Krakow Pub Crawl

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Midway Adventures – Day Trips and Hidden Gems

Day Trips

Midway through my stay in Krakow, I decided it was time to explore a bit more and take some tours. So I went to the reception at Lets rock party hostel and booked the top two tours they had. Literally went “book me on the top two tours for tomorrow”.. and then I went on the Pub Crawl. Faced a small regret when I had to wake up at 6am but we pushed on!  My first stop was the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This remarkable place, located just a short drive from Krakow, is a labyrinth of underground tunnels, chapels, and sculptures all carved from salt. The mine has been in operation for over 700 years! 

Upon entering the mine, I was immediately struck by the cool, damp air and the sense of descending into another world. Much like the movie where the Rock went to the center of the world haha..I digress. The tour began with a long wooden staircase that took us deep into the earth. As we moved through the tunnels, our guide shared stories about the miners who worked there, their daily lives, and the challenges they faced. The tour by this point had already pleasantly exceeded my expectations.

I didn’t check reviews or know what I was walking into so when I saw a church right there underground I was blown away! Definitely the highlight of the visit. The church is named the Chapel of St. Kinga, a breathtaking underground church that looked like something out of a fairy tale. Every detail, from the chandeliers to the altars, was carved from salt. The chapel's grandeur and the artistry involved in its creation left me very impressed. The intricate carvings and the sheer scale of the chapel are a testament to the miners' devotion and craftsmanship. Additionally, there were numerous sculptures and carvings throughout the mine, depicting scenes from Polish history and mythology.

Another notable stop was the underground lake, which had an almost ethereal quality with its crystal-clear water and the gentle lighting that illuminated the salt walls. The tour ended with a visit to the museum, where I learned more about the geological aspects of the mine and the various techniques used in salt extraction. I wasn’t expecting all that much and wow it delivered!

Auschwitz-Birkenau

Next, I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau, and again I had no idea where I was going, if I had known I probably would have asked for a different tour because I really hate being sad and I definitely didn’t want to pay to be sad. However it was a deeply moving and somber experience that provided a stark reminder of the atrocities of World War II and well worth the visit and the watery eyeballs. It is located about an hour’s drive from Krakow, Auschwitz is a site of immense historical significance and a place for reflection and remembrance.

Walking through the grounds, I felt a mix of sorrow and reverence, grateful for the chance to pay my respects and learn more about this dark chapter in history. The guided tour was comprehensive, covering both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. In Auschwitz I, the brick barracks now house museum exhibits that tell the story of the Holocaust through photographs, personal belongings, and documents. Seeing the piles of shoes, suitcases, and other personal items left behind by the victims was particularly heart-wrenching.

At Birkenau, the scale of the camp was overwhelming. The remains of the wooden barracks, the gas chambers, and the crematoria stood as silent witnesses to the horrors that occurred there. The vastness of the camp, with its rows upon rows of barbed wire and watchtowers, was a sobering reminder of the systematic nature of the genocide.

The experience at Auschwitz-Birkenau was emotionally challenging but profoundly important. It reinforced the necessity of remembering and educating future generations about the Holocaust to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. Now after such an experiance Its definietly time to go back to Let's Rock and grab a beer, maybe even join the Pub Crawl. 

 

Hidden Gems

Baron Shisha Bar

Back in Krakow, I continued my quest to find the city’s hidden gems. One evening, I stumbled upon the Baron Shisha Bar, tucked away in a quiet alley. This cozy spot quickly became one of my favorite places to unwind. The bar had a relaxed, intimate vibe with plush cushions and soft lighting, making it perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

The shisha flavors were diverse, and the staff made excellent recommendations based on my preferences. I tried a mix of fruity and traditional flavors, each one offering a unique experience. The bar also served a selection of teas and cocktails that complemented the shisha perfectly. It was a great place to meet fellow travelers and locals, share stories, and soak in the ambiance of Krakow’s nightlife.

Really Good Food

Krakow’s culinary scene continued to impress me with its variety and quality. I discovered Restauracja Cechowa, a spot near the main square that served traditional Polish dishes. The rustic decor and warm atmosphere made it a delightful place to enjoy a meal.

My favorite dish was the pierogi, which came with various fillings. But my all time best filling had to be mushrooms and sauerkraut and the funny thing is I’m not a fan of these ingredients at the best of times.

For coffee and dessert, I have to say Café Camelot, this place is well known for its cakes and quaint, artistic ambiance. The cakes were super good, with options ranging from rich chocolate tortes to light and fluffy cheesecakes. I definitely came here way too often, evident by my expanding belly! But hey, I'm on holiday! 

More Polish Words

With every interaction, my Polish vocabulary expanded:

• Jak się masz? - How are you?

• Gdzie jest...? - Where is...?

• Ile to kosztuje? - How much does it cost?

• Pomocy! - Help!

Learning these phrases helped me communicate and connect more with the locals and made my experiences more immersive. Even though there is a lot of english spoken in Krakow I think my efforts are generally appreciated and often led to friendly conversations and more recommendations.