{"id":5702,"date":"2023-10-24T17:41:22","date_gmt":"2023-10-24T09:41:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rearviewmirror.ruqa4eh2-liquidwebsites.com\/?p=5702"},"modified":"2023-10-24T17:49:15","modified_gmt":"2023-10-24T09:49:15","slug":"quick-krakow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rearviewmirror.tv\/quick-krakow\/","title":{"rendered":"Christmas Break in Krakow: Visit the Markets in 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In 2010, I set foot in Poland for the first time and loved every minute of my trip. Krakow, in particular, left a lasting impression. The city’s main square is Rynek Glowny. It’s a focal point of activity and impressive energy. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Looking<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

I remember sharing hot raspberry vodka with friends with the warm drink, making the winter chill more bearable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I never imagined drinking sweet, hot vodka would be something I loved, but it’s a surprisingly delicious drink that’s commonplace in Krakow’s cafe scene. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eating out was another adventure altogether. I attempted to order food in Polish at a traditional Milk Bar but quickly realised I was out of my depth language-wise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Polish Milk Bar, known as “Bar Mleczny” in Polish, is a type of cafeteria that originated in the communist era. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These places are known for serving simple, home-style Polish meals at affordable prices. They gained the name ‘milk bar’ because they initially focused on dairy-based dishes to support the dairy industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over time, the menu has expanded to include a variety of Polish classics like pierogi, soups and potato-based dishes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the decor is often basic and unpretentious, the emphasis is on hearty, good-quality, budget-friendly food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What I didn’t know then is that they generally have a set or very limited menu, and you more or less get whatever is available that day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyway, I couldn’t figure it out and was too shy to keep asking in English. But I went back another time, and eating out at a Milk Bar eventually became one of my favourite things to do in Poland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christmas Break in Krakow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On this visit, the circumstances were different. This stop in Krakow was the beginning of a broader 21 days in Europe itinerary<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travelling primarily by train around Poland before exploring elsewhere, I had a few days to unwind in Krakow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It gave me the opportunity to revisit some iconic sites, such as Wawel Castle, that I had fond memories of from my first trip.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Wawal<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
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\"Streets<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Krakow Christmas Market<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During my stay, the Krakow Christmas Market was in full swing. Despite the cold, the atmosphere was buzzing with activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food stalls were a highlight, featuring traditional Polish snacks like Oscypek, a type of fried cheese, alongside pierogi and vegetarian soups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many sweet treats were available for those with a sweet tooth like me, and mulled wine was the perfect companion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to food, the market was also a good spot to pick up locally made gifts such as wooden toys. Not that I bought anything, but it’s always nice to have a look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, the market added a lively dimension to Krakow that I hadn’t expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Read my guide to the Polish Christmas Markets<\/a> if that’s something you’d like to add to your itinerary.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n

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\"Krakow<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
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\"Krakow<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Exploring Krakow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While in Krakow, I sipped craft Polish cider, brunched on French food and happily remained in awe of Rynek Glowny, the main square and location of the Cloth Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This Renaissance-era building once served as a bustling centre for international trade. Merchants from various countries would gather to sell fabrics, spices and other products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, it houses a market where you can buy souvenirs and Polish specialties. The upper floor features the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art, part of the National Museum in Krakow.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Krakow<\/figure><\/div>\n\n
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\"Rynek<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Eating Out<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Krakow, the culinary scene is both diverse and satisfying. Starting the day with brunch at Bistro Charlotte<\/a>, a French bakery, gives you a touch of a Parisian vibe. The place is known for its fresh pastries, setting the right tone for a day of exploration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charlotte is a great spot if you’re on a longer stay in Krakow, as they sell delicious sourdough bread and other treats you can take back to your hotel or apartment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a casual but quintessential Krakow experience, head to Plac Nowy in the Kazimierz district. This square is the home of zapiekanki, considered by many (ie. me) as the ultimate toastie. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a long, open-faced sandwich topped with various ingredients like mushrooms and cheese, then toasted until crispy. You can find these all around Poland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who enjoy a drink, Regionalne Alcohole is quite something. This spot in Kazimierz has a diverse selection of drinks, covering everything from vodka and beer to cider. The choices are displayed in a floor-to-ceiling arrangement, making the selection process an experience in itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s right near the Remuh Synagogue, a 16th-century synagogue and one of the oldest in Krakow. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Maly<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Where to Stay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to selecting a place to stay in Krakow, you have a couple of solid options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Old Town is a central location that places you close to key sights like Wawel Castle and Rynek Glowny, the main square. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This area provides easy access to many of the city’s attractions and is ideal if you want to be at the centre of the action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, the Kazimierz district offers a different but equally appealing experience. Once the Jewish quarter, it’s now a lively neighbourhood filled with trendy cafes, bars and shops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also plenty of historical landmarks and museums in Kazimierz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both areas have unique characteristics and advantages, making either a good choice depending on what you’re looking to get out of your stay in Krakow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Read my guide to the best boutique hotels in Krakow<\/a> for specific ideas on where to stay.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Getting to Krakow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Taking the train to Krakow as part of a larger rail trip is a practical and eco-friendly way to travel. My trip from Bratislava took roughly 8 hours, including layovers at Breclav in Czechia and Katowice in Poland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The stop at Breclav offered an opportunity to stretch my legs and grab some snacks, while the layover in Katowice allowed for a quick exploration of the station area and its shopping centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travelling by train not only reduces your carbon footprint, but it also offers the chance to see more of the landscape and enjoy a more relaxed pace of travel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This particular route gives you a taste of three different countries in one trip. So, if you’re in for a scenic and somewhat leisurely trip, rail travel to Krakow is a good option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next on the Itinerary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Next destination on the Mystery Tour itinerary: Back to Warsaw<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Video of Krakow Christmas Market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Back when I took this trip, I was daily vlogging. It seems like a lifetime ago now, but it’s nice for me to reminisce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might like to watch the video from Krakow if you’re interested in seeing the Christmas markets in the beautiful main square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think it was a much smaller event then, but it was a lot of fun, and the food was delicious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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