Traveling in January has its perks. There are fewer tourists around and the flights are a lot cheaper. This is part of the reason for my three weekends abroad during the past month. Budapest and Tirana were eventually followed up with Kraków. This city in southern Poland was a nice return visit. It is almost 10 years since our last visit in 2013. Then we took the train from Bratislava and spent a weekend exploring the city, but also with an excursion to Auschwitz. This time I traveled alone, enjoying a weekend solo in a grey and cold Kraków.
Traveling Solo to Kraków
Friday evening I left for the airport. I was flying from Stockholm Skavsta Airport, just half an hour of driving from home. Even though I was a bit stressed, several pieces turned out to be great this evening. I had forgotten to book parking in advance but was still able to park indoors for the same price as outdoors.
The security check was quick and even though there were a lot of people I was still able to find a good spot to wait for my flight. I even had some luck when I ordered a beer. Well, bad luck changing color. The beer keg ran out when the glass was almost full. Instead of asking me to wait, the bartender told me to have my beer and come back for the last part later on. Once I had emptied the glass I went back to the bar and received another almost full glass. Really nice of them and really unexpected in Sweden. Let’s just say that I had a quite pleasant wait for the Wizz Air flight to Kraków.
Traveling solo really means that you usually don’t mind where you sit on the plane. It is all about reaching your destination and this was also the case for me this evening. I slept most of the way and woke up just a few minutes prior to landing. That is how I prefer to spend my flights. Arriving at Kraków was quite uneventful and I was soon in my pre-arranged taxi to the hotel.
There was especially one thing that really came in handy this time since it was past midnight when I checked in. There are several Carrefour grocery stores in Kraków that are open 24 hours a day so it was easy to get some affordable sodas and snacks for the evening. Well, night, but I had already slept over an hour and had some new energy.
Strolling Around in Kraków
My one full day in Kraków was spent on foot. I strolled around, mostly around the Old Town. I lost count of the number of times I walked by the main square around the market hall. But I did eventually have quite a lot of photos of the St. Mary’s Basilica and the Town Hall Tower from many different angles.
My city stroll also took me down and around the Wawel Royal Castle, probably the most impressive landmark in Kraków. I especially like the view out over the Vistula River. Yes, there might not be much to see along the opposite waterfront. But that feeling when looking out over a river in Europe. It is hard to describe, but it is almost possible to feel history flowing by. The Old Town of Kraków and surrounding parks really are amazing to just stroll around in. It was first when I started to get a bit too cold that I headed to the huge shopping center Galeria Krakowska. And that’s something that I soon regretted as it was really crowded.
A Cold Evening in Kraków
After heating up at Galeria Krakowska I headed out again and it was now getting dark outside. My walk from here was actually a perfect way to enjoy the many Christmas decorations that were still in abundance around the Old Town. In addition, you still have the many historical buildings being illuminated during the dark hours of the day. I had some Polish pierogi for dinner and did probably not choose the right restaurant for it. I know that they can taste and look so much better than what I got.
It was still quite cold, so it was a quick stroll around the Old Town. Kraków is indeed even more beautiful when it is dark and the buildings are illuminated. Strolling around, especially on the large square at the market hall, really is spectacular. But it was still cold and I was back at my hotel room quite early to lay down and watch a movie.
Returning Home to Sweden
The next morning it was just to eat the hotel breakfast and pack the bag. I had been staying at Amber Boutique Hotels for two nights. Its location directly outside of the Old Town had protected me from the noise of the infamous nightlife in Kraków. It had been a nice stay, which is why I mention them here.
I had already arranged for transport back to the airport the evening before. It was when I was checking out that I received an update from Wizz Air that the flight was delayed by 90 minutes. A bit too late to rearrange the transport, so I still headed to the airport as first planned. This is, of course, recommended when traveling with Wizz Air as you never know in case they re-arrange and the flight departs earlier. At least I had time to sit down for a proper lunch. The hamburger really looked amazing. Can you imagine my disappointment when it barely tasted anything? That is airport food in a nutshell.
Luckily the flight was not delayed further. Well, not a lot more at least. It’s not like boarding is an effective process at all airports. Once more, I was soon asleep and slept for most of our short flight to Stockholm Skavsta Airport. Once there it was just a short drive back home and the weekend traveling had come to an end. Three European cities in three weekends was an amazing way to spend the weekends of January.
What Not to Miss When Visiting Kraków in January
- The Old Town is probably a must no matter what time of the year you are visiting. The historical buildings, large squares, the castle. There is much to enjoy and especially when it gets dark and the main buildings are illuminated. It is also a perfect time to admire the town without the large tourist groups getting in the way.
- Enjoy the many cafés and restaurants. There are many cafés and restaurants in Kraków and as January is usually the coldest month here it is also the perfect time to enjoy these indoor venues.
- Excursions. There are so many places that are not dependent on the weather or where the cold weather is actually an advantage. Either you hide in the Wieliczka Mine, a salt mine southeast of Kraków or you go skiing in the mountains around Zakopane.
Nice collage of photos. Thanks!