We returned to Krakow by train and invited ourselves to stay at Chris' (American friend of Dereks) apartment again. It was great to have a local (after more than 10 years living there, I think he can be considered a local), show us sights off the tourist route. He also took us to a fantastic vegan cafe. We stayed with him two nights.
Krakow is a popular tourist destination, as it is a well preserved medieval city (other Polish cities were almost completely destroyed in WWII). And it has a real buzz. The square is absolutely huge. Buskers everywhere. People everywhere. I learnt fairly quickly that is illegal to drink in public places, when Byrdie and I were testing the local beer. It has great, atmospheric cafes and basement pubs, often themed.
We went for a ride along the river. Krakow is a sprawling city. From some viewpoints you can see skyscrapers in all directions. but can't see them from the old city or along the cycle routes along the river, which are surrounded by greenery.
On our final day in Poland, we cycled to Wielicka to see the salt mines. Byrdie suggested we take the tour in Polish as cheaper. I said she could, but I'd spend the extra and have it in english. The salt mine is huge and hundreds of years old. One large chamber is a church, complete with biblical scenes engraved in the salt rock, salt crystal chandeliers and salt rock statues...
It was an interesting tour, but I think overpriced. A guy in the car park tried charge us 5PLN just to lock our bikes there. We parked them across the road instead.
Krakow is a popular tourist destination, as it is a well preserved medieval city (other Polish cities were almost completely destroyed in WWII). And it has a real buzz. The square is absolutely huge. Buskers everywhere. People everywhere. I learnt fairly quickly that is illegal to drink in public places, when Byrdie and I were testing the local beer. It has great, atmospheric cafes and basement pubs, often themed.
We went for a ride along the river. Krakow is a sprawling city. From some viewpoints you can see skyscrapers in all directions. but can't see them from the old city or along the cycle routes along the river, which are surrounded by greenery.
On our final day in Poland, we cycled to Wielicka to see the salt mines. Byrdie suggested we take the tour in Polish as cheaper. I said she could, but I'd spend the extra and have it in english. The salt mine is huge and hundreds of years old. One large chamber is a church, complete with biblical scenes engraved in the salt rock, salt crystal chandeliers and salt rock statues...
It was an interesting tour, but I think overpriced. A guy in the car park tried charge us 5PLN just to lock our bikes there. We parked them across the road instead.
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