Krakow Top Tips

‘I’ve got adventure in my soul’

Krakow, full of food, culture, hidden gems and history...

Before you go check out these Top Tops which I think everyone should know before exploring this beautiful city! 

Money (Zloty) 

The money used here is the Zloty, make sure you order your money if getting it before you go but most places accept card or cash. 

It is super cheap in Krakow!! You won’t need lots of spending money trust me, we took way too much as didn’t expect it to be so little for food etc. We bought two cakes and two coffees most days from the cafes and it cost us about 10 zlotys which is the same as £2.20. We also had a three course meal with wine and cocktails and it came to 170 Zlotys which is about £37. Cheap cheap cheap!!!!! 

Polish food 

Try everything! Check out my food blog for more details but the food is to die for, especially the doughnuts, dumplings and pizza bread. You can’t be healthy here but the extra pounds are worth it, trust me! 

Water

The water is safe to drink but one warning, if you ask for a glass of tap water in a restaurant you do get a funny look as most people just order a bottle. 

Fat Thursday 

If you’re in Poland at the end of February and are there for the very last Thursday, this is their religious day (Fat Thursday) just like we have pancake day they have a doughnut day. Everywhere you go doughnuts are being bought, eaten and given out. We were lucky enough to be here to celebrate this special day and had 4 doughnuts in one day but apparently most people eat about 6 in a day. Told you, the pounds will be piled on. 

Alcohol 

Vodka is the drink of krakow and is served in most places, worth a try especially the flavoured vodka. One thing you should know though is it is illegal to drink in the streets of Krakow. If you are caught by the police then you are given a fine to pay. 

Neutral Expressions 

Polish people don’t tend to smile unless a reason to, I smile a lot so soon learnt a smile wasn’t returned often, to be honest they probably thought I had something wrong with me especially if their not used to smiling. 

Also don’t expect the polish to move out the way when walking in the streets. The amount of times I tried to stay in my path to see if they moved was entertaining, it became a game but I always moved at the last minute. Many people knocked shoulder but I just didn’t have it in me. 

Pre book trips 

Trips do get booked up quickly, we booked before we left for krakow online using the website - Viator! We had no problems, was picked up on time and had great service. The prices are good too! 

Tipping 

I didn’t feel tipping was expected when we was away but we always tip in the evening anyways when we go out for food. I know it is appreciated, and it’s always good to leave something for good service. 

Exploring 

Make sure you walk around! The main transport is tram around krakow but things can be missed as they only follow the main roads and don’t go through the Old Town. Get your walking shoes on and get exploring the streets... Don’t wear heels not fun on the cobbles! So much to see around every corner and you won’t get lost, if your not sure get a pocket map. 

Hats 

It’s rude to keep your hat on inside places in krakow. This is common in most countries but we did see one man keep his hat on in a cafe and he got some looks so soon took it off. 

Auschwitz is a must

If your going to Krakow, make sure you book a trip here. Not a place to go and enjoy but a place everyone should visit in their lifetime. Such awful events happened and the history is taught well by guides and information. It’s a hours drive away but definitely worth the visit. 

What to wear?

Always check the weather before you go but one thing we found out was people don’t dress up in Krakow unless going to the theatre. Some of the restaurants have seating outside and have fires set up for the winter to keep warm. Most people were in jeans, trainers/boots, jumpers and coats (we went in the winter). Didn’t see any one wearing shirts or dressy clothes but then again we didn’t go to any fancy restaurants. 

Cafe Culture 

Everywhere you go there are cafes!! So many to stop at for a cuppa, a cake or a doughnut. The doughnuts are to die for and are stuffed with delicious flavours, make sure you don’t miss out on one. 

Paintings 

When you go to Krakow’s Old Town Square there are lots of quirky places and shops to find, but on the edge of the Main Square down the cobbled street by Starbucks and St Mary’s Basilica which leads to one of the back walls to exit the Old Town, there is a display of beautiful paintings being sold. There is a huge variety and if you barter with the sellers  you’re sure to get a good price, the paintings are rolled up off their wooden frame and placed in a tube ready for you to take home. 

Changing atmosphere

Now there is a huge difference between Krakow on a weekend and on a week day! We arrived on a Monday and the streets had people on but it was never over crowded and you could always get a seat in a restaurant. By the Thursday the streets became busier, there were big school trips and lots of people on stags and hen dos. By Saturday we were glad we were leaving, it was crowded and lots of people out drinking and partying and it was hard to get a table in a restaurants even a cafe. Just think before you book!

Get booking... You will have the most amazing time I can promise you!