Krakow (also spelled Cracow) is a beautiful city located in the south of Poland and it is one of the most magical places to visit in December.
This stunning medieval city features a castle, 14th Century Gothic Cathedral, beautiful buildings, amazing restaurants and a magnificent market square where a fascinating Polish Christmas market is set up annually.
Every year, I enjoy doing a Christmas trip during the month of December.
I started this tradition in December 2017 when I went to Lapland, Finland with Crawford Concierge.
In 2018, I visited Munich/Bavaria, Germany; Salzburg and Hallstatt, Austria; Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia and Vienna, Austria.
During December 2019, I started my Christmas trip in Krakow, Poland and then made my way to Prague and Česky Krumlov, Czechia; Nuremberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany along with Frankfurt and Cologne, Germany.
Since Krakow is an amazing city to visit during the month of December, I am excited to show you everything I did during my two days there.
It was my first time ever visiting the country of Poland and personally, I wish I would’ve spent at least 3 days in Krakow because I definitely feel like I didn’t get enough time there.
I also would love to see more cities in Poland, so it gives me a reason to go back soon.
Below are the top things I did during my time in Krakow, Poland during my December 2019 Christmas market trip.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.
Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy
Traveling to and around Krakow:
Getting to Krakow, Poland required a flight from JFK in New York City to John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport with a layover in Oslo, Norway.
I found affordable one-way flight deals through Skyscanner, which I ALWAYS use!
(I had to book one-way flights since I flew from JFK to Krakow, Poland and then went home from Düsseldorf, Germany to Newark Airport in NJ.)
During my time in Krakow, I was able to walk everywhere since my hotel was centrally located in the city.
What is nice about the city of Krakow is that Uber is everywhere! There are also taxis as well, but I obviously prefer to use Uber when I am getting from one place to the next.
If you are traveling around Poland or just looking to do a road trip through Eastern or Central Europe, I highly recommend renting a car. You will need to get an international driver’s license though!
Where to Stay in Krakow:
Throughout the city of Krakow are plenty of hotels and accommodations to suit all budgets. In addition, you could also stay in a hostel, Airbnb or Vrbo.
During my two nights in Krakow during the month of December, I stayed at Amber Boutique Hotels, which is located in the Old Town historic district and only a 5-minute walk away from Rynek Glowny where the city’s Christmas market takes place.
Amber Boutique Hotels also isn’t far from Wawel Castle and Cathedral
as well as the infamous Jewish Quarter.
During my stay at Amber Boutique Hotels, I stayed in the Single Room (which is fit for a solo traveler like myself or a couple).
It featured a double bed, ensuite bathroom, high-speed WiFi, coffee/tea set, flat screen television, mini-fridge, a phone, safe, heating and air conditioning, desk, hair dryer and more.
In the morning, Amber Boutique Hotels offered a complimentary breakfast that included fresh breads with fruity jams, cold cuts, fruit, cereal, vegetables and some small baked goods. It also included coffee, tea, juice and more.
Christmastime in Krakow during December
Things to do
in Krakow in December:
Enjoy the Krakow Christmas Markets:
Krakow’s Christmas markets are nothing short of magical between late November through early January.
Located in Rynek Glowny within Krakow’s Old Town, the Christmas market takes place next to the Renaissance Cloth Hall and the beautiful St. Mary’s Basilica
.
Rynek Glowny dates back to the 13th Century and offers a stunning location for the Christmas markets. There are decorations everywhere, wooden stalls dominate the square and the entire atmosphere smells like mulled wine and pierogis that are fresh out of the oven.
Traditionally, Krakow’s Christmas market was set up so that locals could buy their Christmas trees, decorations and ingredients for the 12 dishes that are served on Christmas Eve.
Nowadays, you could find local crafts, jewelry, clothing, home décor, pottery, Christmas decorations and more!
(They also sell bundles of mistletoe, which is used for good luck, or if you’re from the Western World, it encourages people who are in love to kiss.)
When it comes to food, you will definitely not have a tough time finding some delicious goodies at the Krakow Christmas market!
Since Krakow was the first city on my Christmas market adventure during December 2019, of course I headed straight there upon arrival.
Because it was early December, the sun had already gone down, so I was able to see everything lit up. The first place I headed to at the markets was the pierogi stand.
I absolutely LOVE these delicious dumplings and finally being able to savor real Polish pierogis definitely felt like Christmas Day.
I enjoyed sauerkraut (cabbage) and mushroom pierogis as well as chicken, zucchini and pesto pierogis. They were amazing!
In addition, I had the Polish version of mulled wine with it all (called Grzaniec Galicyjski).
Afterwards for dessert, I had a delicious chimney cake with chocolate sprinkles.
Chimney cakes, or otherwise known as Kürtoskalács (in Polish or Hungarian) is the official dessert of Transylvania, but they are also popular in Central or Eastern Europe.
It is a sweet bread that is freshly baked into a cylinder shape with a hollow center that resembles a chimney. You pull it apart to eat it!
The traditional chimney cake is covered in cinnamon, but you could get it with different sugary toppings such as sprinkles, nuts, cocoa or fruity powder and other crunchy toppings. They could even be filled with Nutella, white or dark chocolate, caramel, fruity jams, ice cream and more.
Chimney cakes are absolutely delicious and heartwarming and you cannot visit a Central or Eastern European Christmas market without trying one!
Besides pierogis, sausages, potatoes and chimney cakes, another delicious Polish delicacy to try at the Christmas markets are smalec, which is a traditional spread made of lard and spices. It is usually served on a piece of bread and is topped with sausage or other meats as well as fried onions and pickled cucumbers.
Oscypek is a smoked cheese made from sheep milk by the inhabitants of the Tatra mountains located in the south of Poland. These small pieces of cheese could be purchased at the Christmas market with cranberry jelly.
Other Polish treats to try are gingerbread cookies, cream fudge, Polish cookies, Christmas-themed candies, Polish jelly donuts, chocolate-covered fruit and just chocolate alone.
When it comes to drinks, obviously Grzaniec Galicyjski is the most popular beverage, but hot beer is also a popular staple at the Krakow Christmas markets. It is usually a regular Polish beer mixed with sweet syrup in a raspberry, cranberry or ginger flavor. Meads (honey wine) is also popular in this region of the world as well!
Also located in Rynek Glowny is the Kraków Cloth Hall (Sukienniece).
