There are so many options for a weekend away when you live in Europe; we’re definitely spoiled for choice here. Some of my favourite cities can easily be seen in just a weekend, but many of the most popular destinations, like Paris or Prague, need more than just 48 hours to see all that there is on offer. After a recent trip to Krakow, I’m convinced that it’s the perfect destination for a weekend break. Here’s why:
1. It’s a little off-the-beaten-track
It’s not unknown as such, but it isn’t overcrowded like some other European cities can be. This means that you don’t waste precious hours in queues and you can enjoy the city’s sights at a more leisurely pace.
2. It’s cheap
Flights are cheap, accommodation is cheap, and entertainment is cheap. It’s a great budget destination and you can make your pound go much further than so many other destinations on the continent. If you’re looking for an affordable weekend getaway, Krakow is a great choice.
3. The food & drink are awesome
You’ll find amazing food, like borscht and pierogies, as well as more fancy fare like goose and duck on menus around the city. One of my highlights was dining at Pod Baranem, a restaurant with a full gluten free menu (including dumplings!). The service here was second to none, and I highly recommend it whether or not you choose to eat off the gluten free menu. The drinks in Krakow are also tasty – you can try some delicious flavours of vodka or sample their mulled wine, which is spiked with vodka for extra warmth!
4. Christmas Markets
Visit in winter and you’ll get to see the quaint Christmas markets in Market Square – the biggest medieval square in the world. The Christmas market holds no such claim to fame, but it is picturesque and you can buy great (and cheap!) gifts such as Christmas decorations, jewellery and warm winter accessories.
5. It’s small
You can see much of the Krakow even if you’re visiting for just a weekend. Of course, you can’t see everything a destination has to offer in 48 hours, but you can see the major sights. Somewhere like Paris or Berlin doesn’t offer that luxury because the distances between attractions are just too large and there are too many things to see. Krakow has some great sights, but it’s just enough to fit into a weekend jaunt.
6. You can get a taste of history
Auschwitz is just an hour from Krakow, which is reason enough to visit the city. You can do a day tour (like this one) to this concentration camp, and if you’re in the city you really should make it a priority to get there. It’s a heavy day, full of harrowing details, but it’s important for us to know this piece of history and to understand what happened here because, as Edmund Burke once stated: “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.”
7. It’s only 2 hours away
Krakow is really not far from London, which means you don’t waste half your weekend just getting there and back. And a taxi from the airport is only around 20 minutes, so you can get on with your weekend as soon as you arrive.
Do you agree that Krakow is the perfect weekend destination or do you think that honour belongs to another city?
Krakow is beautiful indeed! Just one tip, it’s not Eastern Europe as many people think. Poland is in Central Europe :)
Thanks Bridget – I genuinely didn’t know that!!
I’m thinking about Krakow for this year!:)
Oh, do go! It’s a fantastic city break; you’ll love it!
I love this city!!! go and see, wont regret !
Krakow is beautifull city but Zakopane is also worth of seeing. You can rent there highland cottage and spend some time on the mountain or ski trips. U have to try cheese “oscypek”.
You can use a company that will from Airport Krakow transfer you to Zakopane and other interesting places. Waiting for the next posts
Thanks for the tips Justin! I will definitely have to check out Zakopane and try some oscypek!
Krakow is beautiful! I only visited for a couple of days a few years ago, but I can’t wait to go back and explore it further :)
It’s definitely a destination that you could return to again and again and still find something new to try. I hope you get the chance to re-discover it sometime soon :-)
You had me at numbers 1, 2, and 3!
Haha, you’d love it Chad. Lots of meat and alcohol. Yummy.
I have been considering visiting Krakow for a long time! And its also not far from Munich, its even possible to go by car. It indeed a great option for a a weekend. I heard the food is really very good :D
Oooh, that would be a fun little road trip. Definitely worth it for the food. I am craving some pierogi now!
You hit the nail on the head! I just came from 3 days in Krakow. Spent New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day there. Incredible little hidden gem of a city. Incredible perogis, beetroot soup, chilling Auschwitz visit, Christmas markets, cute coffee shops, really cool restaurants in the Jewish quarter. It was one of my favorite destinations! :)
Oh, that sounds like an amazing place to spend New Year’s Eve, Danielle! I’m so glad you agree – it really is lovely (and how cool is the Jewish Quarter?!)
We need to explore Krakow – it’s been languishing on our must-visit list for too long!
It was on mine for ages too, Emma, but I’m glad I finally made it :-)
Perfect timing for this post! My husband and I just booked tickets to central Europe and we are including a couple of days in Krakow.
Thanks for the tips!
Oooh, that’s exciting! Have a wonderful trip and let me know if you have any specific questions I can help you with :-)
Krakow is on my wish list for this year and you’ve just convinced me!
Ah, I’m so happy I did, Sara! You won’t regret it :-)
Not quite the same but we went to Warsaw for a wedding in the summer and it was fantastic – great value, gorgeous food and so easy to get around! Next on my list is Krakow, it’s meant to be beautiful I know!
Yes, Warsaw is meant to be amazing too! Now that I’ve seen one city on Poland I’m definitely keen to see more!