krakow tips

[squarehead94]

Hi all, Booked Krakow for me and the OH for mid September. Just a few questions for anyone thats been. Staying right next to Wawel Castle for reference.

Anyway. spending money, was looking to take around 1200 zloty for the 5 nights we are there. This sound like enough? not big drinkers so wont be out getting hammered every night, and not looking to bring tonnes of stuff back, the odd souvenir. So mainly funds for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a few drinks and a handful of excursions.

Wanted to do Salt Mines and Auschwitz and obviously the main market square. Wondering if its cheaper and easier to book online here or over there? Theres various types of tours online, for example it is £64/300 zloty pp to book a 2 day auschwitz/salt mines full day tours, has anyone been and can recommend paying over there or booking in advance?

And finally, do people recommend taxi from the airport or is the train/bus just as good and cheap to use? Google reckons Id have to catch the LEB9102 and then catch the Krakow - Jordanow and get off at Krakow Jubilat - estimates a 50 min. total trip. I dont mind just getting a cab if its not going to be that much more expensive.

Thanks in advance!

 

[squarehead94]

First one to say don't bother taking cash, just apply for a Halifax Clarity card (other 0% Forex cards are available).

Been to Krakow but for a stag so it was a very different experience and did nothing on your list - particularly Auschwitz - but it's a beautiful city.

Dont want a credit card - for the amount I am looking to take, I dont really think its necessary. Im more of a cash person and we will just take a bit of cash out each day. Thanks though.

 

[squarehead94]

Auschwitz II-Birkenau is free. You do not need a ticket and you simply stroll through the main gate.

To visit Auschwitz I (the camp that has the famous slogan "Arbeit Macht Frei" at the entrance), you can either book an English tour for 50zl/person which includes a bus ride and tour of Birkenau, or you can rock up and hope that there are free tickets available that will allow you to stroll around at your leisure at zero cost.

The majority of the price you're paying for the Auschwitz is for the transport from Krakow. If you can find a way to get to Auschwitz on your own, you could in theory see the entire thing for free.

I visited Auschwitz for the second time two weeks ago and didn't pay a penny to see either camp.

EDIT: I almost forgot. You HAVE to go here and get a zapiekanka. It's a huge toasted baguette which costs about £2. Best thing ever.

Cheers for that mate. Your link for 50zl pp tour isn't working however. Is there a difference in the quality of the tours? As if I did book online, the prices vary wildly really. Thanks

 

[squarehead94]

Edit: will start new thread, more relevant