Built in the mid-14th Century when Krakow was used as an east-west trading post, the Cloth Hall was a space where locals would trade textiles and fabrics.
Later on, wax, spices, leather, silk, lead and salt (from the nearby mines) were later sold there.
Nowadays, you could find Christmas stalls in the Cloth Hall and during the summer, Krakow hosts the 19th Century Polish Art Gallery.
In addition, there are also cafés and other stands to enjoy within the 700-year old shopping mall. It is absolutely beautiful too!
Savor Authentic Polish Food:
Besides all of the amazing treats at the Krakow Christmas market, there are also a plethora of amazing eateries in and around the city.
Even though I wasn’t in Krakow long enough to enjoy a lot of local restaurants, the couple that I did go to were authentic and didn’t disappoint.
Marchewka z Groszkiem: Prior to my visit in Krakow, I knew that I wanted to eat at a traditional Polish restaurant.
Thanks to The Blonde Abroad, I found a cute and cozy candlelit place located in Krakow’s Jewish Quarter.
Since I was traveling through Krakow by myself, I felt very comfortable at this restaurant and ordered potato pancakes with a mushroom gravy along with sauerkraut and mushroom pierogis. I also had a local Polish beer with my dinner and it did not disappoint.
I recommend this amazing restaurant if you’re looking for an authentic Polish dinner and I also love how affordable it was too.
During the summer months, they have outdoor seating!
Lajkonik: A lot has changed over the years since communism got booted from Poland and the country eventually joined the European Union.
One thing that has remained in a variety of Polish cities are milk bars. Back in the day, milk bars were steamy cafeterias where people could enjoy a glass of milk or a milk-based meal for cheap.
Experiencing an ex-Socialist milk bar in Krakow is definitely something you need to experience when you visit, especially in December.
During my time in Krakow, I went to Lajkonik in the Jewish Quarter (there are a few locations throughout the city). I enjoyed a creamy caramel treat and it melted in my mouth!
Other great places to check out are Restauracja Wesele and Wierzynek Restaurant
. They were both recommended by my friend Magdalena of Fly Like a Wasp. She is originally from Krakow, but is currently living in Abu-Dhabi.
Participate in a Historical City Tour:
Krakow is one of the oldest cities in Poland, where archaeological evidence date back to 50,000 BC.
Legend has it that Krakow had a dragon too! It was also home to the Wiślanie tribe who occupied Małopolska (Little Poland) until the 10th Century.
The city rapidly became a trade center after that! Eventually, when King Władysław I reunited Poland, he made Krakow the capital. It was where the kings of Poland were traditionally crowned in Wawel Castle and entombed in Wawel Cathedral.
In the 17th Century, Kraków began to decline. The capital was moved to Warsaw and the city became economically impoverished after the devastating Swedish wars.
For a couple centuries, Krakow was controlled by Austria. In 1918, Krakow was finally returned to Poland and then was quickly taken over by the Germans at the beginning of World War II.
The German government made their headquarters in Wawel Castle, executed the teaching staff at Jagiellonian University and sent over 55,000 Jews to Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp.
In 1945, Krakow was liberated by Soviet forces. After World War II, Russian forces supported the Polish government as they rebuilt Krakow’s industry.
Nowadays, Krakow is a thriving city that attracts visitors from all over the world. What is great about Krakow is that it mixes modern with historical Poland.
There are a variety of city tours that you could participate in Krakow during a December Christmas trip to learn more about its history. Click here to discover more!
Walk through the Wawel Cathedral:
One of the top things to do during a trip to Krakow in December is visit Wawel Hill where Wawel Castle and Cathedral are situated.
A piece of advice I would like to give everyone is to visit Wawel Hill earlier in the day. It takes a while to walk through both the cathedral and castle and they do close earlier in the winter, so you want to make sure you have enough time to see it all.
(Plus tickets available daily are limited, especially during Advent season.)
Wawel Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church. For more than 900 years, Wawel Cathedral has been the Polish national sanctuary and traditionally has served as the coronation site of the country’s monarchs.
The style of the cathedral features Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture and it is absolutely beautiful!
An important thing to note is that you unfortunately cannot take photos in Wawel Cathedral, unless you walk up to the tower bell and want to capture the views of the city.
When you walk in, you could grab an audio set and there will be signs that lead you throughout the cathedral. You could see The Royal Sigismund Bell, Sigismund Bell-Ringers, Sigismund Tower, Silver Bells Tower and The Clock Tower.
What is interesting about visiting this cathedral is that you could see the crypts and burial grounds of Polish kings and saints as well as national poets, princes and princesses plus more.
Admire the Wawel Castle:
Wawel Castle is a breathtaking royal complex, which is also located on Wawel Hill.
Poland’s rulers started their residency in an early Romanesque stone building during the 11th Century, called the palatium, whose remains are located in the northern wing of the present-day castle.
Throughout the years, the royal residence on Wawel Hill expanded with the cathedral to comprise the Upper Castle, while the Lower Castle held the houses of the courtiers and clergy.
Throughout the centuries, more was added to the castle until the fire of 1499 destroyed it.
In the early 16th Century, King Alexander I commissioned a German architect and Italian sculptor to rebuild the castle into a Renaissance style.
The castle you see today, is the same Renaissance palace. It has a beautiful courtyard, a gorgeous interior and beautiful views of Krakow.
Wander through Krakow’s Jewish Quarter:
Another top thing to do during a trip to Krakow in December is wander through the Jewish Quarter, called Kazimierz.
Jews started to settle in Krakow in the 12th Century. Prior to World War II, around 64,000 Jews lived in Krakow. In 1939, they were displaced from the city and then in 1941, they were removed from their homes and relocated to a ghetto where many starved and were killed.
The Jews who survived were sent to Auschwitz. After the war, only 10 percent of Cracovian Jews survived with the help of Oskar Schindler, but most of them did not return to Poland.
Kazimierz is the perfect area in Krakow to wander and get lost in.
Some great places to check out in this area of the city is The Old Synagogue, Jewish Galicia Museum
, Museum of Municipal Engineering
and Ghetto Heroes Square.
Kazimierz is also the location Krakow’s infamous party scene. You could also find amazing bars, restaurants, cafés, food trucks and stands, plus more.
Tour the Oskar Schindler Factory
:
If you have the time during your December trip in Krakow, definitely visit the Oskar Schindler Factory.
Oskar Schindler was a German industrialist and a member of the Nazi Party who saved the lives of 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his enamelware and ammunitions factories in Poland, Bohemia and Moravia.
