Krakow

[Binky]

Does anyone have any suggestions for good mid-range tourist hotels in the centra of Krakow which would serve as a base for three days sightseeing? Also, any tips for what to see and do in this city? What is cheap and what is expensive? Thanks.

[jno]

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Travel/Question 279496.html

[SHALOM]

We as a family of 4 stayed in Holiday Express Inn in Krakow , Poland very cheap 26 pounds for the room per night including breakfast. If you go to Krakow it is well worth a visit to the Salt Mine where there are statues etc made of salt and even a catherdral, it is not cold down there, the temp is the same throughout the year. There is the old and new town and a market to look at. It was very cheap when we went April 2005, it was geared to tourists.

[SHALOM]

ps. we also went to Auschwicht and the other concentration camp nearby, can't think of the name, worth looking at, and very moving, will bring tears to your eyes.

[Miss Inquiry]

Hi Binky,
Im half Polish and have a family home in Krakow. It's an amazing city, packed full of things to do, good choice!
This web site will give you a good idea of things to do and where to stay: http://www.cracow-life.com/

I answered a question yesterday suggesting it's a great place to visit, have a look:
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Travel/Question 288159.html

I would highly reccomend visiting the castle in the centre of Krakow, (make sure you find the dragons cave) the cloth hall, the market square, the jewish quarter, the salt mines @ Wieliczka (check it is open first, sometimes it floods) and the jewish quater.

Restaurants: make sure you go to Chlopske Jadlo just off the main square (but book, it's small and it gets really busy). It's traditional Polish food (all menus are avalible in English) and the decor of the place is phenomenal.

Krakow itself is not huge, so you can walk about and generally get to everything, taking in some amazing sights along the way.

There is nothing really that expensive in Krakow, the food is cheap, the alcohol is REALLY cheap, even the tourist traps are quite cheap. Depending on what you like there are loads of really nice funky bars hidden around the main market square, and loads of bars underground, student bars, more relaxed jazz bars, poets bars. As it has a huge student population there are more bars in Krakow than in any other Europena city, and most stay open long past bed time.

Any more questions you might have just ask.

Have a lovely time x

[mightywease]

As well as the other recommendations I'd also suggest visiting

Wawel - the castle and cathedral - sadly we have always been in winter when you can't get to see the Dragon
Rynek Glowny
The Gallery of 19th Century Polish Art above the Sukiennice
St. Mary's Church
The Jewish Quarter
The Jewish museum at the Old Synagogue
Remu'h Cemetery

Other than that I'd walk around enjoying the lovely architecture and atmosphere. And drink some vodka!

We always stay at the Hotel Wit Stwosz - clean, comfy, warm, very friendly staff and only 5 minutes - if that - walk from the Market Square. Doubles are about �57.00 a room. Their website is www.wit-stwosz.com.pl


As for restaurants I'd recommend
Szara restaurant - great fish restaurant on the Rynek Glowny (No 6 I think)
Farina (ul Sw. Marka 16) another excellent fish restaurant plus traditional Polish dishes
Pod Aniolami (ul. Grodzka) - for the food, traditional Polish, and the decor
Cafe Camelot - great for coffee and a snack
Wodka (Mikolajska 5) - great for a refreshing nightcap