Afro
Lessons Learned – Tips for Future Travelers in Krakow
Krakow: My Guide to Poland's Party Capital
If you're thinking of hitting up Krakow, you're in for a bloody good time! After a month of this place, I've got some solid tips to make sure you have an absolute blast. From cheap digs to epic pub crawls, here's the lowdown on everything I think you need to know before you land in Krakow.
The Essentials: Where to Kip and How to Get Around
Sorting Your Digs
Listen up! Hostels are where it's at in Krakow. They're cheap as chips and perfect for meeting other sound travelers. Hotels and air bnbs might be more comfortable but if you want to be comfortable stay at home! One of the best things about traveling is meeting new people and hostels just make this so much easier. I crashed at Let's Rock Hostel right in the city center, and it was spot on. Great location, decent prices, and always buzzing with people up for a laugh and a drink or ten.
Pro tip: Book a gaff with a shared kitchen. You'll save a few quid on grub and might even find some drinking buddies for the night.
Getting from A to B
The public transport in Krakow is deadly efficient and won't break the bank. Trams and buses will get you wherever you need to go. Here's a hack for ya: grab a 72-hour travel pass. It'll sort you out for unlimited rides, which is grand if you're planning to explore every nook and cranny of the city.
Pro tip: Buy a ticket, don’t risk it. Krakow is very strict when it comes to people not buying tickets and the trams are checked often! They carry a card terminal and will make you pay on the spot. Obviously this happened to me haha so learn from my mistake. I was charged 150 zloty but I hear I can vary.
Stretching Your Złoty’s
One of the best things about Krakow is how cheap it is compared to back home. Your money goes a lot further here, so you can afford to have a bit more fun. The food's class and won't cost you an arm and a leg, and there's loads of cool stuff to see without spending a fortune.
Most places now use card but its always good to carry some cash on ya.
Keeping Your Wits About You
Krakow's generally safe, but don't be an idiot. Keep an eye on your stuff, especially when you're in crowded spots or on public transport. This goes double when you're out on the piss, drunk tourists are the easiest to steal from and scam. Again I say this from experience.
Talking the Talk: Polish Phrases to Impress the Locals
Learning a bit of Polish can go a long way, lads. Here are some handy phrases to get you started:
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Dzień dobry (jen DOH-bry) - Good morning (use this one for the auld ones)
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Piwo, proszę (PEE-vo PRO-she) - Beer, please (essential, this one)
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Dziękuję (jen-KOO-ye) - Thanks
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Przepraszam (psheh-PRA-sham) - Sorry (for when you've had a few too many)
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Na zdrowie! (naz-DROH-vyeh) - Cheers!
Avoiding Rookie Mistakes
Learn from my cock-ups, boys:
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Mind Your Manners: Polish people are big on respect, especially for the older folks. Use "Dzień dobry" when you're talking to anyone over 30 or in shops and that.
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Pace Yourself: Krakow's nightlife is mental, but don't go too hard too fast. Polish vodka is lethal stuff. Joining a pub crawl is a great shout for a good night out without ending up in the gutter.
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Watch Out for Dodgy Spots: Steer clear of the strip clubs, lads. They're notorious for ripping off drunk tourists. Stick to the decent pubs and join a proper pub crawl instead.
Wrapping It Up: Your Krakow Adventure Awaits
After a month in Krakow, I was buzzing. From the epic nights out on pub crawls to all the cool people I met, this city really got under my skin.
But the fun doesn't stop here! In the next post, I'll be spilling the beans on my maddest Krakow experiences and what's next on the cards. Will I stick around in this class city, or is it time to move on? Stay tuned, lads!
Get Your Arses to Krakow!
Right, boys, you're all set for a belter of a trip to Krakow. Remember, the best way to really get stuck into the city is to dive in headfirst. Join the pub crawls, chat to or chat up the locals, and be up for anything.
Fancy giving Krakow a go? Don't hang about – start planning your trip now! And if you want to experience Krakow's mental nightlife without any hassle, get yourself booked onto a pub crawl. It's a savage way to meet other travelers, find the best bars, and make memories you'll be talking about for years (if you remember them, that is).
Book your Krakow pub crawl tickets now and get ready for some serious craic in one of Poland's most class cities!