Nomad Notebook: Poland Update 6 (48 hours in Krakow)

Posted by Andrew Hickey on Jun 25, 2009 in Travel |

Oh it rained…but that did not ruin my two days in Krakow. Easily one of the best cities I have visited on my travels. The energy, the people, the pigeons, and the food…oh yes, the food! Kebabs galore and they are well worth the 10 zloty! Here are pictures from my trip to the beautiful city of Krakow, Poland:

After a two hour drive from Raciborz, we arrived in rainy and cloudy Krakow.

The car is parked and it is time to check out one of Krakow's most popular attractions Wawal Castle. Luckily it was Monday and there was no admission fee. Unfortunately that meant some parts of the castle were closed. But we were still able to see most of this amazing attraction.

The car is parked and it is time to check out one of Krakow's most popular attractions Wawal Castle. Luckily it was Monday and that meant no admission fee. Unfortunately that also meant some parts of the castle were closed. But we were still able to see most of this amazing attraction.

Statue outside of the entrance to Wawal Castle.

This guy is pretty popular around Poland.

The wet grounds of Wawal Castle. Still beautiful on a cloudy and damp day.

Inside the main square of Wawal Castle.

Reached the top of the bell tower.

Breathtaking view of Krakow from the bell tower in Wawal Castle.

Going up and down the bell tower is an adventure in itself. The steps are steep and the doorways are short and narrow. Definitely not built for someone of my height.

Wawal Castle closes early, so be sure to check it out first thing in the morning. I am now off to check into my apartment in the center of town.

Walk down any street in Krakow and you are guaranteed to stumble upon some amazing structures. This church is just one example of the city's beautiful architecture.

I rented a two bedroom apartment right across the way from Florian Gate. Named after St. Florian, it is one of the most well known Gothic Towers in all of Poland. It is also a focal point in the Old Town of Krakow.

View from the front door of my apartment. Florian Gate is literally steps away.

The apartment building where I will call home while staying in Krakow.

I highly recommend renting an apartment over checking into a hotel when visiting a city like Krakow. For $140 U.S. per night, I got a 2-bedroom apartment with a big kitchen, big bathroom, a balcony, and views of Florian Gate. This particular apartment can sleep up to 10 people. Definitely a cheaper alternative to the pricey 3- and 4-star hotels in Krakow.

One of the bedrooms in my rented apartment. This room had two beds and views of Florian Gate.

The kitchen in my rented apartment. Spotless and included a dish washer, big refigerator and freezer, dishes, cups, silverware, and all of the amenities one would expect in their own kitchen.

Enough of my apartment...time to check out what Krakow has to offer. In the distance is the amazing Rynek Glowny.

Rynek Glowny is the world's largest medieval town square. It dates back to the 13th century and is the busiest (and priciest) area in all of Krakow.

Work is being done on Rynek Glowny in preparation of a new museum that is opening sometime in 2010.

Any building undergoing a facelift is covered up with an exact replica of the structure via a giant awning. A great idea that keeps the city looking attractive while working is being done to its buildings. An idea other cities should think of adopting.

More shots from Krakow on this cloudy and rainy Monday afternoon.

The main train station in Krakow. Easy walking distance to all of the attractions and hotels in this popular Eastern European city.

Some of the many...many pigeons chilling on a statue in Krakow.

Another shot of Rynek Glowny. Loving this town square!Tons of shops inside of Rynek Glowny.The giant head in Rynek Glowny.Being a tourist in Krakow.This guy really likes pigeons. They are actually trained and he can make them all fly away into the sky and then come back to him. The giant head in Rynek Glowny.

The enormous shopping mall next to the train station in Krakow. It is just filled with overpriced shops and honestly was my least favorite attraction in the city.

When in Krakow, be sure to check out Smak Ukrainski. Some of the best Ukrainian beat soup I have ever tasted. The restaurant is located underground in a cave and has some amazing decor inside. Truly a memorable dining experience.

Entering the dining room of Smak Ukrainski. This cozy Ukrainian restaurant on Kanonicza Street in Krakow, just steps from Wawal Castle, is located in the cellar of a building.