Krakow, Poland - City On The Vistula River

Witamy! That's 'Welcome' in Polish. I'm a sucker for a short break, so back in February of 2010 it was time to fly east to Krakow, Poland. I would like to say that Poland has a family connection so I wanted to get closer to this notion. I loved Krakow because this city served realness, no false pretenses about this Polish hot-spot! 

I was ready for Poland, I was even more ready to discover the city of Krakow. The weather in February was bone-chillingly cold, but this added to the experience. Captured to the left is Grodzka, a beautiful and historical area of Krakow's city center. I stayed in Grodzka Apartments for three three days and two nights, check this accommodation out! Anyway, if you look closely at the photo to the left you can see 'St.Mary's Basilica'. I was blown away by the stillness of the cathedral, it was just amazing! Now if you would like a brief history lesson the basilica was used in movie epic 'Schindler's List'. 

I had never been to Poland before so my first impressions of Krakow's Grodzka quarter were very positive. The main square had a special character that set things alight. One thing has to be said about Krakow's architecture because the buildings were very grand and regal for a 21st century city. You do have to take a step back to take everything in as there's so much history to uncover. It's safe to say that I very much liked what I saw! 

If your a culture junkie Krakow is for you! I would say that the freezing cold weather made me see things from a different perspective. Taking the class away from the proceedings, I chose to fly with Ryanair from East Midlands Airport. This trip was my first of three encounters with Ryanair, the whole process was rushed and not very professional! Not going to complain for a cheap and on-time flight. But one thing has to be said that my flight was almost diverted to Katowice Airport because the snow had affected operations at Krakow Airport. 

London has the River Thames and Paris has the Seine, but Krakow has the Vistula River! This river is lined with countless monuments, for me I have to say that 'Wawel Royal Castle' was a sight that stood out for me! Walking around the castle walls to reach the vista of all vistas, where the Vistula River will capture your soul. Built on a giant limestone rock the 'Wawel Royal Castle' dates back to the 7th century. 

The river looked very still, teamed with the freezing weather I would of loved to see this sight during warmer climbs, but who knows? I didn't get the chance to walk along the riverside but you cannot have everything. If you get the chance to get down to the Vistula River you will not be disappointed! I wonder how 'Buckingham Palace' compares to Krakow's 'Wawel Royal Castle?' I've been to many places but Krakow's charm and history captured my heart, that might sound so stupid but its true! Poland, I shall be back soon! 

Krakow really does have it all! From the 'Wawel Royal Castle' and 'St.Mary's Basilica' this Polish powerhouse has the future covered! If shopping is your thing then the 'Galeria Krakowska' offers the best department stores and restaurants that will suit everyone's tastes. I didn't try any Polish cuisine because the 'Galeria Krakowska' had the best food court. So, I'm afraid it was KFC for the two nights I was there! Forgive because I am usually quite adventurous when it comes to trying new foods. Even though I could find the same shops in Birmingham as I saw at the 'Galeria Krakowska'. If ice cream is your thing, choose the main ice cream cafe in the department store because I know I to keep it sweet!

Getting to the 'Galeria' should of been easy but I somehow found myself traveling on a short train journey, probably only taking five minutes the experience was something else! But for what stood before I was taken aback, Krakow impressed me a lot! The 'Galeria Krakowska' is located a few steps from Krakow's main railway station. I just loved it! But my weekend in Krakow wasn't all department stores and castles because this trip took a thought-provoking avenue. A day trip to 'Auschwitz' was in order as it was the main motivation for my trip to Krakow, Poland. My experience at the former 'concentration camp' will stay with me forever, if you want to know more I have already published a blog about my day at 'Auschwitz'. 

Thanks Krakow!
Joseph Harrison