Emily 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!
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.
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 Göth’s. That one is further along the road.
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.
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!
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.
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?!
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
Yes, it’s so beautiful! I love Eastern Europe and would love to visit Ukraine someday. 🙂
Love it
xx,
Hadasah Love | http://www.styletolove.com
Great and helpful tips, I wish I can visit Krakow one day.
http://www.busyandfab.com
Thanks Mercy!
These photos are lovely. I sooo want to visit one day.
http://www.prettyinleather.net
Thanks Yuka! A visit is a must!
Great insight!! I appreciate your tips!! Really awesome photos, too!!
♥
Amber
All the Cute
Today’s Post: Pink Floral Print Dress
Thanks Amber! Glad you liked everything. 🙂
Such beautiful photos! I’ve never been but the architecture there is amazing!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Thanks Tina! It’s lovely.
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
You are welcome Eden! There is so much to do because of all the history. Perfect for WW2 buffs! 🙂
I’ve never been to Krakow, but you make it sound lovely. 🙂
http://lizzyslatest.com/
Thank you! It’s definitely worth a visit.
These are such great tips! I actually want to do an extended Eastern European trip so will definitely file this away for future reference. Thanks Emily!
Welcome! You totally should. That would be an amazing trip! 🙂
Great post! It looks like such an amazing place to visit. Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Thanks Gemma!
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! 🙂 Can’t wait to read more x
Pop over to my blog!
Sarah
sarahinks.co.uk
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. 🙂
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
Thanks Adele!
AMAZZZZING!!! Sooo cool! Sooo rad! We defn’ need to visit!
kisses
xoThe Beckerman Girls
http://www.BeckermanBlog.com
Thanks for the advice, I’ve always wanted to go to Auschwitz but haven’t had the opportunity. Maybe one day!
My Vogue Style | http://www.myvoguestyle.com
It’s something I never thought I’d get to do. But glad I did. Hope you get to go someday! 🙂
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
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!
Latkes are one of my favorite dishes so I would definitely love having them for breakfast! I’ve never been to Kraków before but it’s definitely on my travel wish list!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
Nice! I love them too! Anything with carbs haha.
This is such a cool post filled with amazing tips! I will definitely keep these in mind when I’ll visit!
xo
http://www.carinavardie.com
Awesome Carina! Glad you liked it.
I’ve always wanted to visit Poland..these pics are amazing!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Thank you Vanessa! It’s really beautiful.
I’m drooling over the thought of a Polish breakfast!! Krakow may not be on the top of my list, but it sounds like a place with so much interesting history
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
It is! I love breakfast so much too. Thanks for stopping by!
I can’t even get ice cream? Well I’ll just think of it as less calories for me lol. And I love the Uber tip as well. I think every city needs one because it makes it so much easier. Love this new series girl.
Kia / KTS
http://www.houseofkts.com
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! 🙂
Very nice post. Thank you for sharing 🙂
I have never been there but I would love to!
http://lamodaeanarchia.blogspot.it/
Welcome!
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
Thank you Maya! Glad you liked it. Hope you’re having a good weekend. 🙂
Love how different this post is from the usual travel posts 🙂
http://www.pennyanddash.com
Thanks Mel!
I love it! Wish I could visit Krakow someday…looks like there is so much to see and do!
Abby | Life in the Fash Lane
Thank you!
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.
Thank you Lauren! That’s the best compliment! Definitely visit someday. The Polish are super hospitable too. 🙂
Wow your photos are amazing! I visited Krakow 2 years back, but it was a short stay, really wish I can travel again!
xx
Xin
http://xincerely.blogspot.com
Thank you so much! It really is a wonderful city.
I like taking private tours because I can see places at my own pace. No need for me to get up early in the morning to join the other visitors. Your trip is exciting–so much history. I’m interest with their vodka. Thanks for sharing babe!xx
http://www.prettyweirdbombshell.com
Welcome! And I agree, it’s nice to be on your own schedule and private tours can definitely provide that flexibility.