|
Here are a few things to remember during your time in Cracow:
Avoid changing your money at the Bureaux de Change in the town centre unless you want to hand a complete stranger an early Christmas present - the rates can be awful.
Don't hail your taxis from the rank - ask someone to phone for one - it's generally 30 percent cheaper.
Coin-operated phone boxes are almost non-existent. You'll need to buy a telephone card (karta telefoniczna) from a post office or roadside kiosk.
Take care when buying antiques. It's illegal to export certain items, particularly old paintings, produced before 1945.
Don't expect first class service in Cracow's restaurants and bars - the city still has a long way to go in that respect! Things have improved a lot however in the last few years, and with an ever-increasing amount of tourists in the city tipping is also becoming customary. Ten percent on any meal should mean you're welcomed back next time!
One of the ancient Chakra energy stones is believed to be buried in Wawel Castle. It's all nonsense, according to the guides, but thousands still come for the vibe.
If you're planning a trip to Cracow be sure to book your accommodation in advance, particularly in the high season. The best hotels fill out quickly, with apartments a better bet for last minute breaks. Backpackers meanwhile should check out our page on Cracow hostels.
When it comes to partying, Cracovians start early and finish late. Whereas you'll find it hard to get a seat if you arrive at a nightspot after ten, the clubs only really start to get going when Cinderella's on her way home... and carry on until 4 a.m. or even later. If you want to go the distance make sure you pace yourself! Cracow has more drinking holes per square metre than anywhere else in the world. Hurrah!
Bring warm clothes and a hat. The weather in Poland can be surprisingly pleasant, but equally it can have a bitter cold edge even in late spring. You may just end up blessing that ridiculous old balaclava.
Poles are passionate about their food. Throw away your preconceptions about miserable Eastern Bloc stews, and be prepared for a great surprise.
Poland has adopted its own uniquely confusing symbols for differentiating public toilets for men and women. Remember, too, that you may well have to pay. Oh, and by the way, the circle is for women, the triangle for men! | |
Above: A pocket-full of coins won't get you very far with these things
Below: A rainy day in Kazimierz 
| | | |
 | | "hotel cracovia good,but if you are from scotland,dont forget to change youre scottish money into english money as they do not recognise scottish currency at all ,and no one ,not even the bank's will change it.our flight was canceld due to fog and we had to stay another two nights,with no cash.hotel excepted a phone call from friend,to pay ,but because we only had scottish money left ,and no credit cards with us we were stuck in hotel room with nothing to do for two days.theyre were seven flights canceld that day and we were not the only ones without money,some people with little children had to wait at airport for two days.and some could not get a flight till saturday,as ryanair does not fly every day to scotland.if we took a flight to london they were charging us 100pounds to fly from stansted to prestwick.ryanair did not even try to find accomodation for its stranded pasengers,we had to que up at airport for 7 hours to find out we could not fly for two days. i am writing this from the hotel,as we dont fly out untill tomorrow, if the wether is ok,(fingers crossed) the forecast looks ok but satuardays does not ,for the people who could not get a flight till satuarday ,if it is canceld they can not fly till tuesday,i feel for them.any way hope i get home tomorrow and i hope this is helpfull for anyone coming for a short breake to kracow.shirley" | shirley wotherspoon
United Kingdom
Nov.21.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "hey Stu, was your stuff stolen because you passed out drunk in the cab? because if so, the last thing we need in this city is more drunk british guys, i'm glad you'll be staying away!" | Magda
Poland
Nov.12.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "disgusted not even in city 5 hours and already had money and phone pinched some friendly place this is travellers beware taxi drivers pinch from your pockets if you fall asleep not good advert for decent people putting moey into your country will never return horrible place" | stu
United Kingdom
Nov.10.2007
rates this page 1/5 |
| | "AVOID CLUB "SIEDEM TON PIACHU" dangerous place !" | danka
United States
May.09.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "after our two hour cruise on the boat ( vistula river ), which had been fantastic, we took a short walk to central square where most of us sat at an outdoor cafe and had a drink before heading back to the bus. The old square looked amazing in the moonlight and it was a very relaxing end to the great day." | kate
United States
Mar.16.2007
rates this page 5/5 |
| |