One of the nicest things about Poland is that several museums are free to visit every day. If you stay for a full week you can see just about everything at little or no cost.
A Few Thoughts on Krakow
If you’re only going to visit one city in Poland then Krakow should be your choice. It has original buildings from the early Middle Ages, lots of museums, plenty of fun places to hang out and great food. Best of all, it’s very affordable.
Here’s our must do list for Krakow…
- Take a free walking tour from Walkative tours. They have several free tours to choose from and some paid ones as well.
- Wawel Castle. Even if you don’t wish to pay to see the museums the Cathedral and the grounds are open to the public. It’s a nice place to spend an afternoon. Don’t miss the fire breathing dragon sculpture!
- Old Town Square. There’s so much to see from the old Cloth Market to the many churches. It’s a vibrant area with lots of nice shops and restaurants.
- The Kazimierz (or Jewish) District. This is a fun and trendy neighborhood with plenty of interesting restaurants to explore. Of course there’s a lot of history there too.
- Visit Ghetto Hero’s Square / The Pharmacy Under the Eagle for an uplifting take on the atrocities from World War II.
- Visit Jagiellonian University – the first university in Poland. See the clock in the courtyard and see some of scientific instruments used by Copernicus.
- Visit Father Bernatka’s Footbridge. It’s has fun kinetic sculptures installed in the rigging.
- Eat at Placki Ziemniaczane and don’t forget to try their soft ice cream and donuts.
- Have pierogi at Pierogowy Raj. They’re made to order and absolutely delicious.
- Eat a Zapiekanka at Zapiekanki Królewskie. They’re the best in Town.
- If you’re interested in side trips try The Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau.
A Few Thoughts on Warsaw
The city is spread out over a much larger area than we expected. We walked everywhere but you might do yourself a favor and try the busses. They run just about everywhere. The city was virtually destroyed in World War II so you won’t see anything that’s truly old but the buildings have been rebuilt and look much the same as they did before.
Here’s our must do list for Warsaw…
- Take a free walking tour from Walkative tours. They have several free tours to choose from and some paid ones as well.
- See Old Town. There are many large squares with many things to see and do.
- Walk on the Royal Road. It extends from Warsaw all the way to Krakow.
- See the Royal Castle. Take the Castle Tour which includes two stunning Rembrandts.
- Visit Saint Anne’s Church. It’s beautifully decorated in Baroque style. Paid concerts on it’s magnificent organ are given almost daily.
- Visit the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist. It is a large Gothic church and the place where the royal family worshipped. There are many famous burials.
- Visit the National Museum. It has a wonderful collection of old master’s paintings.
- Visit the zoo in the Praga district. It’s the one from the movie The Zookeeper’s Wife.
- Eat donuts at Cukiernia Pawlowicz. They’re made right on the spot and they’re fresh and delicious.
- Eat at Zapiecek Restaurant. There are several spread throughout the city. They have the best potato pancakes.