Blog 11 - Krakow in January: Snow, History & A Whole Lot of Vodka!
Krakow had been on our travel list for a while, so when the chance came to take a mini break in January, we jumped at it—and it did not disappoint. From snowy nights and fairy-lit courtyards to sobering history and unforgettable vodka-fuelled evenings, it was the perfect mix of reflection and fun.
Where We Stayed: Right in the Heart of It All
We booked into the Venetian House Market Square Aparthotel, and I can’t recommend it enough. Located right on Krakow’s main square, the apartment was a perfect size with a little kitchenette—ideal if you want to save money by having breakfast or lunch in. It’s tucked into a courtyard lit with fairy lights, which made coming home each evening feel magical, especially with the snow gently falling.
The main square outside is buzzing with restaurants and bars, and even in January, many had outdoor seating with heat lamps and lights, giving the whole place a cosy, festive vibe.
Exploring Krakow: A Buggy Ride & Local Flavours
On our first full day, we eased into sightseeing with a buggy tour. After a fab coffee at Glonojad, we were picked up for our ride around the city. The tour guide was brilliant, stopping several times for photos at highlights like Wawel Castle and the Holocaust Monument. As a lovely gesture, he let us jump off in the Jewish Quarter instead of back at our pickup point.
That afternoon, we tried zapiekanki, a traditional Polish open-faced sandwich (delicious!) and sampled a few local beers—because it would’ve been rude not to, right?
We headed back for a little nap and to get ready for tea (or “dinner” if you're not from the north of England!).
A Day at Auschwitz-Birkenau: A Must-Do, Difficult Experience
The next day was something my husband and I had long planned: a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. It's a harrowing, heartbreaking experience that I believe everyone should do at least once in their life. Out of respect, I won’t go into detail here—this blog leans more lighthearted—but I’ll simply say it’s something we’ll never forget.
Tip: It’s a long day (around a 3-hour round trip), so don’t plan anything else for that day. We were physically and emotionally exhausted when we returned and spent the evening quietly back at the apartment.
Brightening the Mood: Breakfast, Vodka & New Friends
After such a heavy day, we wanted to lift our spirits—and what better way than with the best French toast I’ve ever had at a little spot called Poranki? Absolute breakfast heaven!
We wandered through the city and found ourselves in the infamous Wódka Bar, known for its vodka tasting flights. The concept is great—five vodka shots in different flavours. What’s not so great is starting a “vodka baton pass” with other tourists. We ended up staying there for hours, drank our bodyweight in vodka, and made new friends from all over the world. We’re still in touch with some of them to this day!
Safe to say, it turned into quite the night.
Schindler’s Factory & A Stroll Through Krakow
On our final day, we visited Schindler’s Factory Museum. It’s not just about Schindler’s story—it dives into wartime Krakow, propaganda, and personal stories from locals. Highly recommend it, though be prepared: it can get busy with school groups, and some of the exhibits take a bit of patience to access.
We walked back through Krakow, stopping for lunch, and just soaked in the vibe. One thing that really stood out to me: I felt incredibly safe in Krakow, even walking around solo. It's a city that balances rich history with a friendly, welcoming energy.
Karaoke, Cocktails & the Perfect Send-Off
For our final night, we reunited with our new vodka-bar friends at a karaoke bar, where we spent the evening laughing, singing, and enjoying a few (more) cocktails. It was the perfect way to round off an unforgettable trip—though our kidneys definitely needed a break afterwards!
Final Thoughts
Krakow in January was pure magic: snow-dusted streets, soul-stirring history, delicious food, and unexpected friendships. Whether you’re after culture, comfort food, or cocktails, it ticks every box.
Would we go again? Absolutely. But maybe next time… a little less vodka. 😉