At the Oskar Schindler Factory, you could see exhibitions that presents the tragedy of World War II.
You could also walk through the recreated hairdresser’s salon, stereoscopic studio, typical Krakow basement apartment and also see photographs, objects, newspapers and other documents from the time.
See Krakow’s St. Mary’s Basilica:
Located in Rynek Glowny is the stunning brick Gothic church of St. Mary’s Basilica.
Built in the 14th Century, the church serves as one of the best examples of Polish Gothic architecture and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In fact, you could see the beauty of this church from the Krakow Christmas market.
Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine
:
A cool site to visit if you make your way to Krakow in December is the salt mine, which is located a little south of the city.
From Neolithic times up until 2007, table salt was produced at Wieliczka and was considered the oldest operating salt mine.
The salt mine reaches a depth of 327 meters (1073 feet) and extends through horizontal passages and chambers for over 287 kilometers (178 miles).
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Do a Half Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau:
Prior to my trip to Krakow, I knew that I had to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau.
One thing to note about visiting the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp is that it attracts millions of visitors worldwide, so it is best to get your tickets in advance.
What is great about doing an organized tour is that you are provided with transportation to and from Auschwitz. We were picked up by a bus in the heart of Krakow and returned at the same spot. Plus, you don’t have to wait on long lines and you get assigned a specific tour guide.
Click here to book your tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau today.
Auschwitz-Birkenau is a very dark and sad place and it is asked that all visitors to the museum behave with solemnity and respect.
You should dress reserved, not take any photos of yourself and switch your mobile device to silent.
In addition, you are not allowed to bring a large bag or backpack into Auschwitz. You could bring a smaller purse and cameras are welcomed, but flash cannot be used in certain areas of the museum. There is also an area that is closed off for photos all together, but your guide will let you know when you can and cannot take pictures.
All visitors will also need to go through security before they enter Auschwitz.
Getting to Auschwitz is around an hour and 15-minute drive west from Krakow. It is located in Oświęcim, Poland, which is a suburban area in the country.
Oświęcim became Auschwitz after the Nazis took over and the neighboring town of Brzezinka became Birkenau. The Polish civilian population in these towns were evicted by German Nazis and their houses were demolished. The remains helped built some of the buildings at the camp.
Overall, Auschwitz is a symbol of terror, genocide and the Holocaust. It was the largest extermination center of European Jews.
Originally, Auschwitz was established due to the mass arrests of Poles. Local prisons had an overcapacity of inmates, so in June of 1940, the first transport of Polish prisoners arrived in Auschwitz.
In 1942, a large population of Jews arrived at Auschwitz, so the camp was divided. Auschwitz I, which is the main camp, held around 15,000 to 20,000 prisoners and Auschwitz II, also known as Birkenau, held over 90,000 inmates.
The entire concentration camp was closed off to the outside world through barbed wire fencing.
At the beginning of the 1920s, the Nazi Party in Germany came to rise through public dissatisfaction with the outcome of World War I. Unemployment was extremely high and there was severe poverty in Germany.
Adolf Hitler was the leader of the Nazi Party and he hated Jews and blamed them for the problems that were going on in Germany.
Besides Jews and Polish political prisoners, other inmates at Auschwitz were Sinti and Roma Gypsies, Soviet POWs, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Czechs, Byelorussians, German and French political prisoners, Russians, Yugoslavian political prisoners and Ukrainian political prisoners.
There was also a small percentage of Albanians, Belgians, Danish, Dutch, Greeks, Hungarians, Italians, Latvians, Lithuanians, Luxembourgers, Norwegians, Romanians, Slovaks, Spanish and Swiss. There was also one person from the countries of Argentina, China, Bulgaria and Estonia.
The conditions in the camp were atrocious!
Prisoners were only allowed to use the bathrooms twice a day. They were given spoiled food and limited water. Due to the limited bathroom usage and spoiled food, prisoners were getting extremely sick and had zero privacy to do their business. This led to contagious diseases and people died very quickly.
The barracks that prisoners lived in were frequently damp and were filled with lice and rats.
If prisoners weren’t obeying the rules, doing unsatisfactory work, smoking, relieving oneself at the improper time, wearing non-regulation clothing or attempting to commit suicide, it resulted in either punishment, torture or execution.
Prisoners were also used for medical experimentations in the most disturbing way. Most died or were left with deadly infections and diseases.
In addition, if the Nazis felt that someone couldn’t work, they were quickly sent to the crematoriums (or otherwise known as the gas chambers).
For some, such as the elderly and sick, pregnant women and young children, they never were given a chance and went straight to the gas chambers from the cattle wagons they came in from.
January 27, 1945 was the Day of Liberation for Auschwitz-Birkenau prisoners by Soviet forces.
In total, 1.3 million people were deported to Auschwitz between 1940 and 1945. Of that 1.3 million, 1.1 million of them were murdered.
Overall, my half day trip to Auschwitz was a very surreal, sad and an educational experience.
As you walk through the barracks of Auschwitz and see how the prisoners lived; when you hear about how many of them died and in the worst ways possible; when you walk through the museum and see the old suitcases and mounds of hair that was shaved off women’s heads and when you take that walk in Birkenau where people were lead to the crematoriums, you think a lot to yourself… How anyone could treat other humans so evil and cruelly the way the Nazis did during the Holocaust is very hard to wrap your head around.
If you travel to Krakow, you definitely should not miss out on visiting Auschwitz! My personal experience at Auschwitz-Birkenau will be something I remember for the remainder of my life.
(If you are someone who is interested in World War II history, I also recommend visiting the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam as well as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial in Japan.)
I hope you all enjoyed reading about my time in Krakow during December 2019. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
Traveling around Poland? Click here to book a cooking class.
Make sure to pin this post if you find it useful!
Basic Facts of Poland:
Currency: Polish Złoty, Capital: Warsaw, Time Zone: Central European Standard Time
Looking for the best agency to book your next bespoke travel experience? Contact Crawford Concierge!
*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.
Shop My Krakow Look:
Related posts
First-Time Visitor’s Guide to Chicago in the Summer
12 Amazing Things to do in NJ for Free this Summer
Experience the Best Luxury Safari Lodge in the Serengeti
57 Comments
Leave a Comment
Krakow (also spelled Cracow) is a beautiful city located in the south of Poland and it is one of the most magical places to visit in December.
