Travel with Tyla

5-Day Kraków Itinerary - Haunting History & Spellbinding Medieval Squares

• Tyla Train • Episode 30

Share episode

Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.

0:00 | 40:01

Send Tyla a message

In this episode, Tyla takes you through five unforgettable days in Kraków - Poland's former royal capital and one of Europe's most architecturally extraordinary cities. 

Listen along to this thoughtfully crafted itinerary that balances the city's joyful side of pretty squares, colourful buildings, and hearty Polish cuisine, with its more somber recent history, including the nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz. 

So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to escape to the haunting history and spellbinding squares of Kraków!

In this episode, you'll learn…

  • Why Kraków is one of the few major Central European cities to maintain it's original historic centre
  • How to experience Rynek Główny (Europe's largest medieval square) without the crowds!
  • Strategic planning tips for visiting Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral
  • How to choose a reputable small-group tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau 
  • Why the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz is worth visiting both during the day and at night
  • How to visit the underground wonder of Wieliczka Salt Mine
  • Essential Polish foods to try including pierogi, borscht soup, zapiekanka street food, and pączki
  • Why a vodka tasting is a quintessential Kraków experience

Places & Links Mentioned

What's next?

✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe! 

✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com

✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration

✨ Email info@travelwithtyla.com with any questions, trip reports, or feedback

✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode!

