Warsaw, Poland: The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary

Warsaw, Poland: The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary

If you’ve followed my travels for awhile, you know I have something of a love affair with the country of Poland. I lived there for 6 weeks in 2019 while working on pub crawl and became obsessed with all things pierogi, war history, charming old towns, beautiful mountain landscapes and affordable prices. Poland was the perfect European country for me to live in during my early travels!

And while it’s unlikely that most of you will pack up and head to Poland for 6 weeks, I still highly suggest a visit. Especially to Warsaw, Krakow, Auschwitz and Zakopane.

And here’s the perfect 3 day itinerary to kick off your time in Warsaw, a city that is both historic and heartbreaking yet hip and modern.

Warsaw 3 Day Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Overview:

• Check into NYX Hotel Warsaw
• Walking tour of Old Town
• Old Town Viewing Platform: Taras Widokowy
• POLIN Museum Of The History Of Polish Jews
• Dinner in Old Town
• Chopin Concert at Fryderyk Concert Hall

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Day 2 Overview:

• Breakfast at NYX Hotel Warsaw
• Pierogi and More cooking class for lunch
• Warsaw Uprising Museum
•  Observation deck on the 30th floor of the Palace of Culture and Science building
• Bars/Clubs on Mazowiecka street

Day 3 Overview:

• Breakfast at NYC Hotel
• Day pass to hot tub with views of the Palace of Culture and Science building at Intercontinental Hotel
• If there during winter, ice skate in Old Town. If summer, visit the zoo where the true story of the Zookeeper’s Wife took place.

For my full guide to Poland: THE COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE TO POLAND

Where to stay: NYX HOTEL WARSAW

NYX Hotel : this luxurious hotel has floor to ceiling windows with amazing views over the city in every room and often just 80 euros a night.

We also stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel one day to use their hot tub but overall, I much preferred the rooms, restaurant, breakfast and bar at NYX!

Warsaw Day 1

Walking tour of Old Town

Warsaw’s historic Old Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a great place to start your trip.

Sadly, 85 percent of it was reduced to rubble during the Second World War when Hitler ordered the entire city to be razed to the ground.

The destruction not only claimed the lives hundreds of thousands of Polish civilians but also the vast majority of museums, art galleries, theaters, castles, palaces, churches, parks, and historical buildings. Warsaw’s cultural heritage was deliberately destroyed, dismantled and reduced to ash.

Following the war, the city was rebuilt according to pre-war plans and historical documents. A walking tour of the city will bring this historical area to life!

Old Town Viewing Platform: Taras Widokowy

After your walking tour, head up to the viewing platform that overlooks Old Town. It’s a great spot for photos and you can see a birds eye view of the most famous view of Warsaw.

Tip: There is a very small admission fee and it’s cash only to climb to the top.

POLIN Museum Of The History Of Polish Jews

This heartbreaking museum is a must-see for those interested in Holocaust history or Jewish history in general.

There are many personal and heartbreaking accounts of the Warsaw Ghetto and life during the war that 90% of Polish Jews did not survive. The museum also details the history of Jews in Poland long before the Holocaust. In addition to a really important topic and a well displayed museum, the building itself it beautiful.

Dinner in Old Town: Gospoda Kwiaty Polskie

There is no shortage of cute restaurants in old town. Many right off the main square have enticing decorations and traditional polish cuisine.

We liked Gospoda Kwiaty Polskie which is just a few streets off the main square.

Chopin Concert at Fryderyk Concert Hall

The infamous Fryderyk Chopin was a Polish-born pianist and composer of genius ability who spent his childhood and early years in Warsaw.

Despite only performing 30 shows in his whole career, Chopin was held in worldwide renown and considered the leading musician of his era.

There is a wildly popular museum in Warsaw dedicated to his life, legacy and music.

I also highly recommend seeing some of his music played live while in Warsaw! We loved the shows at Chopin Concert at Fryderyk Concert Hall.

Warsaw Day 2

Pierogi and More cooking class for lunch

Pierogies are a Polish classic but it’s even more fun to make them yourself, check out Pierogies & More to join a cooking class.

We absolutely loved this activity and it made for the perfect indoor activity when we had extra cold weather one day of our trip! The host is so kind and accommodating for all food allergies. And it was fun to learn all about the art of pierogi making. A lot more goes into it than I realized, so many different ways to roll and design the little dumplings!

Come to class hungry, you will be eating about 50x the normal serving size of pierogi. It is all things delicious, fun and you really get your money’s worth!

While Warsaw has countless museums and tours to learn about it’s tragic history, make sure you include some more fun, light-hearted activities in your itinerary. This one is ideal

Warsaw Uprising Museum

Warsaw is home to a number of powerful, educational museums but make sure to include the Warsaw Rising Museum on your itinerary.

The museum is dedicated to the Warsaw Uprising of 1944 which was the single largest military effort taken by any European resistance movement during the Second World War. The Uprising was fought for a grueling 63 days with nearly no outside assistance.

It is estimated that 16,000 members of the Polish resistance were killed while 150,000 to 200,000 Polish civilians died in mass executions during WWII.

The museum gives haunting but informative insight to this dark period of history.

Observation deck on the 30th floor of the Palace of Culture and Science building

For fantastic views over Warsaw, head up to the 30th floor of this iconic landmark.

Arguably one of the most recognizable buildings in the city, this impressive structure was a gift from Joseph Stalin in 1955. It was built by Russian workers but today is home to theaters, museums, a cinema, pubs, the Warsaw tourist office and the observation deck.

Bars/Clubs on Mazowiecka Street

If you’re looking for a fun night out, you must head over to the row of bars and clubs on Mazowiecka Street. Poland has a thriving nightlife both in Warsaw and in Krakow.

It’s an extra fun country for nightlife given the Polish affinity for vodka and cheap drinks! Poland is incredibly affordable compared to other European countries so even if you rack up a bar tab in Warsaw, you’ve got nothing to worry about. And Mazowiecka Street is an easy place to walk from club to club. Have a fun and safe night out!

Read: NIGHTLIFE IN KRAKOW, POLAND

Warsaw Day 3

Breakfast at NYX Hotel

NYX Hotel has a fantastic breakfast (even a pour-your-own-mimosa bar!) So take advantage of that before heading out for the day!

Day pass to hot tub with views of the Palace of Culture and Science building at Intercontinental Hotel

We spent 2 nights at NYX and 1 night at the Intercontinental Hotel so we could access their hot tub with a spectacular view of the Palace of Culture and Science. I had seen pictures of it online and knew I needed to visit!

Overall, we much preferred the stay at NYX due it’s astonishing views from the bed but if you’d like to visit the hot tub on a day pass, you can also do that!

Because this spot is so “instagrammable” it has gotten to be quite popular.

