I'm off to Krakow tomorow. Any tips?

benmurray85

Im based right in the centre and I'm doing the two main tourist-y bits of going to Auschwitz and the Salt Mines but what's best to do in between these? I intend on getting to St Mary's and the Vodka cafe and Im only there for three days but really looking forward to it.

roundthebend

My tip - next time you book  trip, don't wait until the last day to plan your itinerary!
On a serious note, I've never been to Krakow but I've done a couple of city breaks and I enjoy just wandering with a map of the main sights and stopping whenever I get the urge to do so - coffee, snack, photos, museum etc. You could try that approach.

Snap

Rough Guide/Lonely Planet books are your best friend in this scenario. Can't say they have ever let me down in an unknown city/.

quarky

The museum under the main square is really nice. Also get a tour around the old Jewish town. The Castle is OK too. Avoid Zywiec (the lager, not the town), and drink Tyskie.

joneve

I'd definitely do Auschwitz. I've never been, but I did Dachau, and it's harrowing, yes, but a must.

quarky

Remember there is Auschwitz I and II (Berkenau). Make sure you allow time for both. There is more to see in I, but II is more dramatic. Words can't do the experience justice though so I am not going to even try.

quarky

The soup in bread thing is awesome too. Can't remember what they call it though!

StormshadowGuitars

Krakow is a lovely place, if you're based near the main square there's plenty of good bars/restaurants to occupy your time. Its also a lovely city to wander round taking in the sights. The Castle is good too and the river runs right past.
We did Salt Mines and Auschwitz/Berkenau although depending who does your tour you can be a bit rushed on this as there's so much to see.

djspecialist

The salt mines are worth visiting.  The chapel deep underground, adorned with decorations carved from salt, is pretty spectacular.

Also I recall having a dump on what was purported to be the deepest public toilet in the world. 

skunkwerx

Also I recall having a dump on what was purported to be the deepest public toilet in the world. 

Thats Jaywick that.

Majorscale

Can recommend a great restaurant.... Pod Aniolami

benmurray85

Cheers guys!

timmysoft

I've not done Krakow, but i've been to other Polish cities, i'd recommend looking up the free walking tours, usually run by students, every one I've ever been on has been excellent. 

TheBlueWolf

I'd love to visit Auschwitz and Berkenau, as harrowing as they must be.

quarky

Can't believe it is thirteen years since I was there..
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/171/403120744_9f3f2d9578_z.jpg

57Deluxe

Take some Dollars for a few whores - makes them happy.

themeinside

I've also been, and it was the single most affecting experience of my life. Harrowing doesn't cover it, I was almost in tears, and I don't tend to cry. The sheer SCALE of Birkenau is just astonishing. I went with school in the middle of winter, and it was covered by a foot of snow. I was there in a proper ski jacket, thermals, the whole lot and was still frozen to the core. Even that just put everything into perspective. I am certainly glad I have been, though I can't say that I would ever like to return. They say that the birds don't sing over Auschwitz, and I can't say I heard any when I was there...

benmurray85

Hey guys I'm here and it is every bit as amazing, staggering and effecting as mentioned above. Auschwitz was yesterday and yes it was a pretty tough trip. No real way to describe it further. I'm generally a pretty removed, cold sort of person but I was completely overwhelmed yesterday. Quite a few people broke down on the tour and in a world full of faux X factor style breakdowns all over the Tele and social media it was hard to see people genuinely distraught over it, some clearly had family ties to it. 
I ended the day with a mini orchestra playing Vivaldi in a church which was similarly overwhelming but for more positive reasons. Talk about stunning reverb!!! 

Today is more sight seeing (churches and architecture) and then to the salt mines later. 

All in all if you get chance to come DO IT!

Deadman

As sick as it may sound, Auschwitz has been on my bucket list for many years. My brother in law and me are going next month (4 days staying in Krakow) and I'm nervously excited about it. 

the_pman28

Not been to Krakow (would like to) but we tend to hunt out a walking tour. Most touristy cities run free tours and it's a really good way of getting the lay of the land if youre only there for a couple of days...here you go...

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g274772-d1709545-Reviews-Krakow_Free_Walking_Tour-Krakow_Lesser_Poland_Province_Southern_Poland.html

benmurray85

@Deadman I don't think its sick at all. I'm sure you'll have an amazing time in Krakow and Auschwitz is an experience. There was loads of the walking tours as well, I'm always wary of those sorts of things though! I shall try them in the future though!