Recommendation for area to stay in Krakow based on itinerary

I am planning 4 days / 3 nights in Krakow. Based on the itinerary I put together, what area of Krawkow should I look into for accommodations? We are looking for safe and convenient location. We are considering public transportation to get to Auschwitz and Wadowice.

Or is Krakow small that it does not matter where we stay?

Day 1: Arrive in Krakow early morning (via overnight sleeper train from Budapest) . Walk around Krakow town

Day 2: Schlinder's Factory tour and visit Wadowice (Saint Pope John Paul II hometown)

Day 3: Visit Auschwitz

Day 4: Early flight to Prague

Any advise or suggestions are appreciated!

We spent a week in Krakow & rented an apartment a few blocks from the main Market Square. It was wonderful & we enjoyed easy access to all the sights within the city that we wished to see. We explored the city, visited Schindler's factory, hired a guide for a tour of Auschwitz (its about an hour drive from Krakow). We also visited Wieliczka Salt Mine - absolutely amazing!

Krakow is not particularly small but it is certainly not NYC - I believe that Krakow's population is close to one million & the city is somewhat spread out. Central location is best - I would recommend staying somewhere in the vicinity surrounding Market Square (tons to see in this area & just a short walk to the castle or tram to Schindler's), Market Square is about a 10 minute walk from the train station (if you plan on arrival via train).

We spent a week in Krakow & rented an apartment a few blocks from the main Market Square. It was wonderful & we enjoyed easy access to all the sights within the city that we wished to see. We explored the city, visited Schindler's factory, hired a guide for a tour of Auschwitz (its about an hour drive from Krakow). We also visited Wieliczka Salt Mine - absolutely amazing!

Krakow is not particularly small but it is certainly not NYC - I believe that Krakow's population is close to one million & the city is somewhat spread out. Central location is best - I would recommend staying somewhere in the vicinity surrounding Market Square (tons to see in this area & just a short walk to the castle or tram to Schindler's), Market Square is about a 10 minute walk from the train station (if you plan on arrival via train).

Thank you so much for this response!

Did you take the train to/from airport? Or private shuttle? Krakow seems to be inexpensive, compared to where we live, so even the taxi/uber is quite inexpensive.

Who did you use for the Auschwitz tour?

Thank you so much for this response!

 

Did you take the train to/from airport? Or private shuttle? Krakow seems to be inexpensive, compared to where we live, so even the taxi/uber is quite inexpensive.

 

Who did you use for the Auschwitz tour?

We took a taxi from the airport. We found Krakow relatively inexpensive compared to other European cities so your perception of expensive vs my perception doesn't comport.

I don't recall the name of the tour company that we utilized for either Auschwitz or the salt mines (we toured these sites on separate days but there are tours offered that include both in the same day - I suggest that you google the Wielicza salt mine - the sculptures are incredible and there is a chapel dedicated to John Paul).

There are several kiosks that sell inexpensive tours to Auschwitz and/or the salt mines - the kiosks are located in the vicinity of market square. We passed one such kiosk each day on the way back to our apartment - directions follow.

Tour kiosk location: facing St. Mary's basilica, Market Square, hang a right onto the street next to the basilica (Sienna). The kiosk is 2 blocks down Sienna - you can't miss it. As I recall, the tour to Auschwitz/Birkenau was somewhere in the range of $30 at this particular kiosk.

Regarding St. Mary's - don't miss visiting to see the gorgeous Veit Stoss Altarpiece - its the largest Gothic altarpiece in the world and is simply incredible.

Also, if you have the time, Wawel Castle (short walk from Market Square) is worth a visit. If you are into Renaissance art, Da Vinci's famous "Lady with an Ermine" can be found at Wawel.

Just wondering - is there a particular reason that you wish to visit Wadowice? I understand that it is the birthplace of John Paul but there is so much to see in Krakow that I think you may be attempting too much during your short visit. Wadowice is nice but, IMHO, it does not compare to Krakow in terms of things to see and do. There are churches, statues, etc. all over Poland commemorating the life of John Paul - you will find many in Krakow alone. In fact, the carvings in the rooms of the salt mines include quite a few statues & carvings of JPII and were done by artistically gifted craftsmen - many of the rooms are of a religious theme (Catholic, of course).

I see that you are also visiting Prague (one of my favorite european cities) and Budapest. We will return to Budapest again this fall - I find it very inexpensive when compared to Germany or Austria (which we will also visit).

Good luck and enjoy these marvelous cities!