If you can visit the hot tub on weekdays, you’ll have better luck with it not being crowded! It’s actually a rather small hot tub so it can be tricky to snag a spot.

Pro tip: If you plan to visit it on a weekday just for the spa, call ahead and ask if the hot tub is open. We planned to take photos on Monday morning from the hot tub and it was closed for cleaning.

If there during winter, ice skate in Old Town. For summer, visit the zoo where the true story of the Zookeeper’s Wife took place.

I highly suggest reading or watching The Zoo Keeper’s Wife before your trip to Warsaw.

It tells the incredible but true story of how Jan and Antonina Żabiński rescued hundreds of Polish Jews from the Nazis by hiding them in the Warsaw zoo.

The zoo is still open to this very day. You can read more about it or plan your visit here.

We visited the zoo during the winter months and saw almost no other guests. During the summer, it is reportedly much busier.

While the zoo itself was slightly underwhelming in the winter months, you may be interested in seeing the actual site where Jan and Antonina bravely defied the Nazis and successfully saved 300 Jewish people.

WHEN TO VISIT POLAND

Poland is stunning to visit any time of the year. However the best time to visit is probably spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) because summers are hot and winters are cold.

And if you’re there in the summer, not to worry! Polish people LOVE ice cream. You can cool off on almost every street corner with a cone.

Tips:

1. Poland is a totally underrated country and has so much to offer!

2. Traveling in Poland is really cheap. You can stay in 5 star hotels for $90 and take Ubers across town for $1-$2.

3. While Poland has a devastating history with the war and Holocaust, it also has a hip, modern vibe with trendy restaurants, chic hotels and buzzing nightlife!

Warsaw 3 day itinerary

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The post Warsaw, Poland: The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

The Best Nightlife in Krakow, Poland

Nightlife in Krakow

If you haven’t already heard, Krakow is not only Poland’s best party city but a top destination in Europe for nightlife!

When you think of partying in Europe, it’s likely that Amsterdam, Berlin or Ibiza comes to mind. But despite Krakow’s fairytale appearance with its cobblestone streets , the city is bursting with hip, modern clubs.

The best part about Krakow’s nightlife? So many of the nightclubs are located within the main square so it only takes a couple of minutes to walk from one to the other!

No expensive taxi rides needed. And even on the coldest winter nights, you can quickly bounce from one club to the next without spending much time outside!

The best spots can be a little harder to find because so many bars are located down winding side-streets or in the basement of old, historic buildings.

So here’s everything you need to know!

Read: THE COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE TO POLAND

The Best Clubs in Krakow

With so many clubs to choose from it can be hard to decide where to go.

You could go to a different bar every night of the month and still not work your way through all of Krakow’s best nightlife spots.

But if you’re looking for specifically for nightclubs, here are the best places to go for dance floors, DJ’s, bachelorette/bachelor parties (or stag/hen if you’re from Europe!) or anytime you’re craving a night out in Krakow beyond happy hour at a pub.

Best Krakow Nightclubs

• Prozak 2.0
• B4
• Four Music Club
• La Bodega del Ron
• Coco Music Club
• Afterbeng
• Szpitalna 1

Prozak 2.0

This nightclub is located right off the main square in Krakow just a 4 minute walk from St. Mary’s Basilica.

You’ll head into the basement where you’ll find plenty of seating but also a dancefloor, often with a DJ! This is a popular spot in Krakow.

This nightclub is LGBT friendly!

B4

Like the others, this club is just a 4 minute walk from St. Mary’s Basilica in the main square. It’s a fun mix of good seating options and a busy dance floor.

Address: ul. Bracka 4 1st Floor, Krakow 31-005 Poland

Four Music Club

The clubs in Krakow aren’t very large but they pack a lot of punch! Four Music Club is one of those small but exciting clubs. This club is also centrally located, right in the town square!

Check out their site.

Address: Jagiellońska 6, 31-009 Kraków, Poland

La Bodega del Ron

This swanky, underground bar feels like a well-decorated cave with it’s arched ceilings and stone interior. Highly recommended for atmosphere!

Address: Rynek Główny 6, 31-042 Kraków, Poland

Coco Music Club

Gorgeous interior and lots of dance floors, Coco was one of my personal favorites!

Check out their site.

Address: Szpitalna 38, Krakow 31-024 Poland

Afterbeng

The Afterbeng dancefloor is always a good time. And for some reason, a bathtub is located in the main room. Did you even go to Afterbeng if you didn’t take a photo in the tub?

Again, this club is right off the main square.

Address: Rynek Glowny 28, Krakow 31-010 Poland

Szpitalna 1

A fun place to start the night! Ultimately, other clubs have bigger/better dance floors but if you’re planning to visit multiple spots, you could begin here and hit up several others throughout the night.

Address: ul. Szpitalna 1, Krakow 31-024 Poland

Pro tip: Be sure to double check hours and dates while planning because some nightclubs are only open on certain days of the week.

Join A Pub Crawl

If I could suggest one way to experience Krakow nightlife, it would be through a pub crawl! This is where you’ll find other backpackers, travelers and fantastic guides who can take you around to the best clubs.

I spent a month working as a pub crawl guide with Krawl Through Krakow and loved every minute of it. Every night of the week, the turnout was fantastic. People had so much fun on the pub crawl, they would come three or four nights in a row!

Krawl Through Krakow

The pub crawl meets nightly at 9pm in the main square. You’ll be able to spot the pink pub crawl sign and crowds beginning to gather at the Adam Statue .

Read: 10 REASONS TO WORK AS A PUB CRAWL GUIDE WITH KRAWL THROUGH KRAKOW

Nightlife in Krakow

Krakow Party Hostels

If you’re a backpacker coming to Krakow and looking to enjoy the nightlife, you’ll meet loads of other travelers at Krakow’s party hostels!

These hostels are the perfect place to stay in the city on a budget when you’re looking to take advantage of the parties in Krakow.

Let’s Rock Hostel

The Little Havana Party Hostel

Greg & Tom Party Hostel

One World Hostel

Polish Vodka Tours

While some say vodka was invented in Russia, others insist it was Poland who first created a clear, distilled alcohol.

But whether it was the Russians or the Poles who actually produced the first bottle, one thing is clear: Poland has been a primary producer of vodka since the very beginning!

And a vodka tour is a great way to kick off your night out in Krakow. The bars along the tour are small, intimate and unique. It was fun to sample a lot of different vodkas, many of which I had never heard of before. Our guide was super informative and made the tour memorable.

And it worked well to do this tour before heading downtown for the night!

Trendy Bars In The Jewish Quarter

Eszewieria

This dimly lit, swanky little hideout is a fun place to have a beer. In the summer, the garden out back may peak your interest!

