We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Klaudia, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Klaudia lives in Poland, and submitted the following report about Krakow. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: Polish, English
Traveling by horse-drawn carriage.
Reasons to Visit Krakow
I visited Cracow (Krakow) in April 2015. It is one of Poland’s most beautiful and most frequently visited cities.
Cracow boasts Europe’s biggest square and here I admired the charming horse carriages, the Cloth Hall, and the beautiful St Mary’s Basilica with the magnificent altarpiece by Veit Stoss inside it.
I walked to Wawel Hill to see the Royal Castle, surrounded by gorgeous aromatic gardens and beautiful pink magnolias. Most of my time, however, I spent wandering across the district of Kazimierz. I loved the ambience of this place, which often reminded me of the Brick Lane area in London. At times seemingly run down and shabby, Kazimierz is filled with beautiful charming places, overwhelming history, and a lovely sense of peace. Synagogues and churches mix with bars and graffiti and interesting street art. As a lover of atmospheric cafes I was spoilt for choice and I also found many galleries and vintage shops. I had an amazing dessert – a chocolate cake made with rose water.
I was pleasantly surprised how many travelers from around the world visit Krakow and even though I was traveling solo, I met nice people from different countries and felt very safe and confident there.
Wawel Castle
Delicious chocolate cake with rose water.
One of many atmospheric cafes.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)