Do This Not That Travel Guide: Krakow

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Welcome to my series of Do This Not That Travel Guides!

I know what you’re thinking: “when will I ever be in Krakow?” Okay so it’s no secret that Krakow isn’t the most traveled Eastern European city, but compared to its neighbors, it’s full of charming places, amazing people, and multiple massive history lessons. So if you ever find yourself in its midieval old town or its lively Jewish quarter, check out my tips below!

Do This Not That Travel Guide: Krakow

Don’t Eat The Hotel Breakfast

Tempting, I know. But Instead get yourself a traditional Polish breakfast. Potato pancakes (latkes), Polish sausage, and scrambled eggs. The Polish are also big on their cereals as well. Finish everything up with a cup of coffee as that is the popular choice over tea.

Insider Tip: For a hearty Polish breakfast, check out Milkbar Tomasza.

Don’t Take a Cab

Guess what? Krakow has UBER now! Find everything you need to know here.

Do This Not That Travel Guide: Krakow

Don’t Go To Schindler’s Factory

If you know your WWII history, this is a definite skip. You don’t actually get to tour the old Schindler factory at all. Rather you walk through a museum that depicts Krakow from the beginning of the war and to the end. Instead, pop on over to Plaszow for some fresh air. Walk the fields that were once a Nazi labour camp for the Jews. You might remember this labour camp from the 1993 movie Schindler’s List.

Insider Tip: The ‘house’ you will immediately see and remember from the movie is not in fact Amon Gรถth’s. That one is further along the road.

Do This Not That Travel Guide: Krakow

Don’t Take the Public Auschwitz Tour

The Public tours can go at quite a fast pace. Remember you will be just another visitor to them, so you won’t really get the opportunity to ask questions and you could potentially be stuck with talkative visitors who are not respectful. For the full experience, which I highly recommend (because how often do you get to visit Auschwitz), do a private tour. A tour with Tomasz is a must! I cannot recommend him enough. If you’re looking for more tips on visiting Auschwitz, here is a great guide.

Don’t Get Lured in to The Trinket Shops (unless you want to)

Do your parents or significant other really need another mug? Probablyyy not. Instead head over to one of Krakow’s many flea markets and get an original gift! You can find tons of neat things like old postcards, records, WWII memorabilia, tea cups, jewelry, books, silverware, etc.. There are two really great flea markets. On Saturday it’s the Plac Nowy Flea Market in the Kazimierz (Jewish quarter), and on Sunday hit up the Plac Targowy Flea Market, which is MASSIVE.

Do This Not That Travel Guide: Krakow

Don’t Buy Generic Vodka

This might seem like a no brainer, but if you don’t do your research you could very easily end up buying vodka you could have been bought in the states. Make sure you know what brands are local to the area, that way you bring home some truly Polish vodka!

Insider Tip: Check out Alkohole Regionalne in the Kazimierz. The people who own it are so nice and can offer you many suggestions. Also, this place is a total photo opp for the gram!

Do This Not That Travel Guide: Krakow

Don’t Have a Night Out in the Main Square

The main square of Krakow, otherwise known as the ‘Old Town’, can get pretty touristy and the prices and authenticity can reflect that. If you want a night out of dining and drinking, I suggest going out in the Kazimierz instead. The trendy Jewish quarter becomes quite the lively place after hours. There are also fabulous restaurants  in the area.

Insider Tip: Dinner First, drunk food later. Stop by Zenit for dinner and have a Zapiekanka to end the night at Bar Endzior.

Do This Not That Travel Guide: Krakow

Don’t Get Ice Cream

There are ice cream shops everywhere in old town, and most cafes almost always serve a few flavors. For a more authentic experience, visit a chocolate bar! Chocolate bars are all the rage. Many of them make super sweet chocolate drinks and even have chocolate fountains. While I am not a huge fan of Eastern European chocolate (I prefer Belgian or French), it’s a neat experience and a box of chocolates make a great gift for friends or family.

Have you been to Krakow before? If so what were your favorite sights and eats?!

[striped]BRANDS[/striped]

Milkbar Tomasza

UBER

Alkohole Regionalne

Zenit

Bar Endzior

53 comments

  1. I grew up in western Ukraine so my family used to go over to Poland very often. We actually have family members living there, but I don’t remember Krakow at all. I wish I could re-visit again and see it with my adult eyes!
    xo
    N
    Style Tomes ||ST on IG

    Reply

  7. I love this “do this not that travel guide series”. It’s very helpful for new travelers and I would love to visit Krakow someday. I’ve heard good things and it seems like there is a lot to see and do there. Thanks for these helpful tips, especially about the tours.

    Eden | Mint Notion

    Reply

  11. This is such a unique guide – I always come across guides which tell you about things to do and places to see, and I loved how you’ve switched this one up! ๐Ÿ™‚ Can’t wait to read more x

    Pop over to my blog!

    Sarah
    sarahinks.co.uk

    Reply

    1. Thanks Sarah! I try to be different so people don’t read the same stuff all the time. It can get so saturated! Glad you liked it. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply

  12. Really helpful, thanks for sharing! I think your blog is lovely by the way, let me know if you would like to follow each other! x

    adelelydia.blogspot.com

    Reply

  15. Wow I loved this post! I can’t lie and say Krakow was on my list of places to see but Poland definitely is and I’ll be sure to add this one now. I’m craving some latkes and sausage now. That sounds amazing. Hotel breakfasts are usually pretty underwhelming. Also had no idea about Shindlers factory or Auschwitz, I don’t know if I’d head down that way though but if I did I definitely would want to go at my own pace.

    Sxx
    http://www.daringcoco.com

    Reply

    1. Thanks Sonia! Glad you enjoyed the post. A lot of people just think a tour is a tour is a tour, but not all are equal haha. So just wanted to share my experiences in that sense. I hope you make it to Poland someday!

      Reply

    1. Hahaha you can definitely get ice cream! But do try the chocolate bars. Uber is so amazing. I wish everyone had it too, but I think they are pretty close! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply

  22. This is a really good series, we’re often told what we should do so it’s great to have some tips on what to avoid to have a more authentic trip. Looking forward to more in this series! x

    Reply

  25. Your photos are always so stunning! Feel like I’m walking through Poland when I scroll through… Can’t believe chocolate bars are a thing hehe, might have to make a visit just for that.

    Reply

    1. Thank you Lauren! That’s the best compliment! Definitely visit someday. The Polish are super hospitable too. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply

    1. Welcome! And I agree, it’s nice to be on your own schedule and private tours can definitely provide that flexibility.

      Reply
  28. Pingback: 10 Ways to Travel Europe When You Don't Have Money - Coat + Coffee
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