Travel to Poland
At the time we traveled to Poland from North Italy, there were political issues because of what was happening on the border of Poland and Belarus with the refugee crisis. In October, there was a massive protest in Warsaw. I didn’t know what to expect, but I do know news outlets tend to blow things out of proportion. I had a moment after husband left for work when I heard a sort of loud boom and chanting nearby the hotel in downtown Warsaw. I looked out the window and a small group was standing in front of a building, but a larger group of maybe 50 people came marching up. The two groups merged and walked on while three people darted off in the other direction. I’m not sure what it was about, but it became quiet and all was well as far as I know. If you’ve ever watched the movie No Escape with Owen Wilson, then you can imagine what was crossing my mind. Travel can be invigorating.
We had a bit of a wonky schedule because husband was there for work. If I had my way, we would’ve flown into Krakow, then to Warsaw.
Our travel itinerary was:
Day 1 - Fly to Warsaw from Venice
Flying out of Treviso was much less expensive, but I wanted to travel with my husband and his flight was booked for work, so there was no changing it. Always check multiple airports nearby.
Day 2 - Train to and stay overnight in Krakow
Day 3 - Stay overnight in Krakow
Day 4 - Train to and stay overnight in Warsaw 2 nights
Day 6 - Fly to Venice
Where Did You Stay?
In Warsaw, we stayed at Warsaw Marriott next to the train station. When we returned from Krakow, we stayed at the Sheraton Grand Warsaw . I must make it clear - these are not budget-friendly, however, we had Marriott points so it costs us less than $50. A total win for us.
In Krakow, we stayed at the wonderful, comfortable, centrally located, and budget-friendly Hotel 32.
No, it’s not mine as it’s not budget-friendly, but I’d take it (for a day).
What Did You Do?
Wednesday
Visited the Palace of Culture & Science which to my surprise was not anything to do with seeing culture and science things. You literally pay to go up a lift to the top and see the city. The photos of the city at the bottom of this post are from the building. I was confused.
Old Towne, took photos, and I thought we’d see a grand Christmas market, but we did not. There was a set of huts, but not many, and the Christmas lights weren’t on the first night.
Thursday
After a 2.5 hour train ride to Krakow, we visited the Old Towne. Along the way, we took leisure walks through a park and by Wawel Royal Castle. We enjoyed a splendid Thanksgiving in Krakow. Krakow was laid back and enjoyable. I’d visit this city again.
Friday
Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial Guided Tour from Krakow - this was an all day affair. I recommend this tour agency. They provided nice buses (a little crowded though), were on time, communicated well, and had good customer service. On the way to Auschwitz, the guide spoke extensively about the horrific events and he played a documentary for us. Honestly, that’s all I can say at the moment. I aim to do a memoirs post about what I saw and heard, but not yet. I’ll link it at a later date. Click the photos to enlarge.
Saturday
From Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour - I also recommend this tour. The tour guides were nice and informative. The statues and wall carvings are all made of salt. There are chapels and some rather elaborate areas in the mine as they rent them for parties and such. It’s cool to see, but don’t expect a raw cave. Take note that it’s colder outside than it will be in the cave, if you’re visiting in the winter. After the tour, we took the train back to Warsaw.
Sunday
I returned to the Old Towne in the evening.
Monday
Departed for Vicenza.
Where Did You Eat?
I’ll only list the places I highly recommend. There were a few. Poland has delicious food and delightful mulled wine (Grzaniec Galicyjski). I needed a cleanse and a long fast after returning home. It’s easy to overindulge.
In Warsaw:
Seafood Station Restaurant & Oyster Bar, Warsaw
Fish and chips were fantastic.
They serve Hugo spritz. A large one.
Pierogi and broth - separate - was my selection and it was a great tasting and comforting meal.
The down-home cooking you long for can be found here. We had pierogi, duck with some amazing cranberry sauce spread over the top, pureed beets, ribs, and fries.
In Krakow:
A friend recommended this restaurant so we had our Thanksgiving dinner here. It was the perfect meal with a show. Someone was having a birthday party in the next room so we were entertained by traditional, Polish musicians and dancers.
This restaurant is situated in the Rynek Główny square where you’ll surely find yourself at some point. We stopped in for a light meal of pierogi in broth, pierogi in beet soup, and mulled wine.
I needed some vegetables, so we stopped here for a salad and drink. A nice setting also in the Rynek Główny square.
Foods/drinks to try:
Pierogi (dumplings) - in broth or not. Either way, they’re stinking delish.
Grilled cheese - I mean that in a literal sense. Cheese that is grilled. I had cranberry sauce on mine. Yum!
Mulled wine
Polish Beer
Where Did You Park?
We drove to Venice and parked our car in the Parcheggi Aeroporti di Venezia lot P5. The cost was 33€ for the 5 days we were gone.
Helpful Travel Apps for Poland
Public Transportation: jakdojade
Easy to use app for the metro, train, tram, or bus.
Taxi: Free Now
Taxis are really inexpensive in Warsaw and Krakow.
More photos from Warsaw.
If and when you visit Poland, please be sure to share your experience in the comments below. I have so much to learn and I’m sure others would appreciate it also. If you have any questions about what I’ve posted, ask it in the comments or send me a message.
See Helpful Travel Apps.
