Kraków: A City That Truly Exceeded Every Expectation

Kraków is absolutely stunning. I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting before we arrived, but it completely exceeded all expectations. It’s one of those cities that instantly captures your heart.

First Night in the Old Town We arrived late in the evening, so after dropping our bags at the apartment, we headed straight out for a walk around the Old Town. Even at night, the atmosphere was magical – beautifully lit buildings, lively streets, and an energy that made you want to keep wandering.

We stopped in a cocktail bar just around the corner called Movida for the best pina colada ever! Before eventually settled for McDonald’s (because who doesn’t love trying McDonald’s in other countries!?), and once again, it was so much better than the UK. Why is that always the case?

A Full Guided Day: Salt Mines & Auschwitz

The next morning was an early start as we had a full guided tour day planned, visiting both the Wieliczka Salt Mines and Auschwitz-Birkenau. We were picked up by a private taxi directly from our apartment and taken to the coach meeting point, where we joined around 20 other people. From the start, everything was incredibly well organised. Our tour guide and bus driver were fantastic, clearly explaining the itinerary and ensuring the day ran smoothly and stress-free.

Wieliczka Salt Mines Our first stop was the Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of Poland’s most famous attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We descended 379 steps, the equivalent of around 40 floors, taking us deep into a world carved entirely from salt. At 135 metres underground (as far as tourists are allowed to go), the feeling is hard to describe. The initial reaction? Very shaky legs! But after a few minutes, that eased, and we were able to fully take in the experience.

Some fascinating facts about the salt mines:

The mines date back to the 13th century

Over 3 million visitors come here every year

The underground air is believed to have health benefits, particularly for people with respiratory conditions like asthma.

  The most famous part is the breath taking St. Kinga’s Chapel, an underground church carved entirely from salt – chandeliers, statues, altars, and all.

It is truly jaw-dropping Walking through tunnels, chambers, and lakes made entirely from salt is something we will never forget.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial & Museum

After the salt mines, we boarded the coach again and travelled to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Our tour guide had pre-arranged all our tickets, which meant we were able to use the on-site café for lunch and avoid long queues altogether. The entire process was calm, organised, and respectful.

⚠️ Important note: You must bring valid photo ID to access Auschwitz. Without it, entry will be refused – this is essential to remember.

The Auschwitz tour is a deeply moving and emotional experience. Some key facts: Auschwitz was the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp Over 1.1 million people lost their lives here, the majority being Jewish men, women, and children Today, it stands as a memorial and museum to honour the victims and educate future generations It’s not an easy visit, but it is an incredibly important one, and our guide handled it with compassion, respect, and professionalism.

After the tour, we headed back to our drop-off point, just a five-minute walk from the Old Town… well, it would have been five minutes if we hadn’t walked in the wrong direction first – oops!

Evening Food Finds By the time we got back, it was around 8pm, and we stumbled across Pizzatopia – and wow. Think Subway, but for pizza. You choose your base, sauce, and all your toppings, then watch it being cooked fresh in front of you. With a drink, it worked out at around £11, which is incredible value. Eat in or takeaway – either way, it’s an absolute must if you’re visiting Kraków. Hands down one of the nicest pizzas we’ve ever had.

Exploring the Old Town The following day, we wandered back into the Old Town in search of breakfast when the most tempting fresh croissants caught our eye. Naturally, we went inside – and we’re so glad we did. Fresh, buttery pastries and exceptional coffee set us up perfectly for the day.

We then explored:

The castle sweet shop

Kraków Wax Museum – a must if you’re looking for a giggle

The Museum of Illusions

Bubble Toast (because why not!) - Cocktails and Instagram photo ops!

A cute Irish pub we stumbled upon

That evening, we visited Moo Moo Steakhouse, and honestly… I still dream about that meal. For steak and burger lovers, this restaurant was our absolute favourite of the entire trip. Incredible food, great atmosphere, and worth every penny.

Vodka Tasting

No trip to Kraków would be complete without a visit to the famous Wodka bar, where you can try from over 100 different flavoured vodkas. Coconut was our favourite – so much so that we bought a bottle at the airport on the way home for just £6!

Why Kraków Is for Everyone??  Kraków truly has something for everyone – families, couples, and groups of friends alike. Everything is walkable, there’s a large shopping centre nearby, and even the fussiest eaters are completely catered for. With my insider knowledge, tips, and personal recommendations, I would absolutely love to help you plan your own Kraków adventure. I cannot wait to return and explore even more of this beautiful country.

If Kraków is on your travel wish list, let me help make it unforgettable.