Support the show

SPEAKER_00

Imagine standing in an enormous medieval square at sunrise. In fact, it's the largest in all of Europe. Notice how the mist sits low over the rooftops and the cold air carries a faint scent of florals and coffee. The cobblestones are still wet, and somewhere in the distance a trambell chimes. To your left is the imposing facade of St. Mary's Basilica, with its two uneven towers stretching up and disappearing into the fog. Then, in the middle of it all, stands a 600-year-old Renaissance arcade made of golden stone and decorated with romantic arched windows. The building slowly illuminating as it catches the day's first rays of light. By now the cafes surrounding the square are just starting to open. So sit down for a cup of coffee and a donut filled with rose jam, dusted with icing sugar, and the best part still warm. You're in a city that a year ago you had never even heard of, yet, in this moment you wonder how that is even possible. Welcome to one of my all-time favorite European cities, and that's Krakow in southern Poland! Hello friends, and welcome back to Travel with Tyler, your much needed and deserved weekly escape to Europe through thoughtfully crafted itineraries and inspiring personal travel stories. Today I'm very excited to share my latest European destination obsession, and that's the beautiful city of Krakow. Now, there are a few different pronunciations that you can use for this city, and the first being Polish, which is pronounced Kraków. And if you're using British English, then it can also be called Kraków. But in American English, it is pronounced Krakow, and also for myself as an Australian, I've always just pronounced it Krakow. Now, over the last couple of years, I have heard a lot of really good things about this Polish city. And after planning my very own visit there this past Christmas, I can confidently confirm it is worth all the hype. You see, Krakow has been gaining a lot of traction recently and is finally being noticed as a must-visit European city, especially among British and other European tourists, while still managing to remain relatively unknown to travelers from further abroad. Now I've only allocated five days for this itinerary, but in all honesty, you could easily extend up to a week depending on how deep you want to go into the city's complex history and many cultural sites. I don't think it's much of a stretch to say that Krakow may be one of the most architecturally extraordinary cities on the continent. Plus, with a food scene that is quietly becoming one of the best in Central Europe and its attractive price point, which only sweetens the appeal. I'm predicting that Krakow and even wider Poland is only a few short years away from cracking the top spot on many people's Europe travel bucket lists. So if this has got you curious to find out more, I suggest you grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to escape to the haunting history and spellbinding squares of Krakow. Now before we jump into this itinerary, let's just dive a little deeper into what makes Krakow so unique. Because if you're going to spend your hard-earned money on a trip somewhere, it's important to know why it's worth it and what there is to look forward to. Krakow's history spans well over 1,000 years, but in the interest of keeping things concise, I'll be sharing a short version with you. Now, the wonderful thing about Krakow is that as you walk around the city, almost everything you see is original. That's because Krakow was one of the few major Central European cities that survived the Second World War largely intact. Unlike the Polish capital of Warsaw, a mere three hours north, which was razed to the ground and had to be completely rebuilt. The reasons behind why Krakow was spared are historically contested, but I'm thankful regardless, as the outcome is that you two can walk through a medieval old town that is genuinely, continuously medieval. Not a reconstruction and not a recreation. It's the real deal. Traveling even further back in time, Krakow served as the royal capital of Poland for five centuries. That is until 1596 when King Sigismund III moved it to Warsaw, as it was a more central location within the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Now at the very southern tip of the historic center and perched high on a limestone hill, is Vovel Royal Castle and Cathedral. It's a unique structure and patchwork of architectural styles that have been gradually added to and extended over the past 1,000 years. The city's main university was also founded in 1364 and is listed as the 13th oldest in the world, counting the famous Polish astronomer Copernicus among its notable alumni. And in more modern times, the Jewish quarter of Kazimisch was one of the most significant Jewish communities in all of Europe, that is, until the Second World War. The purpose-built Jewish ghetto and Oskar Schindler's factory is also located just a short walk across the Witsula River. Lastly, the salt mines at Velitschka are only a 30-minute drive from the city center and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was thanks to the salt found here that Poland's medieval economy prospered and transformed the entire region into a hub of European industry. Now, another really important thing to acknowledge about Krakow is that there are two distinctive sides to this city, and while they exist simultaneously, it's important to carve out time in your itinerary so you can experience both. The first side of Krakow is one of absolute joy. From the pretty squares and colourful buildings to the hearty polished dishes and cheerful cafe culture. Krakow's nightlife scene is also pretty amazing, with bars open till late, and even in the depths of winter, locals gather to sing and dance in the main square. The second side to the city is much more sombre as Krakow sits in the shadow of a heavy and dark recent history. As the