Check out their Yelp page.

Address: ul. Józefa 9, 31-056 Kraków, Poland

Absynt

Get the homemade fireball here. And of course, you’ve gotta try one of the many different absynth!

Check out their Facebook page here.

Krakow’s Secret Bar

Looking for an intriguing night out? Krakow has a fantastic “word of mouth” hidden bar. A local tipped us off on a free walking tour we joined. In an old billiard’s bar, he said we would find an “out of service” bathroom. Intrigued, we went that evening in search of the mystery bar.

Sure enough, after searching around we found the bathroom door marked “out of service.”

Once we pushed through the door and we found ourselves in a dirty, worn down bathroom…. But if you look closely, you might just notice how one section of the mirrored wall is actually a door…

When you push through the mirror, you’ll find yourself in a swanky cocktail bar!

Neon lights and a up scale, unique drink menu make “Z ust do ust” a must see place in Krakow!

Address: Estery 18, 33-332 Krakow

Read: 7 MUST HAVE FOOD EXPERIENCES IN KRAKOW, POLAND

Bar with the best view of Krakow: U Romana

This little cafe bar is located above the Krakow Music Academy and has terrific views over Krakow from it’s terrace. Come for a drink and stay for the views!

Address: Św. Tomasza 43

Krakow’s Gamer Bar: Cybermachina

Gamers, board game lovers, nerds and virtual reality fans unite! This bar has everything.

We spent several hours drinking beer and trying out the virtual reality video games here. It was a blast! Whether you want to chill and play cards or join a cosplay party, there is so much to do for every level of interest/gamer/nerd. 5 Stars!

“Cybermachina is a gamer bar for gamers. You can play on the console, play a board game, drink a potion of life or dragon beer. We organize tournaments, geek quizzes, cosplay parties, industry meetings and much, much more. Come and join our great cyberspublic! We are in the largest cities in Poland.“

Check out their website here.

Best Late Night Eats: Przypiecek 24h
(aka 24 Hour Pierogi)

If you’re hungry at bar close and find yourself in need of a late night feast, head over to Przypiecek the 24 hour pierogi place located just a short walk 5 minute walk from the main square.

Not only can you get a huge serving of delicious, local cuisine late at night but the prices can’t be beat! For just a few dollars, you can get a heaping pile of pierogi on a steaming on plate.

And they are just as good at 2am as they are during the day!

Address:  Slawkowska 32, Krakow 31-014, Poland (Stare Miasto)

Warning: Polish Bouncers Aren’t So Friendly

Don’t try to argue with Polish bouncers, it will not end well. They can be aggressive and have little patience with drunk guests.

At some bars, coat check will be mandatory in the winter. Many times, when girls walked past the bouncers with their coats still on, the bouncers got aggressive and grabbed at their coats. Because of the language barrier, there was a lot of confused shouting between the Polish bouncers and girls which resulted in drunk tears and a whole mess.

Polish bouncers are also quick to kick out anyone who is too drunk. So be mindful of how much you’re drinking if you want to stay with your friends all night!

Check out the festivals with Stoke Travel for more great nightlife around Europe! Book with a promo code for free, unlimited drinks.

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Read: HOGMANAY STOKE TRAVEL: EDINBURGH’S EPIC NEW YEAR’S FESTIVAL AND A 24 HOUR PARTY

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The post The Best Nightlife in Krakow, Poland appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Travel Guide To Poland

The Complete Travel Guide To Poland

Travel Guide To Poland

It is my belief that Poland is one of the most underrated countries in Europe. It has breathtaking mountains, fascinating world history, charming old town squares, fantastic nightlife and did I mention pierogi? Not to mention, way less tourists than other European destinations.

If you follow me on Instagram, you might remember I spent two months living Kraków during the winter only to fly back and visit again in the spring. I am thrilled I got to see Poland both when it was snowy and once again when it was warm and the flowers were beginning to bloom.

When To Visit Poland

Poland is stunning to visit any time of the year. However the best time to visit is probably spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) because summers are hot and winters are cold.

That being said, if you plan to ski or do any winter sports, you may love being in Poland in the winter. We did snowmobiling and sleigh rides in Zakopane and it was an incredibly memorable winter trip! And the Christmas decorations in the Kraków town square are simply dazzling.

And if you’re there in the summer, not to worry! Polish people LOVE ice cream. You can cool off on almost every street corner with a cone.

Polish Currency

The złoty is the official currency of Poland and is abbreviated PLN.

At the time of writing this blog post, $1 USD is 3.67 PLN.

I’m from the United States so traveling in Poland is very affordable compared to back home. And it’s much cheaper than other European countries like Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, France etc.

As with most of Europe, credit cards are widely accepted in Poland.

Pro tip: To keep things simple while you’re traveling, you can always just ask Siri “how many USD dollars is XXX zloty” and she’ll be able to tell you! This makes things super simple when you’re shopping and trying to remember exact prices.

If you don’t have cellular data, you can download the XE Currency app and you’ll be able to check rates and conversions offline. I find this helpful so you can keep track of your budget. It’s easy to not understand how much you’re spending when it’s in a foreign currency. 

Polish Langue

The official language of Poland is Polish.

As with any country you visit, I think it’s nice to learn how to say a few phrases, even if it’s just “hello”, “please” and “thank you!”

Polish pronunciation doesn’t come easy to native English speakers. But if you want to learn some basic phrases, try learning from any number of Youtube videos.

You can also download the Google translator app and download Polish offline. That way you can use the app to scan menus or signs etc. and your phone will instantly translate them even if you don’t have Wifi or service!

Since we lived in Poland for two months, we often had mix ups at the grocery store since we didn’t read Polish. I once bought coffee creamer thinking it was milk. The Google Translate app quickly became our best friend.

Getting Around Poland

If you plan to use public transit, download the Jakdojade app. It’s popular among locals in all the big cities. Uber is affordable and accessible in cities as well.

Between cities, you can take the railway. Trains have Wi-fi, dining cars and can be easily booked online here.

The train ride between Kraków and Warsaw is about 2 hours and makes travel between the two cities very seamless.

Polish Foods To Try

I love Polish food! In particular Oscypek (a polish smoked cheese), Zapiekanka (huge open faced sandwiches) and pierogi.

Oscypek: Tradition Smoked Polish Cheese

What looks like bread is actually intricately designed smoked cheese.

Oscypek is made of salted sheep milk exclusively in the Tatra Mountain region of Poland. This delicious (and beautiful!) cheese is made by experts known as bacas. Often paired with cranberry sauce, Osypek can be served hot off the grill or purchased and taken home to heat up later. It’s also excellent cold!

The cheese is dense and “squeaks” with every bite!

You can frequently buy a small serving for the equivalence of $1- so cheap! You can find this fancy cheese all over Poland.

