Chaps,
That time of year for planning the trips away and Krakow is on the list as somewhere the whole family is wanting to go to.
Mrs P is looking at the Topolowa Residence to stay, just wondered if anyone has experienced it??
Also, restaurant, bar suggestions would be good and experiences for getting to and from Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Ta
Pitch
Definitely take the train to Auschwitz. Very simple and a lovely spacious journey on your own terms. It’s about a half mile walk then to Auschwitz. We didn’t book the tour in advance, just pitched up and had a twenty or so minute wait until the next English speaking tour.
Was there earlier this month.
Visited the camps via
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attrac...swiecim_L.html
And would recommend.
Krakow was lovely. We also did a “free” walking tour to learn a bit of the history.
Moo moo for steakhouse and an Italian place called Boccanera. Also pizzatopia for a quick eat. We also ate at a place called Ed Red on recommendation but thought it was overrated. It’s stinking cheap for everything. Train from the airport to the city was slick and equivalent of £2.
Last edited by -Ally-; 30th December 2018 at 18:31.
Good call. Krakow’s a beautiful city anytime of year but even more so in Spring. As for your trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau, just book a trip with one of the many tour operators based in Krakow. For around 120 Zloty apiece you’ll make the journey in a modern coach and not have to bother buying admission tickets when you arrive. You’ll also have a knowledgeable guide to escort you around.
Set aside the best part of a day for the trip. It can be an overwhelming experience.
My kids were there a few months back,cheap for meals n drinks they said as was the hotel.We will be visiting in spring for a 3 day break.
I wonder how used watches are priced in the local jewellers,might have to google that one.
My 17 year old daughter went last spring as part of a school trip.
What an impact it made on her. A whole day set aside for Auschwitz-Birkenau which deeply affected everyone in her group. She's never talked as much about any trip than the one to Krakow.
Be sure to watch/re-watch Schindler's List before you go and take the warmest outdoor clothing you have.
She said that there is some resentment amongst a few locals towards Krakow's death camp tourism.
Many thanks chaps and some great recommendations.
Reading up and the city looks absolutely stunning.
Pitch
We were there a few months ago and loved it, fantastic city.
Salt mine is worth a visit but we missed out on Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory as we'd not booked in advance.
We used trip advisor to find restaurants and didn't have a bad experience. Altho the main square is nice for people watching the best food we found was in the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz).
We stayed in Metropolis Design hotel which was basic but fine, but if I was staying again id be closer to Jewish Quarter so Mrs donkey doesn't complain about walking in heels
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Last edited by Lazydonkey; 31st December 2018 at 14:37.
Just picking back up on this chaps, any recommendations for Schindlers Factory and ghetto guided tours??
Many thanks
Pitch
Plenty of free walking tours that’ll end up in those locations. They depart from the main square each day. But Kazimerez and Schindler’s Factory are just a short distance away. It’s a great city for exploring on foot. I’m going to be spending the next week in Gdansk.Originally Posted by Pitch3110
We're off back there in September,,
n2
"Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."
'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.
A bit different but Plaszow camp is one worth (not the right word but you get me) visiting - and it hits you. Nothing really there now, all raised to the ground, but the Amon Goeth house is there and oddly just 'there' along with other houses on the road.
It was haunting when I went - had a look and no lie it felt eerie so I came away. A walk around the fields of Plaszow was sad due to the size. Worth a walk around up to the monument.
Auschwitz is just hard to take but a must do.
Excellent trip !
Bobby Burger is cheap and good for a quick meal - took shelter from a summer thunder storm and watched the torrent of rain from the front open diner :)
Karmello for coffee and cake/chocolates is brilliant - I’d love to have a shop local to me - my other half would be eternally happy :)
Looking to go this year too and may try and visit the factory that Oskar Schindler operated- appently bought by the town and now a museum
Any visitors to Krakow should check out the online guide Krakow in Your Pocket. It’s updated every couple of months and is all you really need to plan your trip. You can also pick up paper copies at tourist information points and most hotels.
^^^ Highly recommended ^^^
For a quiet coffee in snug surroundings
http://krakowcityofliterature.com/ci...it-books-cafe/
"Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."
'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.
Well what a very varied city and a very informative, thought provoking and enjoyable trip had.
I could not recommend Topolowa Reidence enough. Absolutely fantastic place to stay, chic, spotless and the most wonderful and funny staff.
Auschwitz was just incredible and I cannot find words to describe.
Thanks all for your recommendations
Pitch
The weekend market in the town square is worth a look, with cafe bars all around the square and beautiful buildings in every direction.
I went on a stag weekend and was so impressed that I took the better half for a long, relaxing Spring weekend.
Sorry to resurrect, but the wife and I are going late April for 3 nights & I'd like to ask:-
Airport transfer - We're staying in the Old Town - should we just get a cab from the Airport? The hotel is only 15 mins walk from the bus station or 10 mins from the train station.
Day trips - We're not up for Auschwitz, but Zakopane & the Tatra Mountains appeal. Any good & would you book in advance if anyone has been?
Any other recommendations welcome.
Thanks in advance.
Last edited by andy tims; 17th December 2022 at 19:40.
Andy
Wanted - Damasko DC57
I’d just get the train, very easy and cheap to get between airport and town. Ticket machines on the platform take card.
Zakopane is a lovely place. There’s a good coach service between Krakow and Zakopane.
Worth visiting the salt mines at Wieliczka. It’s an amazing place. Easy to get to either by bus or train.
Lots of good restaurants. I’d recommend “Old Town Restaurant and Bar” and also “Restauracja U Babci Maliny” for polish food with some very unique decor!
Last edited by Christian; 17th December 2022 at 20:42.
One of my most memorable visits Andy.
Brings a lot of things into perspective for me, just as ‘East’ Berlin
Have a great time, both of you. A truly wonderful city
Jim
With you on the Auschwitz trip…. I wanted to go for many reasons, but finally decided not to…
The most powerful place I visited was the square where the trains departed…. That was strong enough for me to get a sense of its history….
Do visit bars and cafes in kazimirez…. Wonderful area with a great atmosphere
Krakov salt mine tour is excellent and easily accessible from the city. We went by the local bus and bought tickets on the door.
Location of the world's longest underground hot air balloon flight
Me and my OH just had a few days in Krakow two weeks ago, we prebooked a taxi service for pick ups/drop offs from Krakow Airport to the Old Town, 150zl each way, guy speaks perfect English and very reliable, I would use again and have his number via WhatsApp if you are interested.
We did the Auschwitz and Salt mines via the online company viator, very well organised and pick you up from your hotel as well.
Xmas markets are on currently and the square was busy in a good way, decent restaurants and bars, we had a great time.
I know you say you don’t want to see Auschwitz but for me it has been on a list of places to see for years, very sobering place and puts a lot of things we complain about today in perspective.
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