most notorious concentration camp in all of Europe, Auschwitz-Birkenau, is only a 45-minute bus ride from the city. While the city's Jewish quarter of Kazimish is even closer, a mere 20-minute walk from the old town center, and tells the story of a community that was almost entirely destroyed less than a century ago. Now, in my personal opinion, a visit to Krakow is simply not complete without making room to experience both sides of the city. One reflecting a horrible past that we hope is never repeated, and one looking towards the future. A vibrant, joyful, and proud Poland. So without delaying any longer, let's begin this five-day itinerary through beautiful Krakow. Welcome to day one, and we're going to begin your visit to Krakow with a nice, easy introduction day, allowing you to orient yourself and get a taste for the delicious Polish cuisine. Having already arrived at the airport or train station and checked into your accommodation, it's time to start your Krakow explorations. Begin by making your way to the very heart of the old town. Renik Głowny is the main market square where no matter the hour, you are sure to see plenty of tourists and locals wandering about. As the largest square in Europe, it's quite a sight to see. Surrounded on all four sides by beautiful, ornate, and colourful heritage-listed buildings. In the centre, a long Renaissance arcade splits the square in two and houses the city's famous cloth hall. Once a meeting spot for traders and traveling merchants looking to barter and discuss business, today it's home to a series of souvenir stalls selling everything from amber jewellery to handbags and local crafts. Upstairs you'll also find the National Museum's Gallery of Polish paintings, which is a must for art lovers. Now here's a fun fact. Beneath the square is an entire underground museum which takes you through a series of recently excavated streets, revealing the city's medieval layout as well as many fascinating artifacts. Back above ground and in the corner of the square is the impossible to miss facade of St. Mary's Basilica, with its two mismatched towers, one slightly taller than the other. Now keep an ear out because every hour a trumpeter plays from the very top of the tallest tower. And yes, this is a real person playing. Members of the Krakow Fire Brigade are chosen to perform 24-hour shifts in pairs, ensuring that the traditional Heina tune is played every hour on the hour from all four windows of the tower. And if you listen closely, you'll notice how at the very end the melody stops mid-phrase. This intentional pause is an ongoing tradition since the 13th century in memory of a trumpeter who was shot in the throat by an arrow whilst sounding the alarm of a Mongol invasion. Now the old town is a wonderful place to simply wander and explore. It's pretty small, so you won't get lost, as every street either leads back to the main town square or opens onto the greenery of the Plenty. The Plenty is an almost continuous ring of parks that circles the old town. It was built in the early 1800s to replace the city's crumbling medieval walls and fill in the rather dirty moat as it was believed to be causing disease to spread throughout the city. During the spring and summer months, it's a beautiful place to walk, and you'll see lots of locals on their daily jog or walk during the early hours of the morning and late evening. The streets of the old town are also filled with many beautiful churches. My favorite being the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, which is covered in floor-to-ceiling murals. The colours used are incredibly vibrant and the patterns are very unique. Lots of flowers, bright stars, and flames decorating the walls. Just across the street from here, you'll also see a mosaic of Pope St. John Paul II, adorning the front of the Archbishop's Palace. As the only Polish Pope and a proud son of Krakow, the mosaic was commissioned following his death to cover up the window where he would frequently speak informally with the crowds during his tenure as the Archbishop of Krakow and later on visits to the city as the Pope. Not too far from here is the Jagalonian University Courtyard, which has to be one of the most beautiful in all of Central Europe. Constructed in the 15th century, this gothic building first served as the university's academic hub and is where astronomer Nicholas Copernicus once studied. Nowadays the university has grown to be the largest in Krakow with buildings spread across the city. If you have time and are interested, attached to the courtyard is the entrance to the University Museum, where you can wander the decorative halls and learn more about its fascinating past. For dinner on your first night, I'm sending you in search of a classic Polish restaurant serving all the best dishes. You can order bigosz, which is a hunter stew made with slow-cooked sauerkraut and mixed meats. Another excellent choice is porodi. These are those delicious stuffed dumplings that come in every possible variation from sweet to savory and meat to vegetarian. I became absolutely obsessed with these during my visit to Krakow, and I am tempted to book a flight back just so I can eat them at my favorite restaurant again. This first day should give you the perfect overview of Krakow's old town and a taste of its most delicious dishes. Now I hope you get a good sleep tonight because we've got so much more exploring still to come. It's now day two, which means it's time to dive deeper into Krakow's surrounding neighborhoods, from the Royal Castle to the Jewish Quarter. Start your day early at Vovel Castle. This is the city's royal residence located high on a hill above the Vitzula River. The castle complex opens at 9, and during peak season, queues for entry tickets grow quickly. So to beat the crowds, it's best to be there when it opens. The state rooms are extraordinary, decorated in Flemish tapestries, renaissance