Zapiekanka in Kraków’s Jewish Quarter

All of the street food in Krakow’s Jewish quarter, Kazimierz, is fantastic. Incredibly cheap, massive portions and full of flavor- there is a lot of great dishes to try! But you cannot go to Kraków without trying Zapiekanka.

Zapiekanka is a huge open faced sandwich made of half of a baguette topped with all sorts of sauces and toppings!

Typically with mushroom and cheese, the massive Zapiekanka is served hot and only costs around 9-12ztl. That’s only $2 or $3. I recommend adding jalapenos, salami, fried onions and lots of delicious sauces.

Pierogi

These tasty little dumplings are a Polish staple. Wrapped in dough, the insides are filled with a savory or sweet filling.

The savory ones typically include a combination of mashed potatoes, onions, cheese, meat or other possibly some other ingredients depending on the cook’s preferences.

Sweet pierogi usually include a fruit filling like cherry,  strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, apple or plum.

You’ll be able to find pierogi shops all over Poland!

Kraków

Prepare to fall in love with historic Kraków. It’s the second-largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland and frequently cited as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

Here’s the top spots to visit in Kraków!

Rynek Główny – The Old Town Square

Rynek Główny, the 13th century square at the city’s heart should be your first stop when you arrive.

Not only is it one of the prettiest city centers in all of Europe but it is the largest.

And it was one of the very first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. It was once an important destination for trade. Today the main square is filled with cafes, walking tours, vendors, pigeons, horse carriages and many Polish shops/vendors.

St. Mary’s Basilica

St. Mary’s in the beautiful basilica located right in Kraków’s main square. And it is as stunning inside as it is on the outside. You can visit and tour the basilica for a small fee during the following hours.

Monday-Saturday
11.30 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. 

Sunday
After the conclusion of Sunday Masses — from around 2.00 p.m. until 6.00 p.m.

Tickets:

Regular / PLN 10 ($2.74 USD)
Seniors 65+ / PLN 8
Students, children / PLN 5

The Wawel Royal Castle 

The Wawel Royal Castle is a castle residency located in central Kraków and was another one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites worldwide.

If you join a free walking tour around historic Kraków, you will get more information about the castle, the famous fire breathing dragon statue onsite and the grounds.

It’s one of the most spectacular view points in Kraków!

Kraków Nightlife

Krakow is home to some legendary nightlife and easily ranks as one of Europe’s best party cities.

It’s a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.(They are known as stag and hen parties in Europe!)

If you’re looking to experience the Kraków nightlife, I highly recommend you join a pub crawl, it’s a great way to meet other travelers and if you go with Krawl Through Kraków it includes a “power hour” of free drinks. They meet nightly in the Kraków town square at 9pm.

Favorite Night Clubs in Kraków:

• Prozak
• B4
• Four Music Club
• Bodega
• Coco
• Afterbeng
• Szpitlana

Read: 10 REASONS TO WORK AS A PUB CRAWL GUIDE WITH KRAWL THROUGH KRAKOW

Vodka Tours

And if you plan to take part in the nightlife scene, don’t miss out on a vodka tour. The bars along the tour are small, intimate and unique.

I don’t think I would have come across these places in old town if it hadn’t been for our great guide on the tour!

Read: NIGHTLIFE IN KRAKOW, POLAND

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Located just 20 minutes outside of Kraków, the beautiful Wieliczka Salt Mine can be toured. This historic site was excavated from the 13th century. It remains one of the world’s oldest operating salt mines and produced table salt continuously until 2007.

This underground labyrinth is truly extensive. While it may feel like you see a large portion of the salt mines on your tour, only 2% of the mine is open for tourism.

Book tickets here for this impressive, underground world of salt mines.

Tour the Jewish Quarter: Kazimierz

With history dating back to the fourteenth century, Kazimierz is an important cultural hub of Poland.

Sadly, it is most famous for the Nazi raids during World War II when the inhabitants of Kazimierz were forced into Podgórze, a crowded ghetto just across the river. Approximately 64,000 Jews lived in Kraków before the war. Most of them were later killed in liquidation of the ghetto or death camps. Only 10% survived, a mere 3,000-4,000 Jews. And most who survived never returned to Poland.

Despite all this, the small Jewish population has managed to revive their culture again in the city.

I highly recommend joining one of the free walking tours of the Jewish quarter. The tour is very powerful and helps explains each of the very powerful tributes to the lives lost in the Holocaust.

Even though the tours are free, be prepared to tip your guide!

Key Sights to Visit:

•  The Old Synagogue
• Jewish Galicia Museum
• Museum of Municipal Engineering 
• Ghetto Heroes Square
• Dine at the Mleczarnia – Beera Meiselesa for stunning, historic decor in the cafe

For the best street food in Kazimierz head to Okrąglak – Plac Nowy 4B.

Schindler’s Factory

If you haven’t already seen the movie, I suggest watching the Steven Spielberg classic Schindler’s List which tells the true story of Oskar Schindler who saved 1,200 Jews from Holocaust concentration camps.

The actual factory is still located in Kraków today and you can visit it. This article provides all the information you need to plan your visit.

Winter season (November – March)
Monday: 10am – 2pm 
Tuesday – Sunday: 10am – 6pm

Summer season (April – October)
Monday: 10am – 4pm 
every first Monday of the month: open to 2pm
Tuesday – Sunday: 9am – 8pm

Zakrzowek: Kraków’s Hidden Lake

The hidden lake in Kraków is actually a huge body of water in an old quarry.

It’s a great place to enjoy nature, back a picnic and if it’s warm enough, go for a swim! The views of the quarry cliffs over the crystal blue waters are stunning.

I’ve read online it costs a 5 ZL to enter but when we went in winter, no one was charging admission.

Address: ul. Twardowskiego, Krakow 30-373 Poland

Where to Eat in Kraków

Here are a few of my favorite restaraunts:

• 24 Hour Pierogi ( Przypiecek 24h): Delicious and inexpensive pierogi at any time of day or night!
• Restauracje Babci Maliny: For great traditional Polish cuisine and atmosphere
• Mr. Candy & The Pizza Boys: For crazy, outrageous sugar foods like candy pancakes and cocktails
• Krowarzywa: For amazing vegan food right in downtown

Read: 7 MUST HAVE FOOD EXPERIENCES IN KRAKOW, POLAND

Getting Around Kraków

Uber and taxis are readily available in Kraków but so is public transportation!

This article will help you navigate public transit in Kraków.

Warsaw

Beautiful, historic Warsaw is the capital of Poland and the largest city!

Within Warsaw, I always felt a strong duality. One part of Warsaw is historic, heartbreaking and has a long history of destruction. The newer parts of Warsaw are hip, modern and unique.

