Experience in Krakow, Poland by Karola

What is it like to live in Krakow? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Its a little jewellery box, treasure-land if you like:) To live here its a real adventure, a combination of party-like life and calm family-centred feeling.

What is the student lifestyle like in Krakow?

Bumping and it gives you a very very mixed nation-culture feeling.

How much does it cost to live in Krakow?

The everyday life, like food - clothes - free-time is cheap comparing to other countries around, the only thing I would mention not the cheapest is the monthly flat-rental fee + utilities.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Krakow? Is there any advice you can give?

It's not so difficult giving the fact that its a student-centred city, lot of locals have invested in this kind of income, so lot of flats are available around end of summer, but you really have to be quick when its the "rent a flat" season(aug-sept) to find the place you really like!

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

I love that polish people are almost made of mushroom:) Meaning that they put mushroom in everything, and I really really like this fact. But no worries if somebody doesn't like it, they have so many other interesting dishes and I can say, practically everything is healthy, not so many greasy unhealthy Mc-food :)
Never leave Poland without tasting their soup Zurek! You'll love it:)

What places would you recommend visiting in Krakow?

I could say all the famous touristic places, that's in every guide-book, but let me just give you a hint of the locals favourite ones like, Mocak the modern art museum, or the exhibition under the main Rynek ( the ruins of the old market square). In summer or early autumn go up on one of the "kopiec" (I recommend the Kopiec Kościuszki) and you will love the view:)

Is it good to eat out in Krakow? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

It's the best:) If you want something authentic try the Chłopskie Jadło (there are a few in the town), if you want something "french" go to Charlotte on Plac Szczepański (best breakfast ever), if you need "italiano" try the Portofino on the corner of Jozefa and Waska (best welcoming service, they gave me a surprise cake for my birthday, just because they heard somebody saying happy b-day at our table), Hamsa Resto-bar on the Szeroka if you need good hummus and izraelian food. I could continue the list with all the international kitchen:)

Is the nightlife good in Krakow? Where is good to go?

The nightlife is no question where there are so many tourists and students all year long:)
Try all the places around the Rynek, but if you feel like being around real polish youngsters, go in the old town Plac Nowy and explore every little corner of it like Alchemia, Zinger...! Between two quick shots in the "pijalnia" (cheap wodka shots and beer) try the best zapiekanka's in Poland:)

What advice would you give future students heading to Krakow?

Hurry hurry, lots of fun and adventure waiting for You to experience, but put some warm clothes for the winter!:)