Krakow will change the way you feel about travel
“I still believe in paradise. But now at least I know it's not some place you can look for. Because it's not where you go. It's how you feel for a moment in your life when your you’re a part of something…and if you find that….it lasts forever” Richard, The Beach
Travelling to Poland recently was an adventure I almost decided upon out of necessity rather than desire. I wanted to go somewhere but with so little savings, it just seemed like everywhere else was beyond budget. However, while that may have been true in the case of a weekend break in London, Paris or Rome, I would soon realize fully how there were still many affordable places to travel in Europe which were every bit as interesting. Truth is, I usually decide to go to any one particular place to see the main attractions such as Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum in Rome but it was this trip to Krakow that changed the way I thought about travel and I really want to tell you why.
There are an incredible number of unique things to do in Krakow
Wawel Castle, St Mary’s Square, Wielicka Salt Mines and the nearby concentration camps at Auschwitz, there was simply no end of things to do in Krakow and the many iconic landmarks along with several unforgettable day tours just blew me away. Yes, most of us have witnessed a castle before but the above mentioned Wawel Castle is one of the finest you will find anywhere in the world and as with every prominent destination in Europe, each building here tells a story of its own.
Stepping down into the salt mine of Wielicka was one of the biggest surprises and genuine highlights, for it would be impossible to understand that a large hole in the ground could be home to such an enchanting world. And then there were the nearby concentration camps of Auschwitz; granted this was the most devastating experience of my life and not for everyone, but stepping back in time to one of the most significant events in the history of mankind was nevertheless enthralling.
This Polish city is the epitome of variety
Nothing can prepare you for the sheer variety and diversity in Krakow, from sampling some Zapienkanki (local traditional sandwich) in the Jewish Quarter to marvelling at glorious architecture on St Mary’ Square, from exploring the ancient tombs beneath Wawel Castle to uncovering charming coffee shops in the corner of hidden alleyways. In fact, Krakow feels entirely unique and historic at every turn with majestic city walls and an ancient medieval square intersected by narrow cobblestone streets that overflow with delightful restaurants, handmade craft shops and character. And then there is the lively nightlife, where traditional pubs, flash clubs and wine bars promise a warm welcome wherever you go and a friendly mix of locals who are always eager to make their new guest feel at home.
Although the sad history associated with Krakow (World War II Genocide) is often the reason most people visit the city, you will find so much more to do when you arrive and end up remembering it as a destination of true variety rather than just the scene of a most devastating period for humankind.
Krakow is possibly the best value city in Europe
One of the very first things you will notice when you visit Krakow is the extremely low cost of living and this is nowhere relative to the standard of the products or services on offer. If you are on a backpacking budget it still doesn’t matter; supermarkets are some of the cheapest in Europe, street food is available in several locations and even the cost of a restaurant meal is just a fraction of what you will find in most other major cities in Europe. It feels good to shop, eat, drink and spend money in Krakow and I cannot say that about most places I have travelled previously. Everything is “cheap” here, although this word is often a poor description for what you will find because the truth is that everything is also of the highest standard and it just so happens to be priced in a way that gives you the most incredible value.
The real reason Krakow will change the way you feel about travel
The attractions, food and people – all of it was truly amazing but in the end, it wasn’t anything physical or tangible that made this trip what it would soon become. No, this was truly my favourite travel experience in Europe and it was entirely down to the way it made me feel. You see, when you consider the meaning of value, I just had this feeling throughout my time in Krakow that I was continually finding more value than I could have possibly expected and whether it cost money or not, these experiences always made me feel right to have chosen this city instead of anywhere else. Yes, Krakow is a colourful city with historic character and it will make you feel as though you have stepped right into a medieval fairy-tale. Krakow is overflowing with some of the friendliest locals in the world who will make you feel as though that this city is yours to explore for however long you are there to stay. Krakow is full of unique foods, iconic landmarks and traditional culture that will make you feel as though you are the midst of a genuinely new experience in every given moment.
Wherever you go and whatever you do in Krakow, unique experiences and true variety will never fail to inspire but it was the unexpected way this city made me feel that you don’t always need to lust after the famous attractions in expensive cities or luxury hotels on white powdered sand because in the end, paradise is not some place you can look for and it’s not really about where you go. No, it’s about how you feel in a moment in your life when you’re a part of something….and if you find that…it lasts forever.