furnishings, a large collection of armour, and of course the sparkling crown jewels. The Vovel Cathedral is also free to enter and is a fascinating place to visit. The tombs of Polish kings, queens, and national heroes line the sides of the cathedral in their own personal chapels. From the outside, it's also quite an interesting sight as you can see how the chapels have been added and extended to the church over time. Each design is very unique and from a different architectural period, making the cathedral look like a patchwork of mini buildings. Below the castle, you can walk along the edge of the river. Here you'll pass a popular dragon sculpture that breathes actual fire at irregular intervals, and if you're not expecting it, well, it can be quite a fright. In the afternoon, walk south towards the Kasimish neighborhood, Krakow's Jewish Quarter. Founded in the 14th century, Kashmir was for centuries one of the most important Jewish communities in Poland and all of Europe. Home to scholars, merchants, and a rich cultural life. It was during the Second World War that the community of approximately 68,000 inhabitants was reduced to only a few hundred survivors. And the quarter today still shows signs of a bustling community center, with seven surviving synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, and memorials lining the streets. At its heart is Stara Synagogue, also known as the Old Synagogue. It's Poland's oldest surviving synagogue and now a museum of Jewish history and tradition. The nearby Ramu synagogue is still an active place of worship, and its attached cemetery is one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe. Connecting the two synagogues is Sheroka Street. It's a wide street that's almost like a square, which is lined with cobblestones and surrounded by original buildings, providing a glimpse into the history of a once thriving Jewish community. The best way to learn more about the neighborhood and the former Jewish ghetto, located across the river, is to join a walking tour. This will allow you to hear the stories of what really happened here throughout the 20th century and how the neighborhood has evolved to reclaim its Jewish identity in more modern times. Come the early evening, Kazimir is also known as the place to go for Krakow's best bars and restaurants. The neighborhood is full of small venues, many of them still Jewish-run or Jewish-owned. You can opt for a sit-down meal in a restaurant serving Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisines with a Polish twist, while Shiroka Street becomes an incredibly cozy place around sunset. Music plays loudly across the square, the golden flickers of lights begin to turn on, and plates after plates of mesé boards appear before you. Now for a more casual yet still delicious dinner option, head to the area around Platz Novi. This is a small square where you'll find a green circular building in the middle that sells only zapekanki, which are open-faced toasted baguettes topped with mushrooms and cheese, plus whatever else you want. It's perfect for a quick meal on your way back to your accommodation, or if you're planning for a late night of bar hopping, it's the perfect midnight snack to sober you up. Personally, I love being able to just sit and soak in the vibe of a neighborhood, eat some delicious food, and really take in my surroundings. A night out in Kazamush is an absolute must during your stay in Krakow. So if not tonight, make sure to return another evening. Going to Auschwitz Birkenhau concentration camp. Now visitor numbers to Auschwitz have been steadily increasing since the late 20th century, and with the rise of dark tourism in the 21st century, it has experienced sizable growth to just under 2 million visitors a year. Including a day trip to Auschwitz during your trip to Krakow is a very personal choice. For some, it may feel like too much emotionally, and that's completely understandable. It's a place that highlights a truly horrific part of humanity's history, and I would certainly resist bringing younger travelers here until they are at least learning about World War II and the Holocaust in school. But the reason why I personally think it's important to visit Auschwitz is because it is so confronting. It's relatively easy to go about our daily lives without giving much thought to the atrocities of the last 100 years, and that's because it's not right in front of our faces. You are forced to confront it, forced to imagine it, hear about it, and see the real life remnants of what really happened here. Now getting to Auschwitz is possible by taking a local bus for 90 minutes from Krakow bus station. But the far better and more efficient way to get there is by joining an organized day trip, which takes care of all the logistics and includes a guide to show you around the museum. When choosing between organized tours and there are a lot to choose from, the main things to look out for is if they guarantee your entry ticket. This is because tour companies like individuals have to purchase tickets through the official channels, and these tickets only become available three months in advance. So if you book your tour six or even four months out, chances are the company you've booked with doesn't even have tickets to sell you. This means last-minute tour cancellations are unfortunately a common thing, so do your research ahead of time. Read all the reviews and make sure you're going with a reputable tour agency, not just the cheapest option. Another important thing to note is the group size. There are plenty of 50-person coach tours ferrying people from Krakow to Auschwitz each day. But when it comes to walking around the museum and site, it can become a human crush, and you can easily lose that connection to your guide and space to stop and comprehend where you are. It's very much Mass Tourism 101. Bigger buses equals more people, and more people equals more