This stunning medieval city features a castle, 14th Century Gothic Cathedral, beautiful buildings, amazing restaurants and a magnificent market square where a fascinating Polish Christmas market is set up annually.
Every year, I enjoy doing a Christmas trip during the month of December.
I started this tradition in December 2017 when I went to Lapland, Finland with Crawford Concierge.
In 2018, I visited Munich/Bavaria, Germany; Salzburg and Hallstatt, Austria; Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia and Vienna, Austria.
During December 2019, I started my Christmas trip in Krakow, Poland and then made my way to Prague and Česky Krumlov, Czechia; Nuremberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany along with Frankfurt and Cologne, Germany.
Since Krakow is an amazing city to visit during the month of December, I am excited to show you everything I did during my two days there.
It was my first time ever visiting the country of Poland and personally, I wish I would’ve spent at least 3 days in Krakow because I definitely feel like I didn’t get enough time there.
I also would love to see more cities in Poland, so it gives me a reason to go back soon.
Below are the top things I did during my time in Krakow, Poland during my December 2019 Christmas market trip.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.
Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy
Traveling to and around Krakow:
Getting to Krakow, Poland required a flight from JFK in New York City to John Paul II Kraków-Balice International Airport with a layover in Oslo, Norway.
I found affordable one-way flight deals through Skyscanner, which I ALWAYS use!
(I had to book one-way flights since I flew from JFK to Krakow, Poland and then went home from Düsseldorf, Germany to Newark Airport in NJ.)
During my time in Krakow, I was able to walk everywhere since my hotel was centrally located in the city.
What is nice about the city of Krakow is that Uber is everywhere! There are also taxis as well, but I obviously prefer to use Uber when I am getting from one place to the next.
If you are traveling around Poland or just looking to do a road trip through Eastern or Central Europe, I highly recommend renting a car. You will need to get an international driver’s license though!
Where to Stay in Krakow:
Throughout the city of Krakow are plenty of hotels and accommodations to suit all budgets. In addition, you could also stay in a hostel, Airbnb or Vrbo.
During my two nights in Krakow during the month of December, I stayed at Amber Boutique Hotels, which is located in the Old Town historic district and only a 5-minute walk away from Rynek Glowny where the city’s Christmas market takes place.
Amber Boutique Hotels also isn’t far from Wawel Castle and Cathedral
as well as the infamous Jewish Quarter.
During my stay at Amber Boutique Hotels, I stayed in the Single Room (which is fit for a solo traveler like myself or a couple).
It featured a double bed, ensuite bathroom, high-speed WiFi, coffee/tea set, flat screen television, mini-fridge, a phone, safe, heating and air conditioning, desk, hair dryer and more.
In the morning, Amber Boutique Hotels offered a complimentary breakfast that included fresh breads with fruity jams, cold cuts, fruit, cereal, vegetables and some small baked goods. It also included coffee, tea, juice and more.
Christmastime in Krakow during December
Things to do in Krakow in December:
Enjoy the Krakow Christmas Markets:
Krakow’s Christmas markets are nothing short of magical between late November through early January.
Located in Rynek Glowny within Krakow’s Old Town, the Christmas market takes place next to the Renaissance Cloth Hall and the beautiful St. Mary’s Basilica
.
Rynek Glowny dates back to the 13th Century and offers a stunning location for the Christmas markets. There are decorations everywhere, wooden stalls dominate the square and the entire atmosphere smells like mulled wine and pierogis that are fresh out of the oven.
Traditionally, Krakow’s Christmas market was set up so that locals could buy their Christmas trees, decorations and ingredients for the 12 dishes that are served on Christmas Eve.
Nowadays, you could find local crafts, jewelry, clothing, home décor, pottery, Christmas decorations and more!
(They also sell bundles of mistletoe, which is used for good luck, or if you’re from the Western World, it encourages people who are in love to kiss.)
When it comes to food, you will definitely not have a tough time finding some delicious goodies at the Krakow Christmas market!
Since Krakow was the first city on my Christmas market adventure during December 2019, of course I headed straight there upon arrival.
Because it was early December, the sun had already gone down, so I was able to see everything lit up. The first place I headed to at the markets was the pierogi stand.
I absolutely LOVE these delicious dumplings and finally being able to savor real Polish pierogis definitely felt like Christmas Day.
I enjoyed sauerkraut (cabbage) and mushroom pierogis as well as chicken, zucchini and pesto pierogis. They were amazing!
In addition, I had the Polish version of mulled wine with it all (called Grzaniec Galicyjski).
Afterwards for dessert, I had a delicious chimney cake with chocolate sprinkles.
Chimney cakes, or otherwise known as Kürtoskalács (in Polish or Hungarian) is the official dessert of Transylvania, but they are also popular in Central or Eastern Europe.
It is a sweet bread that is freshly baked into a cylinder shape with a hollow center that resembles a chimney. You pull it apart to eat it!
The traditional chimney cake is covered in cinnamon, but you could get it with different sugary toppings such as sprinkles, nuts, cocoa or fruity powder and other crunchy toppings. They could even be filled with Nutella, white or dark chocolate, caramel, fruity jams, ice cream and more.
Chimney cakes are absolutely delicious and heartwarming and you cannot visit a Central or Eastern European Christmas market without trying one!
Besides pierogis, sausages, potatoes and chimney cakes, another delicious Polish delicacy to try at the Christmas markets are smalec, which is a traditional spread made of lard and spices. It is usually served on a piece of bread and is topped with sausage or other meats as well as fried onions and pickled cucumbers.
Oscypek is a smoked cheese made from sheep milk by the inhabitants of the Tatra mountains located in the south of Poland. These small pieces of cheese could be purchased at the Christmas market with cranberry jelly.
Other Polish treats to try are gingerbread cookies, cream fudge, Polish cookies, Christmas-themed candies, Polish jelly donuts, chocolate-covered fruit and just chocolate alone.
When it comes to drinks, obviously Grzaniec Galicyjski is the most popular beverage, but hot beer is also a popular staple at the Krakow Christmas markets. It is usually a regular Polish beer mixed with sweet syrup in a raspberry, cranberry or ginger flavor. Meads (honey wine) is also popular in this region of the world as well!
Also located in Rynek Glowny is the Kraków Cloth Hall (Sukienniece).
Built in the mid-14th Century when Krakow was used as an east-west trading post, the Cloth Hall was a space where locals would trade textiles and fabrics.
Later on, wax, spices, leather, silk, lead and salt (from the nearby mines) were later sold there.
