eric
6 Oct 2007
Travel / Possibly stopping in Krakow [4]
I was in Krakow for a week in this summer and had a great time. The locals are for the most part quite welcoming and friendly. The touristy bars in the main square are great--lots of ladies and very good restraunts. It is a bit more pricey there than other places, though. The food is good, but not extraordinary.
If you want a more "local" experience I found you have to go out looking for it. There are a lot of cool bars that are trying to hide from tourists. Walk up and down the narrow roads that are off the main streets and listen for music. If you find a place you will have to know a few key phrases in Polish (e.g. is this a bar?, can I come in?, beer please, etc..) If the door man likes you he will let you in. Order drinks in Polish and only speak English when you sense that people are warming up to you (which I found did not take long).
One thing I found helpful when I was meeting people was to subtly let them know that I was NOT English. You've proably heard about their alleged reputation on bachelor parties and such. I was mistaken for English when trying to get into a bar and was not allowed in. Some locals cannot detect an American accent, so be mindful when you start speaking English.
As far as sites, four days should hit the highlights. The main square is a must, as is the Jewish quarter, and Wawel castle. The salt mines were cool and Auschwitz was extremely moving, but did not make for an especially "uppity" day, as one might imagine.
If you are by yourself try to befriend some locals or even other toursits you can communicate with and it will make things a lot easier.
Have fun!
I was in Krakow for a week in this summer and had a great time. The locals are for the most part quite welcoming and friendly. The touristy bars in the main square are great--lots of ladies and very good restraunts. It is a bit more pricey there than other places, though. The food is good, but not extraordinary.
If you want a more "local" experience I found you have to go out looking for it. There are a lot of cool bars that are trying to hide from tourists. Walk up and down the narrow roads that are off the main streets and listen for music. If you find a place you will have to know a few key phrases in Polish (e.g. is this a bar?, can I come in?, beer please, etc..) If the door man likes you he will let you in. Order drinks in Polish and only speak English when you sense that people are warming up to you (which I found did not take long).
One thing I found helpful when I was meeting people was to subtly let them know that I was NOT English. You've proably heard about their alleged reputation on bachelor parties and such. I was mistaken for English when trying to get into a bar and was not allowed in. Some locals cannot detect an American accent, so be mindful when you start speaking English.
As far as sites, four days should hit the highlights. The main square is a must, as is the Jewish quarter, and Wawel castle. The salt mines were cool and Auschwitz was extremely moving, but did not make for an especially "uppity" day, as one might imagine.
If you are by yourself try to befriend some locals or even other toursits you can communicate with and it will make things a lot easier.
Have fun!