Travel and living

Weekend in Krakow, Poland

Krakow has become a popular European city to visit and recently voted for the third time in a row Europe’s Best City Break destination and twice as Best City for Quality Culinary & Cuisine Choices. Krakow also has that little extra you were not expecting. Whether you are a couple or looking for a romantic weekend or a family, group of sporting friends, company event or even Stag and Hen parties Krakow caters for all in this cosmopolitan city of ancient myths & legends.

Krakow has become an extremely popular European city to visit and recently voted for the third time in a row Europe’s Best City Break destination and twice as Best City for Quality Culinary & Cuisine Choices. Krakow also has that little extra you were not expecting. Whether you are a couple or looking for a romantic weekend or a family, group of sporting friends, company event or even Stag and Hen parties Krakow caters for all in this cosmopolitan city of ancient myths & legends.

Romantic Weekend in Krakow

There are many romantic places and scenic views that are particularly conducive to couples in love. Walking through the historic Old Town or the Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz will enhance any relationship memory. However, if you are looking for places little more secluded but equally charming, we offer several unique pathways. One of them being the Kazimierz-Podgórze footbridge ‘Bernatka’ (Krakow bridge of lovers where people fasten padlocks with their names as a symbol of an eternal love).

There is a beautiful and very picturesque Bednarski Park in Podgorze nearby footbridge Bernatka. This green area is located in a former quarry. Then you can go to the Mound of Krak, an early medieval barrow where the two of you can lovingly gaze over the entire city. Take a pleasant stroll through the Salwator district full of wonderful old villas and there is a really picturesque Premonstratensian Monastery located on the Vistula riverbank.

A romantic boat trip to the wonderfully situated Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec is also a fantastic idea. If you prefer to stay in the very centre, you should try the unique and romantic horse-drawn carriage rides to go sightseeing.

Krakow Stag do Weekend

Krakow is a top destination for Stag groups on a par with Prague with great local beers and a plethora of activities available to make your weekend here the most memorable one ever. The choice in pubs, clubs and restaurants is immense and organized evenings are a must to get the best entertainment. But it’s not only the amount of clubs and bars, but the fact nightlife here is buzzing 6 out of 7 days a week. This is due to a very large student population (over 10 universities) that keep partying most of the week.

A Guided Pub Crawl comes highly recommended especially on the first night here. Since Krakow is a compact city you can try to explore it on your own, but why not meet new friends and join an organized pub crawl with a crowd of cheerful people from all around the world? There are many different pub crawl operators and packages which can include free drinks and dance club entry and usually last for around 4 hours. You are accompanied by a Guide or Guides according to group size and visit several pubs all geared up for large group fun such as Karaoke, live music, special drinks and complimentary shots of Polish vodka. Specialist Stag companies can arrange an entire weekend of day and night activities including being met at the airport with some interesting entertainment involved. The amazing pubs in Krakow are a wonder in themselves with different themes and even their own freshly brewed beer – lookout for the Wawel Dragon themed pub in the Old Town area which has a giant smoke breathing dragon and they offer Game of Thrones activities too.

A Wide & Wonderful Choice of Dining Options

Krakow has won Best City for Food Choices twice in row, from street food to fast-food to top quality dining with a large variety of international cuisine available. Traditional Polish dishes include pork and beef and doughnuts for dessert. The many well-known fast-food chains are to be found everywhere but try Krakow’s famous Street Food Vans, you won’t find a better sausage sarnie. However, for that more romantic touch with candles and harps Krakow offers a high standard of starred restaurants.

If you don’t have time for fine dining experience in Krakow, make sure you grab some famous local snack delicacies

Obwarzanek – These twisted circular bread ring with a sprinkling of sesame seeds are found on every street corner from vendors with mobile stalls, a most Polish traditional snack bought by people and children on the way to work and school.

Zapiekanka – This popular any time of the day delight is Poland’s version of the Welsh Rarebit with layers of toppings. A mini toasted baguette bread roll with melted cheese and assorted dressings. They say the best place to get one is in Plac Nowy in the Jewish Quarter Kazimierz.

Oscypek –This is a delicious smoked cheese from the very popular mountain city of Zakopane a 90min. journey from Krakow, this tasty cheese is as well-known as Cheddar cheese. It is sold all over Poland. Zakopane is the winter capital for snow sports and incredibly the most desired place for Polish marriage ceremonies. That’s how good this cheese is!

Well, we don’t have to mention “pierogi” / dumplings which are a national dish here especially served with red borstch (beetroot soup)

Your special evening

After dinner entertainment is spoilt for choice with Krakow’s many cultural attractions. To make the weekend in Krakow truly unforgettable why not take in a theatre or opera performance, of course the many cinemas or concert halls might be your preferred option. Many of these venues stage performances in the original language with English subtitles or indeed in English. The Polish National Theatre has a great cellar café bar too and the Filharmonia Concert Hall for some Chopin or Penderecki. The local Live Music scene is also vibrant and you can dance to your favourite tunes from local bands playing the big hits.

Family weekend in Krakow

A trip to the city with your family needs a good preparation. Make sure that your children will have a really great time, otherwise they will not come back to the most beautiful city in Poland. It is also wise to book some museum tickets in advance and think about meals for whole family or go one better and buy a Krakow Card this little gem offers free travel on trams & buses with pre-paid entry to over 40 museums and attractions including the Rynek main square underground museum and Oscar Schindler’s factory museum in Podgorze.

Sightseeing with children

Sightseeing with children requires a blend of skill and sometimes unsurpassed wisdom. Krakow’s attractions can help you become Mum & Dad of the Year and best holiday ever, surprised? Take for instance the Legend of the Wawel Dragon defeated very cleverly by a cobbler’s apprentice. Visit the dragon’s den by the Vistula riverbank at the foot of the Royal Wawel Castle. The dragon was tricked with a sheep filled with sulphur and when the dragon drank water it exploded into a million pieces. They can explore the cave and the Wawel Dragon statue outside the lair breathes real fire, a great family snapshot opportunity.

Then onto the Royal Castle of Wawel at the top of the hill, this daunting medieval fortress will keep the younger ones enthralled with all the ramparts and passages to wander over, it won’t be only the children’s imaginations working overtime to be fair.

Some further attractions which will be fun are:

Main Market Square Underground Museum, free entrance with the Krakow Card showing daily life in Krakow from 800 years ago. Look out for the massive centuries old lead ball, another mystery for you to solve.

If you are a Leonardo da Vinci fan you might wish to visit the National Museum in Krakow (al.3 Maja 1) to view the famous Lady with Ermine painting on display. On the other hand with good weather a trip to Krakow’s Water Park with indoor and outdoor pools with assorted slides, saunas and jacuzzis.

There you have it, Krakow is everyones city in one way or another ! Regardless of the occasion your are celebrating you will always find that little extra when you are in Krakow’s unique blend of quaint antiquity, modern trends and charming atmosphere. You too can be a King, Queen or a Hero Champion for a weekend in the royal city of Krakow!

If you have any questions, please ask below!