Walkable city
by Raimix
Everything I have seen, I seen in walking distance, except one lake in Krakow.
All places in Krakow old town is in really good walking distance, no need of public transportation. I had some walks not only in old town streets, but also around old town - walking at these parks around old part of Krakow and waching where medieval defensive wall were or are now. Another walkable destination, not so far from old town, is Kazimierz district, National museum of Poland not so far as well. And that was nice also to have a walk on a pavement near Vistula river and see how Wawel castle looks from there. Walk, walk, walk and akways see something new ;)
march through the Arbeit Macht...
by Pegasus74
march through the Arbeit Macht Frei (Work Makes Free) gate on the site of the largest Nazi concentration camp in Oswiecim I, where the Nazis put into operation their plans to destroy mainly the Jewish population of Europe in WWII. The camp accommodated 10 000s prisoners but in only about two dozens brick-built blocks, so that the living conditions were always unbearable. Many were exploited as cheap labor here but almost all would ultimately be transferred from the frying pan to the fire, except those on Schindler's lists and some other fortunate ones. The fire engulfed these innocent souls in Birkenau (or Oswiecim II), where yet more pathetic blocks made their lives miserable and four huge gas chambers finished them all. I couldn't believe the horrifying mass crime is part of the recent history, of which every stone in Oswiecim must be a silent witness to it.
Keeping The Streets Of Krakow Safe!
by johngayton
On my couple of visits (so far) I've always felt comfortable in the city (and also, I should add, out in the suburbs). OK the town has its share of beggars and drunks but they are all harmless enough.
In addition to regular police patrols there are also these guys who patrol around the main square and in addition to being there for security are also perfectly happy to give directions and other info.
Bring Comfortable Shoes!
by mikelisaanna
Almost all of the significant tourist sights in Krakow are within a 20 minute walk of each other, so you can go an entire week without using a car, taxi, or public transportation. However, you MUST have comfortable shoes, because you will be doing a lot of walking in Krakow.
In terms of clothing, Krakow is a relatively informal city. WIth the exception of a few very high-end restaurant, suits/ties for men and dresses for women are not necessary. Decent pants and a decent shirt (with a collar for men) will be fine for nearly 100% of the places that most tourists go to, including the vast majority of bars and restaurants.
A windbreaker is helpful in the summer, as rainy and cloudy days can get cool, especially at night. Bring extra memory cards and extra videocassettes. Krakow has a ton of great things to photograph and videotape, and digital photo supplies are not always easily available. Guidebooks - We used the Poland book published by Eyewitness Travel Guides and the Krakow book published by Landmark Visitors Guides
Electricity - Poland, like most Eastern European nations, uses two-pronged 240 volt plugs. Americans will need to bring an adapter.
Mobile Telephone - Poland, like the rest of the EU, uses GSM phones.
Wieliczka Salt Mines
by mvtouring
A visit to the Salt mines is a must. I just loved it, but at times did feel a bit closterphobic. You descent into the mines climbing down 300 odd steps, but it is well worth it. The historic Wieliczka salt mine has been continous from the Middle Ages, constructed on nine levels, these excavations strech for 300 kilometers and reach a depth of 327 meters. A walk through the mine takes approx 3 hours and you do about 3,5 kilometers.
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Synagoge and Cemetary, Krakow, PL
Wawel - Kraków - Watchtower
Plac Nowy Market - Kraków
Dusk in the square
