My trip to Poland wasn’t a total fail. Although Warsaw wasn’t my favorite place I’ve ever been and I felt a little disappointed by my trip to Auschwitz, I immediately fell in love with Krakow.
The sun was shining and flowers were in bloom. There were beautiful, pastel colored buildings next to ones that had fallen into disrepair, a dichotomy that always interested me. Small alleys and church domes reminded me of Spain and Italy.
I’m sure Krakow is always beautiful, but spring in Krakow was something else. The perfect weather for wandering and soaking up the atmosphere of the city.
First I walked to the main square, Rynek Glowny. It is the largest medieval town square in Europe and its enormity and beauty had me grinning in awe as I first stepped in.
I then walked around the Old Town, most of the time with my head cocked back looking up at the buildings. Unlike many cities in Poland, Krakow was not destroyed during World War II and the Old Town (Stare Miasto in Polish) is filled with a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
I then made my way to Wawel Hill, a complex consisting of many fortifications, the Royal Castle, and Wawel Cathedral, for a view out over the Vistula river.
And then I’d just walk. Sometimes without a map, sometimes with. Up and down streets. Into shops and restaurants. I’d walk until I made my way back to Kazimierz, the old Jewish Quarter.
Which is your favorite photo of Krakow?
Ahhhh now I can’t WAIT to go to Krakow (nothing planned yet, but as I’ve been to Gdansk already it seems like Krakow would be the next Polish city to go too
) It looks so pretty! 
Beverley – Pack Your Passport recently posted..How I Spent 48 Hours in Gdansk
Yes! Go to Krakow- it’s beautiful and so cheap (like the rest of Poland) and has tons of character. And you’ve inspired me to try to get to Gdansk sometime.
The second photo of the square is definitely my favourite, really shows the enormity of it!
I’m glad you found some gold in Poland after your disappointing trip to Auschwitz.
Nick recently posted..Desert Days in Jaisalmer
Thanks Nick!
So beautiful! My boyfriend’s mom just went to Krakow last month and she loved it! Although she was only there for 3 days, she told us it was very historic and interesting. I hope to visit one day!
Hannah Wasielewski recently posted..Dear Montevideo- It’s Not You, It’s Me.
It’s definitely both of those things.I was only there for 2.5 days and it wasn’t nearly enough. I hope you get to visit soon!
Krakow, ah Krakow! Can you believe I’ve never made it there? It’s so charming and historical, but for some reasons, I missed it when living, working and travelling in Poland. I love your snapshots of the Old Town and Square.
Agness recently posted..5 Things I Loved About Being Disabled In China
You need to get there ASAP, Agness! It’s beautiful and has a lot of character and charm.
Beautiful photos! Krakow looks gorgeous! I’d love to go there someday
Hopefully I’ll make it sooner rather than later!
Courtney recently posted..Vienna
It’s a very lovely and photogenic city. I hope you make it there soon as well
Amanda, in the first picture I see writing on the roof. Do you know the story behind that?
I love all your photos! You keep taking me places I would never go to otherwise. Miss you girl!
I don’t! I think maybe it is construction stuff, but I could be wrong! Thank you and miss you too. Hopefully I will see you in August!
Wow, that’s really beautiful. The Spring sun really does give you reminders of other Eastern European places like Prague or Romania.
Ceri recently posted..Happy Days to Curb the Sad Ones
It’s a beautiful city. Nice for a weekend break that’s not too far from the UK!
Hi, i just stumbled upon your blog today and wanted to say that I love this post! I recently went on a two-week trip through Poland, and Krakow was my favorite place I visited. I love your pictures of the main square in Krakow – what a beautiful place! My husband declared it was his favorite main square he’s seen in Europe so far.
Sara @ SimplySaraTravel recently posted..Festive Lisbon
Thanks Sara! Krakow is beautiful and I completely agree with your husband. It was breathtaking.