Nowadays, you could find Christmas stalls in the Cloth Hall and during the summer, Krakow hosts the 19th Century Polish Art Gallery.
In addition, there are also cafés and other stands to enjoy within the 700-year old shopping mall. It is absolutely beautiful too!
Savor Authentic Polish Food:
Besides all of the amazing treats at the Krakow Christmas market, there are also a plethora of amazing eateries in and around the city.
Even though I wasn’t in Krakow long enough to enjoy a lot of local restaurants, the couple that I did go to were authentic and didn’t disappoint.
Marchewka z Groszkiem: Prior to my visit in Krakow, I knew that I wanted to eat at a traditional Polish restaurant.
Thanks to The Blonde Abroad, I found a cute and cozy candlelit place located in Krakow’s Jewish Quarter.
Since I was traveling through Krakow by myself, I felt very comfortable at this restaurant and ordered potato pancakes with a mushroom gravy along with sauerkraut and mushroom pierogis. I also had a local Polish beer with my dinner and it did not disappoint.
I recommend this amazing restaurant if you’re looking for an authentic Polish dinner and I also love how affordable it was too.
During the summer months, they have outdoor seating!
Lajkonik: A lot has changed over the years since communism got booted from Poland and the country eventually joined the European Union.
One thing that has remained in a variety of Polish cities are milk bars. Back in the day, milk bars were steamy cafeterias where people could enjoy a glass of milk or a milk-based meal for cheap.
Experiencing an ex-Socialist milk bar in Krakow is definitely something you need to experience when you visit, especially in December.
During my time in Krakow, I went to Lajkonik in the Jewish Quarter (there are a few locations throughout the city). I enjoyed a creamy caramel treat and it melted in my mouth!
Other great places to check out are Restauracja Wesele and Wierzynek Restaurant
. They were both recommended by my friend Magdalena of Fly Like a Wasp. She is originally from Krakow, but is currently living in Abu-Dhabi.
Participate in a Historical City Tour:
Krakow is one of the oldest cities in Poland, where archaeological evidence date back to 50,000 BC.
Legend has it that Krakow had a dragon too! It was also home to the Wiślanie tribe who occupied Małopolska (Little Poland) until the 10th Century.
The city rapidly became a trade center after that! Eventually, when King Władysław I reunited Poland, he made Krakow the capital. It was where the kings of Poland were traditionally crowned in Wawel Castle and entombed in Wawel Cathedral.
In the 17th Century, Kraków began to decline. The capital was moved to Warsaw and the city became economically impoverished after the devastating Swedish wars.
For a couple centuries, Krakow was controlled by Austria. In 1918, Krakow was finally returned to Poland and then was quickly taken over by the Germans at the beginning of World War II.
The German government made their headquarters in Wawel Castle, executed the teaching staff at Jagiellonian University and sent over 55,000 Jews to Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp.
In 1945, Krakow was liberated by Soviet forces. After World War II, Russian forces supported the Polish government as they rebuilt Krakow’s industry.
Nowadays, Krakow is a thriving city that attracts visitors from all over the world. What is great about Krakow is that it mixes modern with historical Poland.
There are a variety of city tours that you could participate in Krakow during a December Christmas trip to learn more about its history. Click here to discover more!
Walk through the Wawel Cathedral:
One of the top things to do during a trip to Krakow in December is visit Wawel Hill where Wawel Castle and Cathedral are situated.
A piece of advice I would like to give everyone is to visit Wawel Hill earlier in the day. It takes a while to walk through both the cathedral and castle and they do close earlier in the winter, so you want to make sure you have enough time to see it all.
(Plus tickets available daily are limited, especially during Advent season.)
Wawel Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church. For more than 900 years, Wawel Cathedral has been the Polish national sanctuary and traditionally has served as the coronation site of the country’s monarchs.
The style of the cathedral features Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture and it is absolutely beautiful!
An important thing to note is that you unfortunately cannot take photos in Wawel Cathedral, unless you walk up to the tower bell and want to capture the views of the city.
When you walk in, you could grab an audio set and there will be signs that lead you throughout the cathedral. You could see The Royal Sigismund Bell, Sigismund Bell-Ringers, Sigismund Tower, Silver Bells Tower and The Clock Tower.
What is interesting about visiting this cathedral is that you could see the crypts and burial grounds of Polish kings and saints as well as national poets, princes and princesses plus more.
Admire the Wawel Castle:
Wawel Castle is a breathtaking royal complex, which is also located on Wawel Hill.
Poland’s rulers started their residency in an early Romanesque stone building during the 11th Century, called the palatium, whose remains are located in the northern wing of the present-day castle.
Throughout the years, the royal residence on Wawel Hill expanded with the cathedral to comprise the Upper Castle, while the Lower Castle held the houses of the courtiers and clergy.
Throughout the centuries, more was added to the castle until the fire of 1499 destroyed it.
In the early 16th Century, King Alexander I commissioned a German architect and Italian sculptor to rebuild the castle into a Renaissance style.
The castle you see today, is the same Renaissance palace. It has a beautiful courtyard, a gorgeous interior and beautiful views of Krakow.
Wander through Krakow’s Jewish Quarter:
Another top thing to do during a trip to Krakow in December is wander through the Jewish Quarter, called Kazimierz.
Jews started to settle in Krakow in the 12th Century. Prior to World War II, around 64,000 Jews lived in Krakow. In 1939, they were displaced from the city and then in 1941, they were removed from their homes and relocated to a ghetto where many starved and were killed.
The Jews who survived were sent to Auschwitz. After the war, only 10 percent of Cracovian Jews survived with the help of Oskar Schindler, but most of them did not return to Poland.
Kazimierz is the perfect area in Krakow to wander and get lost in.
Some great places to check out in this area of the city is The Old Synagogue, Jewish Galicia Museum
, Museum of Municipal Engineering
and Ghetto Heroes Square.
Kazimierz is also the location Krakow’s infamous party scene. You could also find amazing bars, restaurants, cafés, food trucks and stands, plus more.
Tour the Oskar Schindler Factory:
If you have the time during your December trip in Krakow, definitely visit the Oskar Schindler Factory.
Oskar Schindler was a German industrialist and a member of the Nazi Party who saved the lives of 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his enamelware and ammunitions factories in Poland, Bohemia and Moravia.
At the Oskar Schindler Factory, you could see exhibitions that presents the tragedy of World War II.
