - try Da Pietro on the main square.

http://www.dapietro.pl/

 

[Godot]

wemorgan wrote:
"I can recommend eating in the few remaining 'Milk' bars. They're places formally owned by the government (now mostly privately owned I think) where you can get good traditional Polish food for a very reasonable price. Menu's tend to be only in Polish though. But I'm sure a polite smile and finger pointed towards your choice will work well."


http://www.barcelona.krakow.pl/index_e.htm

This is owned & run by my Cousins Piotr (Peter) & Eva.. Piotr speaks excellent English & Eva understands more than she can speak!

http://www.cracow-life.com/ is a very good guide

Map
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?sourc...lY3kBg&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=1&ct=image

There are several very good Restaurants, however the ones close to the Market Square can be expensive

Can recommend http://www.cracow-life.com/eat/restaurants_details/1353-Brzozowy_Gaj_Restaurant

and the small chain of http://www.cracow-life.com/eat/restaurants_details/8-Chlopskie_Jadlo

http://www.cracow-life.com/poland/wieliczka-salt-mines if you have time

Just mention that Lou of Hawkinge sends his best!!

Oh & the Wavel Castle is a must!

 

[ALFIE CONN]

Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau prisoner of war camp, everyone must go once in their lives and there would be no more wars. Take a hanky but def a life changing experience. Its not far fro Krakow

As above.

 

[Godot]

This should give you an idea of Krakow the city...just choose your photo for a brilliant panoramic views:bannana: enjoy
http://www.panoramy360.info/360/?c=okolicekrakowa&lang=e&pg=0

http://www.panoramy360.info/360/show.html?p=victoria-pochod-0167&t=2&lang=e as an example !

 

[columb]

Hi again,

We really love Krakow- it's a one of the best places to be in Europe

must see:
- Wawel http://www.wawel.krakow.pl/en/ ; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wawel ; on UNICEF The List
- Rynek + Sukiennice (Town Center) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krak%C3%B3w (I think you will be there regardless, really hard to miss - it's like not see Piccalilli Circus in London)
You should also take one of the horse buggies (it's like in Vienna, but in Krakow we have 2 horses And those buggies which are in Vienna are made in Poland! ) Worth every single penny (it costs around 200pln if I remember right).
- Now, someone mentioned Auschwitz http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auschwitz_concentration_camp . Well, it's life changing experience and seriously if everyone would go there once, there would be no more wars.
Put it that way: you will never forget it. We have met guy, who survived that camp and give us private tour. Once something is seen/heard - IT CAN'T BE UNSEEN/UNHEARD! So decide by yourself. (Price Harry was sent there by Queen for wearing swastika on one of the parties)

RELAX:
Plenty of pubs/restaurants! Try "Milk Bars". Don't know why "milk bars" but food is really good, always fresh, VERY cheap. I would recommend on on GRODZKA street, hard to miss, close to town hall.

must try (as menu will be on the wall, in Polish)

to eat
- zupa pomidorowa
- bigos
- pierogi
- kopytka
- gulasz z kasza
- schabowy z kapusta i ziemniakami
- golabki

to drink
- kompot

Now, don't worry- every dish is around 50p -£2 so you can buy all of them and try! Don't expect Michelin Star- restaurant but you should be surprised by quality of food for money!

Now, I think you should try some restaurants in Kazimierz (old, Jewish part of Krakow). prices will be more normal but food will be much better! We love one on the corner, which looks like old shop. Can't remember name now... really good food, good prices and great atmosphere.

Someone has mentioned "Chlopskie Jadlo". Personally I think it's rubbish. Way overpriced for what they offer!
Look around, I'm sure you will find something nice! And stick to general rule- if place empty- food is not good

Some general advice:

Take pounds and look for KANTOR/EXCHANGE. Now you should get around 5pln for every pound. Avoid one on the airport!
Don't use TAXI without corporate logos. Best bet to check prices on the window (every taxi should have rate for 1 KM, don't know prices in Krakow but in Warsaw we pay 1,60pln/KM) I think Krakow will be around 2pln - no more.
Sometimes you can find TAXI with number only or TAkI (which looks like TAXI) but they can charge you as much as they want so be careful!

If you need car rented (hard to park in city center) let me know and I can give you few car rental which we use Much cheaper then big names!

Also, I don't know how old are you but there is a GREAT Aquapark in Krakow. Pretty expensive, but worth it! Take black slide and you will know what I mean

Let me know if you have any questions. If you need any help in Poland, I can give you my personal mobile.

If in trouble diall 112 - that will connect you with callcenter (police). Like 999
If you need Police you can always dial 997 but will 112 do as well. 999 is ambulance.

All the best, enjoy!
Cheers
Chris

 

[Satch]

Stumbled back this PM and yes, Krakow is an excellent place.

V. fortunate in that weather was great as was pretty much the entire long weekend. If anybody fancies a good deal the Sheraton may be a bit boring in terms of being new but a pretty relaxed atrium style place and if staying for 4or more days get a free upgrade to their club rooms + associated freebies: large and very well equipped rooms, use of club lounge for brekkie & free nibbles/drinkies all day, fitness centre & movies.

I will leave others to elaborate on Polish driving and parking skills! Pedestrian crossings seem more of an aspiration than anything else and the pavement is not there for pedestrians!

 

[kraftwerk]

It's beautiful, but I was there on a Sunday, to see Kraftwerk at the steelworks, and the city was pretty-much closed.

Off to see them at the VW Autostadt in Wolfsburg this Saturday - two shows, 8pm and midnight.

 

[RoseTattoo]

I was dreading the experience of having to go there later this year. Mainly based on negative experiences in Warsaw in the old days. However, these comments have changed my mind. Apologies to the Poles.
If Mr. Ahmendijad is reading this might I suggest that you take the tip to visit Auschwitz.

 

[wemorgan]

If Mr. Ahmendijad is reading this might I suggest that you take the tip to visit Auschwitz.

He's simply say it was a disused holiday camp. He's free to stick his head inside my disused gas oven any day.