money. But that's not how we like to travel. So instead, look for smaller groups between 6 to 12 people, or even opt for a private tour if your budget allows it. This is one experience which is absolutely worth spending a little more money to ensure that you do it the right way. Now, Auschwitz is also not the type of place where you can simply show up and buy a ticket. You'll need to start looking at least three months ahead as tickets and tours are known to sell out quickly, especially in the summer months. It also takes up a full day, so don't try to squeeze anything else in. Most tours are between three and four hours, taking you through Auschwitz 1, which is the original camp, where many of the permanent exhibitions are housed. You then continue on to Auschwitz II, which is the much larger extermination camp located two kilometers away. Nothing can really prepare you for what it's like or the emotional weight of standing inside of Auschwitz. But doing some research or reading a few firsthand accounts before you go can help provide more context and a deeper understanding of what truly happened here. Many people, myself included, find their visit to Auschwitz to be one of the most significant experiences of their entire trip to Poland. And for some, one of the most significant experiences of their lives. It is not a comfortable day, but it's also not meant to be. It's a day which challenges people to think and reflect on what being a human really means, the terrible acts we are capable of, and the resounding hope that we do not repeat past mistakes. Coming back to Krakow in the early evening, you won't feel the same as when you left. So tonight, just take it easy and find yourself a quiet restaurant, serving hearty Polish dishes that heal the soul. It's now day four, and time to explore yet two more sides to Krakow. The first takes us deep underground, and the second is all about eating and drinking well. So we're going to begin today with a short day trip to Velitska Salt Mine. You can get there easily by taking a local train from Krakow's main station. The journey takes just 25 minutes and is very cheap. That being said, if you're traveling in a larger group or would prefer the comfort of door-to-door service, then taking an Uber or Bolt is also very reasonably priced. Now this salt mine has been in continuous operation since the 13th century. That's over 700 years and descends to a depth of 327 meters. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage site and is part of what brought immense wealth and funding to the Polish royal court. Getting into the mine is definitely not an easy feat and requires descending several hundred wooden steps. But somewhere around the 60 meters underground mark, you'll enter the chapel of Saint Kinga. Yes, you heard me correct, it's a cathedral-sized chapel carved entirely from rock salt and includes everything from chandeliers to reliefs carved into the walls and even a complete altarpiece. The chandeliers glow a beautiful orange amber colour, and standing in the middle of it all feels quite surreal. I should also mention the only way to access the mine is on a guided tour, which takes around two hours and covers a series of chambers that move between being purely functional and straight up extraordinary. Think massive sculptures of historical figures carved out of salt and an underground jade-coloured lake, plus plenty of exhibition rooms that showcase the history of the mine and the people who worked in it. You're also going to want to wear a few layers during your visit as it's 11 degrees in the mine year round, even in the height of summer. Now, provided you don't get lost in the mine, you should be back in Krakow by early afternoon. And then it's time to eat and drink. From melting your mouth porogi to street food like Polish bagels and rose-filled donuts. Devoted foodies are going to want to make a short list of the best places to stop, almost like a mini self-guided food tour of Krakow's tastiest places. While I wasn't anticipating the food to be such a highlight of my visit to Krakow, my mouth is practically watering thinking back on all the fantastic dishes I got to try. Another quintessential Polish experience to have during your time in Krakow is a vodka tasting. My favorite spot to go, which I discovered on my recent visit, is easy to miss. It's located in the old town and is tucked down an unsuspecting side street. From the outside, it doesn't look like much, but step inside and you are greeted with what looks and feels like a medieval apothecary. Imagine arched brick ceilings, colourful frescoes covering the walls, and so many different flavours of vodka stored in these large glass cauldrons. Now, quick warning: you can easily slip into drunkenness as they range from 18% all the way up to 50%. You can request to try as many or as little as you like. I don't personally think of myself as much of a vodka drinker, and I'll admit I wasn't a fan of the particularly strong ones, but I was also pleasantly surprised to find several fruity flavours that I absolutely loved. So much so I bought an entire bottle. Again, it was very reasonably priced and made for the perfect souvenir from my visit to Poland. So if or when you go to Krakow, trust me, you just have to do a vodka tasting. And if you're traveling in a group, it's so much fun. Well, we've made it to day 5 and it's officially our last day in Krakow. Which means it's time to tick off everything we missed during the first four days. Starting off strong with the Czartoryski Museum. It's one of the oldest art museums in Poland and home to Leonardo da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine painting. Like one of his other greatest works, the Mona Lisa, it's a lot smaller in person than you expect, but the attention to detail is impeccable. And the best part here is you don't have to fight past a crowd of half-interested tourists like you would do at the