Another vote here for Krakow.
Beaut city with lots of fab architecture and history.
Short airport transfer journey via taxi, doesn’t cost much. There are buses too, but for the difference in price a taxi gets you to hotel quicker and the drivers are real happy to welcome you to their city and give you suggestions on things to do & see.
We found the people of Krakow to be very friendly indeed, whether at the various exhibitions, bars, restaurants, drivers, hotel staff - they were all polite and seemed genuinely pleased to see you and very welcoming.
One note of caution, we were told to watch out for pick-pocketers of wallets, purses, mobile phones etc, they’re apparently quite rife.
We didn’t have a problem at all. Just be aware, keep your eye on stuff and make sure you don’t have your stuff on display/loosely secured.
The hotel rooms were in the main, of a exceptionally high standard. Loved ‘em!
Most of the good hotel rooms are very reasonably priced and are actually super apartments with fully kitted out kitchens & dining area, finished off with great luxurious/quirky pictures & ornaments.
We went in the month of May and it was gorgeous weather, a few degrees higher than the UK.
Lovely big square and quaint off-shoot streets to the side, full of bars & restaurants, open from early morning until late at night.
There are also fine-dining restaurants away from the centre square if you have a special occasion to celebrate. Hotel & taxi staff will be happy to recommend. Or you can look establishments up yourselves using my good friend Google Search, lol.
There are lots of horse & carriage rides from this centre square which take you on a great tour of the city by usually charming English speaking guides. Available night & day. This gives you alternative views and ways to explore this lovely city. Perfect for romantic couples, but also great to tour around in them with a bunch of mates/family too.
Went to Schindlers Factory via a cheap open cart type thing with roof, that seats between 2 & 10 people.
Can’t remember the price for the cart but be prepared to barter for the price with each driver, they honestly love it and have a laugh with ya whilst doing it as well. Another driver/cart/customer will be along in a minute, all the time.
Can’t remember the price for entry to Factory but it wasn’t much at all, perhaps approx £9 each. Well worth going inside - very sad but interesting and important to see.
The same feelings also apply to Auschwitz but on a grander scale & magnitude. I found it quite eery and very upsetting too. It’s not for everyone and you’ve got to prepare yourself. I am glad I went tho.
Taxi is deffo needed to get there - usually 6 seaters and I think it takes approx an hour to get there.
Be prepared for a lot of walking on rough ground/pebbles with nowhere to sit down & rest.
Make sure yous put good walking shoes/boots on and be prepared to spend approx 5-7 hours there, starting approx 8am ideal.
If you have anyone who is unsteady on their feet, gets short of breath or in a wheelchair/scooter, absolutely no point in going I’m afraid due to the above. And also many of the buildings are two storeys, therefore would not be accessible so missing parts of the exhibitions.
We honestly loved Krakow and would deffo go back again, without visiting the above places next time.
It’s a super Eastern European city with quality hotels, lovely friendly people, great bars & restaurants and lots more sightseeing opportunities to explore too.
In fact, I feel me fingers getting itchy and wanting to click on Google for flights & hotels in Krakow.
Lil tip for ya, the first thing I learnt over there was……
Krakow is not pronounced as “crak-cow” - it’s actually “crak-I’ve”
The second thing I learnt was how to say “hello” - it is pronounced “Jen-dob-bray”.
They’re for free!
HTH a bit. Feel free to ask owt else if ya want.
Do let us know where you end up going.
How exciting and lovely to look forward to.
x