It turns out that 48 hours is entirely too short a time to spend in Kraków – especially when you factor in a sobering but important visit to Auschwitz. However, what I did get to see of this colourful city convinced me that I need to go back sooner rather than later! Here’s what we got up to in our short time.
Don’t worry, this post will be back to my regular light-hearted tone in a second. But first, I want to talk about my visit to Auschwitz.
It’s hard to articulate how important I felt that it was to see Auschwitz during my visit to Krakow last year. I’m certainly in no danger of forgetting the history. Nor do I wish to sensationalise the simple, chilling horror, of the remains and possessions left behind by those that lost their lives there. I think the best way that I can describe it is to say that, by visiting I felt that I was recognising that it was a horrible part of history, one which (I hope) I will never see repeated, and bearing witness to the people who were lost.
For sure I can’t say that it is something everyone needs to see, only that everyone should make up their own minds. Will I go to another camp like Auschwitz? Probably not. But, as I said, I felt it was important that I did so at least once. I don’t think it’s appropriate to share many photos from my visit – not that I took many, in any case. Instead I will just quote Anne Frank, victim of a similar camp:
“Where there’s hope, there’s life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again.”
Statutes carved entirely of salt
Aaaaand tone change! If this feels abrupt, it also felt so to us – even though we followed the route trod by many before us, and coupled our visit to Auschwitz with a visit to the Wieliczka salt mine.
The huge St Kinga Chapel
While the carvings and passages of the salt mine were beautiful, I was left wishing we’d had the extra time in Kraków, which seemed a fascinating city.
Al fresco pirogi (delicious dumplings) at Miodova
After our day, we needed a bit of quiet time before heading out on the town. Fortunately, we were staying very close to Kraków’s Jewish quarter Kazimierz, with a quirky cafe, bar or restaurant seemingly on every corner. That was definitely one of the reasons I wished that we were staying longer! We ended up at Singer bar – so named because many of the tables were old Singer sewing machines… truly it felt like every East London hipster’s dream. And the cocktails were good too!
Street art in Kazimierz
The next day we were up bright and early (despite the cocktails) to try to take in as much as we could in our few short hours. Coffee at Karma Coffee Roasthouse, and then amazing bagels at Bagelmama, set us up to explore.
Avocado, egg and sun-dried tomato = SO GOOD
We kept it simple, strolling around Kazimierz before heading for the centre of town. Our first stop was the Wawel Royal Castle and its signature bronze towers. Built in the 13th and 14th centuries, the Castle is now also apparently a fantastic art museum – so a reason in itself to return for an explore!
From there, we strolled one of the shady paths that wraps around Kraków’s centre until we reached the Cloth Hall, a market hall with many beautiful handicrafts, as well as more touristy knickknacks.
Back out into the sunshine took us to admire St Mary’s Basilica. This Gothic beauty has stood since the 14th century with its wonky towers presiding over the Rynek Główny central square.
And then all too quickly it was time to make our way home. As you can see – definitely not enough time to get more than a taster, but more than enough to know that I want to go back!
Have you visited Kraków? What did you like the most about the city?
Linking up for #WanderfulWednesday with Marcella, Lauren, Van and Isabel – check out their travel link-up and their fantastic blogs using the links!
