I did visit Krakow in December and I was freezing. However, even so it was a very nice experience. Covered by snow, Krakow looks very beautiful and classy. Wawel Castle was free when I visited there (maybe because it was near Christmas?). The best experience in December is the Christmas Market at Rynek Glowny (Main Market Square). The stands (that are in the shape of wine barrels) sell quite nice mulled wine.
You cannot miss going to Krakow. Really amazing city, many things to see and visit. I loved just wandering along the streets. Although if you go in December you may get frozen (believe me). Nightlife is good yeah, but don't go to the typicsl clubs foreigners go, you'd miss the best... Let local people recommend you where to go. Oh, a funny thing, pubs are always hidden at the end of corridors and things like that... pretty curious. Krakow it's defintely worth a visit!
Visit Krakow in December and you will miss the tourists and get to see the real city. It is beautiful, most days were clear, and you can walk or take the tram everywhere if you are close to Rynek Glowny. Go see the Zoo (outside of town), hike -- there are maps of hiking trails available at any tourist center, go to Wawel Castle and the Krakow National Museum (they have a Rembrandt and a da Vinci as well as tons of other amazing art), and get to know the tiny little shops. If you try to learn any Polish at all -- prosze, dzienkuje, dobranoc, etc. -- people will help you and won't treat you any differently than the locals (for the most part =) ). I cannot recommend Krakow and Poland itself more highly.
Krakow is pleasant and I found the people to be friendly. The market square (Rynek) and the Castle (Wawel) are beautiful places to see. There is an English pub called The John Bull near the Rynek and many other places for travellers, but check the clientele before you commit to buying a drink or staying, some places are where locals go to enjoy themselves and you may get a frosty reception.
Krakow is a wonderful and magical city, especially at night in the summer. Food is cheap, fresh, and good quality, and people are friendly (except for bank staff). For a solid evening meal, check out Me Kong restaurant just off the north side of the main square.
The parties and clubs in Krakow are great. The city has a great atmosphere and very friendly people.
It's a great place -- very picturesque, good opportunities for day trips to other nearby places and cheap restaurants, accommodation, bars and clubs. Get the Krakow "in your pocket" guide (available at Empik department store on main square). It's updated every two months and is crammed with details on the best bars, clubs, restaurants, day trips, and sightseeing with detailed maps.
Krakow was not the best place we visited on our three-week trip. We found the people unfriendly for the most part, and only found one nice looking area of the city.
Krakow is incredible. The nightlife is magnificent, the people are really nice, and incredibly remains relatively cheap.
Krakow itself deserves almost two full days to be enjoyed at its best. The main market square is wonderful, especially magic in the evening. During the day, there's a great market where you can find local cheap handicrafts. In the centre of the square there is also a covered gallery with a large choice of amber jewelry. You should use Krakow as a base to visit Oswiecim (Auschwitz) in one hour and a half of train journey -- one of the top spots of our European trip.
Krakow is my favourite place to go in the summer! If you have never been to Krakow in the summer you should go this year! The atmosphere is great in the main square in the evenings and the clubs are the best!!
Don't miss the Saturday night parties in the center of Krakow!
Hostelz.com is the only hostel guide with complete information and reviews on all youth hostels and backpackers worldwide.