You could also walk through the recreated hairdresser’s salon, stereoscopic studio, typical Krakow basement apartment and also see photographs, objects, newspapers and other documents from the time.
See Krakow’s St. Mary’s Basilica:
Located in Rynek Glowny is the stunning brick Gothic church of St. Mary’s Basilica.
Built in the 14th Century, the church serves as one of the best examples of Polish Gothic architecture and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In fact, you could see the beauty of this church from the Krakow Christmas market.
Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine:
A cool site to visit if you make your way to Krakow in December is the salt mine, which is located a little south of the city.
From Neolithic times up until 2007, table salt was produced at Wieliczka and was considered the oldest operating salt mine.
The salt mine reaches a depth of 327 meters (1073 feet) and extends through horizontal passages and chambers for over 287 kilometers (178 miles).
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Do a Half Day Trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau:
Prior to my trip to Krakow, I knew that I had to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau.
One thing to note about visiting the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp is that it attracts millions of visitors worldwide, so it is best to get your tickets in advance.
What is great about doing an organized tour is that you are provided with transportation to and from Auschwitz. We were picked up by a bus in the heart of Krakow and returned at the same spot. Plus, you don’t have to wait on long lines and you get assigned a specific tour guide.
Click here to book your tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau today.
Auschwitz-Birkenau is a very dark and sad place and it is asked that all visitors to the museum behave with solemnity and respect.
You should dress reserved, not take any photos of yourself and switch your mobile device to silent.
In addition, you are not allowed to bring a large bag or backpack into Auschwitz. You could bring a smaller purse and cameras are welcomed, but flash cannot be used in certain areas of the museum. There is also an area that is closed off for photos all together, but your guide will let you know when you can and cannot take pictures.
All visitors will also need to go through security before they enter Auschwitz.
Getting to Auschwitz is around an hour and 15-minute drive west from Krakow. It is located in Oświęcim, Poland, which is a suburban area in the country.
Oświęcim became Auschwitz after the Nazis took over and the neighboring town of Brzezinka became Birkenau. The Polish civilian population in these towns were evicted by German Nazis and their houses were demolished. The remains helped built some of the buildings at the camp.
Overall, Auschwitz is a symbol of terror, genocide and the Holocaust. It was the largest extermination center of European Jews.
Originally, Auschwitz was established due to the mass arrests of Poles. Local prisons had an overcapacity of inmates, so in June of 1940, the first transport of Polish prisoners arrived in Auschwitz.
In 1942, a large population of Jews arrived at Auschwitz, so the camp was divided. Auschwitz I, which is the main camp, held around 15,000 to 20,000 prisoners and Auschwitz II, also known as Birkenau, held over 90,000 inmates.
The entire concentration camp was closed off to the outside world through barbed wire fencing.
At the beginning of the 1920s, the Nazi Party in Germany came to rise through public dissatisfaction with the outcome of World War I. Unemployment was extremely high and there was severe poverty in Germany.
Adolf Hitler was the leader of the Nazi Party and he hated Jews and blamed them for the problems that were going on in Germany.
Besides Jews and Polish political prisoners, other inmates at Auschwitz were Sinti and Roma Gypsies, Soviet POWs, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Czechs, Byelorussians, German and French political prisoners, Russians, Yugoslavian political prisoners and Ukrainian political prisoners.
There was also a small percentage of Albanians, Belgians, Danish, Dutch, Greeks, Hungarians, Italians, Latvians, Lithuanians, Luxembourgers, Norwegians, Romanians, Slovaks, Spanish and Swiss. There was also one person from the countries of Argentina, China, Bulgaria and Estonia.
The conditions in the camp were atrocious!
Prisoners were only allowed to use the bathrooms twice a day. They were given spoiled food and limited water. Due to the limited bathroom usage and spoiled food, prisoners were getting extremely sick and had zero privacy to do their business. This led to contagious diseases and people died very quickly.
The barracks that prisoners lived in were frequently damp and were filled with lice and rats.
If prisoners weren’t obeying the rules, doing unsatisfactory work, smoking, relieving oneself at the improper time, wearing non-regulation clothing or attempting to commit suicide, it resulted in either punishment, torture or execution.
Prisoners were also used for medical experimentations in the most disturbing way. Most died or were left with deadly infections and diseases.
In addition, if the Nazis felt that someone couldn’t work, they were quickly sent to the crematoriums (or otherwise known as the gas chambers).
For some, such as the elderly and sick, pregnant women and young children, they never were given a chance and went straight to the gas chambers from the cattle wagons they came in from.
January 27, 1945 was the Day of Liberation for Auschwitz-Birkenau prisoners by Soviet forces.
In total, 1.3 million people were deported to Auschwitz between 1940 and 1945. Of that 1.3 million, 1.1 million of them were murdered.
Overall, my half day trip to Auschwitz was a very surreal, sad and an educational experience.
As you walk through the barracks of Auschwitz and see how the prisoners lived; when you hear about how many of them died and in the worst ways possible; when you walk through the museum and see the old suitcases and mounds of hair that was shaved off women’s heads and when you take that walk in Birkenau where people were lead to the crematoriums, you think a lot to yourself… How anyone could treat other humans so evil and cruelly the way the Nazis did during the Holocaust is very hard to wrap your head around.
If you travel to Krakow, you definitely should not miss out on visiting Auschwitz! My personal experience at Auschwitz-Birkenau will be something I remember for the remainder of my life.
(If you are someone who is interested in World War II history, I also recommend visiting the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam as well as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial in Japan.)
I hope you all enjoyed reading about my time in Krakow during December 2019. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
Traveling around Poland? Click here to book a cooking class.
Make sure to pin this post if you find it useful!
Basic Facts of Poland:
Currency: Polish Złoty, Capital: Warsaw, Time Zone: Central European Standard Time
Looking for the best agency to book your next bespoke travel experience? Contact Crawford Concierge!
*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.
Shop My Krakow Look:
57 Comments
Another excellent and very educational blog ~ enjoyed seeing the beautiful Christmas markets, cathedrals, and awesome food. Your description of Auschwitz was an eye opener for me. We grew up reading about the Jews and the concentration camps but your blog writings on this made it so surreal.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us ~ Love you, Mom xoxo
The food looks so delicious
that was amazing especially because I am half polish .to see Poland through ur eyes was wonderful! the markets were amazing and ur info on the concentration camps seemed like i was there seeing it! Thank u for showing us ur trips its like we r with u seeing the same things!Keep up the good work!
