I’m sure you do it too – before going on holiday I cross my fingers and toes that, please, please, Mother Nature, it won’t rain. And maybe it will even be sunny? The problem with long-term travel is of course that, as hard as I try to route my trip zig-zagging away from weather systems (kidding, no way I’m that organized) some places will have awful weather.
Krakow was one of those places.
However, if I had to journey into wind, sleet, and snow somewhere, I’m glad it was Krakow. Because, you guys, this city doesn’t know how to look gloomy. Even while squinting through gusts of wind filled with sleet I couldn’t stop smiling.
And then on my last evening there the sun came out!
I do wish that the weather had been a little milder so that I could have ventured farther from the Old Town. I had wanted to visit the other side of the river to Podgorz to see its rundown mansions and trendy cafés, but I ended up only getting as far as Kazimierz, Krakow’s historical Jewish district.
Plac Nowy is the heart of Kazimierz’s nightlife, probably due mostly to the famous Alchemia. I didn’t go there at night, but I did indulge in Krakow’s favorite drunk food (it even tastes delicious sober) – zapiekanka. I can’t tell you how many times my stomach rumbled as I was editing this photo, ha.
I can’t believe it took me so long to visit Krakow, but I at least know that it won’t take me that long to return (probably when I next go to visit Cieszyn).
Where to Stay in Krakow
I’m so excited to share where I stayed in Krakow, because I truly think I stumbled on one of the city’s accommodation gems: Globtroter.
This guest house is beautifully designed with hand chosen artwork (no bland hotel paintings here), cozy carpets, and lace tablecloths. Our room even had a Pooh Bear sitting on a table!
I hate when guest houses feel so generic that I end up forgetting what country I’m in, but this definitely wasn’t a problem at Globtroter. Check current rates for Globtroter here
Globtroter is in the center of the Old Town, but tucked back in a pretty courtyard, which most rooms have balconies overlooking.
The best part? With surprisingly inexpensive rooms, Globtroter can be both an affordable splurge for the budget traveler (because let’s be real, you’re going to want to live it up a little while in Krakow) or a great deal for the luxury traveler. It’s the sort of place that I’d recommend both to my best friend and to my parents. Check current rates for Globtroter here
Many thanks to Globtroter for hosting me while in Krakow. As always, all opinions are my very own!
Have you been to Krakow? Or another city that defies bad weather?
Justine says
Even with my vegetarian-ness that zapiekanka looks so good! It really does look like the epitome of a drunk food!
Silvia says
It WAS so good! I still daydream about it…
EmilyAnne (Eat All Over The World) says
Such a fun and beautiful adventure. Thanks for sharing!
Silvia says
Thanks, Emily!
Allison says
Wow, thanks for sharing. Your pictures are beautiful and capture the city so well! I’m headed to Europe soon, and was a bit hesitant to stop in Krakow. Your post totally changed my mind though, so thank you again for sharing!
http://www.headelsewhere.com
Silvia says
You absolutely have to stop in Krakow! And if you don’t have a place to stay, really consider Globtroter – it totally made my stay.
Camille says
Ah, I’m yet to hear a bad thing about Krakow, everyone seems to love it and I can see why! That guesthouse looks so cutesy – I love the vines on the balconies. Totally the kind of place both me and my parents would enjoy!
Silvia says
I fell completely in love with the guest house – and with Krakow!
Andrea says
I had 3 days of dense fog in Krakow but still loved it. Some people say it’s overrated and too touristy but I’d happily go back.
Silvia says
I loved that Krakow is big enough that even in the most touristy areas it’s easy to find an empty alley or coffee shop that’s not overcrowded.
Alexandria says
It looks like you had an amazing trip, all the photos are outstanding. The zapiekanka looks delicious.
Silvia says
The zapiekanka WAS delicious!
Erin says
One of my favorite cities that I have ever visited. It’s full of beautiful ancient culture and young people because it has so many universities. I’m glad you got at least one day of good weather. Your post has really inspired me to go back. Wonder when I could fit it in… My bank account hates you by the way!
Silvia says
Haha my bank account isn’t pleased with me either. But Krakow is worth it!
Patti says
Looks to be a charming historic city, I may need to add it to the never ending list!
Silvia says
I think you do!
Rebekah says
I had no idea it was such a pretty city. I think I assumed it would be all communist style block buildings. Who knew? I would def eat that sandwich drunk or sober
Silvia says
I would eat that sandwich everyday if I could, haha.
Heather @ Ferreting Out the Fun says
The first time I went to Budapest was right after that Icelandic volcano erupted a few years ago and the weather across Europe went crazy. I was greeted with cold sideways rain and gale-force winds which were not at all conducive to exploring. Thankfully the city has many fabulous baths where I could hide from the horrible weather 🙂
Krakow looks gorgeous! Definitely on my wish list!!
Silvia says
Oh wow, that must have been crazy! Hiding in a bath sounds perfect though 🙂
Joella // Paper Crane Stories says
Krakow looks beautiful! I’m glad you liked it in all weather! We had some rain when we were in Kyoto recently but it made the temples, gardens and the bamboo forest look even more beautiful! Plus it kept the crowds away.
Silvia says
Kyoto is another city that doesn’t know how to look gloomy, definitely.
Maria's Adventure says
I love Krakow, the city is so charming! I haven’t been for years – but it is one of the cities I know I always will return to, at some point:-)
Silvia says
Right? I’m already daydreaming about returning to Krakow 🙂
becky hutner says
So I’ve made some major discoveries in the family history department this week and my dad is officially on board for an Eastern European Genealogical Adventure! I am hoping for next spring/summer & needles too say, “Heart My Backpack” will be my guide!
Derek Cullen says
Some really lovely photography in there Silvia. I have just spent a month living in Krakow and completely agree that it just doesn’t know how to look gloomy!
Steve @ whatwaytoday says
A really lovely city, beautiful and varied. We were lucky enough to stay at an apartment opposite Wawel Castle at a very decent price.
And I raise your Zapiekanki with my 2 Zapiekankis! 😃 http://whatwaytoday.com/2016/03/07/cracking-krakow-and-an-emotional-auschwitz-baltic-trip-part-5/
Kitkatz says
Great review and I love your pics!! 👌😀
Laura says
If you enjoyed Krakow, I would definitely recommend visiting Wroclaw;)
Leyla Giray Alyanak says
I laughed when I read this because bad weather seems to be my specialty. I went to Milan for a weekend – it rained ALL weekend. And so on. In Krakow I was lucky, although I’ve seen photos of the city in winter and it’s quite different – different enough to be worth a second trip during the Christmas season. But I was there in April, when it was sunny and glorious and hot in the daytime and cool in the evening. Ideal. Just wanted to drop in and say you’ve got gorgeous photographs, well done!
Krakow says
Thanks Silvia for this wonderful post about my beloved city of Krakow!
Lori says
Kraków is amazing, however it is kind of sad that most of the tourist stays only there, when Poland has so many other interesting cities. My favorite one is Warsaw. It has atmosphere like nothing else in the world and nightlife which makes you jaw drop. My favorite party spot there is New Orleans Club, elegant place where you can watch gorgeous pole dancers and just have fun.