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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Krakow in December..

28 replies

HumperdinkFangboner · 21/08/2011 15:51

What's the weather likely to be like?

Any tips or recommendations? We're there for 3 days, one day at Auschwitz and then not sure what to do for the other 2.

OP posts:
ginmakesitallok · 21/08/2011 15:52

Can't help with the weather - we were there in September when it was really hot. What to do on other days - salt mines? a day round Krakow (it's a beautiful city)

MrsPollifaxInnocentTourist · 21/08/2011 16:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
HumperdinkFangboner · 21/08/2011 16:27

Thanks both.

What are the prices like over there?

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Gay40 · 21/08/2011 16:31

It will be freezing. Make sure you go in the churches round the square, and I can recommend one of those little pedal taxis (wrap up very warm) and go round the Jewish quarter, cemetery and Schindler's Factory (Jewish museum too if you have time).
Prices - cheap as chips. You'll struggle to spend.

MayCanary · 21/08/2011 17:01

I second the fact it'll be v cold. Wear layers as everywhere you visit should have cloakrooms (apart from shopping centres, but I guess you won't be doing much of that - although the one near the station is good). Go to Wedel on the Rynek (main square) and have a restorative hot chocolate, alcoholic versions are available!

Original poster
HumperdinkFangboner · 21/08/2011 17:11

Is it likely to snow do you thing - am thinking of footwear options, travelling with EasyJet and only taking hand luggage.

OK hot chocolate and pedal taxi is on list of things to do.

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Gay40 · 21/08/2011 17:15

Very likely to snow. However, you could wear your big thermal boots on the plane and just pop them off on the flight rather than pack them.
What I would do is invest in a few pairs of heavy duty thermals, and layers (long sleeved t-shirts) rather than thick heavy jumpers. Then you won't need as many outerwear changes, if you know what I mean. Thermal socks too

Gay40 · 21/08/2011 17:16

Hot chocolate yes yes yes. Sat in a cafe on the square, listening to music and watchng the snow. Wish I was going !!

Original poster
HumperdinkFangboner · 21/08/2011 20:22

I'm SO excited, it's been on my 'to do' list forever!

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winnybella · 21/08/2011 20:26

Oh, Krakow is lovely. So beautiful and full of history.

You could go and visit Auschwitz as well- I think it's about an hr and a half on a train.

It WILL be bloody cold, though. As in well below zero.

winnybella · 21/08/2011 20:31

Duh, just saw that you are already going to Auschwitz.

I second everyone else here about seeing Jewish quarter (Kazimierz), Wawel Castle, Sukiennice (covered market in the main square)...

Original poster
HumperdinkFangboner · 21/08/2011 20:32

Auschwitz is on the list.

It certainly looks like a very beautiful city!

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Original poster
HumperdinkFangboner · 21/08/2011 20:32

They have a decent Christmas market too don't they?

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kayah · 21/08/2011 20:35

How many days are yo uspending there?

Krakow is in my heart forever - it is my uni town :)

I can give you some tips and advise where to go, just let me know waht you like and what kind of food too.

There are quite few great restaurants and cafes walking distance from the market.

It may be very cold, freezing or wet :)

winnybella · 21/08/2011 20:35

Christmas market? What is that? I guess you'll find Christmas related stuff in Sukiennice.

Kosciol Mariacki is nice as well.

winnybella · 21/08/2011 20:37

Oh, yes, and Uniwersytet Jagiellonski is worth seeing- IIRC it's the of the oldest universities in the world- from 14th C.

Portofino · 21/08/2011 20:38

Kracow is lovely. I can also highly recommend the Salt Mines as a day out. It will be very cold - but restaurants will be very warm - lots of layers needed.

We are off to Wroclaw next weekend. Very excited.

Original poster
HumperdinkFangboner · 21/08/2011 20:40

Food - we're not fussed, will try anything.

We've got 2 full days and 1 half day.

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Original poster
HumperdinkFangboner · 21/08/2011 20:41

Port - DH is desperate to go to Wroclaw. Have a great time!

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Portofino · 21/08/2011 20:43

DH went once for work and loved it. Then I discovered that Ryanair do flights from Brussels. We are booked in a most posh hotel at a cost of about 100 euros per night. I'll let you know how it goes...

kayah · 21/08/2011 21:05

Best hot chocolate - www.wedelpijalnie.pl/lokale/krakow_-_czekoladowy_sklep/39

beware of white choc though -- is very, very sweet ;)

From the airport is only 30 min by public transport to the town centre.

There may be Christmas Market next to Sukiennice.

You must visit Kosciol Mariacki - have look inside as it has been renovated and to it's original glory.

If you are interested in medieveal history spend a couple of hours in the Rynek Underground permanent exhibition No need for audio guide - all exhibits are described in English.

Go and have look at Kazimierz - old Jewish Quarter, visit od Synagogue there.

Watch Shindlers List before going and then you can visit

www.cracow-life.com/culture/culture_details/1163-Oskar_Schindler's_Factory

Are you going to have breakfast in your hotel?

Original poster
HumperdinkFangboner · 21/08/2011 22:34

Great list thank you.

No we're not having breakfast in the hotel, any recommendations?

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kayah · 21/08/2011 22:54

I shall put together a list of restaurants and cafes to visit and what to try as in food/cakes/drinks :)

Gay40 · 21/08/2011 23:10

Do not, under any circumstances, do as I did and watch "The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas" on DVD the night before you go to Auschwitz.

kayah · 21/08/2011 23:12

agree with Gay40 on that one....