12 reasons why you want to go to Krakow now
To get straight to the point: Krakow is really nice. So nice, in fact, that it has been chosen as the best city trip destination for the third year in a row. This research is conducted annually by Which? and takes into account tourist attractions, food and drink hotspots, shopping, and the quality of accommodations. And from that, Krakow emerged as the winner. Well, honestly? I didn't see that coming. I get that it's a recommendation, okay, but number one? My attention has definitely been drawn to this Eastern European city. Funny: Paris and Rome are not in the top 10. ‘Our‘ Amsterdam is, at number five. Number two and three go to Seville and Valencia. We know those cities by now, so check out the best tips for Krakow: where to eat, sleep, and drink for every budget.
3 must-see attractions in Krakow
1. Rynek Główny.
This is the main square of Krakow and one of the largest market squares in the world (literally translated, it also means ‘big market’). A considerable area: about 40,000 square meters. All the streets of the old town lead to this square, so in that respect, it is also the center of the city. In the summer, you'll find many terraces and a lively atmosphere here, and there are often events and festivals at Rynek Główny. You might not immediately notice that it's such a large square, as it is split by the cloth hall. Be sure to visit restaurant Wierzynek, even if it's just for a drink.
2. Auschwitz.
About seventy kilometers from the city, you'll find this former concentration camp. Perhaps not the most uplifting outing, but incredibly impressive and a must-visit. You can book a fully organized tour, including a guide and transportation to Auschwitz, or you can rent a car and go on your own; in that case, go early to beat the crowds. Good to know: entry is free, but you must reserve online, this can be done up to thirteen months in advance.
3. Visit the Wieliczka salt mine.
This salt mine is located in the village of Wieliczka, right next to Krakow. It is one of the largest salt mines in the world (about 300 kilometers long) and very impressive. If you think a salt mine is boring and dusty, think again. You are about 350 meters underground, and it looks almost fairy-tale-like. If you don't have much time in Krakow, you can also combine this salt mine with Auschwitz in one day trip.
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3 hotspots in Krakow for food
1. Plac Nowy 1.
Nice and easy, the name here is simply the address. It's a really cool hotspot, with brick walls and an overall industrial look. There are three floors, where the ground floor is the restaurant, the upper floor is for parties, and – save the best for last – downstairs you can have drinks and bowl. How fun is that (I love bowling)? The menu is full of European dishes, from Italian pastas to dumplings and seafood. There's something for everyone, as it is really extensive. And also very affordable.
Plac Nowy 1
A very nice combination: Asian and vegetarian, or some dishes are even vegan. Super nice interior, quite hip, and very beautiful dishes. The nice thing about Krakow is that, unlike many other European cities, everything is still so affordable. Do make a reservation, as it is a very popular spot for both lunch and dinner.
Krupnicza 6
3. Starka.
It can't be that you visit Poland without having truly Polish food. And well, if you do, you should do it here. Fine dining the Polish way. I must say that Polish cuisine is not very experimental and is mainly very accessible, so even if you're not an adventurous eater, you'll be fine here. The absolute recommendation is, of course, the Polish pierogi, and yes, it's on the menu here too. Vegetarian or with meat: both are so delicious.
Józefa 14
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3 hotspots in Krakow for drinks
Very nice terrace (for summer), but it's also nice inside. They have a simple menu with, for example, a burger that is fine, but most come to drink a beer or a cocktail. And that can go on until late: they are open every day until two in the morning. Also, it is often busy during the day. Admittedly: it is a bit of a hipster bar, but a very nice one with small prices. So if you want to stick to a budget but still have that cocktail, this is the place for you.
Marii Konopnickiej 28
2. Movida.
The choice of cocktails here is huge. Classics like the Margarita, but also some more exciting creations are on the menu. And if you don't find anything you like on the cocktail menu (which seems quite unlikely), you can always ask the bartenders to improvise something for you. They also have various bar bites, because a liquid dinner with these cocktails seems a bit dangerous...
Mikołajska 9
3. Sababa.
A cocktail bar as it should be, if you ask me. The cocktails are real works of art, but the whole bar and the interior are also so cool. A mix of modern with classic elements, not too big and very atmospheric – a kind of speakeasy. Check the address carefully, because you won't recognize Sababa from the outside.
Szeroka 2
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3 hotels in Krakow where you want to stay
1. Hotel 17 Rooms.
Cheap and very spacious rooms, averaging about €44 per night. This hotel is slightly outside the center, but that's very manageable. Especially if you're going to Krakow with a smaller budget, this is a very good option. Definitely for this price, where you would expect a tiny room and end up with a room larger than the average Amsterdam studio. The breakfast is also very good, by the way, and there is a rooftop terrace.
Focha 40
2. Metropolitan Boutique Hotel.
Right in the center, and is mentioned as one of the three best hotels in the country. Well, then it must be good, right? That is indeed the case. This hotel has very large rooms, a nice breakfast, no noise disturbance (the hotel is in a dead-end street), and within fifteen minutes walking, you are at the Main Market. And how nice: if you have to check out early due to your flight, you can get a breakfast package to take with you on the road. Now that's service.
Joselewicza 19
Over-the-top luxury five-star hotel, but with Polish prices. Really, they are much lower than the prices in the Netherlands. So yes, if you don't want to miss anything during your stay in Krakow, this is where you want to sleep. Those beds. I would prefer to never get out of them. And a glass of wine in the hotel bar with some jazz in the background... Yes, please.
Świętego Jana 1
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