Old Town

Warsaw’s historic Old Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sadly, 85 percent of it was reduced to rubble during the Second World War when Hitler ordered the entire city to be razed to the ground.

The destruction not only claimed the lives hundreds of thousands of Polish civilians but also the vast majority of museums, art galleries, theaters, castles, palaces, churches, parks, and historical buildings. Warsaw’s cultural heritage was deliberately destroyed, dismantled and reduced to ash.

Following the war, the city was rebuilt according to pre-war plans and historical documents.

Chopin

The infamous Fryderyk Chopin was a Polish-born pianist and composer of genius ability who spent his childhood and early years in Warsaw. Despite only performing 30 shows in his whole career, Chopin was held in worldwide renown and considered the leading musician of his era.

There is a wildly popular museum in Warsaw dedicated to his life, legacy and music.

I also highly recommend seeing some of his music played live while in Warsaw! You can get affordably priced tickets here.

Warsaw Rising Museum

Warsaw is home to a number of powerful, educational museums but make sure to include the Warsaw Rising Museum on your itinerary.

The museum is dedicated to the Warsaw Uprising of 1944 which was the single largest military effort taken by any European resistance movement during the Second World War. The Uprising was fought for a grueling 63 days with nearly no outside assistance.

It is estimated that 16,000 members of the Polish resistance were killed while 150,000 to 200,000 Polish civilians died in mass executions during WWII.

The museum gives haunting but informative insight to this dark period of history.

Neon Museum

Warsaw has a variety of quirky attractions as well. We visited the Neon Museum which is dedicated to the documentation and the preservation of Cold War era neon signs.

It’s a quick, fun visit and a cool place to photograph.

The Warsaw Zoo

If you haven’t already, I suggest reading or watching The Zoo Keeper’s Wife before your trip to Warsaw.

It tells the incredible but true story of how Jan and Antonina Żabiński rescued hundreds of Polish Jews from the Nazis by hiding them in the Warsaw zoo.

The zoo is still open to this very day. You can read more about it or plan your visit here.

We visited the zoo during the winter months and saw almost no other guests. During the summer, it is reportedly much busier.

While the zoo itself was slightly underwhelming in the winter months, you may be interested in seeing the actual site where Jan and Antonina bravely defied the Nazis and successfully saved 300 Jewish people.

Download the free Warsaw Tour smartphone apps

Warsaw has a variety of free apps that can provide you with guided tours of the city.

WarsawTour

The Warsaw Tourist Office app will guide you to the most interesting attractions of the capital. All objects are filtered by themes (e.g. Chopin’s Warsaw, Warsaw by night) and marked on the interactive map. The app also works offline.

Download on the Google Play
Download on the App Store

Chopin in Warsaw

Follow Fryderyk Chopin’s footsteps with this Warsaw Tourist Office city guide app. Learn about places associated with the composer and see what they looked like in his time. The app also features an audio-guide, an events calendar and a playlist of Chopin’s compositions.

Download on the Google Play
Download on the App Store

Warszawa, Warsze

Discover the history of Jewish Warsaw with a new mobile guide published by the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews. Choose a walk and listen to stories from the past.

Download on the Google Play

Zakopane

Poland’s beautiful mountain town is located at the southern border in Tatra Mountains and is considered the “winter capital of Poland.”

Here you can ski, snowmobile, snow tube or engage in any sort of winter activity!

Tatra Mountains

It’s a popular tourist hub but the mountain views do not disappoint.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can book mountaineering tours to experience the mountains up close! You can also book guided hikes if you want to make the most of your time.

Winter Sports

Although slightly touristy at times, Zakopane is a fun place to engage in all things winter related!

While we were there, we went on a sunet snowmobile ride. It was a fun, short easy ride. And compared to the USA, the snowmobiles were really inexpensive to rent.

We didn’t choose to do any skiing but many people do!

You can take a gondola ride to the top of the mountain overlooking Zakopane for a small fee. When you’re at the top, you’ll be able to find a variety of shops and activities as well.

Downtown is full of great restaurants, shops and some cheesy tourist attractions.

Affordable accommodation on Airbnb

We rented at a charming Airbnb tucked in the mountains. Just look at the great prices on properties like this in Zakopane. Many are under $30 a night!

Book a Kulig (Polish horse drawn sleigh ride)

A kulig is a winter tradition in Zakopane. These sleigh rides are enormously popular and date back to when Polish Nobles used to organize sleigh ride parties that  went from one manor house to another with hearty meals followed by dancing.

We booked a tour from a vendor on the street and were unsure what to expect since we knew nothing about it. But we had a fantastic time!

Our sleigh was full with Polish guests who knew to pack a bottle of vodka to share! (Apparently this is a common tradition?) On our tour, alcohol was welcomed, even encouraged! Although we didn’t speak the same language, our fellow riders were passing the bottle of Polish vodka around to everyone so by the time we arrived at our destination for dinner, our group was well on their way to having a good time! Dinner was included in our sleigh ride.

As we feasted on Polish food, a live band played traditional music. Everyone was dancing, cheering and enjoying more Polish vodka to keep warm! It was an incredible evening in the mountains.

I’m not sure if all kulig tours are this raucous but we had such a fun time singing and dancing with our newly made friends!

Bordering Slovakia

Zakopane falls right on the border of Slovakia. We had planned to take the bus into the neighboring country to have breakfast. When the bus never came, we actually walked from Zakopane across the border into Slovakia!

We casually wandered around a small town but if you are visiting Zakopane for a few days, you may want to pay a visit to Slovakia since it’s so close!

Auschwitz

Auschwitz was the largest of the German Nazi concentration camps. Over 1.1 million men, women and children lost their lives within the walls.

Admission to the grounds of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is free of charge but entry cards should be reserved on visit.auschwitz.org. When visiting, it’s incredibly important to act and dress respectfully. Before you go, please read “the rules for visiting“.

How To Get There

Getting to Auschwitz from Kraków is an easy 1.5-hour journey by car or bus.

Head over to the MDA Station (which is situated in Bosacka street and just behind the Main Railway Station of Kraków) then purchase a bus ticket to Auschwitz/Oswiecim.

Guided Tour or Solo?

We traveled to Auschwitz independently on the bus and explored on our own. However, many people choose to book a round-trip guided tour from Kraków which takes about 6 hours total.

Most people spend around 3 hours inside Auschwitz.

We enjoyed being able to go at our own pace but I do think we would have gotten more out of the experience to visit with a local guide.

TourRadar has a number of affordable tours around Poland that include Auschwitz. You can also book a multitude of day trips online or within the Kraków city center.

Gdańsk

Gdańsk is a stunning city on the Baltic coast of northern Poland.

