For all my visits to Poland – going back as far as business trips in 1998 – I had not been to Kraków until yesterday (9 April).
Even now, it has been almost an accidental visit. I was expecting to just stay overnight and then take a train to Przemyśl for onward travel to Lviv (voluntary work – not tourism). Well, Plan A fell through not as a result of any reluctance on my part, but the charity involved stopped doing that kind of activity (refugee support) in February. My flight to Kraków was booked by then.
So I took myself off on a wander around Kraków’s old centre after my hearty hotel breakfast. I can see what the fuss is about. I can see why some would claim over-tourism is an issue.
I am glad I have seen for myself.
Would I go back to see more of Kraków? I doubt it. Poland has plenty other interesting places to explore.
I stayed at the B&B Hotel – the chain is very “no frills” but does it well. It is just across the river from the old part of the city centre, so insulated from the excesses of the tourist hordes but still very convenient.
Instead of Przemyśl I took the train to Warsaw later in the day. I was impressed. Fast and comfortable. The EIP service I chose stops only once before reaching the main station in Warsaw, and that stop is at another Warsaw station.
©️ iain taylor, 2025
🇵🇱🇪🇺