It’s been a few months since I’ve been back in Budapest. And this time is different from when I was here last year for Erasmus. The state of the pandemic was obviously the main difference. Last year was full of house parties, lockdowns, and entry restrictions to lots of places. I couldn’t travel outside of Hungary because it was a hectic process. I also didn’t have the balls to do it in a not-so-legal, would-be-risky kinda way. Now it’s different. There are barely any restrictions, so the world is my oyster! I traveled to Viena first outside of Hungary, but one other trip I had to make was a Budapest to Krakow one.
Getting from Budapest to Krakow
There are several ways you can get to Krakow from Budapest. You could take the bus, or train, drive there, or take a plane. As I wanted to make every second count, I flew in instead. Ticket prices were very affordable at kiwi.com, and they got me checked in, which was perfect. I only had a carry-on backpack, which was perfect because it saved me time. I also didn’t have to pay for extra luggage. My experience in both airports was good. I’ve heard horror stories.
While Krakow probably isn’t at the top of the list of summer travel destinations, it’s still a good one. I wasn’t traveling to see beaches or that sort of thing. It was more of a personal visit to a friend. That said, I wasn’t out exploring Krakow all day long, but it was a worthwhile trip.
Here’s why.
Why to go from Budapest to Krakow
The Polish Countryside is beautiful
Traveling from Budapest to Krakow, the countryside was a pleasant change!
To be fair, most of the countryside probably is, but this is the only one I’ve ever seen. So definitely a 10/10! I got to spend two beautiful days in the countryside near Wieliczka. The views were stunning, and the fresh air around was everything. The town is very close by, and it’s easy to get to from Krakow. You may want to take an Uber, though, because the buses run every 60 minutes!
Wieliczka is popular for its 13th-century Wieliczka Salt Mine, which holds the salt-hewn chapel of St Kinga. You’ll also find the Saltworks Museum here, as well as a health resort. The mines, tunnels, and underground chambers are full of sculptures that were all handmade.
While in Krakow, I couldn’t visit the Salt Mine, but be sure to add it to your to-do list whenever you’re close to Wieliczka!
Krakow is very artsy
Compared to Budapest, Krakow stood out to me for how artsy it is. Every nook and corner had something creative going on, and it was so beautiful to see. I visited many cool bars and places exhibiting local artists’ work, which was inspiring. My friends are creative, too, and it was so cute watching them write and read poems to each other back and forth.
While you’re in Krakow, head to the city center and check out the bars there! You’ll definitely find one with an exhibition going on. And you might even meet the artists!
Krakow is easy to get around
Krakow certainly surprised me. It was much smaller than I expected, but that’s not even a bad thing. It just makes the city much easier to digest. Perfect for shorter trips! You can start your walk in the Jewish district and experience history. There’s so much to see, and you can stop for refreshments at the local bars and restaurants.
Deeper dive: The Jewish district was home to many Jews before World War II. At that time, there were about 64,000 Jews living in Krakow. They were the best craftsmen in the center and owned a number of bars and restaurants. Unfortunately, everything took a horrific turn for the Jews during the war. They were forced to leave their homes behind and relocate to Podgórze, a ghetto that was closed off from the rest of the city. A lot of Jews lost their lives due to various reasons like starvation and illnesses, and many were murdered. About 10 percent of the Jews survived, and most didn’t return to Krakow. What happened to them is very disheartening, but it’s impressive how the small community has revived its presence in Krakow.
Here are a few places to look out for:
- The Old Synagogue
- Ghetto Heroes Square
- Museum of Municipal Engineering
- Jewish Galicia Museum
Other places to see in Krakow
- Wawel Royal Castle
- Rynek Glowny
- The Cloth Hall
- St Mary’s Basilica
- Town Hall Tower
- Florianska
- Krakus Mound
- Main Square
- Kanonicza
- Blonia
These are only a few suggestions, and there’s much more to see. From places in nature to beautifully designed churches and cathedrals and everything else in between!
Things to know before your Budapest to Krakow trip
Krakow weather
I traveled to Krakow in the middle of July, and the temperatures weren’t too high. If you travel from Budapest to Krakow around the same time, go prepared! You’ll definitely need sunscreen, sunglasses, and maybe even a hat. The countryside was much cooler at night, and temperatures were as low as 14 so I needed a thin jacket.
Krakow transportation
Getting around Krakow is pretty easy because they have a good public transport system and taxi services as well. You can get passes from ticket machines. Some are even found in the tram. Each ticket costs around 4-6 zloty for a couple of minutes to get you from point A to B.
People in Krakow
While everybody I interacted with in Krakow was my either a friend’s friend or family, I got a feel of the people. Traveling as a black person, you’re not always sure what you’re going to face in a foreign country. I was in Krakow for 6 days and only saw 3 other black people the whole time I was there. I obviously stood out. But NOBODY looked at me strangely, tried to touch my hair, or ask for a picture. They saw me, I was different, but they treated me the same way.
This was the most impressive thing about Krakow to me. Even in the countryside or outside the city center, everybody was respectful. I then realized that people choose how to act.
Is it safe to travel in Krakow as a black person?
Yes. Yes, it is.
A few realizations from this Budapest to Krakow trip
No shade to Turks, but while I lived in the 5th largest city in the country, people made me know I was different. They sometimes asked obnoxious, often offensive questions and didn’t have much regard for personal space. Acting that way was a choice. They chose to point when I walked by and took pictures without permission.
I never changed. I was still the same me. It’s the people around me that did.
Since that realization, it’s something I’m choosing to take with me in other areas of my life. ,
People’s perceptions and actions toward us rarely have anything to do with us. Humans are always choosing. When they treat you with respect, ghost you, talk behind your back, are present for you, etc. These are all choices. So,
- Look at what people choose to do.
A few other things I realized while I was there are:
- You have to be patient.
- Just because it doesn’t happen now doesn’t mean it won’t.
- You almost always have a choice.
- In some way, we’re all trying our best.
If you’d like to hear about what exactly brought me to these points, contact me online and keep up with me in real-time on social media here.
Any thoughts on Krakow? Please leave a comment below!