Be sure to visit Długi Targ, it’s the main thoroughfare through the city! And for the best views of Gdańsk, climb the Main Town Hall tower and the St. Mary’s Church bell tower!

For more on Gdańsk, check out this great blog post.

Enjoy Poland!

This beautiful country is sure to delight you with its rich culture, powerful history, stunning cities and breathtaking mountains.

Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments!

Is Poland on your travel list yet? And be sure to check out the deals on TourRadar for guided trips around Poland!

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But everyone (even Polish people) were perplexed that I chose to stay there for a month in the dead of winter. Because like many cities, Krakow is completely different when it isn’t bogged down in snow.

Read: THE COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE TO POLAND

Krakow In The Spring

As someone who lives out of a suitcase and has the freedom travel, I knew I’d have to see Poland again in the warm weather. So when I had a gap in April between travel jobs, I went back to see Krakow. This time minus the snow and the cold. But with the welcome addition of sunshine, ice cream and longer days.

A few days in Poland showed me that yes, Krakow is a totally different city once it warms up. The town square buzzes with activity. Rooftop restaurants offer stunning views in the sunshine. And plenty of events are happening around town. I suggest the free walking tour!

I could rave on about this stunning European city during the spring but I think these pictures speak for themselves. Warning: You may find yourself craving ice cream and a stroll by the waterfront.

If Poland isn’t a destination you’ve considered visiting before, maybe it’s time you add it to your list

More on Poland? Keep reading!

• 25 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO VISIT KRAKOW, POLAND
• 7 MUST HAVE FOOD EXPERIENCES IN KRAKOW, POLAND
• 10 REASONS TO WORK AS A PUB CRAWL GUIDE WITH KRAWL THROUGH KRAKOW

The post Krakow, Poland In The Spring appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

7 Must Have Food Experiences in Krakow, Poland

Krakow is home to delicious street food, a wide variety of vegan restaurants, fun quirky dining experiences and of course, pierogi!

But it’s not just the food, be sure to check out the drinks here. The city’s nightlife is exciting with loads of inexpensive bars. With interesting local craft beers, swanky cocktail menus or techno nightclubs- there’s plenty to sip on.

Whatever your dining preferences, Krakow definitely has you covered.

After living in Poland for 6 weeks, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite and most memorable dining experiences so you can enjoy all the city has to offer.

Read: THE COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE TO POLAND

1. Krakow’s Hidden Bar

Looking for an intriguing night out? Krakow has a fantastic “word of mouth” hidden bar. A local tipped us off on a free walking tour we joined. In an old billiard’s bar, he said we would find an “out of service” bathroom. Intrigued, we went that evening in search of the mystery bar.

Sure enough, after searching around we found the bathroom door marked “out of service.”

Want to visit this secret bar yourself?

Head through the door and you’ll find yourself in a dirty, worn down bathroom…. But if you look closely, you might just notice how one section of the mirrored wall is actually a door…

Push through the mirror and you’ll find yourself in a swanky cocktail bar!

Neon lights and a up scale, unique drink menu make “Z ust do ust” a must see place in Krakow!

Location: Estery 18, 33-332 Krakow

2. Zapiekanka in the Jewish Quarter

All of the street food in the Jewish quarter, Kazimierz, is fantastic. Incredibly cheap, massive portions and full of flavor- there is a lot of great dishes to try! But you cannot come to Krakow without trying Zapiekanka.

Zapiekanka is a huge open faced sandwich made of half of a baguette topped with all sorts of sauces and toppings!

Typically with mushroom and cheese, the massive Zapiekanka is served hot and only costs around 9-12ztl. That’s only $2 or $3. I recommend adding jalapenos, salami, fried onions and lots of delicious sauces.

Location: plac Nowy 4B, 31-056 Kraków, Poland

3. Unique Candy-Sugar Foods at Mr. Pancake & The Pizza Boys

Prepare for sugar overload at this cheeky dive restaurant.

Snickers pancakes, cotton candy glitter champagne, Cheeto pizzas- Mr. Pancake has the best menu of fun, quirky (and horribly unhealthy!) concoctions!

Prepare to stray from your diet in this haven of caloric celebration. Paying homage to American overindulgence, this menu is full of delectably sinful treats not usually found in Poland – Fruit Loops, Marshmellow Fluff, candy floss and so much more!

Check out the patio during the summer or the porch with colorful blankets and heaters for winter time!

Location: Dolnych Młynów 10/1b, 31-124 Kraków

4. Hot Polish Donuts

Served hot and fresh this donut shop serves warm, yummy donuts filled and topped with a wide variety of tasty flavors. Chocolate raspberry is my go to! Located just off the main town square on Szewska, it’s just a short walk once you’re in the heart of Old Town.

I’ve tried hot Polish donuts in Warsaw and Zakopane but none of them were nearly as good as this location in Krakow!

Location: Szewska 25, 31-009 Kraków

5. Oscypek: Traditional Polish Smoked Cheese

What looks like bread is actually intricately designed smoked cheese.

Oscypek is made of salted sheep milk exclusively in the Tatra Mountain region of Poland. This delicious (and beautiful!) cheese is made by experts known as bacas. Often paired with cranberry sauce, Osypek can be served hot off the grill or purchased and taken home to heat up later. It’s also excellent cold!

The cheese is dense and “squeaks” with every bite!

You can frequently buy a small serving for the equivalence of $1- so cheap!

You can find this fancy cheese all over in Krakow or Warsaw but my favorite place is located on Szewska off the main square near the Hot Polish Donut shop.

6. Late Night 24 Hour Pierogi

Krakow is known for it’s bustling nightlife. With tons of bars and nightclubs lining the streets in Old Town, people are often looking for a late night, after bar close snack!

This cosy 24 hour pierogi shop is the perfect solution for polish food at ANY hour of the day or night.

I recommend the mix of traditional pieorgi so you can sample all the flavors! The meat and the classic potato with cottage cheese are my personal favorites though.

Location: Sławkowska 32, 31-015 Kraków

7. Krowarzywa Vegan Burger

I don’t follow a vegan diet and I’m STILL obsessed with this place!

Massive portions of great health food will have you feeling full but not weighed down after eating here. It’s all 100% vegan and 100% tasty.

The burgers and wraps are delicious. Wash it all down with a vegan smoothie and you’ll feel energized after such a treat to your body. Don’t believe me? Check out the reviews on this place, people absolutely rave about it! I ate lunch at Krowarzywa and came back again the next day

Location: Sławkowska 8, 31-014 Kraków, Poland

If you check out any of these spots, tag me in an Instagram story or post so I can reshare you on my page Enjoy Poland!