What a great guide; Krakow looks so beautiful! I am definitely using this as inspiration for my Christmas market trip. All of your information on Auschwitz really struck a chord with me and I would be interested in visiting for myself.
Such a detailed and insightful guide! I’m really interested in visiting Krakow and Auschwitz is somewhere we all need to see to make sure something like that never happens again. It must be heartbreaking but important and educational.
Krakow looks like an amazing time. Living in Canada this year I definitely miss the European Christmas markets! This one in Krakow looks stunning and it looks like you had the city to yourself at times! 🙂 Or else you’re a great photographer! 😉 I’m looking forward to using the guide and checking out Krakow when we move back to Europe this summer!
Like you, if I ever visit Krakow, I know I would have to visit the concentration camp. I mean it is a part of history we need to never forget to ensure nothing like it can happen again. Thank you for sharing that part, even though it must have been pretty stressful and sad to visit.
On a happier note, the food looks fantastic (I will dream of perogis!) and the Christmas lights around the city look stunning, especially with the sprinkling of snow.
Krakow is such an amazing city and I love seeing all your photos. The concentration camp is definitely a must visit but it was very difficult for me to see it. Took me a few days to get over it and not cry about it. Love your post though!
Lovely and informative post! I loved looking at your other Christmas trip posts as well 🙂 great ideas! Thanks for sharing!
I thoroughly enjoyed this and I’m insanely jealous! I’ve always wanted to go to Poland and I’m big into WW2 history. I feel like everyone should see Auschwitz to remind us of what humans are capable of so we don’t repeat it. On a lighter note, Krakow looks absolutely magical in December!
I’ve always wanted to visit Poland, and of course visiting the concentration camps is a very sad must to ensure that we honour those whose lives were brutally cut short, and so that we do not repeat that brutality again. Thank you for writing this.
Krakow is so pretty I remember visiting the city a few years ago! I miss so much the Christmas Markets right now and it’s so cool that you are going on a Christmas trip every year.
This looks like a winter wonderland! I’ve always wanted to visit Poland and definitely want to experience it at Christmastime.
That chimney cake and pirogi look amazing. Now I’m hungry!
Those Christmas light are wonderful and that Christmas tree beautiful. I have found out recently that my ancestors come from Poland so I would really like to visit it. Your post definitely helps me getting inspired. Thanks!
Such a wonderful post! We´ve only been to Gdansk and the coast in Poland but absolutely loved it so I can´t wait to visit again some day. Surely Krakow is on our list, it seems to be such an amazing town and the Christmas season seems to be especially magical over there x
Krakow is awesome and I guess that Christmas time adds a special feeling to this beautiful city. Your guide is useful for those who want to visit this place at Christmas. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve heard so many good things about Krakow and this post just makes me want to visit even more! The Christmas market looks magical, and I’d definitely want to try one of those chimney cakes!
I really want to visit Krakow! First of all because I want to visit Auschwitz. For me it’s really important to remember what happened there, such an horrible moment of human history… But also because I realized that Krakow is very pretty!
I love this! Krakow is one of my favourite places and you’ve made me want to go back and visit at christmas! Also love those chimney cakes too!!Can’t wait to get back our there to see European Christmas markets
I’ve wanted to visit Krakow for so long. It sounds like it’s great to visit in December! I have a dream of visiting a neat European Christmas market once in my life, and the one here looks amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Europe is so magical in December. It looks like Krakow in December is no different and just as magical. There seems to be a lot to do at Christmastime too. I would love to try some of those Polish foods at the Christmas markets. It’s really cool that you typically travel every December too. I would love to see more of Europe at Christmastime.
What a great time to visit Krakow! We were supposed to be there in June of this year – it looks magical! I would love to have a pierogi there!
I was really moved by your descriptions of Auschwitz. It was eye opening reading your experience and I really appreciated learning about the history. I would love to visit those Christmas markets. Looks like a wonderful place to be around Christmas time.
This is amazing Taylor! Krakow looks positively amazing! I’m definitely adding this to my to-go list. That chimney cake looks like the perfect delectable delight. 😀
Great Post. Seems christmas is a great time to visit Krakow.
Great post and your photos are so beautiful! I visited Warsaw last winter and this post just reminded me of that trip. The Christmas lights were still up everywhere in the old town, and I keep dreaming of Pierogis to this day! 🙂 We didn’t visit Auschwitz when we went to Poland, but I would like to go someday because I think it’s important to educate ourselves on this dark part of history. Thanks for sharing!
Krakow has been high on my list for a while! I was actually supposed to go this August but alas, the pandemic happened. Your experience looks very lovely, thank you for sharing
Leave a Comment
Related posts
First-Time Visitor’s Guide to Chicago in the Summer
12 Amazing Things to do in NJ for Free this Summer
Another excellent and very educational blog ~ enjoyed seeing the beautiful Christmas markets, cathedrals, and awesome food. Your description of Auschwitz was an eye opener for me. We grew up reading about the Jews and the concentration camps but your blog writings on this made it so surreal.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us ~ Love you, Mom xoxo
Thank you mom! Love you too! <3
The food looks so delicious
It was absolutely amazing! The best pierogis ever! 🙂
that was amazing especially because I am half polish .to see Poland through ur eyes was wonderful! the markets were amazing and ur info on the concentration camps seemed like i was there seeing it! Thank u for showing us ur trips its like we r with u seeing the same things!Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much Terry! Krakow was absolutely beautiful and I hope to go back to Poland in the future to see more cities. 🙂
What a great guide; Krakow looks so beautiful! I am definitely using this as inspiration for my Christmas market trip. All of your information on Auschwitz really struck a chord with me and I would be interested in visiting for myself.
Thank you Elena! You would love Krakow! Also yes, Auschwitz is definitely an eye opening and educational experience.
Such a detailed and insightful guide! I’m really interested in visiting Krakow and Auschwitz is somewhere we all need to see to make sure something like that never happens again. It must be heartbreaking but important and educational.
Thank you so much Jen! I totally agree about visiting Auschwitz.
Krakow looks like an amazing time. Living in Canada this year I definitely miss the European Christmas markets! This one in Krakow looks stunning and it looks like you had the city to yourself at times! 🙂 Or else you’re a great photographer! 😉 I’m looking forward to using the guide and checking out Krakow when we move back to Europe this summer!
It seriously was such a beautiful city! I definitely want to see more of Poland in the future. 🙂 Also thank you on the photography skills haha, I tried to crop as many people out.
