Krakow. Ever since my dad, my brother and his girlfriend visited Krakow for the first time several years ago, they have been raving about this city. Finally, my time to travel had come too: Just recently, I took the whole family (my two young sons and my parents) on the train from Vienna Central Station to Krakow Glowny.
We sweetened the journey time of around five and a half hours with an upgrade to 1st class, which was only slightly more expensive than 2nd class. Turns out that we were lucky enough to have an entire compartment to ourselves on both the outward and return journeys. It was also practical that at least one neighbouring compartment was always free: my baby son could sleep there comfortably parked in his stroller, and we simply pulled out the seat for my older son to rest in our own compartment.
A very pleasant way to travel with young kids, I must say. Check this out.
Taking the train to Poland: Grandpa entertaining the kids in the 1st class carriage from Vienna to Krakow.
Many miles of the journey lead across farm and woodland in Poland and the Czech Republic.
Arrival at Krakow Glowny station with all our luggage! We then organised a transfer to the hotel. It was way easier than navigating public transport in Krakow like this.
Visiting Krakow: Travel tips for a short term stay with (young) kids.
Below are my tips from touring Krakow with (young) children in a little less than 36 hours. Unfortunately, we didn’t have more time for the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage city, a real shame!
Wawel Castle and its fire-breathing dragon.
When it comes to visiting the mighty fortress that is Wawel Castle, one highlight really stuck with us: Our four-year-old still talks about “the dragon in Krakow that breathed fire”!
To see the dragon, the accompanying adult buys a ticket worth about two euros (young children do not pay an entrance fee). Afterwards, Liam and I climbed a 135-step spiral staircase in the outer castle wall, then crossed a cave carved out of the rock. What sounds like a pure adventure trip is much rewarded with the sight of the fire-breathing dragon: the repeat every three minutes guarantees that you will actually see him on fire!
Let’s go, Wawel Castle …
… the mighty fortress being visible from afar …
… to get to the top and inside, just follow the crowds: The interior grounds are very nicely done indeed!
Liam, however, only cares for the dragon: And here he is, breathing out fire! Roooaaar!
Tip for all parents with young children in Krakow: Right next to the castle (less than five minutes away) is the playground “Plantús plac zabaw dla dcieci”, easy to find on Google Maps. It’s worth a look: after a tour of the castle, both parents and children can relax here.
Where to stay and eat in Krakow (with kids).
We stayed at the historic Hotel Klezmer Hois in the middle of Krakow’s Jewish district. The hotel has developed into a publishing house during the pandemic; fascinating books on the history of the city and its most prominent citizens (also in German) are piled up everywhere. Had I had more time, I would have started reading right away – and certainly taken a (food?) tour of the surrounding Jewish quarter.
Instead, our family party stuck to some light cultural sightseeing as well as good food: My restaurant tips for you are Kogel Mogel (fine dining and even better wines!), Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa (great for families with children, as there is a spacious indoor play area!) and Café-Restaurant Hevre (delicious breakfast menu, located right inside an old synagogue).
Spending the night at Hotel Klezmer Hois in Krakow …
… I still dream about the delicious, kosher breakfast menu we had there!
Also, just look how green Krakow is!
As we walk towards the heart of the city …
… we see this colourful couple, obviously wearing traditional Polish clothes, en route to a festival perhaps.
Soon enough, it’s feeding time again …
… for instance here, at the delicious, family-friendly Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa restaurant where they serve typical Polish pierogi. Veggie or with meat, they are always a hit (with young children and adults alike).
My second foodie tip is for Kogel Mogel restaurant, also close to the historic main square of Krakow…
… thank you so much for our nice reunion, dear Krzysztof Zwierski!
More or less by chance, we ended up at the café-restaurant Hevre, which impressed us with its refreshing drinks and food as well as the special, historical ambience of a former synagogue.
Day trip to Sandomierz: A place for foodies and culture lovers alike.
Out of the big city, and into the countryside: it’s about 200 kilometres from Krakow to the charming little town of Sandomierz, or two and a half hours by car.
As for exploring rural Poland beyond the city of Krakow, renting a car is certainly the best option. We were able to make a stop or two, as well as parking right by our destination, a true hotspot for foodies: Widnokrag restaurant. We loved the fact that they had a tasty, wholesome children’s menu beyond the usual, boring spaghetti, pizza or schnitzel. All dishes, I thought, were pure poetry. Must-eat in Poland!!!
Delicious lunch at Widnokrag restaurant in the middle of the pretty little old town of Sandomierz.
Well fed, we set off to explore Sandomierz …
… marked by pretty houses and public spaces …
… a view to the Vistula river …
… the mighty cathedral at the heart of the old town …
… as well as this inviting wine bar, called Winiarnia Świętokrzyskie Butelki.
Travel Video #PolandSoulTravel
Join me on my trip to Poland! My travel video will lead you to explore eastern Poland, around the town of Lublin. A short interview features our fantastic hosts Ewa and Tomek, of Golebnik Guesthouse. We were truly impressed by the multitude of things to see and do around here.
Check out even further impressions about Krakow and eastern Poland here:
Disclaimer: I have been invited by the Polish Tourism Board on this trip to Krakow. All opinions are my own.