I recently visited Krakow for 5 days and it was an amazing experience. Here is a summary of my trip and the attractions and highlights I visited.
Day 1: I arrived in Krakow from Zamosc by bus in the morning and checked in at my hostel, which was called Hostel Deco. It was a cozy and colorful place with friendly staff and a good location. I spent the rest of the day exploring the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I saw the Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall, the St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Wawel Castle. I also visited the Rynek Underground Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Krakow through interactive exhibits.
Day 2: I joined a free walking tour that covered the Jewish Quarter, also known as Kazimierz. I learned about the rich and tragic history of the Jewish community in Krakow and saw some of the synagogues, cemeteries, and monuments. I also visited the Oskar Schindler’s Factory Museum, which tells the story of Schindler and his workers during World War II. In the evening, I enjoyed some live music and drinks at one of the many bars and pubs in Kazimierz.
Day 3: I took a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp. It was a sobering and emotional experience to see the remains of the camp and to learn about the atrocities that took place there. I also visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, which displays some of the artifacts and testimonies of the victims and survivors. It was a difficult but important visit that I will never forget.
Day 4: I took a day trip to Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I was amazed by the underground labyrinth of tunnels, chambers and sculptures carved out of salt. I saw the Chapel of St. Kinga, a stunning church decorated with salt chandeliers and altars. I also learned about the history and culture of salt mining in Poland. The tour lasted about three hours and included a boat ride on an underground lake.
The next day, i said goodbye to Krakow, a wonderful city to travel to, and headed to my new destination, Budapest. I took a train that crossed the border between Poland and Slovakia, and then followed the Danube river until it reached Budapest. The journey was scenic and relaxing, and I enjoyed watching the changing landscapes from my window.remembering.
