Krakow, Poland
Krakow is a place laden with history, with much of it based on the Great War. Friendly people, cheap food, and a rich heritage really sets Krakow apart from many other cities in Europe.
List of to-do things
Krakow, similar to Prague, is one of the cheapest European countries to go to. Upon arriving at Krakow, you can take an Uber to your accommodation. Following which, you can visit the Wawel Royal Castle, and the Wawel Cathedral. The Main Square, Cloth hall, and St. Mary’s Basilica are all in close proximity, so you might want to visit these 3 places together. If you wish to get out of the town, you can pay a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which is a popular tourist attraction with rich history. Last but definitely not least, you can pay a visit to the nearby Auschwitz, which is a 1.5 hour bus ride away (board the bus at the central train/coach station). With so much history regarding the persecution of Jews back in WW2, Auschwitz is a must see even for those who do not appreciate art or history.
Tips to save money:
With a pint of beer costing less than £2, and most of the food here averaging at £5, having a good meal here will not be a problem. Book your trip 2 months in advance if you want good flight timings. Generally it is better to be kinder to your physical health for this trip as accommodation is cheaper than most in Europe, so book flights that are not too early and not too late. Most places in Krakow accept card, so Monzo or Revolut should work fine. If you wish to withdraw cash, remember to draw only from well-known banks, and definitely not Euronet (Euronet is a massive rip-off for non-local cards). Always check your bill, some restaurants have a tendency to scam foreigners.
Tips when visiting the place:
Watch out for your belongings. Krakow is relatively safe, but like any major city, pickpocketing is a prevalent crime. Drink lots but do not get drunk. If you want to drink in a safe environment, buy some alcohol and drink in your accommodation. The Polish are generally nice people, and they are very hospitable in restaurants.
Key information
Expenditure (Per Day)
£40
Honestly, stuff in Krakow is really cheap, so you can afford to pamper yourself with better accommodation.
Duration
3 Days
Spend 2 days in the main town and Wieliczka Salt mine. Spend 1 day in Auschwitz.
Group Size
4
4 people is a good number for an Uber.
Ratings
Food
8/10
Similar to Prague, there is a huge variety of meat and beer available. I don't quite like how there are pickles every meal, but that is a personal bias.
Scenery
6.5/10
Mostly buildings, and its quite similar to most Eastern European countries.
Activities
9/10
Apart from the Wiezlicka Salt Mine, witnessing the history of Auschwitz is really one of the most enriching/humbling activities one can do.
Safety
8/10
Poland is generally quite safe. Just don't get too near drunkards and watch your belongings (like any major city).
People
8/10
The Polish are hospitable, and it is a pleasure interacing with them.
Overall
8.5/10
With so much history behind Krakow and Auschwitz, I personally think Krakow is definitely worth a visit (it is really affordable as well).
Trip photos
