February 29, 2024
Exploring Poland on a budget
Hello everyone!
Are you yearning for a journey without breaking the bank? Here I come with a great proposal for you… Look no further than Kraków, a city steeped in history, culture, and architectural landmarks. In this budget-friendly blog, I map out a 3-day itinerary which you can use to visit Kraków while keeping costs in check. Believe me, I am not totally biased with that choice. Everybody who I took to Kraków loved it!
Travelling and accommodation
Getting to Kraków from Sweden isn’t hard, expensive or time-consuming. You can find fights for even 150 SEK from Stockholm Skavsta airport. You have some options from Stockholm Arlanda or Gothenburg as well. The important thing is that you land at Kraków John Paul II International Airport 😀 From there, take a train to Kraków Central Station or grab a taxi to your accommodation. We have Uber as well but taxis in general aren’t crazy expensive.
Hostels and budget hotels in Kraków offer comfortable rooms without burning a hole in your wallet. You can also check Airbnb. The important thing is that you try to find accommodation as close to the centre as possible. Preferably within walking distance of the central train station. If you find something further, that’s also fine because public transport is cheap… a normal day ticket may cost you around 50 SEK for Kraków and nearby cities and villages outside of Kraków. Most likely you won’t be allowed to get a discounted ticket so better stick to the regular ones (even if you have an ISIC card).
Day 1
Once settled, head straight to Kraków’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with medieval charm. Moreover, Kraków’s Old Town endured the Second World War, and it preserved the atmosphere of its past as the capital of Europe’s largest country so there is plenty to learn and explore just by walking around the old town. Try to enter the Old Town via the St. Florian gate (if you’re interested in art, during the daytime look to your right after passing the gate). Further, follow St. Florian Street until you reach Rynek Główny which is one of Europe’s largest medieval squares. You can admire St. Mary’s Basilica and marvel at the iconic Cloth Hall, where you can get souvenirs and trinkets at reasonable prices (although a bit further from downtown you may get it cheaper). Remember to watch the St. Mary’s Basilica towers at a full hour!
Going further you can watch medieval buildings of the university or Pope’s Window. You can even reach Kazimierz which used to be a Jewish area before the Second World War. Alternatively, you can delve into Kraków’s and Poland’s rich cultural history with a visit to one of its many museums. Opt for the Rynek Underground Museum, Prince Czartoryski Museum, Museum of Kraków or the Schindler’s Factory Museum. Immerse yourself in the city’s art, history, or heritage depending on your interests.
Day 2
I think visiting Auschwitz concentration camp is a sobering yet essential journey to make if you’re visiting Kraków. It is a sad reminder of one of humanity’s darkest chapters. Use public transportation to reach the city – most likely a train but you can get a bus as well. They offer only guided tours so you must book it in advance. Remember that this trip won’t be cheerful so try not to plan, for example, heavy nightclubbing afterwards.
After returning to Kraków, you can relax with a leisurely stroll along the Vistula River or taste Polish delights at local restaurants and cafes. However, talking about rich Polish cuisine could be another post so I won’t discuss it here 😀
Day 3
Rise early to beat the crowds and explore Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO-listed marvel. It will send you into a subterranean world of amazing salt-carved chambers and sculptures. It is truly a unique underground labyrinth that you must witness. There won’t be any pictures from there as they simply cannot give right to its beauty 😀
After Wieliczka, head back to Kraków’s crowning jewel, Wawel Castle. Raising majestically atop Wawel Hill, this castle keeps alive centuries of history and gives a breathtaking view of the city. Access to the castle grounds is free, however, you would need a ticket for guided tours of the State Rooms or the Wawel Royal Cathedral.
Kraków is a blend of history, culture, and… affordability, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious students. I feel that with its charming old town, poignant landmarks like Auschwitz-Birkenau, and breathtaking sites like Wawel Castle and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, Kraków offers a perfect blend of exploration and education. Feel free to explore the city that hasn’t changed much since the Middle Ages and find out why it was included on the first-ever UNESCO Heritage List!
/Aleksandra, Experimental and Medical Biosciences
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