Just wondering - is there a particular reason that you wish to visit Wadowice? I understand that it is the birthplace of John Paul but there is so much to see in Krakow that I think you may be attempting too much during your short visit. Wadowice is nice but, IMHO, it does not compare to Krakow in terms of things to see and do. There are churches, statues, etc. all over Poland commemorating the life of John Paul - you will find many in Krakow alone. In fact, the carvings in the rooms of the salt mines include quite a few statues & carvings of JPII and were done by artistically gifted craftsmen - many of the rooms are of a religious theme (Catholic, of course).

I see that you are also visiting Prague (one of my favorite european cities) and Budapest. We will return to Budapest again this fall - I find it very inexpensive when compared to Germany or Austria (which we will also visit).

Good luck and enjoy these marvelous cities!

Regarding Wadowice, no reason other than it is JPII's birthplace. It was not set in stone because I am still researching if it is worth the trip out there. Based on your responses, I am leaning towards replacing it with the Salt Mines. I did not know about it Mine until I read your post. Thank you!!!!

Regarding our trip, I posted the itinerary for advise on TA but have only a couple of responses. What are you thoughts on the short time we have. I have the option to add another day in to the itinerary if need.

Day 1: Fly from Tel Aviv to Budapest. Walk around town.

Day 2: Budapest. Overnight train to Krakow.

Day 3: Walk around Krakow town

Day 4: Schindler's List Tour & Salt Mine

Day 5: Auschwitz

Day 6: Either overnight sleeper train on Day 5 or early flight out on Day 6 to Prague. Walk around town.

Day 7: Prague Castle

Day 8: Early flight home

Regarding Wadowice, no reason other than it is JPII's birthplace. It was not set in stone because I am still researching if it is worth the trip out there. Based on your responses, I am leaning towards replacing it with the Salt Mines. I did not know about it Mine until I read your post. Thank you!!!!

 

Regarding our trip, I posted the itinerary for advise on TA but have only a couple of responses. What are you thoughts on the short time we have. I have the option to add another day in to the itinerary if need.

 

Day 1: Fly from Tel Aviv to Budapest. Walk around town.

 

Day 2: Budapest. Overnight train to Krakow.

 

Day 3: Walk around Krakow town

Day 4: Schindler's List Tour & Salt Mine

 

Day 5: Auschwitz

Day 6: Either overnight sleeper train on Day 5 or early flight out on Day 6 to Prague. Walk around town.

 

Day 7: Prague Castle

 

Day 8: Early flight home

Hi

Late to the party but Budapest and Prague deserve more time - JMO.

What time of the year??

Annie

Hi

 

Late to the party but Budapest and Prague deserve more time - JMO.

 

What time of the year??

 

Annie

It will be last week of May 2019/early June 2019.

If time is not an issue, but it is what we have available. DH and I like to spend few days in different cities. Then for cities we really like, we come back and spend more time. It seems we have been going to Europe every year so far for the past 4 years. We will be back again next May/June.

We are going on this trip with my sister, her husband and our mother. None of them are into architecture. Knowing absolutely nothing about Budapest or Prague, what do you suggest time wise and things to do for them? I was worried I would not have enough to fill their time while there. lol

Regarding Wadowice, no reason other than it is JPII's birthplace. It was not set in stone because I am still researching if it is worth the trip out there. Based on your responses, I am leaning towards replacing it with the Salt Mines. I did not know about it Mine until I read your post. Thank you!!!!

 

Regarding our trip, I posted the itinerary for advise on TA but have only a couple of responses. What are you thoughts on the short time we have. I have the option to add another day in to the itinerary if need.

 

Day 1: Fly from Tel Aviv to Budapest. Walk around town.

 

Day 2: Budapest. Overnight train to Krakow.

 

Day 3: Walk around Krakow town

Day 4: Schindler's List Tour & Salt Mine

 

Day 5: Auschwitz

Day 6: Either overnight sleeper train on Day 5 or early flight out on Day 6 to Prague. Walk around town.

 

Day 7: Prague Castle

 

Day 8: Early flight home

Overnight trains are great - we took the overnighter from Amsterdam to Prague. Prague is amazing - if you can add a day to your itinerary, I would add it in Prague. The 3 cities on your list are all wonderful and, to get more than just a taste, require at least 3-4 days. Our last trip to Prague was for a week (during the spring music & beer festival) & it was our 3rd visit - still have more on my bucket list to see/do in Prague!