Traveling to Krakow? Keep reading:

• 25 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO VISIT KRAKOW, POLAND
• KRAKOW WITH A PHOTOGRAPHER: USING AIRBNB EXPERIENCES TO GET AMAZING TRAVEL PHOTO
• KRAKOW, POLAND IN THE SPRING

The post 7 Must Have Food Experiences in Krakow, Poland appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Krawl Through Krakow:
Working As A Pub Crawl Guide in Poland

Think you’d like to work and travel in Europe? Do you love meeting new people, nightlife and socializing? Working as a pub crawl leader is the ideal travel job for the outgoing, social traveler. And a job with Krawl Through Krakow comes with plenty of perks!!

I’ve worked and lived in a variety of countries around the world. Whether it was Oktoberfest in Germany or spring break season in Mexico, these short term jobs provide an amazing chance to experience slow travel.

Rather than just being a tourist somewhere for a week, you get to properly travel and see a country more like a local! Working with Krawl Through Krakow provides an incredible opportunity for to live and work in Poland while you travel around the country.

Read: THE COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE TO POLAND

Here’s my top 10 reasons to work with Krawl Through Krakow!

1. Paid Shifts

First of all, let’s talk about how amazing it is that you can be paid to live in another country while clubbing and socializing with like-minded travelers. The fact that jobs like this even exist make it exceedingly more difficult for me to ever think about heading back into a 9 to 5 structured work week.

Now with any travel job or pub crawl gig, you aren’t going to make it rich. But you should be able to make enough to offset most of your costs! You will be paid based on how many people are on the pub crawl divided by the number of staff working.

You will be paid cash in the Polish currency (złoty) each week.

In the dead of winter we had a few really small nights. I didn’t make a ton of money those shifts but I got to know the guests better and we had a BLAST! Other nights, we would have tour groups or bachelorette/bachelor parties book on and we’d have nearly 200 people.

In the summer, the pub crawl is even more popular. If you work busy weekend shifts, you can make decent money considering you aren’t paying any bills. Which brings me to my next point….

2. Housing Provided

Even more valuable than the money you’ll make on shift, is the fact that you are provided with free accommodation! Which also means you’re not stuck paying electrical bills, WiFi or water. You have no bills and can live free of charge at what is lovingly referred to as “the den.”

In the winter, my best friend and I had an entire room to ourselves. Just one other guy lived in the second bedroom for most of my time there. But during the summer, expect a full house!

While it isn’t the nicest accommodation I’ve had during a travel job, it certainly was FUN. We’d push the bunk beds together and make forts, cook “family dinners”, and have movie nights. Don’t expect much privacy or alone time. It’s kind of like living in a hostel. 

Generally it wasn’t super tidy, given that everyone was usually too busy partying and having fun to keep it in great shape. But when I lived there, we tried to spiff it up and get it looking nice! We hung lights and wall decorations in an attempt to make it feel more like a home for us

3. Working A Job You Love

No boring days at the office. No crappy boss. And a job you genuinely look forward to every shift.

Your responsibilities will include

• Hostel Runs/Promotional Shifts- Chatting with potential guest and dropping off flyers at the local hostels
• Meeting at the town square statue by 8:45pm with the pub crawl sign to greet guests
• Taking guests to two bars and two nightclubs
• Helping usher lingering guests from one bar to the next
• Passing out welcome shots at each new location
• Chatting, socializing and making sure everyone is having a fantastic time!

4. Amazing coworkers

The best part of the job by far, is the people you meet.

While I was working there, we had staff from Wales, Turkey, Bahamas, America, UK and more! Most of the staff lives with you in the housing or nearby so everyone gets extremely close. It’s a little like living in a college dorm or apartment.

We’d walk to our shift together every night (usually grab late night food after the pub crawl) and walk home together. There is a really strong sense of friendship and community. And never a dull moment among the coworkers! We were constantly going on mini trips, out for dinner, gathering for house parties or exploring Krakow together. If you want to work a travel job and ensure you’ll make friends from all over the world- definitely apply with Krawl Through Krakow.

5. Unlimited free drinks for employees

If you enjoy going out, this is a job for you.

And yes, you can drink while you’re working.

You can also join the pub crawl for free any of your nights off.

It’s all about encouraging a fun environment and making sure the guests are having a blast. If I saw people sitting alone or too timid to join the group, I would go up and ask them to join me for a shot or a game of beer pong and get the party started.

As long as you don’t act like a complete idiot, having fun and drinking on the job is part of the perks! Pub crawl guides should be social, outgoing and throwing a few back with the guests

6. Live in an amazing city

Personally, I adore Krakow. With so much to do, fantastic street food and a wild nightlife scene- there’s never a dull moment!

You can tour Schindler’s factory, the salt mines or wander through old town.

It’s a clean, charming city that hasn’t experienced an explosion of tourists like other European cities.

Even though, I was living there during the winter- I still found it fantastic despite the cold!

Check out my blog posts on Krakow here and here.

7. Plenty of time off

Krawl Through Krakow only requires you to work 3 shifts a week. So you will have plenty of time to explore Krakow and beyond! While you can certainly sign up to take more shifts (I often did!) – I also chose to take those four days off sometimes for a trip to Auschwitz, tours around Krakow or a mini getaway.

I recommend venturing around Poland and the neighboring countries. Buses and train makes it exceptionally easy to get around.

8. Flexible schedule

Each weekend you’ll be asked to submit your availability for that upcoming week. Since you submit your schedule only a few days in advance, it makes planning trips or events a breeze! It’s really easy to take a weekend off to go to Zakopane.

You can easily request for a few days off if you want to head to Ukraine, Slovakia, etc.

9. Great location to travel to other European countries

With the apps GoEuro or Flixbus, you can book really cheap tickets to just about anywhere!

Prague, Lviv and many other great cities aren’t far away.

My favorite trip: Slovakia

On my final weekend in Poland, we decided to take a trip to the southern mountain town, Zakopane. We stayed at a quaint mountain Airbnb that was just a few miles from the Slovakian border.

In the morning, we decided to walk across the border into Slovakia to go explore! We stopped in a little town called Sucha Hora and bought breakfast at a grocery store before spending the the later part of the day up in the mountains. It was such a lovely, spontaneous trip made easy by the fact I was living and working in Krakow.

10. The opportunity to travel around Poland

Living in Krakow puts you near a lot of other great Polish cities!

You can take a bus to explore nearby towns, even if you work the pub crawl in the evening. Catch an early bus and spend the whole day exploring before your shift that night! Or better yet, request your days off in a row so you can head out of Krakow for a few days.

In the summer you will have to work promo shifts in the afternoon but during the winter we just did hostel runs in the evening to drop off flyers and chat with any potential guests. This left our days free to do with as we pleased!

My Top 3 Trips Around Poland

1. Zakopane

Poland’s beautiful mountain town!

