How to Travel to Krakow, Poland
Krakow is perhaps the most well-preserved of ancient Polish cities. Even Hitler refrained, purposefully, from bombing this bastion of Polish culture and architectural beauty. Located close to the famous Salt Mines, as well as the infamous Auschwitz, Krawkow is the perfect destination for a tourist seeking a multi-faceted adventure. Here's how to get there.
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Instructions
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Arrive in Warsaw, Poland. Round-trip, economy flights from New York to Warsaw typically cost between $650 and $950 (most of which is fees and taxes).
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Catch a cab (cost: a few dollars) to Warsaw's central train station (Warszawa Centralna, located on 54 Jerozolimskie Street). There are two other major train stations in the city, an eastern station and a western station, but the central station is the best place to find a train to any other city in the country--including Krakow.
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Proceed to the main ticket line and purchase a ticket for Krakow. There are several options, from the slow, local trains to the faster, more expensive express trains. Though they cost more, the latter is by far the most practical option, since it will get you to Krakow in a matter of about 4 hours.
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Board the train and enjoy the ride. Polish trains are generally well-maintained, clean and comfortable, and the Polish countryside, especially as you make your way into the lush south, is beautiful, particularly in the spring and summer.
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Enjoy the city of Krakow. Don't miss out on Old Town, of course, but check out Wawel Castle as well. Potential day-trips include a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mines as well as the unpleasant but important Auschwitz-Birkenau former Nazi death camps, where a fitting memorial and museum add to what remains of these haunting leftovers of the Holocaust.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider changing your money in the airport--this way you are ready to pay your cab driver and purchase your ticket without having to find another money changer.
Avoid groups of young men wearing soccer scarves or other soccer-themed paraphernalia. These groups are called "hooligani" and are often simply looking for a fight.
