Want to head out of town for the day? Check out these awesome locations, mostly reachable by bus or train, some easier to get to by car, they will show you another side of Poland, much different from Krakow. (Although I consider Aushcwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mines to be day trips, I have included them on my Typical Tourist Checklist).
Czestochowa and the Jasna Gora Monostary: Vist the infamous “Black Madonna” at the famous Monostary in Czestochowa, attend a mass, tour the grounds, and walk through the city, a much more industrial town than Krakow.
Zakopane Mountain Town: Go to see the Tatra Mountains, hike to Morskie Oko, enjoy mountain food, including a famous smoked cheese, or tour through some wooden churches that are part of the Wooden Architecture Route. The city transforms from a ski resort in winter to a countryside getaway in summer.
Zalipie: A small village in the Lesser Poalnd Region where the houses are painted in a unique folk-syle, on the outside and inside, even dog houses can be found with these colorful additions.
Tyniec: Take bikes and ride along the Vistula River from Wawel Castle to this nearby town with its own castle and riverside area to picnic. The pathway from Krakow to Tyniec is a well-paved road reserved only for cyclists, so no need to worry about cars!
Ojcow National Park: The closest National Park to Krakow, reachable by bike in about an hour. An entire day can be spent here exploring the castle, juraasic highlands, and church built over water.
Sosina Lake:The closest thing to a beach within an hour’s drive of Krakow. Rent boats, kayaks, paddle-boats, and grill in the sand. Bring your own beer, or buy a draft for only 5zl. A truly awesome and relaxing way to spend your day.
And as always, we are available 24/7 for questions, comments, ideas, or suggestions at emilysguidetokrakow@gmail.com