Zakopane is definitely worth the trip. Find an Airbnb and stay the night with your coworkers from Krawl through Krakow!

Be sure to book a horse drawn carriage excursion with food and drinks- otherwise known as Kulig! It’s almost like a Polish hoedown!

2. Auschwitz Concentration Camp

A day trip here is difficult. It is heartbreaking and impossible to fully grasp the level of tragedy that occurred here.

Auschwitz is just a short bus ride away from Krakow. And while it’s uncomfortable, its necessary to see.

3. Warsaw

What was going to be a one day trip to Warsaw, turned into a three day trip with my coworkers!

We took a train to Warsaw to visit the zoo where the true story of The Zookeeper’s Wife took place then we somehow wound up spending the next two days in Warsaw.

Together we explored the old town square, listened to street musicians. ate Polish cuisine and visited museums.

You can easily book a train or bus ticket to Warsaw any day of the week!

Overall, a worthwhile and unforgettable experience

Initially, I wasn’t sure I wanted to spend January and February in a cold destination like Poland. But WOW, I am so thankful I did.

I met incredible people, traveled all around Poland and after a tearful airport goodbye, found myself immediately searching for flights back to Krakow later in the year. I would’ve liked to stay longer and would definitely like to return.

But until then, Krawl Through Krakow is hiring!

And if you think you’re up for an experience like this, you can apply here.

Looking to get paid to travel the world? Read: TRAVEL JOBS: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FINDING PAID WORK AROUND THE WORLD

Save this post about Krawl Through Krakow on Pinterest for later:

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The post 10 Reasons To Work As A Pub Crawl Guide With Krawl Through Krakow appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

This is what I like about photographs. They are proof that once, even if just for a heartbeat, everything was perfect.

Jodi Picoult

The most memorable souvenir from any trip, is the pictures you take while traveling. Looking back through old photos of your adventures brings all the memories rushing back. Capturing the joy, excitement and wonder you feel while abroad is why so many people fall in love with travel photography.

Trouble is, it can be difficult to get any decent photos of you on your trip- especially if you’re traveling solo! Asking other tourists to snap a photo of you will only occasionally produce good results.

But more often than not, they turn out blurry or your new found amateur photographer crops out the scenery behind you entirely. And you feel too shy to ask for a retake.

Airbnb Photo Tours

One way to ensure you come back from your trip with a beautiful array of photos is to book an Airbnb experience with a professional photographer.

I teamed up with Zuzanna from Krakow with a Photographer during my time in Poland and can’t recommend her photography tour enough!

You can book this exact excursion here.

Get $15 off your first Airbnb Experience of $50 or more!

Meet locals and find hidden spots

Not only is a chance to get great photos, (especially if you’re a blogger or avid social media user!) but you get the chance to connect with someone local in the country.

Zuzanna showed me hidden spots in Krakow I would have never found without a local’s guidance. She explained quirky city art and unnoticed historical sites as we walked around for several hours on a beautiful snowy day.

And after our photo tour, we warmed up over a delicious lunch with a great view of the city. Several days later we met again as friends to visit Krakow’s hidden lake and eat Polish cuisine.

Pro tip: Bring a change of clothes or some accessories to swap out so you have a variety of looks for your photos!

I packed overalls, a skirt, scarf, a sweater and two hats (all locally bought in Poland!) to mix and match with throughout the shoot.

Feel uncomfortable in front of the camera? This is a great opportunity to step outside your comfort zone!

Try looking at photos ahead of time for inspiration and recreate some of the ideas you like. Having your photo repeatedly taken can feel incredibly vulnerable, I struggled to be in front of the camera for years. But once you embrace feeling a little silly and just have fun goofing off, your photos will convey joy, comfortability and confidence.

It’s difficult to fake an emotion during a photo shoot. If you feel awkward, your photos will convey that so do you best to commit fully! Coming up with poses on your own can be challenging, but just keep trying new things- you’re bound to find what works for you! Wear something you love, that makes you feel confident and don’t be afraid to make bold choices

In just a few days, you’ll have a dropbox link full of great edited photos from your excursion.

Zuzanna is professional and efficient- you’ll have your photos quickly! In an easily downloaded format, they retain their high resolution.

Bring a favorite outfit and have fun shooting! Let me know if you book this photo tour or any others Happy traveling!

Read: THE COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE TO POLAND

Traveling in Krakow? You can book this experience here.

More on Krakow, Poland? Read:

• 10 REASONS TO WORK AS A PUB CRAWL GUIDE WITH KRAWL THROUGH KRAKOW
• 25 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO VISIT KRAKOW, POLAND
• KRAKOW, POLAND IN THE SPRING
• 7 MUST HAVE FOOD EXPERIENCES IN KRAKOW, POLAND

The post Krakow With A Photographer: Using Airbnb Experiences to Get Amazing Travel Photos appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Krakow wormed its way into my heart and high onto my list of favorite European cities. It’s cleaner than Rome, less crowded than London, cheaper than Stockholm and still full of amazing history!

When most people think of Krakow, they think of World War II and Schindler’s List. And while there is a lot of WWII history here and you can tour Schindler’s factory, there is so much more to Krakow.

Read: THE COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE TO POLAND

For instance, the beautiful architecture, the delicious Polish food or the massive town square lined with snow-white horse drawn carriages.

In the winter time, massive Christmas trees are on display in the main square. Every cobbled street winding into the city center is adorned with huge, blue holiday lights. These dazzling decorations string from one end of the road to the other. It’s a lovely sight! But the town square is wonderful in every season. In the spring, it’s bustling with activity!

Read: KRAKOW, POLAND IN THE SPRING

In addition to the Christmas festivities and stunning town square, Krakow’s nightlife is legendary. There are pub crawls running every night of the week making it a popular destination for bachelor/bachelorette parties. There are bars and clubs on every cobbled street of this beautiful city. In other words, you’ll have no problem socializing and meeting other travelers!

Read: 10 REASONS TO WORK AS A PUB CRAWL GUIDE WITH KRAWL THROUGH KRAKOW

Free city walking tours run daily from the city center. And Krakow is full of great, inexpensive hostels and Airbnbs. So this makes it a great destination for budget travelers!

In fact, everything in Krakow is incredibly affordable. You can easily dine out for $5. My favorite 24 hour Pierogi restaurant only charges a few dollars for 10 freshly made Polish dumpling filled with a variety of meat and vegetables. And don’t get me started on their delicious Polish soup with sausage, egg and onion!

Read: 7 MUST HAVE FOOD EXPERIENCES IN KRAKOW, POLAND

With it’s great food, nightlife and history- Krakow is not to be missed!

Looking to extend your stay in Krakow? Check out my time working with Krawl Through Krakow:

The post 25 Photos To Inspire You To Visit Krakow, Poland appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.