If you are already touring Israel (you said flying from Tel Aviv), you may be completely tuckered out from Israel alone - so much to see there! You might consider adding Budapest on a later european jaunt and devote all your time between Krakow and Prague. jmho

It's a great train trip from Munich to Budapest ... spend a few days in Munich, you can take the S Bahn out to Dachau (if you have an interest in concentration camps) day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, perhaps a day's stopover in Salzburg, stop over for a few days in Vienna & continue on to Budapest. Just sayin ..... ;)

Great resource for Prague here:

http://cdn.prague-guide.co.uk/Discover_Prague.pdf

Overnight trains are great - we took the overnighter from Amsterdam to Prague. Prague is amazing - if you can add a day to your itinerary, I would add it in Prague. The 3 cities on your list are all wonderful and, to get more than just a taste, require at least 3-4 days. Our last trip to Prague was for a week (during the spring music & beer festival) & it was our 3rd visit - still have more on my bucket list to see/do in Prague!

If you are already touring Israel (you said flying from Tel Aviv), you may be completely tuckered out from Israel alone - so much to see there! You might consider adding Budapest on a later european jaunt and devote all your time between Krakow and Prague. jmho

It's a great train trip from Munich to Budapest ... spend a few days in Munich, you can take the S Bahn out to Dachau (if you have an interest in concentration camps) day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, perhaps a day's stopover in Salzburg, stop over for a few days in Vienna & continue on to Budapest. Just sayin ..... ;)

We were in Europe for a month this past May/June. I love visiting Europe this time of the year because of the weather and the crowd (less of). DH thinks 4 weeks is too long so cutting back some days.

We are starting in Amsterdam for 3 days (Oh how I wished I knew about the overnighter between Amsterdam and Prague!!! ), then out to Amalfi Coast for 5 days for a wedding. After that we will head to Jerusalem for 7 days...with rest days built into the calendar. :-). We are trying to figure out what and how to see Prague, Budapest and Krakow in 7 or 8 days. If it is not feasible, then I will adjust the itinerary.

We have been to Salzburg and Vienna already. No interests in Germany at this time.

Great resource for Prague here:

http://cdn.prague-guide.co.uk/Discover_Prague.pdf

Thank you!!!

Prague is amazing - if you can add a day to your itinerary, I would add it in Prague. ;)

We added the one day to Prague on our itinerary.

We added the one day to Prague on our itinerary.

Great - enjoy!

Just a note about public transportation in Prague & Budapest ... I am certain that you are aware that you have to validate your tram/metro/bus tickets. Both Prague & Budapest accept no excuses from clueless visitors that fail to validate & the fines are quite stiff. We were checked several times on the trams in Prague & once on the metro (we had validated). A US couple on the tram to Prague castle was also checked - they did not realize that they had to validate. Yikes - they had to pay the fine on the spot or be carted off to the police station (they paid).

We visited Krakow a few years ago on a city break.

We had either 3 or 4 days set aside for the city itself, one for a visit to the Salt Mine and one for a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau.

We stayed centrally, almost between the Market Square and the Jewish area, and once we arrived at our accommodation we needed no public transport as we could walk everywhere.

When we visited the out of town Salt Mines we took the public bus and joined in an english speaking tour. There should be info on their website.

For Auschwitz-Birkenau we thought about public transport, but decided to do an organised tour instead. Public transport would be slower and more of a hassle, also moving from one site to the other requires a long walk or the use of a timetabled bus which runs between the two locations. More importantly, we wanted to tour Auschwitz independently, (and for this you must arrive before 10.00) Info on the official website. We used Phil from Krakow Tours as he picked us up from our hotel around 0800, then picked up another couple and we were on our way. He shows a video en route. We had around 2 hours to visit Auschwitz independently, then he drove us the short distance to Birkenau where he escorted us around. We then drove back to Krakow. This for us was perfect as we had some free time to do our own thing, and easy transportation. You can read descriptions of his tour online.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g274772-d1872627-Reviews-Krakow_Tours-Krakow_Lesser_Poland_Province_Southern_Poland.html

Not being in a tour group, we could spend as much or as little time as we wanted at the various locations, and more importantly, Phil recommended which of the national exhibits might interest us most. Tour groups do not visit these so they were quiet. It is impressive to see what different countries have done with "their" allocated wagon. And as some of the areas open to visitors were small and could get crowded with tours, we could wait until they moved on so that we could see better.

There are tours which offer both Auschwitz and the Salt Mine in one day. Exhausting and potentially less time at each. Unless you are really really short on time I would advise you do them separately.

The Salt Mine took a full morning, Phil's tour, we left at 0800 and I think, returned early afternoon so you would be able to sightsee in the city that same day.