Louvre. Instead, you might even find yourself all alone with this masterpiece. There's no pushing or shoving or fighting for a photo. Simply sit, stare and enjoy. Give yourself an hour or two here, then from the museum, it's only a short walk to reach the plenty. Remember that ring of green parks that encircles the old town? Well, it takes about an hour to complete at a walking pace. And if you haven't done it already, then I highly recommend that you do. Now for lunch on your last day, I suggest going to Stadi Klepash Market. It's the oldest market in Krakow and is located just north of the old town. This proper working market is the perfect spot to grab something to eat and catch a glimpse into local everyday life. By the afternoon, it's your last chance to take a stroll around the old town. The street called Ulica Kanonicza runs from the main square all the way to Wavel Hill and is considered one of the most beautiful streets in Poland. It's lined with Renaissance and Gothic townhouses, each with a plaque listing the notable residents who once lived there. Plus, if time allows, stop for one last coffee at an outdoor table on the main square. Take a moment to reflect and think about all the things you've seen. This grand medieval square, the Royal Hill, the Jewish Quarter, the Underground Salt Cathedral, and so much more. This city just has something special. So special, in fact, you can spend five whole days here and still just be scraping the surface. It's a city that has stayed with me long after I left, and a city I very much hope to return to one day again soon. Now, before you jump onto Google Flights and start searching for the best deals on Booking.com, let's go over a few practical tips that will ensure your trip goes smoothly. Starting with how to get to Krakow. For international visitors, you'll most likely arrive by plane into Krakow John Paul II International Airport, which has direct connections from most major European cities, and thanks to Krakow's growing popularity, the number of flight routes is growing every year. From the airport, it's only a short taxi or Uber ride to reach the old town. Alternatively, for those flying directly into the country's capital of Warsaw, it's only a two and a half to three hour train ride south to reach Krakow. The train is both comfortable and affordable, making it a viable option for those hoping to combine the two cities. And having done so myself, I highly recommend it. Also, if you are keen to incorporate Krakow into a longer European train trip journey, well, you're in luck as direct trains are available from both Prague and Vienna. So you've successfully made it to Krakow, but how do you get around the city itself? Thankfully, the Old Town and Kashmir neighborhood are both very walkable. It's actually one of the things I love most about the city. Krakow feels incredibly compact and easy to explore, yet it's not overly crowded. For traveling longer distances, trams crisscross the city and each ride costs less than a euro. In my experience, the trams were very comfortable and easy to use. Tickets can be purchased from machines located at most tram stops and must be validated in the little yellow machines on board. Uber and Bolt are also great options when you need to get somewhere quick and are surprisingly affordable. My next tip is something to consider before you even book your trip, and that's choosing the best time to go. For warm weather and manageable crowds, May, June, and September are ideal. The city's outdoor cafes are fully open and locals are out enjoying life in the town square. July and August are by far the busiest months, and the main square can get a bit crowded during the day, but the evenings are still beautiful and the sun sets much later, so you can enjoy fuller days of sightseeing. Now I visited in the winter during the lead up to Christmas, and I must say it's an incredibly atmospheric and special time to be in the city. The main Christmas market fills the square, and visitors line up to try all the delicious hearty Polish dishes on offer. And of all the Christmas markets I've been to, which is quite a lot by now, Poland ranks number one for food. The crowds are definitely bigger during the festive period, but I never felt like it took away from the magic of my experience. So if you're thinking of doing a Christmas market trip to Europe, I highly, highly recommend adding in a visit to Krakow and maybe even some other Polish cities. Warsaw, Rochlo, Poznan, and Gdansk all have wonderful town centers and Christmas markets to explore. Keeping with the food theme, while in Krakow, make sure to leave plenty of time for eating and drinking. Porodi is serious business here, and these stuffed dumplings make for the tastiest meals, especially on a cold winter's day. For your first try, I suggest you get a mixed bowl with between four to five different types of dumplings. Then you'll know which ones are your favorite to order again later. And trust me, you'll be eating these more than once. Twice for sure, and if you can't resist, a third time or even more. Another one of my favorite dishes I tried whilst in Krakow is Borsch soup. Made with beetroot, this soup is a deep shade of purple and tastes even better when there are a couple of meatstuffed dumplings hiding in it. I was so obsessed with this soup during my visit, to the point I would only eat at restaurants that had it on the menu because it's all I wanted to eat. Now, Zapekenki is a popular street food that I did mention a little bit earlier and is often found in the Jewish quarter. It's an open-faced baguette toasted with melted cheese, mushrooms, and various other toppings, and it was so good the first time that I returned on a different night just so I could eat it again before I left. The mountaineer was my personal favorite as it had salami, pickles, and mustard on top, but you could easily spend days trying all the different