Waking up the only morning we had in Krakow, we repacked quickly and readied for a fast-paced morning. We left our bags at the hotel reception, where she kindly agreed to also print an email of our boarding passes while we spent the day on another (apparently the original) free walking tour. Missing an opportunity for a Krakowian breakfast, we made it between Florian’s Gate and the Barbican, for the start of the Free Walking Tour!
Once again it was informative and enjoyable! Our guide, Jerry, led the way through the Florian Gate, Main Square, around the oldest university-building in the world, and eventually to the Wawel Castle, an eclectic blend of architectural styles and diverse history! It was a rich tour, full of history and entertainment, as well as a few useful recommendations. From the castle, we scurried to find a couple nice pieces of amber; the route to Boruni was explained by Jerry. (It was noted earlier in the tour that the Sukiennice/ Cloth Market, though interesting, was absolutely not the place to find a good price on anything.)
I do regret not scheduling more time in Krakow, a first for the trip. Thus far it has seemed as if we’ve had a bit extra or just enough time in each city, including our roughly thirty-two hours in Zakopane. In Krakow, however, it seems like a city full of possibilities for day tours and more in-depth sight-seeing just within the rather small Old Town area, where we stayed.
The whole of Old Town, as well as the sights of Schindler’s Factory and the Jewish ghetto, are walkable distances from any accommodation within Old Town, and Tango House was more than we could have expected both in service and location!
Krakow may be a location to revisit, but perhaps it would be better to try a summer visit next time! For now, we’ll take our train back to Warsaw, spend the evening and morning enjoying their Old Town, then head for Stockholm in the afternoon!