Possibly stopping in Krakow

Hi everyone,
I've asked questions on here before, and everyones been very helpful, so here's another one.
I'm a 29 year old American, but I live in Saudi Arabia. I'm going on vacation to the States in the middle of December (my first vacation in 15 months!) and would like to stop in Eastern Europe on my way home. I'm considering Krakow or Riga. Any thoughts or opinions on either of these cities?

How is Krakow in December? I know it's cold, but is there much to do, especially with the nightlife, or do most of the younger people go away for the holidays?

I'm thinking about staying three or four nights. Is this enough time to really experience the city? I'd hate to just start to enjoy myself and then have to leave!

Is it entertaining enough to spend a few days there by myself, because I'm single and traveling alone?
I appreciate any info and ideas you guys have. Thanks for the help in advance.

Bryon

in Krakow is always something to do. Rynek Glowny is beautiful in December, maybe with snow... night life is great... there is many tourists and young people everywhere....

I spendt 3 days in Warsaw and ended up waking up with a girl on my arm the first night(which i still am with) , dont see how Krakow would be any different. Poles are very easy to get to know i found out, i now have lots of friends in Warzaw after only 4 trips :)

Going back on 7th october.

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!