Hope some of this helps.

We visited Krakow a few years ago on a city break.

 

 

We had either 3 or 4 days set aside for the city itself, one for a visit to the Salt Mine and one for a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau.

 

 

We stayed centrally, almost between the Market Square and the Jewish area, and once we arrived at our accommodation we needed no public transport as we could walk everywhere.

 

 

When we visited the out of town Salt Mines we took the public bus and joined in an english speaking tour. There should be info on their website.

 

 

For Auschwitz-Birkenau we thought about public transport, but decided to do an organised tour instead. Public transport would be slower and more of a hassle, also moving from one site to the other requires a long walk or the use of a timetabled bus which runs between the two locations. More importantly, we wanted to tour Auschwitz independently, (and for this you must arrive before 10.00) Info on the official website. We used Phil from Krakow Tours as he picked us up from our hotel around 0800, then picked up another couple and we were on our way. He shows a video en route. We had around 2 hours to visit Auschwitz independently, then he drove us the short distance to Birkenau where he escorted us around. We then drove back to Krakow. This for us was perfect as we had some free time to do our own thing, and easy transportation. You can read descriptions of his tour online.

 

 

 

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g274772-d1872627-Reviews-Krakow_Tours-Krakow_Lesser_Poland_Province_Southern_Poland.html

 

 

Not being in a tour group, we could spend as much or as little time as we wanted at the various locations, and more importantly, Phil recommended which of the national exhibits might interest us most. Tour groups do not visit these so they were quiet. It is impressive to see what different countries have done with "their" allocated wagon. And as some of the areas open to visitors were small and could get crowded with tours, we could wait until they moved on so that we could see better.

 

 

 

There are tours which offer both Auschwitz and the Salt Mine in one day. Exhausting and potentially less time at each. Unless you are really really short on time I would advise you do them separately.

 

 

The Salt Mine took a full morning, Phil's tour, we left at 0800 and I think, returned early afternoon so you would be able to sightsee in the city that same day.

 

 

 

Hope some of this helps.

Awesome info!!! Copy/pasted to my notes. Thank you!

In fairness, I should say that there are many tour companies in Krakow who offer both tours as they are very popular. You could look on Tripadvisor for names and reviews. We chose to take the public bus to the Salt Mine but that visit can also be done as a tour from Krakow.

You would need to decide what would work best for you and book with whichever company meets that criteria. And book well ahead of time.

We chose Phil as he offered central accommodation pick-up, also because he leaves early enough for those preferring to visit Auschwitz independently.

Another vote for the salt mine :)

And we had a full-day van tour to Auschwitz. Several operators offer both of those tours. Auschwitz is really just for the transportation, then you tour independently with an audio-guide. It includes transportation from Auschwitz to Birkenau (about 2 miles?) part-way thro the day.

A video on the way, and lively and chatty company.:)

Deadly silence on the way back. :(

You take the trip and you'll understand why.

JB :)

Another vote for the salt mine :)

 

 

And we had a full-day van tour to Auschwitz. Several operators offer both of those tours. Auschwitz is really just for the transportation, then you tour independently with an audio-guide. It includes transportation from Auschwitz to Birkenau (about 2 miles?) part-way thro the day.

 

A video on the way, and lively and chatty company.:)

Deadly silence on the way back. :(

You take the trip and you'll understand why.

 

JB :)

JB - You are making your way from Britain to Northern Europe!!! Thanks for the post.

I am back.  I have finalized our travel as follow:

Day 1:  Arrive from Tel Aviv at 930AM to Budapest

Day 2:  Budapest

Day 3:  Arrive in Krakow at 10AM.  We are staying at a hotel directly across from the Market Square

Day 4:  Krakow

Day 5:  Fly to Prague - 8PM flight

Day 6:  Day in Prague

Day 7:  Day in Prague

Day 8:  Flight to home

We opted not to do the overnight sleeper.  I read online how uncomfortable and noisy they can be.   We went with a flight on Ryan Air....crossing my fingers on this one.  It's a one hour flight so we went ahead with it.

People can say what they want about Ryanair but the couple of time I have used them between Copenhagen and London the trips have been uneventful and that is okay when you are flying 🙂

So much to see & explore !

Also day trips to Częstochowa, and Zakopane very worthy of visits.

Prague is fabulous, good decision!

We are doing Poland after our cruise. Gdansk, Bydgoszcz, Lublin, Krakow (staying at pod wawalem next to castle&fire breathing dragon!)