Self catering holidays in Krakow

Krakow

Krakow is a beautiful Polish city which has become increasingly popular for city breaks.  Self catering in Krakow is an attractive option for those looking to enjoy all that this city has to offer with the flexibility that self catering provides.  Krakow has a very European feel to it and you will find some recognisable chains of cafes and shops in this city, but Krakow also retains its distinct charming Polish identity. 

The main square in Krakow is huge with many colourful buildings.  It is said to be one of the largest squares in the whole of Europe.  Of note, in the centre of the square is an impressive ‘Cloth hall’.  So named because of its historical links with selling cloth, today, this grand building is essentially  a market hall with a good number of touristy shops selling various Polish goods including Polish traditional clothing as well as jewellery and leather goods.  At Christmas time the number of stalls grows and Krakow’s ‘Cloth Hall’ and the surrounding area hosts an impressive Christmas market.  If you visit Krakow on a self catering holiday at Christmas time don’t miss the market and the chance to buy baubles, sausages and mulled wine. 

There are a number of restaurants and cafes in the main square.  The food on offer varies.  Some offer traditional polish food whereas others are more ‘chain’ like establishments.  These restaurants and cafes are excellent places to while away the time on holiday and enjoy watching the world go by.  Krakow’s main square is a good spot for people watching.  If you enjoy shopping, there are plenty of shops in the streets around the main square in Krakow where you can enjoy department store shopping and also shopping in boutiques.  There are also a number of places where you can buy traditional Polish souvenirs to take back home.  Amber jewellery is something of a speciality in Poland and many like to find a nice piece to keep and treasure.   

Once in the square you will notice that a crowd usually gathers to watch the bugle player on the hour, every hour.  This player appears high up from one of the windows of St Mary’s basilica and is a Krakowian tradition.  The curiosity with this playing is that it always stops short abruptly in memory of the guard who as legend has it was struck down when sending out the alarm call that the city was under attack way back in the times of Genghis Khan.  As the story goes, the bugle player’s call averted disaster for the city of Krakow but the player was struck down.

It is quite a walk to Wawel castle in Krakow but well worth the walk.  If you have mobility problems you could always catch a taxi.  If you decide to make the journey by foot, if you get tired out, you will find cafes along the way where you can stop off for a needed break. 

Up high on Wawel hill is Wawel castle.  Royal residences were first established here way back in the 9th century and the present castle dates back to 1500s.  The river Vistula runs nearby.   There are rumours surrounding Wawel castle that have been around for centuries that there is even a dragon at the bottom of the rock beneath the castle that breathes fire.  Will you see it on your trip?  A visit to Wawel castle should delight children but also has plenty to keep adults entertained too.  Today Wawel castle houses a museum.  Enjoy looking through the rich history of the state rooms, the armoury  and the treasury.

Near Krakow:

Wieliczka Salt mines

These salt mines are 10km from Krakow and can be reached by car or bus trip.

These salt mines are a UNESCO recognised heritage site.  A trip here is memorable indeed.  Firstly you take a lift deep down in to the mines which seems to go down a long ,long way.  Once underground, it is as if you have entered another world.  Here you will find underground cathedrals, sculptures and even an underground restaurant.  This place is simply amazing.

Auschwitz 

Something of a solemn trip for most, some feel compelled to visit Auschwitz.  Auschwitz is definitely not for everyone though.  Many with Jewish or Polish heritage feel drawn to make the trip there but it is for most understandably a sombre experience.   

The Tatra mountains

Some visitors fly in to Krakow and don’t even see the city.  Instead some people go direct to the Tatras for the wonderful walking and hiking opportunities in summer and in wintertime for the fantastic skiing opportunities.  The Tatras are the highest mountains in the sprawling Carpathian mountain range.  Zakopane is the main ski resort of the Tatras but it is worth noting that the majority of towns around Zakopane have their own ski runs which can be considerably quieter and sometimes cheaper than the main runs in Zakopane.  If it is choice and range of runs that you are after though, Zakopane being a larger resort may be for you.  Zakopane also has a distinct alpine feel and charm. 

Self catering in Krakow is in most cases apartments or houses.  Polish holiday homes are not typically described as cottages.  We trust that you have enjoyed reading about Krakow and hope you feel inspired to take a self catering holiday in Krakow or nearby.  Click if you want to find out more information about holiday accommodation in Krakow.