How to spend top weekend in Krakow - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

Aristocratic, prim, and restrained – these are the words that thousands of travelers use to describe Krakow. However, not many of them know how to make their stay in this ancient European city a unique and unforgettable one. Walking in the silent neighborhood of Podgórze, exploration of hidden places in Wolski Forest, degustation of rare national treats on Market Square and of the best sorts of beer in an ancient brewery – all these and much more await you if you decide to stick to alternative pastime rather than visit standard excursions.

The coastal neighborhood of Podgórze is not popular with travelers. It is considered the calmest and most secluded district of Krakow even though it is located not far from the crowded center of the city. Simply cross the Vistula River, using Kładkę Ojca Laetusa Bernatka, and you will see a completely new Krakow. Podgórze has its own Market Square that is an incredibly calm and peaceful place and beautiful parks that are absolutely unpopulated in the morning. While walking among the centuries-old trees, you can reach the bridge above Aleja Powstancow Slaskich and admire the view of the innovative masterpiece of art. The bridge offers striking views of the unique graffiti that are drawn on the fence along the road. These pieces of modern art are truly unique and worth attention. All the graffiti describe various historic events.

In order to admire the panorama of Krakow, one doesn’t necessarily need to head to a paid observation deck. There’s a good way to save and make your exploration of the city more exciting by making an unusual walk. All you need to do is to reach Waszyngtona Avenue and walk till its end. The avenue ends with a stone wall that surrounds Kopiec Kosciuszki . The entrance to Kościuszko Mound is paid, but there’s a very simple way not to shed any money. Just go up the stone stairs to the café located above. The terrace of the café is a worthy alternative to paid observation decks. Instead of paying for the ticket, it’s better to use that money to buy something to eat in the café; moreover, the prices are very affordable. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

If gastronomic tourism is an essential part of your vacation program in Krakow, don’t forget to visit the Market Square (Rynek Glowny). The square attracts not only history fans but also lovers of baking. There are small stalls that sell delicious fresh baking. Fragrant buns with sesame, nuts, and even salt – it is hard to find a better place to have a breakfast or rejuvenate after long excursions.

Do you like beer and wish to try the best sorts of it in quite an unusual place? Then head directly to CK Browar . This restaurant is open in the cellar of a historical building not far from Bagatela Theater. While going down a steep ladder, most visitors make short stops to make a kind of excursion. There is a large collection of old beer mugs near the entrance. Some of the mugs were used for the last time several centuries ago. The hall of the old bar resembles an old tram carriage that can provide space for up to 200 “passengers”. Every table has special tubes that deliver beer, so there is no need to wait for a waiter – you can start a degustation right away.

Six types of the signature unpasteurized beer are produced in the adjusting halls. Beer connoisseurs particularly praise the wheat and ginger types. A hundred of years ago, a warehouse with imported wine was located in the cellar, and so local students visited the cellar with their own bottles in order to buy the drink as cheap as possible. If you visit the restaurant on a right day, you can see unusual performances such as the national culture days that take place regularly there. When leaving the restaurant by the steep ladder, you will hardly consider Krakow boring and restrained.