combinations, and they are so, so delicious. Another popular street food is Ovaza Kanek Krakowski, which I am definitely not pronouncing correctly, but these are the iconic ring-shaped breads, also known as Polish bagels. They are sold all over the old town, mostly from little blue streetcarts. The bread is first boiled and then baked and finally covered with toppings including salt, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds. It's a great savory snack to grab whilst you're on the go or if you're in need of a quick breakfast. Lastly, Ostipec is a smoked cheese made from salted sheep's milk and comes from the nearby Tatra Mountains. In Krakow, it is often served grilled and topped with cranberry jam and is just so delicious. There are many more dishes I could recommend and talk about, but I think it's better that you just go to Krakow and discover them all for yourself. Also, this is less of a food but more of a place to eat while in Krakow, and that's milk bars. These simple establishments serve very basic and very cheap meals that are a reminder of communist times. So if you're traveling on a budget, this is the ultimate food hack. In terms of drinks, Polish Kraft beer has had quite a revolution in the last decade and is very good. You can also try Mead if you're curious, and a trip to Poland just wouldn't be complete without a vodka tasting. Now I was truly amazed by how many restaurants there were in Krakow, and the quality was top tier. That being said, where there are lots of tourists, there are always tourist traps. So stay on alert and avoid places with large menus filled with photographs and listed in several languages. These tend to be more concentrated around the main square, but all you have to do is walk a street or two further back in any direction, and you'll be amazed by what you can find. Many of you will also be happy to hear that Krakow is one of the most affordable cities in Europe for travelers. Hotel rooms and private apartments in central locations are significantly cheaper compared to Western European cities. Plus, food and drink costs a fraction of what you'd expect to pay in London, Paris, Amsterdam, or Barcelona. Tours and entrance tickets to major sites are also very reasonable so you can stay longer and explore more. During my recent Christmas trip around Europe with my mum, we purposely matched cheaper cities like Krakow and Warsaw with more expensive destinations like Prague and Edinburgh, as it allowed us to balance our bank accounts and travel for longer. Plus, pairing Western and Eastern European cities is not only a great budgeting hack, it also allows you to experience two completely different sides to the continent, mixing Latin landmarks with Baltic traditions, or maybe Scandinavian modernity with the beautiful Balkans. A few more practical tips before we wrap things up. Unlike most of Europe, Poland has its own currency called the Zloti. ATMs are also widely available, and while most restaurants and shops in the tourist areas accept cards, it's always a good idea to carry some cash with you just in case. Now, Polish is not an easy language to master. In fact, several years ago I found out I had Polish ancestry and got all excited, so I started trying to learn Polish on Duolingo. But within a few days I had already given up because it was a very difficult set of letters and sounds. But who knows, maybe I'll give it another try in the future. Thankfully, English is widely spoken in Krakow, especially in the Old Town and the Jewish district, although learning a few Polish phrases for hello, goodbye, and thank you is always a good idea. My final tip, and it's a good one, is to just get up early at least one morning during your visit. Go to the town square before the walking tours start, and before the horse-drawn carriages begin their rounds. Find yourself a little cafe that's just opening, order a coffee and a tasty rose-filled donut. And then just sit and watch the medieval square slowly wake up. This is why you came to Krakow, to experience a slice of authentic Europe. Off the main tourist trail and rewarding beyond belief. I just adore Krakow, and if you follow my tips, then I just know that you will too. What a wonderful five days we've had in Krakow. From its grand medieval square to the sombering Jewish Quarter, an underground cathedral made entirely of salt and eating our body weight in Porogi. I have spent this entire episode trying to do this city justice, and I'm not entirely sure I've managed it. The only real solution is for you to book a flight and discover Krakow for yourself. One cobblestone street and one tasty Zapikenka at a time. Want access to the full written itinerary featured in today's podcast, plus a list of all my favorite places to stay, organized tours, day trips, and restaurants? Hop over to my website, that's travelwithyla.com, where you can find this five-day Krakow itinerary plus every single itinerary previously featured on the podcast. Now if you enjoyed this episode or found it helpful, please remember to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend who you know loves planning trips to Europe. As for connecting with me, you can say hi on Instagram at travelwith.tyler or send me an email at info at travelwithyla.com. I just love hearing all about your upcoming travels and trips to Europe. Next week, we're going to learn all about Europe's bizarre and unique microstates. These five often forgotten countries are so small you could easily drive through them without even noticing. Yet, as sovereign nations, they have their own governments, histories, and unique identities. From surviving wars and invading empires to centuries of fighting off their more powerful European neighbors, these miniature countries have outlasted them all and make for quite the fun and worthwhile addition to your Europe itinerary. Until then, keep exploring, keep dreaming, and keep that European Wanderlust alive.