A good plan guarantees a successful trip
Krakow is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Poland. The historic buildings, the old town, numerous museums and all their cultural surroundings are something absolutely unique.
According to the latest statistics, more than 12 million people visit the city annually. Interestingly, a very large part of them come there only for the weekend. There is no doubt that short trips leave no room for spontaneity or unexpected changes Good plan for 2-day trips proves crucial.
Transport
First of all, it is necessary to consider what kind of recreation we prefer. It should be taken into account that passive activities will be a total waste of time in Krakow. The city has way too much to offer. Next, let’s choose accommodation wisely. Despite the fact that public transport in Poland is wonderfully developed, we care about time a lot. Of course, the best location is the Old Town. However, you should expect that the prices of hotels or rooms in that area will be slightly higher.
Food
Food, on the other hand, is not a problem. In the stores you will find products from all over the world. Meanwhile, there are plenty of restaurants and food stalls on the streets. It’s worth tempting yourself with a traditional Cracow obwarzanek – a braided ring-shaped bread that is boiled and sprinkled with spices. You’ll also find popular fast food chains here.
Auschwitz tour – a must-see in Poland
The list of attractions that await us in Krakow is long. Most of them will prove ideal for people of all ages. There are also places with history that everyone should visit. One of them is undoubtedly the Memorial and Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
The greatest symbol of genocide – the history of Auschwitz-Birkenau
The extermination camp was established in 1940. At first only political opponents were to be sent there. However, the original plan quickly changed, and ordinary citizens from the street began to enter the camp. The largest group among them were Jews. There was also no shortage of people who, for whatever reason, did not fit into the Nazi system. Thus, there were plenty of Homosexuals, people with disabilities or mental illnesses.
The conditions in the camp were gruesome. Many people did not even live to see the end of transport to Auschwitz. The prisoners worked several hours a day, feeding only small portions of bread. It is estimated that about 1.5 million people died in the camp.
Visiting the memorial today
Today, the memorial is open to the public. In the blocks, there are exhibitions depicting prisoners’ personal belongings, their photos and documents from that period.
Auschwitz tour takes place with guides and lasts about 3.5 hours. It is best to plan it for autumn and spring, when temperatures in Poland are the most moderate. Let’s remember that visiting this place can cause a lot of extreme emotions. You should not come here with small children.
It is best to plan a trip in the morning. The whole, including transport from Krakow, will take about 7 hours. In order to shorten the driving time and avoid unnecessary waiting, it is worth organizing the trip with KrakowDirect. The company has been dealing with Auschwitz-Birkenau tours from Krakow for many years.
The old town
This is an ideal option for relaxing after visiting Auschwitz. The main square and the neighboring streets are the biggest highlights of Krakow. A walk in this place will allow you to put your thoughts in order. Start your sightseeing in the Kazimierz district, where you will have a delicious lunch by the way. There you will find restaurants serving dishes from all over the world. Of course, we highly recommend Polish pierogi, which you will eat in both salty and sweet versions.
Tourists also love to visit the cloth hall. There are plenty of small stores there. Inside, you’ll buy beautiful handmade amber jewelry. There is also a part of the national museem there.
You will definitely feel at home in the old city. Poles love tourists They will gladly answer your questions and make your stay more pleasant.
That concludes the first day of your stay in Poland.
Wawel castle
Wawel Castle is an iconic Polish castle dating back to the turn of the 11th and 12th centuries. The beautifully preserved building was for many years the world-famous seat of Poland’s kings. Today you can see beautiful exhibitions here focusing on the Middle Ages. Tours of the royal chambers, armory or treasury are very popular too. This is a great option for a second day of sightseeing
A walk in the local gardens is also recommended during the spring season. From there you can enjoy views of the entire city. Remember that the ticketed space includes the royal tombs in the crypts, the tower with the Sigismund Bell and the Cathedral Museum.
Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University
This is the oldest botanical garden in Poland, which is several hundred years old. It is a must-see for people who are at least a little interested in horticulture. The place is a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city and crowds of tourists.
The appearance of the garden changes depending on the season. Perhaps you will come across blooming roses or magnolias. In another month you will be delighted by rock plants.
Most impressive, however, are the greenhouses, hiding plants from all over the world. One of them houses a collection of sagophytes. There you’ll find a sizable collection of cacti and even carnivorous plants.
Another plus is that tickets here are relatively cheap. In addition to this, the area is large enough that there is something for everyone.
Weekend in Krakow – relaxation, a bit of culture and history
With just 2 days in Krakow, you can definitely visit its most iconic sights. Auschwitz birkenau tour from krakow is a crucial history lesson. Wawel Castle and the old town allow you to learn a little more about Polish culture and art. The botanical garden, in turn, is a beautiful culmination of the whole trip. Such a plan will certainly make you want to return to Poland!
