We're going to be in Poland for a conference this July, and I will be arriving in Krakow and ending up in Poznan where the conference is. We'll have between 5 and 7 days for tourist activities.
Tentatively, I'm thinking about two or three nights in Krakow, two in Wroclaw, and two pre-conference in Poznan. Should I spend more time or less time in any of these places--even if it means skipping Wroclaw? What are the "must sees?" And any recommendations on lodging?
You can see most of Krakow's old city in one day, although if you go slow, there's probably enough to see in two. What can't be done in a single day, if they interest you, are Auschwitz and the nearby salt mine (I forget the name). So, if you want to see either of these, add an extra day for each. I don't know anything about Poznan or Wroclaw...
The only town I can advise on is Krakow. Three nights is plenty of time there. Spend a whole day at the ?Auschwitz concentration camp.
The only town I can advise on is Krakow. Three nights is plenty of time there. Spend a whole day at the ?Auschwitz concentration camp.
You can comfortably see all of the old town in Krakow in one day. I'd suggest that you stay two nights in Krakow and consider two or three nights in Zakopane rather than Wroclaw. Zakopane is a scenic three-hour bus ride from Krakow.
I highly recommend staying at least two nights in Krakow. I was there in March of this year and regret not having spent more time there – this city was by far the most unexpected pleasant surprise. It is true that the main square can be seen in one day but if your goal is to absorb the culture, you need more time. To fully see both Auschwitz and Birkenau, you have to get there early and plan on spending the entire day there.
Thanks so much for your helpful suggestions. Sadly, we cannot consider Zakopane this time because it ia three hours in the wrong direction from our ultimate terminus of Poznan. Wroclaw is on the way, which is why we were interested in it. But we wondered if two days there was too much--perhaps an additional day in Krakow?
Sergio, can you give me a sense of what you particularly enjoyed in Krakow? I know that there is much more to the city than the main square, but I would value advice on what else to highlight. We do plan to spend a day at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Not something to rush through, I would assume. We actually were toying with adding another place to our itinerary--perhaps Lodz? The only condition is that it has to be accessible by rail or bus, worth the detour, and at least vaguely on the way between Krakow and Poznan.
When in Krakow make sure you pop into any church you happen to walk past. The guidebooks only have room to list a few of the many churches in the city center, but they are all stunningly beautiful and are worth the detour. Krakow is so beautiful and relaxed, that its one of those places you don't mind taking a vacation from you vacation and doing nothing but enjoy the people watching for a few days. Don't forget to add a half-day for the salt mines; they are just outside the city and easily reach via taxi or minibus.
"that its one of those places you don't mind taking a vacation from you vacation and doing nothing but enjoy the people watching for a few days."
OK, a few days would be a little long for me, but I agree with the sentiment. I found just sitting at a cafe on the square, people watching and reading the newspaper a worthwhile few hours spent.
Nobody has mentioned it yet, but I'm sure you're aware of Wawel...
Another activity- find the best local bakery!
Finally, if you like classical music, Krakow offers many performances of chamber music for a very reasonable price.