Like you, if I ever visit Krakow, I know I would have to visit the concentration camp. I mean it is a part of history we need to never forget to ensure nothing like it can happen again. Thank you for sharing that part, even though it must have been pretty stressful and sad to visit.
On a happier note, the food looks fantastic (I will dream of perogis!) and the Christmas lights around the city look stunning, especially with the sprinkling of snow.
Thank you Josy! It was very eye opening being there. It think it is important that people visit Auschwitz when they go to Krakow. It is very educational. Also Krakow’s Christmas markets were so lovely! 🙂
Krakow is such an amazing city and I love seeing all your photos. The concentration camp is definitely a must visit but it was very difficult for me to see it. Took me a few days to get over it and not cry about it. Love your post though!
Thank you Bettina! I would love to go and see more of Poland. Also, yes, I was very disturbed after visiting Auschwitz, but I do believe it is important to go and get educated about what happened in Europe during WWII.
Lovely and informative post! I loved looking at your other Christmas trip posts as well 🙂 great ideas! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much Carley! 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed this and I’m insanely jealous! I’ve always wanted to go to Poland and I’m big into WW2 history. I feel like everyone should see Auschwitz to remind us of what humans are capable of so we don’t repeat it. On a lighter note, Krakow looks absolutely magical in December!
Yes, Krakow’s Christmas markets truly are magical! I agree that it’s important that people visit Auschwitz when they travel to Krakow because it is very educational as sad as it is.
I’ve always wanted to visit Poland, and of course visiting the concentration camps is a very sad must to ensure that we honour those whose lives were brutally cut short, and so that we do not repeat that brutality again. Thank you for writing this.
Poland is a beautiful country and yes, I agree Katherine. Visiting Auschwitz was very eye opening and disturbing, but educational.
Krakow is so pretty I remember visiting the city a few years ago! I miss so much the Christmas Markets right now and it’s so cool that you are going on a Christmas trip every year.
Thank you Elina! Unfortunately, I’m not doing a Christmas trip this year, but I am excited to enjoy all the Christmas fun in the NYC area. 🙂
This looks like a winter wonderland! I’ve always wanted to visit Poland and definitely want to experience it at Christmastime.
Yes, it really was so magical Lisa! 🙂
It really is so magical Lisa! I definitely want to go back and see more cities in Poland. 🙂
That chimney cake and pirogi look amazing. Now I’m hungry!
It really was incredible Carol! 🙂
Those Christmas light are wonderful and that Christmas tree beautiful. I have found out recently that my ancestors come from Poland so I would really like to visit it. Your post definitely helps me getting inspired. Thanks!
Poland is definitely a beautiful country to visit, especially around Christmastime. I definitely recommend going, especially if you are Polish. 🙂
Such a wonderful post! We´ve only been to Gdansk and the coast in Poland but absolutely loved it so I can´t wait to visit again some day. Surely Krakow is on our list, it seems to be such an amazing town and the Christmas season seems to be especially magical over there x
Thank you Katja! It sure is a beautiful country. I want to revisit and see more cities in Poland. 🙂
Krakow is awesome and I guess that Christmas time adds a special feeling to this beautiful city. Your guide is useful for those who want to visit this place at Christmas. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Anita! Krakow really is a beautiful city during the holidays. 🙂 I hope to go back one day!
I’ve heard so many good things about Krakow and this post just makes me want to visit even more! The Christmas market looks magical, and I’d definitely want to try one of those chimney cakes!
Yes, it really is a wonderful place to visit around Christmastime. You would love it! 🙂
I really want to visit Krakow! First of all because I want to visit Auschwitz. For me it’s really important to remember what happened there, such an horrible moment of human history… But also because I realized that Krakow is very pretty!
Krakow is absolutely magical during Christmastime and I agree that it’s so important to visit Auschwitz during a trip there because it is very educational.
I love this! Krakow is one of my favourite places and you’ve made me want to go back and visit at christmas! Also love those chimney cakes too!!Can’t wait to get back our there to see European Christmas markets
Thank you Helena! Krakow truly is a magical place during Christmas! You will love it. 🙂
I’ve wanted to visit Krakow for so long. It sounds like it’s great to visit in December! I have a dream of visiting a neat European Christmas market once in my life, and the one here looks amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, you definitely have to experience the Christmas markets in Europe at some point. They all are truly magical! 🙂
Europe is so magical in December. It looks like Krakow in December is no different and just as magical. There seems to be a lot to do at Christmastime too. I would love to try some of those Polish foods at the Christmas markets. It’s really cool that you typically travel every December too. I would love to see more of Europe at Christmastime.
Yes, it really is magical during the Christmas season. That is why I go every year! I’m sad I’m missing out this year, but excited to go next year! 🙂
What a great time to visit Krakow! We were supposed to be there in June of this year – it looks magical! I would love to have a pierogi there!
Yes, it sure was beautiful! Also, I hope you get to go in the near future. 🙂
I was really moved by your descriptions of Auschwitz. It was eye opening reading your experience and I really appreciated learning about the history. I would love to visit those Christmas markets. Looks like a wonderful place to be around Christmas time.
Auschwitz was a very cold and haunting place, but I believe everyone should go because it is very educational! Also, Krakow is absolutely beautiful in December. 🙂
This is amazing Taylor! Krakow looks positively amazing! I’m definitely adding this to my to-go list. That chimney cake looks like the perfect delectable delight. 😀
Thank you Nessica! Krakow is definitely magical during Christmastime. 🙂
Great Post. Seems christmas is a great time to visit Krakow.
Thank you Ellis and yes, it is so magical! 🙂
Great post and your photos are so beautiful! I visited Warsaw last winter and this post just reminded me of that trip. The Christmas lights were still up everywhere in the old town, and I keep dreaming of Pierogis to this day! 🙂 We didn’t visit Auschwitz when we went to Poland, but I would like to go someday because I think it’s important to educate ourselves on this dark part of history. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much Sara! I actually wanted to visit Warsaw this year. I was supposed to do a big Eastern European Christmas market trip this year, but it’s going to have to wait until next year. 🙂 Also, yes, Auschwitz was very educational even though it was such a dark place.
Krakow has been high on my list for a while! I was actually supposed to go this August but alas, the pandemic happened. Your experience looks very lovely, thank you for sharing
Thank you Jade! You will love Krakow when you eventually get to go. 🙂