Walking Tour of the City

Pack the walking shoes and hit the streets because Krakow is a city alive with atmosphere and heritage. Navigate your tour from the lively city square in the old town which is packed with market stalls and stands, selling everything from Polish trinkets to beautiful flowers and food. As the oldest medieval square in Europe, it is steeped in history where everything from regal ceremonies to public hangings were witnessed. As a result, a huge archaeological dig took place in 2005. So many fascinating artefacts were found that an underground museum was built. Located just below ground level, it reveals a journey in time that brings the history of the square to life. It follows the path from the earliest settlers to the death of Pope John Paul II, combining modern technology and original artefacts. Tickets start from €4.50 and it is advisable to book in advance.

www.bilety.podziemiarynku.com

Wieliczka Salt Mines

Buried 327 metres below ground is an amazing city of historic Polish salt mines. A trip to Krakow simply isn’t complete without stepping into a lift that brings you deep underground. Although the thought of going so deep into the ground didn’t enamour us completely, the only word that describes the Wieliczka Salt Mines is wow. Again, keep the walking shoes on as the mines are 300km in length (although you’ll obviously be only covering a tiny area). The chambers are fascinating with some featuring original salt sculptures made by miners and artists. Others contain the most beautiful lakes while some chambers have special effects which re-enact what life was like underground for miners hundreds of years ago. The most impressive chamber is the Chapel of St Kinga, where stories of the bible are sculpted into the salt walls and the glow of crystal chandeliers dances off the intricately carved floor. A trip to Krakow isn’t just a city break-the Wieliczka Salt Mines bring this trip to another level, and they really have to be seen to be believed. The salt mines are located 10km outside of Krakow city centre and guided tours cost €18.

www.wieliczka-saltmine.com

Auschwitz

On a city break away, going to Auschwitz may seem bleak. However, it’s a trip that everyone should take – a shocking but memorable place that captures in one location the atrocity of the Holocaust. There is no museum, film or book that can capture the bleakness of World War II quite like Auschwitz. The original concentration camp, Auschwitz I, and the bigger Auschwitz-Birkenau are both open to the public and they are simple in their approach to remembering the victims. There are no fancy videos or special effects. A room containing hundreds of shoes worn by Jews entering the camp touches your heart in a way that no photograph can.

Walking through the gas chambers is an emotional and raw experience, knowing this is the place that so many took their last breath, and although hundreds of people walk around Auschwitz, an eerie silence hangs over the camp, a mark of respect to the millions of lives that were ended there.

Auschwitz is located an hour and a half outside of Krakow and tours can be arranged in the city centre. Entry to the grounds is free of charge but a guided three-hour tour is €60 and takes in both Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau. Again, although it is bleak, it really is worth going, especially as thousands travel to Krakow every year just to visit.

Where to Eat

Wesele

Watch life go by in the Polish town square by having a bite to eat in Wesele restaurant. It has a homely but fun atmosphere, and as Wesele means “wedding” in Polish, you might even see an authentic matrimony celebration. If you’re looking to sample a variety of Polish cuisine, they have a platter of meats and Polish delicacies which include grilled pork neck, Polish white sausage and grilled sheep cheese. Main courses start from €8.

www.weselerestauracja.pl/en

Kogel Mogel

You always know a restaurant is quality when it is jammed full of locals, and Kogel Mogel, located in Sienna 12, is just that. The atmosphere is great, the food even better and it will put you in good mood for the evening. Their speciality is roast goose confit marinated in red wine, honey and Polish plums (€11.70). It’s so good, it won the best goose dish in Poland three years ago. If you’re looking to sample the native wodki (vodka), they also have a good selection.

www.kogel-mogel.pl/en

Where to Stay

A healthy sleep in the Wieliczka Salt Mines

Looking for accommodation with a difference? You can actually stay overnight in the Wieliczka Salt Mines to experience a “health sleep”. The mines have a unique microclimate and the air is free from pollution and humidity so there are no allergens, bacteria or fungi. It’s probably the purest air you’ll ever breathe in.

As a result, the experience is great for people with asthma and recurring respiratory problems as it’s quite literally a natural inhaler. Be aware that one overnight stay isn’t going to cure you but it’s possible to opt for a longer treatment. Overall, the overnight stay is an experience you won’t forget. Just remember to pack some warm clothes, and get to bed early as it is an early wake-up call. Accommodation prices start from €30.

www.wieliczka-saltmine.com

Andel’s Hotel

If you’d prefer to stay in the city centre, then Andel’s Hotel is a good option, especially as it is located right next door to Galeria Krakowska, Krakow’s newest shopping gallery. It’s a great chance to avail of Poland’s low prices without carrying all the bags around and it’s within walking distance of the old town. Rooms start from €63, which is good value for such a modern, comfortable and central hotel. Also, their buffet breakfast is impressive – the perfect start to a day of sightseeing.

www.vi-hotels.com/en/andels-cracow

Flights

Ryanair operate 13 flights to Krakow every week from Dublin, Cork and Shannon. Prices start from €37.99.

www.ryanair.com CL