A SAVVY TRAVEL GUIDE:
KRAKOW
Words by Tilly Stewart
If you're looking for a cultural yet cheap European city break, especially in the Winter months, then Krakow is the place for you!!
This Polish city enriched in history is filled with a beautiful mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Dating back to the 7th century, Krakow is the former capital of a hugely religious country filled with beautiful churches, cathedrals and a breathtaking Basilica.
Of course, the food and drink culture is just as important when on any city break. There are plenty of delicious options to consider when it comes to eating in the city. Joe and I happened to be there whilst the Christmas markets were in full swing which made the trip that bit more special- there were a lot of Bratwursts and copious amounts of mulled wine consumed.
A dreamy spot I would highly recommend is a wine and tapas bar called Delta Dietla just outside of the Old Town. The interiors are a perfect mix of modern, authentic and intimate. Albeit not Polish cuisine, if you're in the mood for a delicious bowl of truffle cacio e pepe then this is the spot for you.
The chilly weather and snowy scenes made walking round the city enchanting, especially whilst going through the grounds of the medieval Wawel Castle.
The old town square is lined with restaurants and bars that have indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seating in Winter is magical as it is enclosed by screens and filled with heaters making it the perfect setting to cosy up, have a Polish beer and people watch!
We stayed at the 12/14 Stradom House during our stay which was perfection!
Everything about the hotel was a treat, from the interiors, to the spa, to the coffee they served in the rooms. The former 14th century church and monastery was refurbished into a stylish hotel in 2023 with eclectic and considered interiors. The wellness area was glorious and a lovely space to come back to after walking around in the snow.
Although it is one of the more pricier places to stay in Krakow, it is still reasonably priced considering the quality of the hotel and it is a perfect treat for a weekend city break. The rest of the city is very affordable and as I often like to remind myself, it's important to treat yourself from time to time...
So, if you're looking for your next city break, please let this be your reason to consider Krakow- it exceeded all of our expectations and more!
SAVVY